Oak Foundation 148d ago

For many young people facing challenges as they grow up, sometimes timely and compassionate support at the right time is all that’s needed to make a big difference in the trajectory of their lives. In Carrboro, Chapel Hill, the team at Reintegration Support Network (RSN) knows this. That’s why they work with young people to help them overcome mental health challenges or substance use, or to support them through a first contact with the justice system. One of the ways that RSN empowers youth is through peer support, by pairing young people with an older person who can mentor them. Mentors help participants set and achieve personalised goals related to self-care practices, help them cultivate a sense of belonging, and support them to build the skills and capacities they need to build healthy relationships with others, and foster positive engagement in the community. Recognising that youth wellness is closely tied to family stability, RSN also provides resources for families and caregivers, inviting them to participate in mentor training and other events with the participants. In addition, RSN’s mentors are certified by the state of North Carolina as peer support specialists and are paid for their work. Before being matched to their mentee, they receive extensive training on youth mental health first aid, trauma-informed care, compassionate listening, harm reduction, and other topics. In this way, the role also directly benefits mentors, offering a sense of purpose alongside paid employment and opportunities for skill-building. Between 2024 and 2025, RSN supported 20 participants through a 16-week mentorship programme, with great results. As many as 92 per cent have not had an additional criminal justice charge since they were admitted into the programme. RSN is also expanding its partnerships with other organisations in the community to offer participants more opportunities for enriching activities. For example, a recent partnership with a local restaurant allowed nine RSN participants to complete a five-week culinary programme and cooking classes. Oak Foundation supports Reintegration Support Network through our Special Interest Programme. Find out more here: https://oakfnd.org/programmes/special-interest/ and here:https://www.rsnnc.org/