Big Brothers Big Sisters of Macon, Jackson, Swain, and Graham counties has received a $33,500 investment grant from Nantahala Health Foundation to fund its High School Bigs and Middle School Group Mentoring initiatives.
Grant investment funds from the foundation will be used to support school-based mentoring programs that include mental health triage services. This initiative expands access to caring adult mentors while strengthening early identification of students’ social, emotional, and behavioral needs within the school setting, helping promote resilience, improve school engagement, and connect students and families to appropriate services when needed.
The funding allows BBBS to deepen partnerships with local schools by embedding prevention-focused support where students are already learning and growing. Through coordinated mentoring, staff-led triage, and referral pathways, the initiatives help reduce barriers to mental health support, particularly in rural communities where access to services can be limited. This integrated approach supports students’ overall well-being while also easing the burden on educators and school staff.
A “Little Brother” or “Little Sister” in a rural elementary school who may miss school frequently, have trouble controlling their emotions, or are withdrawing from classmates may have limited access to counseling or mental health services outside of school. Through a consistent mentoring relationship and early mental health triage, the Little through BBBS is supported by a trusted adult who helps identify concerns early and connect the child and family to appropriate resources.
Over time, the Little begins attending school more consistently, uses new coping skills to manage big emotions, and experiences moments of success, like raising their hand in class or completing a school day with confidence. Successes like these signal meaningful progress in both academic engagement and emotional well-being.
About Nantahala Health Foundation
Working since 2019 as a regional catalyst for innovation and collaboration, Nantahala Health Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies in Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Jackson, Macon, and Swain counties and the Qualla Boundary to improve health and wellness outcomes for all.
By addressing the root causes of health inequities and removing barriers to quality healthcare, education and economic opportunities, the Foundation’s impact is felt in its partnerships with regional change-makers. The Foundation has awarded more than $4.3 million in support to some 232 programs totaling a financial investment of more than $20 million throughout the region.
Additionally, the Foundation has invested more than $254,000 to build the capacity of more than 150 regional leaders, equipping them to collaborate effectively with others and grow the people they serve, resulting in a richer, more inclusive, connected, and thriving community. Those who wish to make a tax-deductible donation to the nonprofit Foundation may do so by visiting NantahalaHealthFoundation.org.
