Each Child. Every Community.

About the NC Healthy & Resilient Communities Initiative

Hosted by NCPC, the NC Healthy & Resilient Communities Initiative (NC HRCI) commenced in 2019 with a core mission of creating resilience across each generation by bringing together more than 50 multi-sector community collaboratives to increase their capacity and best practice implementation strategies. By fortifying the capacities and resources of these diverse coalitions, we aim to tackle the Four Realms of ACEs to create a state where everyone can thrive.

As part of NCPC’s work with the NC HRCI, the 2nd annual Resilience Leadership Retreat was hosted for over 45 resilience coalition leaders.

Up in the Uwharrie Mountains located outside of Asheboro, North Carolina, NC HRCI recently hosted its second annual retreat for 45 resilience coalition leaders. Randolph, Moore, Dare, Richmond, Lee, Henderson, Brunswick, Harnett, & Forsyth counties sent Smart Start representatives on behalf of their communities.

Thanks to generous funding from a grant from DHHS DMH, this two-day retreat in October 2023 was not just an escape but a dedicated space for reflection, learning, and connection.

“Connection with one another reconnects us to the true purpose of the work. It reinvigorates and reenergizes us to promote connection for others within our communities because we are reconnected, to ourselves and to the personal benefits of resiliency efforts.”

A Theme of Connection

This year, we centered our gathering around the theme of “connections”. In our increasingly digital world, the power of personal connection can sometimes be overlooked. However, whether it’s connecting with one another, with oneself, or with families and those with lived experience in our work, the bonds we form are the foundation upon which resilience is built.

Activities like hiking, rock painting, and knitting weren’t just for fun; they were avenues for attendees to connect, share, and learn from one another. When we pair relaxation with purposeful connection, the impact on our wellness can be profound.

Wellness Skills for the Long Haul

One of the highlights of the retreat was the presentation on SAMHSA’s 8 Wellness Skills. By introducing these skills, and/or learning to think about wellness as a balance of many skills, attendees were equipped with tools to enhance their personal and professional lives. While many tend to focus on physical or emotional wellness, there are 6 other realms of wellness that contribute to our overall wellness.  The 8 domains are: Physical, Emotional, Social, Occupational, Financial, Environmental, Spiritual, and Intellectual.  Emphasizing self-care, gratitude, and relationship-building, the skills underscore the importance of looking after oneself in order to better serve the communities we’re a part of.

“Thank you for your hard work to make this experience so valuable. My cup is filled, and I can now pour into others.”

Session Highlights

• Rev. Lynn Bledsoe delivered a keynote address titled “Trauma Healing – A Perspective on Spiritual Well-being,” and delved into the positive impact that beliefs, whether in oneself, humanity, or a broader universe, can have on the healing journey. She touched upon various practices that contribute to physiological and psychological improvements, enhancing overall well-being.
• NCPC’s Early Care and Education Manager, Angela Lewis, and Director of Strategic Initiatives, Mary Scott, led a session called “Everything Happens in the Context of Relationships.” which was featured this past July at PBS’ 2023 Impact Summit and the 2023 Smart Start Conference. You can read more here.
• NCPC’s Family Support Manager, Daphne Alsiyao, also led a session called “Starting Strong: Tools for Effective Family Engagement and Leadership” on mastering the art of developing relationships with families, ensuring those with lived experiences have a voice at our tables. More resources on family engagement and leadership can be found here.

As we journey forward, the lessons and connections from the retreat will serve as a beacon. We’re reminded to be grateful for the little things, to make ourselves a priority, and to cherish and nurture the relationships we form. Rather than shying away from relationship building as something “extra” we do, we are learning to value relationship building as “the work we do.”

Here’s to a future filled with more connection, resilience, and thriving communities!

“I am taking away great strategies for strengthening my coalition in many areas including recruitment, creating a welcoming space, inclusive meetings, and intentional outcomes.”

Staying Connected

If you’d like to join a monthly gathering of peers engaged in this pivotal work from across the state, please e-mail Resilient Communities Officer, Mebane Boyd. She can add you to a distribution list to receive an invitation to join a monthly Peer Connections gathering as well as regular resilience resources.

You can also learn more about resilience by visiting resilientnorthcarolina.org a website with the goal of sharing best practices and connecting individuals and organizations building resilience and reducing trauma statewide.