Unheard Voices

Project Title

Unheard Voices

Funding Dates

04/01/24 – 03/31/25

Description

A partnership between Diversity Nurtures Achievement (DNA) and the Food, Fitness and Opportunity Research Collaborative (FFORC) is researching how to support the needs of foster youth transitioning into adulthood in Duplin and Sampson County, NC. Foster children are an often-overlooked population, lacking the same support as their peers, which affects their academic and personal success. Moreover, social services end abruptly when they turn 18. DNA Community Youth Center supports Duplin County youth with year-round afterschool and summer programs to help them succeed.

This intervention will engage youth aged 13-17 through group sessions, interactive modules on life skills and career planning, and off-site enrichment experiences, with evaluations to measure improvements in confidence, life skills, and preparedness for life after foster care. The aim of this project is to create a supportive space for children in foster care to get training and guidance in navigating the transition to adulthood, as well as to share their experiences and future goals.

Research Areas 

Rural Health
Children’s Health
Health Equity

Principal Investigator

Molly De Marco, PhD, MPH

Funding

UNC Rural

News

UNC Rural and UNC Research Award 6 Collaborations Serving 29 Rural Counties