Alexander Youth Network

06/01/2026

PTSD Awareness Month: What children are carrying that most people never see.

What is PTSD?
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a mental health condition that can happen after someone experiences or witnesses something frightening or overwhelming. It changes how the brain and body respond, even when the danger is no longer present.

5 things people may not know about PTSD in children:

▫️ It is not always caused by one major event. Ongoing stress or instability can also lead to trauma responses.
▫️Children often do not explain what happened. Instead, it shows up in their behavior.
▫️PTSD can look like anger, withdrawal, or difficulty following directions, not just fear or sadness.
▫️The body can remain on high alert, affecting sleep, focus, and the ability to relax.
▫️Everyday situations can feel like triggers to a child, even when they seem small to adults.

At Alexander Youth Network, we see this in the children we serve. Our focus is on helping them feel safe, learn coping skills, and rebuild trust in their environment.

Awareness helps us understand what is behind the behavior.

05/29/2026

Check out our May eNews at the link below!

https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/May-2026-eNews.pdf

This month we're sharing about one of our longest corporate sponsors, Crowder, and the three generations of Crowder family members that have supported Alexander Youth Network!

05/29/2026

Drew Summerford is pictured sharing time with a student through our Lunch Buddy program, where consistent presence makes a real difference in a child’s school day.
This program gives caring adults a way to build trust and offer encouragement in a simple, steady way that children can rely on.

If you have been looking for a meaningful way to give back, this is a great place to start.

Learn more about becoming a Lunch Buddy and supporting a child who could use an extra layer of encouragement. https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/make-a-difference/volunteer/

05/28/2026

Explore Today. Inspire Tomorrow. ✨

We are looking for passionate professionals to inspire our youth at Career Day!

Do you remember the moment you first discovered your dream job? Now imagine giving that same spark to a child. Your story, your tools, and your time can open a door they may have never seen before.

We’re inviting professionals across industries to join us and show kids what’s possible.

We are looking for:
🔧 Trades & Tech: Auto Mechanics, Builders, Upholsterers, Tradespeople
🎨 Creative Arts: Photographers, Videographers, Stylists
🚑 Service & Safety: First Responders, Veterinarians, Culinary Professionals
…and more! If you love what you do, we want you there.

What we ask:
• Show & Tell: Bring tools, equipment, or items kids can see and interact with
• Connect: Share what a real day in your career looks like
• Inspire: Help a child imagine themselves in your field

Event Details:
📅 June 18
🕗 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
📍 Alexander Youth Network Charlotte Campus
6220 Thermal Road, Charlotte, NC 28211

Ready to make an impact?
Contact Courtney Hayes at CHayes@aynkids.org or at 704-819-5777 to reserve your spot by June 10.

05/27/2026

Changes in a child’s mood or behavior can sometimes be early signs that they are struggling emotionally.

Kristi Stitt, iPRTF Therapist at Alexander Youth Network, shares that some warning signs to watch for include withdrawal from others, sudden mood changes, increased irritability, or noticeable behavioral changes at home or at school.

Children do not always have the words to explain how they feel. Sometimes their behavior is the communication.

Recognizing the signs early can help children get the support they need before challenges become more severe.

If your child may be struggling, Alexander Youth Network offers mental and behavioral health services designed to support children and families at every stage of care.
https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/what-we-treat/

05/26/2026

Congratulations to Michael and Joy Green on becoming newly licensed foster parents with Alexander Youth Network 💚

For many children, foster care begins during one of the hardest and most uncertain chapters of their lives. In those moments, having a safe home, patient guidance, and someone willing to simply show up can change everything.

That is what foster parents do.

They create stability when life feels unpredictable. They provide comfort during transition. They help children feel seen and supported when they need it most.

Michael and Joy stepped into this role with open hearts and a commitment to making a difference, and we are grateful to welcome them into our foster care community.

There is still a growing need for more families willing to stand in the gap for children facing difficult seasons.

If you have ever considered fostering, now is a meaningful time to learn more and take the first step.

Learn more through https://www.alexanderyouthnetwork.org/how-to-become-a-foster-parent-nc/

05/25/2026

This Memorial Day and Mental Health Monday, we pause for two important reminders.

Today, we honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice shaped the freedoms and opportunities we have today, and we hold space for the families who continue carrying that loss forward.

It is also a reminder that strength is not always visible.

Mental health does not always look like a crisis. Sometimes it looks like showing up every day while carrying more than anyone can see. Functioning is not always the same as healing.

As we reflect today, may we also check in on the people around us, especially those quietly navigating difficult seasons. Small conversations and support can make a real difference.

To all who have served, and to the families who carry their memory forward, we are grateful for you.

05/22/2026

The 3rd Annual Ace The Stigma Tennis Memorial Tournament returns June 19–20, 2026, honoring the legacy of Chuck Reiney through sport and community impact. This memorial event brings players and families together with a shared focus on advancing mental health awareness and access to resources.

Alexander Youth Network is proud to be a beneficiary organization of this year’s tournament. Proceeds will directly support services for children and families who need access to mental health care and support.

We are grateful to be part of an event that uses the power of sport to open conversations, reduce stigma, and create meaningful change in our community.

Click here to learn more: https://www.acethestigma.com/upcoming-events/2026-clt-memorial-event-honoring-chuck-reiney

05/21/2026

05/21/2026

Summer is on the horizon, and our indoor pool is already bringing new experiences to life. For some of our children, this is the very first time stepping into a swimming pool. At our Charlotte Residential Treatment, Malik McCrimmon, Lead Recreational Therapist, meets them right there in the water, teaching skills, building trust, and turning learning into moments of play.

Swimming offers far more than recreation. For children facing mental health challenges, the pool becomes a space to reset their bodies and minds. It helps them release stress, strengthen coordination, build confidence, and practice social interaction in real time. The water creates a setting where they can succeed at their own pace, especially for those navigating anxiety or low self-esteem.

At Alexander Youth Network, healing is not limited to therapy sessions. It shows up in everyday moments like this one. A child learning to float, laugh, or try again after hesitation is building resilience in ways that last. These are the experiences that stay with them long after they leave the water.