Family Services of Forsyth County, NC

02/25/2026

Family Services and The Pre-K Priority are committed to building partnerships that strengthen Winston‑Salem families. That’s why President & CEO Khari Garvin and members from both organizations were proud to attend as sponsors of Love Out Loud's Seventh Annual Community Transformation Luncheon, “A Network of Hope, Connection, & Possibility”. Together with hundreds of community leaders, partners, and supporters, we were reminded of the importance of Love Out Loud’s work to unite and amplify community impact through a trusted network that’s driving meaningful change.



Learn More about Love Out Loud: https://www.loveoutloudws.com/

02/25/2026

Our counseling team has developed simple and practical tips to help parents better connect with their school-aged children after the school day ends.

Asking “How was your day?” often gets the same response: “fine” or “nothing.” After a full day of learning, socializing, and managing big emotions, many children simply need time to decompress before they’re ready to talk. Connection works best when parents follow their child’s energy and choose the right moment — like during snack time, bedtime, or a quiet car ride.

💡 Counseling Tip:
Try swapping yes-or-no questions for ones that spark curiosity, reflection, or even a little humor.

Instead of “How was your day?” try asking:
• “What made you laugh today?”
• “Did anything make you feel proud?”
• “What was one small win you had today?”

The goal isn’t to fix or teach in the moment, but simply to listen and help your child feel heard.

Strong communication builds strong families. Visit our website If you’d like extra support, our counseling team is here to help you and your child grow, connect, and navigate challenges together.

02/18/2026

When Carmen* came to Family Services, she was carrying fear, uncertainty, and a future that felt out of reach. After experiencing harm by a family member, she entered our emergency interpersonal violence shelter unsure of what came next.
At first, Carmen was quiet and hesitant. She had worked in a factory and once dreamed of going to college — but that dream felt impossible. With the support of a Family Services Advocate Case Manager, Carmen received crisis care, encouragement, and help exploring her options.
Little by little, she grew stronger and more confident. With Family Services’ support, Carmen secured rent assistance, moved into her own safe apartment, and enrolled in a two-year program at Forsyth Technical Community College.
Today, Carmen is looking ahead with confidence and hope for her future career. 💙
Stories like Carmen’s remind us why this work matters.

To help other women like Carmen, give here https://familyservicesforsyth.org/support-us/give-now/

*not her real name.

02/16/2026

Know your relationship rights:
• You have the right to privacy, both online and off
• You have the right to feel safe and respected
• You have the right to decide who you want to date or not date
• You have the right to choose when/if you have s*x and who you have s*x with
• You have the right to say no at any time (to s*x, to drugs or alcohol, to a relationship), even if you’ve said yes before
• You have the right to hang out with your friends and family and do things you enjoy, without your partner getting jealous or
controlling
• You have the right to end a relationship that isn’t right or healthy for you
• You have the right to live free from violence and abuse
Love is respect

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s Day, our children are spreading love across the globe! 🌎💌

Through our Hearts Around the World Project, Ms. Still and Mrs. Williams’ class received Valentine’s cards from Malaysia, Greece, Canada, and 37 U.S. states — while also exchanging cards with friends right here in class.

Big lessons about kindness and connection start small. ❤💜

02/11/2026

Each February, young people nationwide raise awareness about teen dating violence through Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month (TDVAM). This annual month-long push focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts. Join us by using the hashtag

02/10/2026

📣 Parents of future Pre-K students — this one’s for you!

Join our NC Pre-K Q&A Session to learn how to enroll your child for the 2026–2027 school year and connect with local Pre-K teachers and administrators. Get your questions answered and feel confident about the process.

📅 Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026
⏰ 10:30 AM–12 PM
📍 Intergenerational Center for Arts & Wellness

👧🧒 For families with children turning 4 by Aug. 31, 2026.

👉 Register here:
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/9bhbvf4

Please share and help us spread the word! 💙

02/09/2026

Did you know this about Family Services?

We’re more than one program — we’re a safety net for children, individuals, and families right here in Forsyth County. From emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence to counseling services and child advocacy, we meet people where they are and walk alongside them toward safer, healthier futures.

Every year, thousands of neighbors turn to Family Services for support, healing, and hope — and none of it happens without community support.

Here’s how you can help:
💙 Make a gift
🤝 Volunteer your time
📣 Advocate for safe families
📲 Share our mission
🎉 Attend an event

Curious to learn more about all we offer and the impact you make possible? Visit our website to explore programs, stories, and ways to get involved. Every action helps build a stronger, safer community.

02/06/2026

This Black History Month, we recognize Dr. Edmund Gordon, a North Carolina native and key architect of the federal Head Start Program.

His groundbreaking work helped create a comprehensive preschool program supporting children’s emotional, social, health, and educational needs — serving more than 37 million children nationwide.

Dr. Gordon’s legacy reminds us that when we invest in children, we strengthen families and communities for generations.

02/04/2026

Today we celebrate the birthday of Sarah Young Austin, a true pillar of Family Services and our community. 💙

Over her remarkable 43-year career, Sarah helped place nearly 400 children into loving homes and played a pivotal role in expanding our domestic violence and Head Start programs. A Social Worker of the Year and one of North Carolina’s pioneers in the profession, her compassion, leadership, and vision helped shape Family Services into the organization it is today.

Her legacy continues to inspire us—and the countless lives she touched—every single day.

02/03/2026

The Pre-K Priority is a coalition of community organizations and individuals committed to improving the number of affordable, high-quality Pre-K programs available to all four-year-olds in Forsyth County.

The roughly 700 students in the cohort outpaced NC Pre-K students in math, social-emotional development and more.

02/01/2026

This month, we're highlighting the importance of healthy relationships for all. Follow along to learn how you can help us create safer futures for everyone ❤️