CHEROKEE COUNTY– Extended Family has received a $10,000 grant from Atrium Health Floyd Medical Center and the Atrium Health Floyd-Polk Foundation for the 2026-27 year.

https://www.atriumhealthfloydharbin.org/community/floyd-polk-foundation

The organization will use the funding to continue Extended Family for Kids and the Extended Family Leadership Academy. Both programs serve students in kindergarten through 12th grade in Cherokee County.

Extended Family for Kids uses a nine-lesson, evidence-based curriculum for students who have had a loved one incarcerated. The program helps students build self-esteem, reduce stress, manage anger and strengthen communication skills.

In addition, the lessons help students work through shame and isolation. Extended Family says family incarceration can create mental and behavioral health challenges for children of all ages.

Programs Support Student Success

The Extended Family Leadership Academy offers an 18-lesson series for older students who need extra support as they work toward graduation and future employment.

The program uses the motto, “Lead yourself.” Lessons focus on job readiness, health, mental health, healthy relationships, financial independence and effective communication.

Extended Family staff build each leadership series around the career interests of the students involved. The program also brings in guest presenters from the community to discuss their careers and their path to success.

As a result, students can make connections with community leaders who may help them as they prepare for jobs after high school.

Extended Family offers both programs in every school in Cherokee County. Staff also lead programs through the STAR juvenile diversion program.

The organization says it has served hundreds of students in Cherokee County with support from the Cherokee County Board of Education, school administrators, counselors, teachers and staff. Extended Family also works with STAR and juvenile probation programs.

The organization says its goals include keeping children out of the juvenile justice system, reducing recidivism among youth offenders and breaking the generational cycle of incarceration in families.

Ultimately, Extended Family says those efforts help create safer neighborhoods and communities.

More information about Extended Family and its programs is available at extendedfamilyhelp.org. The organization can also be found on Facebook, X and Instagram at @extendedfamilyhelp.