Cape Fear Guardian ad Litem Association

CFGALA continues to celebrate National Social Work month by honoring social workers in our community.
Their hard work and dedication to serving children and families in New Hanover & Pender counties is unmatched. We’re so lucky to have them!

Meet Sherry Smith-Cain 💙
Social work chose me. I spent almost 18 years in Juvenile Justice and was burning out. There was and opening for social worker at DSS and I really enjoyed working with kids so that prompted my move. In April I will have been with the Department for 3 years.

My favorite part of the job is the kids and being able to see them laugh, and be kids. Especially in their circumstances being in foster care. I like being able to make their day a little special.

My words of wisdom are to always have empathy, patience, and be non-judgmental. You cannot change the world but you might be able to change a person’s life. I get through my day expecting that people are doing their best.

Thank you Sherry for everything you do 💙

CFGALA continues to celebrate National Social Work month by honoring social workers in our community. Their hard work and dedication to serving children and families in New Hanover & Pender counties is unmatched. We’re so lucky to have them!

Meet Stephanie Teachey 💙
I originally started off as an Elementary School major, but changed paths when a close friends went into the Social Work field – I was drawn to the ability to help families not only in the school setting, but in all areas of life.
I graduated in May 2008 with a BSW and got my first Social Work job in October 2008 at Onslow County DSS with Permanency Planning. Unfortunately, being a DSS Social Worker had a bad reputation, so I told myself I would only work there for 2 years to get experience and then move on — minus a 2 year stent with a private agency, I have been with DSS since. I started at New Hanover County DSS in January 2020.
My favorite part is seeing good things happen – in this job that could mean a parent getting housing, a parent being sober for one month, a grandparent accepting help for a grandchild in their home, a kid passing a test in a difficult subject or a kid just going to school for a full week– in this job you have to praise the small victories!
One impactful story that has stuck with me is when I had a single teenage mother with a special needs child in her home. Mom was working full time and going to school – trying to make ends meet at every corner. She herself had been in the system as a minor and wanted a better life for her child. However, she had become involved in the wrong crowd and that lead to the removal of her child. After the removal Mom could have gave up, instead she hit the ground running with her requested services, while also still participating in shared parenting daily with the placement provider. Mom maintained her housing and employment and was able to be successfully reunified with her child. It was very inspiring to see Mom take advantage of every resource given to her and not let this bump in the road derail their lives.

We are SO inspired by Stephanie’s commitment to children and families and how she honors integrity and resilience. 💙

CFGALA is celebrating National Social Work month by honoring social workers in our community. Their hard work and dedication to serving children and families in New Hanover & Pender counties is unmatched. We’re so lucky to have them!

Meet Lexis Jones 💙
I chose social work because helping others has always been part of who I am. Even when I was younger, I found myself naturally stepping into spaces where people needed support or encouragement.

I’ve been in the social work field since 2017 working with various populations and over the years, the work has shaped me just as much as I’ve helped shape outcomes for families.

My favorite part of the job is reunification. There is nothing more powerful than seeing a family rebuild. Watching parents commit to sobriety, establish stability, and create consistent routines for their children. Seeing a parent go from surviving to truly being present and engaged is incredibly rewarding. Those moments remind me why this work matters.

Every case leaves an imprint on me because each family is unique. I build bonds with the families I serve, and their growth, struggles, and victories stay with me. I once worked with a parent who struggled deeply with addiction and self-doubt. There were setbacks, difficult court hearings, and moments where giving up would have been easier. But through persistence, accountability, and support, that parent maintained sobriety, stable housing, and ultimately reunified with their child.

Words of wisdom? Social work teaches you that people are more than their worst mistakes. When you lead with empathy and accountability, transformation can happen.

Thank you, Lexis for all that you do 💙

This week, Cape Fear Guardian ad Litem Association received a generous donation from Abby at Patriot Roofing. Abby’s gift will help fund laptop purchases for youth in care approaching their 18th birthdays.
For many of these teens, this milestone can feel uncertain. A laptop offers connection, opportunity, and an important tool for success as they step into adulthood. We’re incredibly grateful for community partners like Abby and Patriot Roofing who choose to invest in our youth in such meaningful ways. 💙

🗓️ Save the Date!

Join FFA-NC in partnership with NCDHHS for our Kinship Conference:
9/26- Eastern NC
10/17- Western NC

Stay tuned for all of the details.

Welcome, new Guardian ad Litem Volunteers! 💙

🎆Happy New Year, from the Cape Fear Guardian ad Litem Association

✨LIVE NOW! Starting today through Christmas Eve you can go to www.kendrascott.com and use code GIVEBACK-KYMUY at check out, 20% of your purchase will be donated to CFGALA. Or, swing by and see us Friday evening in store! ✨💙

we’re back with our friends at Kendra Scott this ✨FRIDAY✨ from 5:30-7:30! But even better news?? Our shopping link will be open starting ✨WEDNESDAY✨ so you can be sure to get all your last minute holiday gifts in time! 😍 20% of your purchase gets donated to CFGALA, and helping kids, be kids 🤍

we’re back with our friends at Kendra Scott this ✨FRIDAY✨ from 5:30-7:30! But even better news?? Our shopping link will be open starting ✨WEDNESDAY✨ so you can be sure to get all your last minute holiday gifts in time! 😍 20% of your purchase gets donated to CFGALA, and helping kids, be kids 🤍

We had a wonderful evening celebrating our incredible Guardian ad Litem volunteers & staff this week. We’re so thankful to be a part of such an amazing community; showing up in a big way, and helping kids, be kids.
Happy Holidays from the CFGALA Board 💙🖤

we hope everyone had a wonderful, and warm holiday weekend 🙂 CFGALA operates solely on donations from our community to provide funds for kids in the care of the Department due to instances of abuse and/or neglect. These children deserve the world; a happy, worry free, world filled with experiences, comfort and love. Help us help kids, be kids this Giving Tuesday. Donate today 💙🤍