We provide youth and emerging adults who have challenges related to substance use, mental health and/or justice involvement with a sense of belonging, the skills and capacities for self-advocacy, healthy relationships, and positive engagement in the community.
The power of being there: how mentoring can change a young person’s path
By the Oak Foundation
For many young people facing challenges as they grow up, sometimes timely and compassionate support at the right time is all that’s needed to make a big difference in the trajectory of their lives.
In Carrboro, Chapel Hill, the team at Reintegration Support Network (RSN) knows this. That’s why they work with young people to help them overcome mental health challenges or substance use, or to support them through a first contact with the justice system. One of the ways that RSN empowers youth is through peer support, by pairing young people with an older person who can mentor them. “If we can catch people early, we can prevent some of the issues down the line,” says Earl Callair, RSN’s programme manager.
Serving Orange and Chatham Counties — Growing to Reach Alamance and Durham. Currently offering limited services in Durham County as we expand our regional impact.
Our staff and peer support mentors engage in promoting trust and self-acceptance with youth participants by advocating for youth, coordinating with existing service providers, and linking youth with community resources, thereby increasing the chances of a participant’s successful reintegration. We receive referrals from schools, treatment programs, community partners, family members, as well as the justice system. Learn more about our work.
RSN is committed to achieving meaningful diversity and inclusion and combating bias and discrimination, including structural and systemic racism, anti-blackness within the organization, and non-profit industrial complex. RSN does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, or national origin. Instead, RSN affirms the value and dignity of all people, especially those who embody identities that have been historically marginalized and intentionally exploited. RSN strives to extend full equality, inclusion and acceptance to its clients, volunteers, board members, staff, community partners, and vendors.