These families need to be able to focus on raising their grandkids, not on whether their heater will last through the winter.
Ginger Laws High Country Caregivers, Pathways to Success and Special Projects Coordinator
“I don’t get to speak with many people, or sometimes I just stay alone in my apartment,” said a participant before joining SeekHealing’s older adult program. “[Now], in this group I can laugh and smile, share snacks, listen to others, and feel connected and less lonely.”
Two years after Hurricane Helene, thousands of people across Western North Carolina continue to face the storm’s lasting impacts on their mental health. Most of the households in the region live in rural and remote locations, which created challenges for survivors during and after the hurricane, particularly around connecting with loved ones and peers.
That’s where SeekHealing makes a critical difference. SeekHealing facilitates human connection to strengthen social health in the region by coordinating meaningful, in-person support among its participants. Long-term recovery after a disaster requires community connection and ongoing opportunities for healing. After Helene, SeekHealing knew what survivors needed most during the recovery process was each other.
Rather than relying solely on traditional mental health services, SeekHealing trains community members through its “Community Catalysts” program to connect neighbors with practical and emotional support. These programs recruit, train and provide stipends to community leaders representing eight impact areas, including Black, Brown, Indigenous and Spanish-speaking communities, LGBTQIA+ people, youth, older adults, people experiencing homelessness, recently incarcerated people, rural residents, and people who are neurodivergent or recovering from mental illness.
With support from a $275,000 grant from the Truist Foundation Western NC Recovery and Resiliency Fund, SeekHealing expanded access to non-clinical mental health support for more than 3,000 people to address loneliness and isolation while strengthening community connections.
Since April 2025, the program has hosted 239 free, connection-centered mental health first aid events online and in person, welcoming 313 unique participants. The project has also delivered specialized Listening Training courses, hosted regular Connection Practice meetings, and identified community catalysts candidates across all eight impact areas.
By building trusted relationships and hyperlocal mutual aid networks, SeekHealing is meeting immediate mental health needs while creating stronger, more connected communities that are better prepared for future disasters.
CDP is proud to support SeekHealing’s community-driven approach to recovery, connecting people in meaningful and healing ways, when they need it most.
