Shine on North Carolina: Embracing Family Narratives

Brandon Sharp and his social worker Tim Rollins reflect on Brandon's experiences in foster care, discussing both the challenges and positive aspects of his journey. Despite hardships, Brandon finds support from his current foster family and organizations like Say So at the Children’s Home Society of North Carolina.  See more about the Shine on North Carolina Campaign on the Institute for Fami...

Claudia Perry and Lance Ollivierre share insight on their decision to uproot their family and move to a more resourced area of town in pursuit of better educational opportunities for their children. Despite initial reservations and challenges, the move proved pivotal in shaping their children's academic success and uncovered some harsh truths about their sprawling school district. Hear the fu...

Kim Sioux Montgomery talks about fostering creativity in children, and how being raised by a creatively expressive mother influenced her parenting style. She highlights the journey of her children into ballroom dancing, challenging stereotypes and embracing their unique cultural heritage within the sport. Hear the full episode on the StoryCorps Studio archive website. See more about the Shine on N...

In this emotional narrative, Tori Brasher-Weathers recounts the whirlwind experience of becoming a foster parent. Despite challenges, including her daughter's health issues and the birth mother's substance use struggles, Tori’s family navigates family well-being with compassion and dedication, understanding the complexities of family, empathy, well-being, and sacrifice. Hear the full epi...

Pastor Jeffrey Davis and his daughter, Tori Brasher-Weathers, reflect on the lessons he learned growing up as an African American male in Greensboro, North Carolina in the 1970s a member of a large family. Pastor Davis reflects on the positive lessons he learned from his mother, father, and family advocate; while also sharing the challenges he faced in his upbringing which were overcome by his des...

Lance Ollivierre and his former wife and friend, Claudia Perry, reflect on his experiences becoming a new father. Lance shares the excitement, joy, and differences between the birth of his son and the birth of his daughter. Listen to this heartwarming story of first-time parenting and the joy it brings to a family. This recording is produced by the Institute for Family, using interviews recorded b...

Luther Weathers shares with his wife, Tori Brasher-Weathers, the life lessons he learned from his father which have had an everlasting impact on his life trajectory. Listen to this open, honest, and loving story of how a dad’s love for his family has permeated the lives of his children and grandchildren for generations to come. This recording is produced by the Institute for Family, using intervie...

"Family is important, but it is equally important to find people who feel like home." This powerful quote was shared by Madeline Attianese during a heartwarming conversation with her chosen mom Amanda Tapler. The conversation reflects on the strong bonds and situations created within their chosen family, which are just as impactful as those within their biological families. This recordin...

Sanaa shares her experiences of parenting her 9-year-old twins and her 16- and 23-year-old daughters. She reflects on the changes she has made to meet her children's individual needs. This inspiring story showcases warmth, love, compassion, and understanding in a mother's journey of caring for her children. The recording is produced by the Institute for Family, using interviews recorded...