North Carolina General Assembly Helps Eckerd Kids Welcome Angels Watch Program into 42 Counties

Cary, NC –Eckerd Kids held a ribbon cutting ceremony on October 11, 2016 in Cary North Carolina to officially kick off expansion of the Angels Watch program. Eckerd Kids recognized North Carolina General Assembly Members Senator Tommy Tucker, Representative Chris Malone, Representative Marilyn Avila, and Representative Nelson Dollar during a ribbon cutting ceremony for funding the expansion through an appropriation.

CARING for Children, a program of Eckerd Kids has operated the Angels Watch program for nearly 20 years and began in 1999 in partnership with the Junior League of Asheville. The program was funded through the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County and private donations, serving about 20-25 families a year in Buncombe County. Now, thanks to funding from the North Carolina General Assembly, families in 42 Counties will have access to this program.

Angels Watch works outside of the Department of Social Services custody to provide a temporary safe home to children whose families are amidst a crisis. The real power of the program is its preventative nature. Our local child welfare system is overwhelmed with 10,000 plus kids in care. Although Angels Watch uses licensed foster parents, the program gives parents and caregivers an alternative to becoming part of the child welfare system when families struggle to stay together.

Eckerd Kids recognized the following North Carolina General Assembly Members with a Second Chance Award:

Representative Malone has long been an advocate for children and families. From his time as a member of the Wake County School Board to his service in the General Assembly, Representative Malone makes kids a priority. We are proud to recognize Representative Malone for his dedication to North Carolinas children and their families.

Representative Dollar brings a rich history of understanding the challenges that children and families in North Carolina face. With a Bachelors and Master’s degree in social science from Appalachian, Representative Dollar serves as the Senior Chairman of Appropriations, ensuring that children and families are provided the resources and opportunities to succeed. Please join me in recognizing Representative Nelson Dollar for his service to North Carolina’s children and families.

Representative Avila has served 5 terms in the House and currently serves as the Chair of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee and as Vice Chair of Appropriations. A mother herself, Representative Avila is passionate about helping children and their families. I am proud to recognize Representative Avila for her service to North Carolina’s youth.

Senator Tucker is a champion for children. He serves as the Co-Chair of the Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee and as Vice Chairman of the Legislative Research Committee on Homeless Youth, Foster Care, and Dependency among many other assignments. Senator Tucker knows firsthand the value of providing interventions for families earlier on, giving families a second chance at success. Eckerd Kids is proud to recognize Senator Tucker for his commitment to the children and families of North Carolina.