International Volunteer Day: Bridging a Community to the Children Who Need It Most
At Thompson, we believe a child’s story is not defined by their beginnings. Some beginnings are heavy with trauma, instability, or circumstances they never asked for — but those early chapters do not have to dictate the ending. What truly shapes a child’s future is the presence of people who step in with compassion, consistency, […]
Giving Tuesday Isn’t a Trend — It’s a Lifeline
Giving Tuesday comes once a year, but for the children and families we serve, the needs show up every single day. This day isn’t a hashtag. It’s a moment when generosity becomes action—and action becomes impact. This year, it falls on December 2nd. Winston Churchill said it best:“We make a living by what we get, […]
When the Holidays Hurt: Standing in the Gap for Children in Foster Care Across the Southeast
As CEO of Thompson, I’m often reminded that titles like Senator, CEO, and General come with weight and responsibility. But during the holiday season, some of the most significant people in our community are the children quietly carrying more grief, uncertainty, and resilience than most adults will in a lifetime. For many of us, the […]
When Benefits Stop, the Ripple Doesn’t: How Thompson Stands in the Gap
When government shutdowns interrupt essential supports like SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), the conversation often stops at food insecurity: empty grocery carts, missed meals, bare pantries. But the reality runs much deeper than what’s on the dinner table. SNAP isn’t just about food. It’s about stability. When families lose access to food assistance, it’s not […]
When Rates Fall, Kids Pay the Price: North Carolina’s Medicaid Rebase and Its Real-World Impact
North Carolina just issued a new Medicaid rebase, cutting rates for Therapeutic Foster Care by 3% and Residential Services for youth by 10%. Let that sink in. These are not cuts to peripheral services. These are reductions to the very programs designed to support children who have experienced the greatest trauma; kids who need stability, […]
The High Cost of Silence: Why Youth Mental Health Care Access Matters More Than Ever
Each May, Mental Health Awareness Month offers an essential opportunity to shine a light on one of the most urgent yet often overlooked public health issues of our time: mental health. This year, as we focus on increasing understanding and reducing stigma, we must pay close attention to one group facing growing and often invisible […]