Shine on Tamiko! Listen as family advocate and educator, Tamiko Lockett, shares strategies to support individuals, families, and communities in navigating their communities in times of uncertainty. Tamiko shares some simple but easily applicable strategies anyone can integrate into their daily routine to regain a sense of peace, calm, and strength.

The Surgeon General of the United States recently diagnosed the country as having an “epidemic of loneliness, " as outlined in the article, Combating the Epidemic of Loneliness in the US: Creating More Connected Communities. Listen as educator and family advocate, Tamiko Lockett, shares her expertise and strategies for helping families combat loneliness by reconnecting with their community. One small moment each day can build community connections that can change families' lives.

Listen to this heartwarming story shared by Tamiko Lockett, educator and family advocate, as she reflects with a lifelong friend about the importance of the simple act of kindness, such as lending a listening ear to a stranger in need. One small moment can change a person’s life. In this reflection, Tamiko shares the importance of sharing one’s gifts and talents with the world to make the world a better place.  

Hubert Williams (47) and Tori Brasher-Weathers (41) explore Hubert's journey of weaving the individual strands of life that make the beautiful tapestry that is his family. Hubert shares the milestones and lessons he learned from his father, Hubert Sr., from learning that he was adopted to creating his own family. Listen to this wonderful story of identity, acceptance, love, and family resilience in the midst of change. Listen as Hubert shares that each family is truly unique and that every person within a family has value. 

Shine on, Sanaa Sharrieff! Join the journey in the family car as this North Carolinian mom extraordinaire shares one of her favorite memories with her four children. Listen closely and feel the love and warmth of her recollection. You'll be transported into the Sharrieff family vehicle, where you can participate in this wonderful moment filled with family love, care, and celebration.

Family is everything, and everyone’s family is different. Families do not have to match. Families do not have to be connected by DNA. Family is what we make it. Family is a feeling. Take a moment and listen to what families mean to some of our storytellers throughout North Carolina. Listen as they reflect on their aspect of family and what it means to them. 

In this continuation of the Sa Family’s journey, you will hear intricate steps they took finding their forever ever home and then losing it all in a short period of time.

Listen to Audrie, Vini, and Vivianna Sa as they share their journey from leaving their first family home, filled with love and tended memories, to finding their forever home that perfectly fit the needs of their growing family. 

Ty Harris is a Community Navigator who supports pregnant individuals in the Guilford County area of North Carolina. In this inspiring story, Ty shares her experiences of helping families in Greensboro and High Point. She highlights the specific needs of families to ensure their well-being and promote positive family dynamics. Ty’s insights will not only challenge your perspective but will also motivate you to take action in your community to support pregnant individuals, children, and families. Shine on, Ty!

Meet Titus Hopper, a joyful husband, father, educator, entrepreneur, and inspiration—a true "hope dealer." As Hop the Black Santa, he shares his life journey centered around fatherhood and family. Titus tells his heartwarming story of hope, faith, adoption, and the joy he brings to his community and loved ones as Santa Claus.

The recording is produced by the Institute for Family, using interviews recorded by StoryCorps Studios.

See more about the Shine on North Carolina Campaign on the Institute for Family website.