Meeting Families Where They Are: A Conversation With Angie Drakeford of ParentChild+

GreenLight Charlotte

In 2026, nonprofits are navigating a high-pressure environment shaped by political shifts, changing public funding, and ongoing uncertainty. These dynamics place particular strain on organizations working with communities already facing deep racial and economic inequities, where stability, trust, and continuity of support are more critical than ever.

That context makes the role of organizations like ParentChild+, GreenLight Fund Charlotte’s first investment, especially urgent. Brought to the region in 2019, ParentChild+ was selected to address high adverse childhood experience (ACE) scores among children entering kindergarten and a third-grade literacy proficiency rate of just 39 percent in Charlotte-Mecklenburg schools. Through its evidence-based early literacy, parental engagement, and school readiness model, ParentChild+ partners with families to build the knowledge, skills, and confidence children need to succeed in pre-kindergarten and beyond.

We spoke with Angie Drakeford, North Carolina State Director, about how ParentChild+ is navigating today’s climate while continuing to support more than 400 Charlotte families across the region each year.

Given the recent federal aid cuts and political climate, what have you seen as the biggest challenges for families in Charlotte?

Angie: One of the biggest challenges we are seeing, particularly among Latinx families and ELS’s, is fear and uncertainty. In the current climate, some families are hesitant to open their doors, which directly affects home visiting models that depend on trust and consistent engagement to support children and parents effectively.

Can you share an example of how ParentChild+ has stepped up to support impacted families?

Angie: At a national level, ParentChild+ has focused on maintaining trust and continuity of support within the communities we serve. We have shared resource and referral information with immigrant families and expanded virtual home visits for families who are not comfortable with in-person engagement. In addition, sites such as Washington state are developing approaches that center on creating safe spaces and community connection, which can inform and strengthen practices across the broader network.

What serves as your north star as you continue to lead North Carolina ParentChild+ through a turbulent political climate?

Angie: Stronger Together. We are the Plus! We continue to hold on to our mission and values as we navigate through this political climate. Unfortunately, this is a time where isolation can feel like a safe refuge. However, as a community, staying strong during moments like this is essential. Separation and isolation make us vulnerable, while standing together makes us strong. We view this atmosphere as one that impacts all of us, not just one group of immigrants or individuals.

What role do Charlotte-based partnerships, with CMS, community organizations, or funders, play in strengthening ParentChild+’s impact, especially as public resources become more uncertain?

Angie: We rely heavily on the support of donors, funders, and our partners during this time of uncertainty. We are working closely with our partner agencies and numerous community organizations to identify ways to support both our families and our staff. Now more than ever, we are depending on our funders to sustain home visiting, early literacy efforts, and, most importantly, our ParentChild+ families.

This conversation highlights the power of community voice and intentional investment in shaping a better Charlotte. Thank you to Angie for sharing her insights and for her dedication to strengthening our city!