“Stand, even if your knees are shaking.”
These words reflect the heart of our newest program at Alexander Youth Network and the strength behind the person leading it. We’re proud to introduce Jessica Hofstetter as our Family Peer Support Supervisor, a role created to launch and lead our Family Peer Support Program, made possible through a powerful partnership with NC Youth & Family Voices Amplified and UNC Greensboro.
A New Kind of Support for Families Who Need It Most
Every day, we work with families raising children who are struggling with mental and behavioral health challenges. For many, it’s overwhelming. Parents are not only navigating their child’s emotions but also entire systems of care: therapy, school accommodations, insurance, and social services, often without a clear roadmap or consistent help. That’s where Family Peer Support comes in.
This new initiative brings trained caregivers with lived experience into professional roles to walk alongside families facing similar challenges. These specialists know firsthand what it feels like to sit in IEP meetings, advocate for mental health services, and wonder if you’re doing enough. They’ve been there, and now they’re here to help others through it.
With Family Peer Support Specialists, families get:
- A partner who listens without judgment
- Guidance through school, health, and community systems
- Tools to build self-advocacy and emotional resilience
- Encouragement when things feel overwhelming
- Someone who truly understands
This model is about trust, empathy, and connection. It meets families where they are and reminds them that they’re not alone.
Why Jessica Hofstetter Is the Right Leader
Jessica doesn’t just lead this work. She lives it. She is a Nationally Certified Family Peer Support Supervisor with years of experience in school systems and community-based care. Her background includes trauma-informed care, de-escalation, conflict resolution, mentorship, and advocacy work across the state.
But what makes Jessica’s leadership truly unique is her personal story.
“I’m a mom and a wife. I am a lover of football. My lived experience started long ago. We have a large, blended family and with that comes a lot of experiences. I’ve navigated life raising a medically complex child, children with mental health diagnoses, behavioral health needs, and even substance use. Three of our children also have autism diagnoses. This work is deeply personal for me.”
Jessica began this journey before peer support even had a name. She was once called a parent rep, an advocate, and now proudly holds the title of Family Peer Support Supervisor. She has served on state committees like Early Intervention, NC DPI, and the Center for Safer Schools. She is also a passionate disability rights advocate focused on helping individuals remain in their homes and communities with the support they need.
Currently pursuing a degree in psychology, Jessica brings not only deep knowledge and resilience to the role, she brings heart.
“Our goal is to meet families where they are, emotionally, mentally, and in their journey.”
Why This Program Matters
This program comes at a time when families need more support than ever. Mental health needs in children are rising. Caregivers are stretched thin. And too often, help is offered without understanding the full picture. Family Peer Support bridges that gap.
Thanks to our collaboration with NC Youth & Family Voices Amplified and UNC Greensboro, we’re not just offering a new service. We’re building a new culture that recognizes the value of lived experience and prioritizes real connection.
The program will launch through our Therapeutic Foster Care division and expand in Alexander’s other services across our agency, reaching families who need not just answers, but compassion and advocacy.
Looking Ahead
This is a bold, exciting step forward for Alexander Youth Network. But we’re not doing it alone. We’re looking for caregivers who have walked this path and want to be part of the change. And we’re inviting our entire community to support this movement. Because when we empower parents, we strengthen children. And when families feel supported, entire communities heal.
Please join us in celebrating Jessica Hofstetter and the launch of this vital new program. With her leadership, we’re creating something deeply needed and long overdue.
Written by Shay Woodard
