Across Charlotte, conversations around mental health are becoming more visible—and more important than ever. On Friday April 3rd, Alexander Youth Network joined the Charlotte Hornets for Mental Health Night, bringing awareness, connection, and community together in a powerful way.
Celebrating Our Foster Families
Mental Health Night with the Charlotte Hornets was also a celebration of the families at the heart of Alexander Youth Network’s Therapeutic Foster Care program. More than 200 foster parents and children in our Therapeutic Foster Care program attended the game, enjoying time together through shared experiences, pregame festivities, and the excitement of the night.
We are proud to celebrate our foster families and the vital role they play in helping children heal, grow, and thrive.
A Powerful Message: Every Child Needs a Team
As part of the evening, Alexander Youth Network hosted a pre-game panel discussion centered on a simple but essential truth: Every Child Needs a Team.
Moderated by Mathu Gibson, former professional football player, mental health advocate, and founder of Connecting The Dots (CTD), an organization dedicated to helping student-athletes and young people discover purpose beyond performance the conversation brought together diverse perspectives—from lived experience to clinical expertise—to explore the growing mental health needs facing children today.
Panelists included:
- Brennon D. Graham, President & CEO, Alexander Youth Network
- Fonda Bryant, Founder and Executive Director, Wellness Action Recovery, Inc.
- Cali Johnson, MSW, LCSW, Therapist, Alexander Youth Network
Together, they highlighted a critical reality: many children’s mental health challenges are not immediately visible.
Understanding What’s Beneath the Surface
One of the most impactful themes from the discussion was the idea that behaviors often labeled as “acting out” may actually be signs of deeper emotional needs.
Children today are navigating:
- Increased anxiety and stress
- Social and academic pressures
- Emotional challenges that can go unnoticed
The panel emphasized that early recognition and compassionate support can be life-changing. When adults take the time to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, they can better connect children to the care and support they need.
Mental Health in Charlotte: Why It Matters
In a growing city like Charlotte, access to mental health resources for children and families remains a critical need. Events like Mental Health Night with the Charlotte Hornets help bring these conversations into the spotlight, reducing stigma and encouraging families to seek support.
At Alexander Youth Network, this mission is central to everything we do. Through a continuum of services including outpatient care, day treatment, and residential programs, we work to build bridges between children, families, and the resources that help them heal and thrive.
A Night of Community, Connection, and Celebration
Beyond the panel, Mental Health Night was also an opportunity for the community to come together in a meaningful way. Families, supporters, and staff filled the arena to show their support for children’s mental health in Charlotte.
From the energy of the pre-game discussion to the excitement in the stands, the night was a reminder of what’s possible when a community shows up together.
And to top it off, the Charlotte Hornets secured a win, making the evening even more memorable!
Building Bridges to Hope and Healing: A Stronger Future for Children’s Mental Health in North Carolina
Events like this reinforce a powerful truth: supporting children’s mental health takes all of us. Whether it’s caregivers, clinicians, educators, or community members, every child benefits from having a team that sees them, supports them, and believes in their future.
At Alexander Youth Network, this belief is at the core of our mission to build bridges to hope and healing. We are proud to stand alongside partners like the Charlotte Hornets in advancing mental health awareness across Charlotte, and we’re grateful to everyone who helped make this night such a meaningful success.
Written by Kevin Whitlock
