Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina

Background

Positive Childhood Alliance North Carolina (PCANC), formerly known as Prevent Child Abuse North Carolina, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing policies, programs, and practices that support the well-being of all children and families in North Carolina. Established in 1979, PCANC has a longstanding commitment to nurturing positive childhoods through data-driven coaching, professional development, advocacy efforts, and public education. The organization envisions a state where families live in connected, supportive communities, enabling all children to lead purposeful lives filled with positive experiences and hope for the future.

Key Strategic Focus

PCANC's strategic focus centers on preventing child abuse and neglect by strengthening families and communities. The organization emphasizes the implementation of evidence-based parenting programs, such as Circle of Parents, The Incredible Years, Strengthening Families Program 6-11, and Triple P (Positive Parenting Program). These initiatives aim to equip parents and caregivers with effective strategies to promote social competence and self-regulation in children. Additionally, PCANC engages in policy advocacy to promote family-friendly workplace policies, build families' economic security, and invest in child sexual abuse prevention.

Financials and Funding

As of the fiscal year ending June 2023, PCANC reported revenues of approximately $2.49 million and expenses totaling around $2.87 million, resulting in a net loss of $379,122. The organization's revenue sources include contributions (47.0%), program services (52.5%), and investment income (0.4%). PCANC maintains total assets of $2.6 million and liabilities of $481,000, leading to net assets of $2.1 million.

Pipeline Development

PCANC actively supports the development and expansion of family support programs across North Carolina. In September 2024, the organization awarded funding to 38 Family Serving Organizations and Family Resource Centers, providing grants of up to $50,000 each. This initiative, totaling $1.8 million, aims to implement new family support programs or expand existing services from September 2024 through June 2025. The funding is designed to enhance the capacity of these organizations to provide vital support to families, with a particular focus on strengthening communities and connecting organizations with the statewide North Carolina Family Resource Center Network.

Technological Platform and Innovation

PCANC leverages evidence-based programs and data-driven methodologies to prevent child maltreatment. The organization implements programs such as Triple P (Positive Parenting Program), which offers a tiered approach to parenting support, including community-wide media campaigns and targeted interventions. Triple P is delivered in various settings, including homes, community agencies, healthcare facilities, schools, and online platforms, ensuring accessibility for families across North Carolina.

Leadership Team

Sharon Hirsch: President and CEO. Sharon has been instrumental in leading PCANC's strategic initiatives and fostering partnerships to advance child well-being in North Carolina.

Christy Bradsher: Vice President and CFO. Christy oversees the organization's financial operations, ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

Crystal Kelly: Vice President for Programs and Policy. Crystal leads the development and implementation of PCANC's programs and policy advocacy efforts.

These leaders have played pivotal roles in advancing PCANC's mission and expanding its impact across the state.

Leadership Changes

As of the latest available information, there have been no recent significant changes or appointments within PCANC's leadership team.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The child welfare and family support sector in North Carolina is characterized by a collaborative network of organizations dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. The state's early childhood policy landscape is shaped by various factors, including economic conditions, demographics, and political history. Approximately 42% of children aged 0-8 in North Carolina live in households below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level, highlighting the need for robust family support services.

Competitor Analysis

Key organizations operating in the child welfare and family support sector in North Carolina include:

Center for Child and Family Health (CCFH): A collaboration between Duke University, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, North Carolina Central University, and community partners, CCFH focuses on preventing and treating childhood trauma. Established in 1996, CCFH has provided services to approximately 16,000 children through direct treatment and training programs.

North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation (NCECF): NCECF spearheads initiatives like EarlyWell, which promotes understanding, collaboration, and policy advancement to support children's mental health and resilience. The organization engages a coalition of stakeholders to improve systems of care addressing social-emotional well-being for young children and their caregivers.

These organizations, along with PCANC, contribute to a comprehensive network of services aimed at enhancing child and family well-being in North Carolina.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

PCANC collaborates with various state and local agencies, community organizations, and advocacy groups to amplify its impact. Notably, the organization partnered with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) to recognize April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This collaboration included public events and campaigns to raise awareness and promote preventive measures against child abuse and neglect.

Operational Insights

PCANC's strategic considerations involve aligning its efforts with major stakeholders in the child welfare sector to strengthen its market position. The organization's distinct competitive advantages include its longstanding commitment to evidence-based programs, robust partnerships, and a focus on preventive measures that address the root causes of child maltreatment.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Looking ahead, PCANC aims to expand its reach by increasing investments in family resource centers and community-based solutions. The organization is committed to shifting the focus toward prevention, creating a future where all children grow up in safe, stable, and nurturing environments. By leveraging its current strengths and partnerships, PCANC is well-positioned to implement lasting change and support families across North Carolina.