It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Bellamy Mansion Museum gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Wilmington, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with.”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed,”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“I'm a beginner with the company. You must be patient when applying and beautiful things”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr”
“ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by”
“We recently had to move my Dad from one senior care center to another. It”
“Oh my goodness! I was at the very bottom of my rope with no where”
“I started with Always Best Care in October of 2018 and they have been fabulous”
“Other Nurses aide care my elderly parent receives is excellent. Aides all well trained, caring, professional,”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best went above and beyond to help”
“I am a current client of this provider I called on a Monday & had a”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was a God sent when”
“Other When we first started with Always Best Care, it was just to have somebody come”
“I feel so blessed to be served by such caring and helpful people. I had to downsize due to an unexpected illness and Always Best Care (ABC) stepped in to make this possible. Kind, compassion, pleasant, friendly, joyful and talented professionals comprise those providing this service. I literally couldn’t have lived for at my assisted living since I had so many hospital visits each week. I didn’t want to go alone to these appointments and this freed my family from needless distress and worry about my wellbeing when they couldn’t be there. I highly recommend ABC since they are an essential component providing excellent and reliable support.”
“ABC services do an amazing job. They have helped my 90 year old mother in law transition into her new home after moving to Raleigh from Winston Salem. She has dialysis 3x a week and they have worked so hard to coordinate a schedule to make sure everything runs smoothly. Sherry continues to amaze me in how she is able to help figure out schedules and provide customer services in a kind and professional manner. We will continue to look to this wonderful service provider as her needs change and feel blessed to have them on site at Atri”
“I cannot recommend this service enough. The owner Shawn was wonderful to speak with. He was sincerely concerned about my mom and our family. He is an excellent listener and introduced me to Paige who is equally wonderful. Together they found a great place for my mother in a very short time. Paige was always available to speak on the phone and addressed my questions or concerns. I would recommend using this service for your loved one. Laura B of Raleigh”
“These people are Angels. Kathryn was lightning quick with new solutions everytime things changed, and things changed constantly. My dad has a chance to live the rest of his life with dignity and my mom has a chance to live a fuller life because of the help we got from Kathryn and this team. They have a great network and valuable knowledge but what observed that makes them invaluable is that they care...and when you are on this situation I found that this is the quality that matters the most. Cannot thank them enough.”
“Kind aides who were patient and caring with my Mother. Quality service.”
“I'm a beginner with the company. You must be patient when applying and beautiful things will unfold for you. This company has great position offers. Come check them out for yourself! ????”
“Excellent! Shawn was a Godsend. He found a great, affordable community for my Mom. We are very satisfied with his service and professionalism. He took his time and our requirements and found the perfect place. Highly recommend him and Always Best Care!”
“I contacted Shawn when my mother returned home from the hospital. There are so many options it was confusing for me! Shawn and his team sent me several places to review and then accompanied me to visit independent living facilities. I appreciate the resources and information provided. Shawn, thank you for being focused on our family's needs and sharing your expertise. Your compassion and patience is so very appreciated!”
“Watching your parents age is an emotional experience. My mother has suffered from emphysema since the early 2000s and was diagnosed with dementia in 2018. We've worked with many companies to provide care for her and companionship. Since 2020, as my mother has significantly declined, we've had to make the decision to move her into a facility. For the past three years, Always Best, and more specifically Nancy Newcomer, has provided consistent and quality care for our family. Nancy is always on time, caring, and reliable. We've experienced companies with high turnover and feel blessed to have had Nancy's support for three years. She doesn’t do this solely for a paycheck but also checks on my dad on her days off and genuinely cares. I'd highly recommend this company to help care for your aging loved ones.”
“Other Navigation through the process of finding a Memory Care Facility for my husband. The Owner. Met with my daughter and me. We included my husband. Right away we could hear see and feel this man's compassionate heart. He cared for his own aging family members and can relate. He personally called to check in with us despite the fact that we needed a facility and not home care. Taking it one step further he went on tours with us and we discussed pros and cons without his bias of one over another. Once our loved one was placed this gentleman continued advising at our initiation of calls. He never failed to call back. Highly recommend this man.”
“Phenomenal services providing peace of mind during difficult times when your elderly loved ones need you the most. Highly recommend!”
“I could not be happier with this service. I schedule care in 15 minute or 30 minute visits for 6 visits a day. They make sure that my 96 year old mother takes her meds, walks to meals, they deliver her meals when she is too tired to walk, they water her plants, bathe her, they will help in anyway to provide the best care. Shawn Cothran, the owner, made a personal visit to her room to make sure she had all that she needs. The caregivers; Vera, Jackie, Toni, Elizabeth and many others could not be better. I highly recommend this service.”
“I Love Always Best Care, we have an amazing team and I am lucky to be surrounded by such caring hearts.”
“I am a past client of this provider Staff helped guide and navigate options for my mother. We found a new home for her and the extra attention she is now receiving has given both the family and her comfort and peace of mind. It is a challenging transition and the help was invaluable. Many thanks!”
“I am a past client of this provider ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out of the hospital until he passed away 8 months later. The nurse was very fast and efficient and met us at his residence when we arrived from the hospital. Many caregivers were so sweet and careful with him and were helpful to my mother as well. He would be happy to see their smiling faces. They were also very accommodating for schedule and other changes. I would highly recommend them!”
“ABC caregivers took care of my 93 yr old father from when he came out of the hospital until he passed away 8 months later. The nurse was very fast and efficient and met us at his residence when we arrived from the hospital. Many caregivers were so sweet and careful with him and were helpful to my mother as well. He would be happy to see their smiling faces. They were also very accommodating for schedule and other changes. I would highly recommend them!”
“I would have to say out of all the places I've work ABC is by far the best place I've worked our boss and staff are everything.????????????????????????????????????????????????????”
“We recently had to move my Dad from one senior care center to another. It was wonderful to have Paige from Always Best Care make all the appointments and show us different options. She knew all the ins & outs, positives & negatives and was such a huge help in finding him a new place to live! I highly recommend this service to anyone in need of finding a place for their loved one.”
“Oh my goodness! I was at the very bottom of my rope with no where to turn. Almost overnight, my mom went from being totally independent to needing assisted living, and I didn't know where or how to even start. The hospital was breathing down my neck to get her out of there, and I had nowhere to take her. I couldn't provide the care she needed at home. Then a friend sent me a copy of Shawn Cothran's business card. She said he could help. Shawn called me when I was at my lowest point. He offered me hope with the possibility of placement the same day or next for my mom. By that afternoon, we had signed a contract and placed a bed in mom's new home. The next day, she moved in to a very nice, beautiful and caring community. I will be forever grateful to Always Best Care Senior Services and Shawn!!”
“I started with Always Best Care in October of 2018 and they have been fabulous with their flexibility. I have been able to make my own schedule to accommodate other things in my life.”
“Other Nurses aide care my elderly parent receives is excellent. Aides all well trained, caring, professional, and “go the extra mile”. Aides arrive as scheduled and maintain very good communication with the family. Owner goes out of her way to respond to requests in timely fashion. We recommend this agency strongly to friends who have parents who need care. What a blessing ABC has been to our parent and entire family. A model of what quality care looks like!”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best went above and beyond to help us navigate a family crisis, and we literally could not have done it without them. Everyone we worked with was caring, patient and responsive.”
“I am a current client of this provider I called on a Monday & had a care giver on Tuesday. The caregivers are always on time. Asking if there are any changes to the schedule. They fix her lunch every day and do the dishes. Amy is very attentive to my mother. She ensures she does her exercises like she is supposed to a d even does then with her. The care they give has greatly reduced my stress.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care was a God sent when my Mother broke her hip at 99 years old about 4 years ago. They provided 24 hour care at her place while we were getting our home ready for her to come and live with us. My wife and I both worked and needed a care service that we trusted to come into our house and not only provide excellent care for our loved one, but also treaded our home with respect. And Stephine's angels at Always Best Care were the answer to our prayers. Caregivers Cheryle and Mellissa provided a loving service that I believe extended my mother's life to 103, with the one on one care that you get in a comfortable home environment, rather than a group care that you get at at a nursing facility . We will always be grateful to Always Best Care.”
“Other When we first started with Always Best Care, it was just to have somebody come visit mom once a week at assisted-living they care whatever needed to be done, going with her on errands and so on. They were great. Their support really became important, however, when mom fractured her pelvis. I texted Sanjay, the CEO and they were at the hospital with CMTs as soon as she got her room. That was important, because mom was not entirely aware that she had fractured her pelvis, would keep trying to get up, and the hospital had not yet resourced a sitter. They also provided in room sitter services for mom when she was in rehab, at a facility they helped us down-select to. Then, when she was released from rehab, they helped locate a micro-community that provided Mom with the extra support she needed, after discussing the issues we needed to work through via conference call when there was more than could be managed via txt or email. I live out of state, so we could not have done this without them. Sanjay and team really care about the patient, and were always available. They have my highest recommendation. -WRJ, Raleigh NC”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Greenfield Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local manna or visit Wilmington Light Infantry Building / John A. Taylor House, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Wilmington, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Wilmington, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Wilmington, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
What started as a group of foster parents collecting used clothing items and storing stuff for each other in one family's garage eventually turned into a local 501c3 nonprofit organization ? Foster Pantry.The mission of Foster Pantry is to ease the transition of children in foster care in southeastern North Carolina.Stacy Pullen was part of that group of foster moms who met monthly. Initially, she helped coordinate volunteer events to get the items organized and dropped off to the Department of Social Services.As a membe...
What started as a group of foster parents collecting used clothing items and storing stuff for each other in one family's garage eventually turned into a local 501c3 nonprofit organization ? Foster Pantry.
The mission of Foster Pantry is to ease the transition of children in foster care in southeastern North Carolina.
Stacy Pullen was part of that group of foster moms who met monthly. Initially, she helped coordinate volunteer events to get the items organized and dropped off to the Department of Social Services.
As a member of the founding board of directors and treasurer, Pullen was involved in establishing the 501c3 and later transitioned to the board chair role.
"Foster care has been a part of my life since I can remember. My grandmother was a foster parent, my mom a foster sister. I remember the photos of the kids I had never met hanging on the wall and being told stories of them," Pullen said.
More:Meet a Brunswick 'Angel' who spreads her wings to serve families in need
Over the years, foster care would pop up many times in Pullen's life. She lived in a kinship placement through her third-grade year and later became a kinship caregiver to her teenage sister. Eventually, she became a foster parent herself and adopted her daughter from foster care.
"My work with Foster Pantry provides me with the opportunity to serve not just the children in foster care but be a support for the families that care for them," Pullen said.
After Pullen transitioned into the chair role, the pandemic hit, throwing a "wrench" into to their plans. The organization lost its space because the landlord needed it to social distance his employees and customers. It also experienced a reduction in volunteers and donations.
The nonprofit moved into storage units for a year until it secured funding from Healthy Blue of NC. In May 2021, it moved into Harrelson Center with over 1,000 square feet of space. Foster Pantry also opened a satellite office in Onslow County and assists surrounding counties.
The original mission of the foster pantry was to create a closet to provide new placement bags to children entering foster care, giving the children a week's worth of essential items like clothing, shoes and toiletries.
"In the beginning our inventory was primarily gently used, hand me down items," Pullen said. "However today our closet is filled with 90% brand new items."
Families can also request assistance for any child in foster care when a child needs a new size or seasonal clothes.
Foster Pantry serves children with active foster care cases, families with in-home/ongoing cases with the Department of Health and Human Services, and young adults, ages 18-21, who have aged out of foster care. The nonprofit provides care packages, dorm and apartment furnishings, baby showers, community outings and resource navigation. Foster Pantry also celebrates important milestones by providing parties for 18th birthdays and high school graduation gifts.
Foster Pantry caregiver supports are available to licensed foster parents, kinship caregivers (grandmothers, aunts, uncles, siblings) and those who have adopted or obtained guardianship from foster care.
The nonprofit also hosts several events throughout the year for the families including providing Easter baskets, a back-to-school bash, Halloween costumes and a holiday program that includes private visits with Santa.
The foster closet remains the heart of the organization; however, the Foster Pantry programming has since evolved into complete wrap-around support for the entire foster care community. The pantry is designed to ease the transitions of children in foster care from the time they enter foster care until they exit, obtain permanency or age out.
By wrapping the child's entire team with support, the nonprofit provides support groups and training for caregivers, provide tangible support and resources for the children.
"We recognize the hard work of the social workers and Guardian ad Litem. Our goal is to ensure the tangible needs of the children are met, allowing the caregivers to focus on their other needs," said Pullen.
Most importantly, Foster Pantry wants caregivers to know they will have what they need so they can say "YES" to a placement when the Department of Health and Human Services calls.
"We want the kinship caregivers to not have to worry about what they need, or to say "no" because they cannot afford clothing, diapers, or furnishings," said Pullen.
Anyone wishing to help or donate, can visit https://www.fosterpantry.org/support-us.
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It's another holiday season in Wilmington, and you might have realized too late about tickets for Enchanted Airlie, one of the Port City's favorite Christmas traditions.
And, yes, tickets are sold out again for the large light display at Airlie Gardens.
However, if you missed out, here are some other holiday traditions that also "light" up the Wilmington area.
Another great backup plan if you didn't get Enchanted Airlie tickets, Poplar Grove Plantation at the New Hanover/Pender county line will be lit up and decorated for the holidays. A 'Merry & Bright" Holiday of Lights, Poplar Grove most popular fundraising event of the year will be held from Nov. 29-Dec. 22. The hours are 5-9 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays and 5-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
Tickets are $10 for ages 3 and over. Tickets are available online only and includes photo opportunities for the entire family, children can visit with Santa every night but Sunday, a mailbox to post letters to the North Pole, a vintage USO Letter Writing Station, Grinch’s Junk Shop, campfires, holiday movie favorites, balloon-extraordinaire Mr. Twister, vintage carnival games and themed nights. Also, food trucks, concessions, the French Quarter Bar & Lounge, and the Holiday Hootenanny Tent. Leashed well-behave dogs can visit only on Thursdays and Sundays.
Another tradition to embrace the magic of the holiday season is The Southern Lights, a festive light shows at The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina, 985 Johnson Nursery Road, Willard. The light show will be held Nov. 22-Dec. 23. Tickets are $10 per person when purchased 24 hours in advance or $12 day of. Ages 5 and under get in free. To purchase tickets, visit https://thegardensofsenc.com/the-southern-lights.
Events will include thousands of dazzling beauties of lights as you walk under the canopy of decorated trees throughout the winding pathways, a cash bar, Brown Dog Coffee Truck will be serving hot cocoa and coffee. There also will be a Wood-Fired Pizza and concessions, a s’mores station, a whimsical maze, and an Elf Quest Wagon Ride. Visit with Santa Claus (in December only) for festive photo opportunities.
Holiday magic returns to the Wilmington Railroad Museum with more twinkling lights as the museum transforms into a winter wonderland with over 35,000 lights glistening and sparkling. The event will be held Fridays and Saturdays, Nov. 29-30, Dec. 13-14, Dec. 20-21 and Sunday-Monday, Dec. 22-23 from 6:30-8 p.m. at 505 Nutt St., Wilmington.
There also will be musical animations, twilight model train displays, visit with Santa, and goodies like cider. Tickets available at the door only. $5 per person, ages 2 and under and museum members are free. Details: 910-763-2634.
More:Don't want to cook for Thanksgiving? Order a meal at these Wilmington-area restaurants
This display of lights on and around a lake has been spreading cheer for years and was even featured on "The Great Christmas Light Fight" TV show on ABC in 2020.
Located in Pender County off U.S. 17 at 218 Old House Road, Hampstead, the holiday park will be open on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 28 and run through Jan. 7, 2025. As a nonprofit group, the family accepts donations that support charities, including the local chapter of Toys for Tots and programs in Rocky Point. Details: 910-279-3892.
The Bellamy Mansion Museum presents "Nights of Lights" Dec. 19-21 from 5-8 p.m. The annual open house allows visitors to stroll through the fully decorated site ? main house and the first level of the original slave quarters building. $5 per person suggested donation. Holiday treats and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. Details: https://www.bellamymansion.org/nights-of-lights.html. The museum is located at 503 Market St., downtown Wilmington.
I know some folks aren't big fans of "fall back," when we set our clocks back one hour, which will take place early Sunday morning.Technically, we're returning to standard time from daylight saving time, which started back in March, and I always look forward to it.Not that I love when it gets dark by 5 p.m., but I do enjoy getting an extra hour of sleep and not feeling tired for the next few days, like I do when it's "spring forward" and we lose an hour.Anyway, don't forget to set your clocks back thi...
I know some folks aren't big fans of "fall back," when we set our clocks back one hour, which will take place early Sunday morning.
Technically, we're returning to standard time from daylight saving time, which started back in March, and I always look forward to it.
Not that I love when it gets dark by 5 p.m., but I do enjoy getting an extra hour of sleep and not feeling tired for the next few days, like I do when it's "spring forward" and we lose an hour.
Anyway, don't forget to set your clocks back this weekend, which is the last one of the year for daylight saving time, so enjoy those relatively light evening hours.
It's going to be an unseasonably warm weekend, with high temps near 80, lows in the 60s and a slight chance of rain. Rain chances disappear Sunday, when things will cool down a bit, with a high near 70 and a low dropping into the 50s.
Once Halloween passes by, this weekend we'll be looking at some of the last big fall festivals in the Wilmington area.
To wit: the Cape Fear Kite Festival, the N.C. Spot Festival, the Port City Blitz music festival, LakeFest and the St. Stanislaus Polish Festival.
Plus, there are a few touring shows and some top-notch live music, including the last concert of the year at Live Oak Bank Pavilion. Deets at the link below.
Happenings:14 things to do in Wilmington this weekend, including some of the last big fall festivals
Food writer Allison Ballard has a list of the November food and drink events you need to know about.
Plus, Chipotle comes to Leland, a list of open restaurants in Wilmington on Thanksgiving Day, and an update on what's happening with a closed Applebee's location.
That Wilmington's medical history is deeply intertwined with its local history makes a kind of sense.
Physicians, especially in the town's early years, were some of Wilmington's leading residents, and thus in a position to influence local events, as you'll see in our list of famous and otherwise important Wilmington doctors from history.
What's up, doctors?Wilmington's medical history: Famous physicians of the Port City
When you head to the polls on Election Day, don't be surprised if you're greeted by a DJ spinning some sweet tunes. Here's what's up with DJs at the Polls.
Plus, a list of November concerts in the Wilmington area, and a look at the Wilmington connections to season four of hit Netflix show "Outer Banks."
DJs at the Polls:National group to set up 'DJs at the Polls' in Wilmington to entertain, drive turnout
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(This story was updated to add new information.)
As you drive on Interstate 40 in the Murrayville area of New Hanover County, you'll notice a new sign highlighting a North Carolina college team's championship win. But it's not for the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Instead, the sign commemorates a university located nearly 160 miles away from the Port City.
It's dedicated to the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and reads "North Carolina Tar Heels 2023 Women's Tennis National Champions."
Here's what we know about when the sign was installed and the story behind it.
The sign was installed on Oct. 10, according to the N.C. Department of Transportation Division 2 and 3 Communications Office.
The UNC women's tennis team secured its first NCAA championship in May 2023.
The Tar Heels beat rival N.C. State 4-1 in their first appearance at the championship match since 2014. While the win was the team's first outdoor title, the Tar Heels won the last four Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA) Indoor Team National Championships.
While the location of the sign is ultimately selected by the university, allowed under a N.C. Department of Transportation policy, why the I-40 location in particular was chosen in unknown.
"The Department of Athletics works jointly with the (Department of Transportation) in selecting sign locations," Robbi Evans, senior associate athletic director for external affairs and strategic communications with the University of North Carolina, said in an email. "We provide them with general areas that we’d like the signs to be located across the state, based on where we have other championship signs ... and where other schools have signs."
While the university selects the general area in which they'd like the sign to be posted, the N.C. Department of Transportation picks the exact location, Evans said.
A similar sign is on I-40 in Raleigh commemorating a national title for N.C. State's women's cross-country team.
The N.C. Department of Transportation outlines several guidelines for colleges, universities, and other post-high school educational institutions looking to request championship signage on state-maintained roadways.
According to the policy, the following terms and conditions, among others, must be met:
Request for championship signage can be submitted by a school to the Board of Transportation through the Championship Sign Application Form.
A restaurant space on New Centre Drive has been empty since the closure of a national chain more than a year ago. Now, though, there’s activity there once again and plans from a well-known Wilmington restaurant family are underway.What happened to Applebee’s? The chain that is now known as Applebee’s Grill & Bar was founded in 1980 in Decatur, Georgia, and now has more than 1,500 locations. Last year, though, the brand announced they would be closing 33 locations and another 25-35 more in 2024. Many of t...
A restaurant space on New Centre Drive has been empty since the closure of a national chain more than a year ago. Now, though, there’s activity there once again and plans from a well-known Wilmington restaurant family are underway.
The chain that is now known as Applebee’s Grill & Bar was founded in 1980 in Decatur, Georgia, and now has more than 1,500 locations. Last year, though, the brand announced they would be closing 33 locations and another 25-35 more in 2024. Many of them were older locations, according to industry reports. The Wilmington location at 5120 New Centre Drive closed in September 2023. The Leland location at 1113 New Point Blvd. is still open.
More:Notable restaurants that closed in the Wilmington area in 2023
One of the area’s most prolific restauranteur families said they were immediately interested in the space. The Ibarra family recently opened their ninth Mexican restaurant in the Wilmington area. They also have four in the Jacksonville area. The local concepts include El Cerro Grande, El Mariscal Mexican Style Seafood, El Arriero Taqueria, Zocalo Street Food and Tequila, and Amanecer Cocina & Cafe?.
Expect something new, though, on New Centre Drive.
“We’re still working on the concept,” said Emmanuel Ibarra, adding that it will have a new look and a new name. “We want it to be a surprise."
More:Mexican restaurant family opens 9th spot in Wilmington, has 10th in the works
After the family recently opened a second of the breakfast and brunch restaurants in Ogden, they turned their attention to renovating the Applebee’s space. They hope to open by February 2025.
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Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected]
919-554-2223
