Each year, about 400 children in New Hanover and Pender counties in the 6th Judicial District are removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect or drug dependency and placed in foster or kinship homes. They are removed from everything that is familiar to them, including their school or any friends. While very basic needs like food and shelter are covered, these children often have missed school due to their home circumstances but then fall farther behind due to placement changes — leaving them disconnected, struggling in school and at risk for future challenges or a life of crime.
For 25 years, the nonprofit Cape Fear Guardian Ad Litem Association (CFGALA) has stood beside these children, partnering with court-appointed volunteer guardian ad litem advocates to meet their unique needs. Through the generosity of donors, CFGALA provides everything from tutoring, summer camp, dance, arts, recreational sports teams and therapeutic activities — ensuring every child in foster care feels supported, loved and empowered to succeed. All GALs are volunteers and CFGALA is run entirely by a volunteer board with no paid employees.
