Community Spotlight: Together We Can

In 2016, Julie and John Adams heard a sermon about fostering and adoption that changed everything. In 2017, they moved to Franklin, North Carolina, became licensed foster parents, and opened their home. They have fostered a number of children, and while the process is challenging at times, they believe every single child deserves to be loved.

Through years of fostering, the Adams family learned something crucial: while not everyone can foster, everyone can help. That realization became the foundation for Together We Can, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2023 to educate, support, and advocate for Macon County’s foster community. The organization operates on a simple, but powerful belief. Every child deserves to be loved, and love must be backed with resources, skills, and commitment. Together We Can serves as a trusted bridge between foster families, children in care, and Macon County Department of Social Services.

“Not everyone was made to foster, and that’s totally okay,” says Julie Adams, founder and executive director. “Our goal is to provide opportunities where everyone can use their gifts to help.”

Currently serving 50-70 children and families annually, Together We Can has built a comprehensive support system addressing both immediate needs and long-term stability. Monthly foster parent support groups create community and reduce isolation, providing a safe space to share challenges and celebrate victories. The Christmas gift drive ensures every child in Macon County’s foster care system receives presents, turning what could be a painful reminder of loss into a celebration. The back-to-school bash provides supplies, clothing, and backpacks so students start the year prepared and confident.

After-school tutoring helps kids stay on track academically, providing educational support that many miss due to instability. Life skills workshops teach teens practical independence skills, including budgeting, cooking, job interview preparation, and career readiness. The organization also provides direct caseworker support to Department of Social Services staff carrying heavy caseloads, recognizing that supporting caseworkers ultimately supports children and families.

Julie Adams personally serves on the Macon County DSS Board, separate from her Together We Can role. Her dual perspective as both foster parent and board member allows her to identify gaps in services and ensure Together We Can fills critical needs.

While current programs address immediate needs, Together We Can recognized a critical gap: what happens when foster youth age out? Right now, teens face an impossible reality. No housing. No job skills. No family support. While North Carolina offers extended foster care services for eligible youth ages 18-21, not every young person qualifies or participates, and many still lack comprehensive support to truly thrive. Those who aged out years ago are still struggling with nowhere to turn. At the same time, young pregnant mothers are fighting to keep families together, but lack resources to break the cycle before their children enter foster care. Zero housing options currently exist in Macon County to help either population.

Together We Can is addressing this by raising $2 million for a Community Expansion Project, creating three integrated properties that form a complete ecosystem of support. The first property, a Transitional Housing Complex requiring $700,000, will provide safe, supervised housing for teens aging out of foster care, young adults who have already aged out, and young mothers working toward stability. The first transitional house is already fully fundraised and renovated. The graduated independent living model includes individual and shared living arrangements, on-site staff support, life skills training, financial literacy education, GED support, career readiness programs, and trauma-informed counseling. At full operation, the complex will house 15-20 residents.

The second property, a Community Café developed in partnership with a local nonprofit, will serve as both a social enterprise and community gathering space. Located across from Franklin High School, the café will provide real-world job training in customer service and food service, while generating sustainable revenue through sales, catering, and events. This model builds dignity and independence while reducing reliance on donations. Within 1-3 years, the café is projected to employ 8-12 participants and cover 30-40% of operating expenses.

The third property, a Second Chance Thrift Store requiring $400,000, creates additional job opportunities, generates revenue, and increases community visibility about foster care needs. The property may also partner with organizations like Crossnore to provide additional foster home capacity. An educational building measuring 40 x 60 feet is currently under construction, housing meeting space, a teaching kitchen, and offices supporting programming across all properties.

The projected impact within 1-3 years includes housing and supporting 15-20 youth, with 100% enrolled in education or job training, and helping 5-7 young mothers achieve independent housing and keep families together. Within 3-5 years, the vision includes launching 30+ youth into successful independent living, expanding the model to neighboring counties, and creating a regional reduction in homelessness among aged-out foster youth.

What makes Together We Can unique is its holistic approach and deep community roots. The organization has built remarkable community trust. Individual community members make up 75% of the donor base. This is foster parents who’ve walked the journey, community members addressing needs in their own neighborhoods, and local businesses investing in the next generation.

For Macon County’s foster children and families, Together We Can is creating waves of lasting change.

For more information, visit their website or contact Julie Adams at julie@togetherwecan.xyz or 828-342-2563.