Last Updated on September 21, 2026 4:15 pm
Least of These Carolinas, a Gastonia-based foster care nonprofit, is opening a second hub location in Wilkes County. The organization provides programs and services to children experiencing foster and kinship care in the Carolinas, and its new hub will serve Wilkes, Caldwell, Watauga, Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe and Avery counties.
“We are working toward solving one of the largest problems in the nation – children lingering in the foster care system who aren't well supported,” said Susanna Kavanaugh, Executive Director of Least of These Carolinas. The nonprofit positively impacts children in foster and kinship care by offering empowering opportunities and resources through a variety of programs and events, where children with unmet needs gain dignity, self-worth and learn they are loved and supported.
To introduce itself to the Wilkes regional community, Least of These Carolinas is hosting an informational luncheon on Oct. 8, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at The Chapel at YMCA Camp Harrison in Boomer. Registrants will receive lunch and learn about what Least of These Carolinas offers, how it will serve and integrate into the region, and how community members can get involved. Registration can be completed at givebutter.com/wilkes-hub-luncheon.
Involvement opportunities include volunteering for program events, community outreach and daily in-office tasks; donating as a Wilkes Hub Founding Partner or to the Frontline fund for children in foster care; and partnering as a church, business or other organization to rally around vulnerable youth in the community.
Least of These Carolinas was founded in 2013 by Susanna Kavanaugh and Michelle Buchanan and offers eight intentional, child-first programs for youth experiencing foster and kinship care, working alongside an active DSS caseworker. Its Gaston County regional hub serves Gaston, Mecklenburg, Cleveland, Lincoln, Burke, Rutherford, McDowell and Catawba counties. For more information, visit lotcarolinas.com.
