Last Updated on February 14, 2026 7:23 pm
Boone, NC- The Children’s Council of Watauga County is proud to announce the renewal of its Family Forward NC Employer Certification, reaffirming the organization’s commitment to creating a workplace where employees and their families can thrive.
Family Forward NC, an initiative of the North Carolina Early Childhood Foundation, recognizes employers that adopt researchbased, familyfriendly practices proven to support child wellbeing, strengthen families, and improve business outcomes. Renewal of this certification signals that the Children’s Council continues to meet and actively uphold these high standards.
Why This Matters to Us
At the Watauga County Children’s Council, our mission is rooted in strengthening the foundations of healthy child development. We know that children flourish when the adults who care for them are supported, stable, and able to balance work and family responsibilities. Maintaining this certification reflects our belief that familyfriendly workplaces are not just beneficial — they are essential.
Our team members serve families across the High Country every day. By ensuring our own staff have access to flexible scheduling, paid leave, wellness supports, and policies that honor caregiving responsibilities, we model the very practices we encourage in our community. This renewal is a testament to our ongoing effort to live our values internally as well as externally.
Staff member Wesley Berry shared that “this certification is a reminder to our whole staff that we are our organizations top resource, and that resource will be cared for. It’s not just a certification, it’s a standard.”
Why This Matters to Our Community
Familyfriendly workplaces strengthen the entire local ecosystem. When employers adopt policies that support working parents and caregivers:
- Children experience more stability and positive early development
- Families face fewer barriers to employment and economic mobility
- Businesses benefit from improved retention, productivity, and morale
- The broader community gains a healthier, more resilient workforce
As a longstanding advocate for children and families in Watauga County, we believe our role includes demonstrating what supportive workplace culture can look like. Our renewed certification underscores our commitment to being a community leader in this space.
A Continued Commitment
“Our mission is family and becoming a Family Forward NC Certified Employer was a natural extension of our mission and a very concrete way that the Children’s Council could literally walk our talk,” says Elisha Childers, Executive Director of the Children’s Council. “I am very proud to have been the first employer in Watauga County to earn this certification and am equally proud of the local organizations who have also earned, or who are in the process of earning the certification.”
The Children’s Council vision is “For every child in our community to have the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential in a community that supports, nurtures and empowers children and families.” The Children’s Council of Watauga County will continue to evaluate and expand its family-friendly practices to meet the evolving needs of its team and community, while also continuing to strive for internal excellence.
