Dear Kenan Fellows and Alumni,
On behalf of the Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership (KFP) at N.C. State University and our network of educators, we extend our heartfelt support to our Kenan Fellows family and their communities in western North Carolina, which have been devastated by Hurricane Helene.
Over the past several days, the KFP team has worked tirelessly to reach out to our Western NC Fellows. While we are relieved to hear that many of them and their families are safe, they are facing severe challenges—including a lack of electricity, communication services, clean water, and access to food and fuel. Many of their schools may remain closed for weeks or even months, and when they reopen, they will be filled with students and teachers who have lost so much.
At KFP, we are committed to action. Our network of Fellows across the state has already stepped forward, asking how they can help. Right now, we believe the best way we can support them is by listening first—understanding the immediate and long-term needs of our educators so that we can provide the resources that are most useful for them as they lead their schools and communities through recovery.
Emergency Support Resources
N.C. State University has released a list of organizations leading Hurricane Helene recovery initiatives in Western North Carolina. Visit the resource page to see ways you can help with those efforts in our Western NC communities.
You can also sign up for updates from the North Carolina Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network (NCIDR). Additionally, you can access NCIDR’s living resource guide by visiting this Google Doc.
To our Western NC Fellows: as your needs become clearer in the coming days and weeks, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You are best positioned to tell us how we can support you and your students. If you have not yet had the chance to check in with us, please do so whenever you feel ready. To the broader KFP network: if you or your community have experienced a similar life-changing event, we welcome your insights on what resources were most valuable during recovery. Please share your experiences so we can better support our Fellows.
Lastly, to all members of the KFP community: we are here to listen and to help. Feel free to reach out to Vance Kite (vkite@ncsu.edu) or Mark Townley (matownle@ncsu.edu) if we can offer a listening ear or any form of support. As always, KFP remains dedicated to supporting and investing in North Carolina’s educators and their communities.
With Respect,
Vance Kite
Director, Kenan Fellows Program for Teacher Leadership