A Grandmother’s Journey: From Guardian to Staff Member
Grandmother Joanne Lambert’s story with NCCHS is one of resilience, transformation, and giving back. A devoted grandmother to four children, Joanne’s journey with NCCHS began nearly a decade ago when she became the guardian of her grandson Mason.
She first learned about NCCHS from a neighbor. She wanted Mason to have the care and support he needed. Over two years at NCCHS, Mason experienced significant growth—improved speech and enhanced social and emotional skills. When it was time for kindergarten, Joanne felt confident that he was well-prepared, thanks to the resources and guidance NCCHS provided.
Ten years later, Joanne found herself in a similar situation with another grandson, Brayden. At age two, Brayden struggled with speech and was placed in a baby room at his daycare. Recognizing he needed more support, Joanne enrolled him at NCCHS when he turned three. From day one, NCCHS provided immediate assistance, engaging Child Find to assess Brayden’s needs. This led to critical interventions, including surgery to remove his tonsils and adenoids and occupational therapy.
Brayden thrived at NCCHS and made remarkable progress in all areas of development. This fall, he successfully started kindergarten, armed with the tools and support NCCHS helped Joanne secure. “If it wasn’t for NCCHS, I wouldn’t have known how to get the help Brayden needed,” Joanne shared.
Joanne’s experience with NCCHS didn’t just impact her grandchildren—it transformed her own life. While Brayden was enrolled, Joanne furthered her education, earning certifications in planning, scheduling, and operations management from DelTech. She also served on the Policy Council for two years, gaining valuable insight into the NCCHS’s mission.
On August 14, 2024, Joanne joined NCCHS as a Family Advocate, inspired by the support she received from Grace, the advocate who helped her through her challenges. “Grace is like family to me, like a sister. She, along with the entire Head Start team, gave me inspiration to give back to others,” Joanne said. Now, Joanne works alongside Grace, providing the same care and guidance she once received.
Joanne credits NCCHS for changing her life. “What NCCHS did for my grandchildren and for me was so much. I never would have expected to have this career in a million years. To go to work and be happy every day—that’s everything. I am so happy to be there for the families, children, and guardians who need help—just like I did.”
