On Tuesday, September 29, 2026, Brightside Child & Family Advocacy will host Creating Brighter Futures, its signature community event focused on the children and families impacted by Chatham County’s child welfare system. The event will take place from 5:30–7:30 PM at Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.

Right now, more than 300 children are in foster care in Chatham County, with fewer than five DFCS case managers working to manage these cases. Behind those numbers are children and families navigating a child welfare system under immense strain.

“The child welfare system can feel complicated or far removed from everyday life, but these are children and families in our own community,” says Kate Blair, Executive Director of Brightside Child & Family Advocacy. “We want people to come, listen, learn, and understand what is happening here in Chatham County. You don't have to be a social worker or an advocate to care. You just have to be willing to see what children and families are experiencing and ask what role you can play.”

Creating Brighter Futures is built around a simple idea: Someone Got Me Here. Every person can name someone who helped them become who they are today. For children and families navigating the child welfare system, having someone in their corner can make all the difference.

This September, Brightside is inviting the community to come see the reality, hear the stories, and learn how you can be that someone.

Join us on September 29 for Creating Brighter Futures. Buy your ticket and join the conversation.

Tickets are available now at brightsideadvocacy.org/cbf