North Carolina Charity Wins Global Awards for Storytelling Amid Foster Care Crisis

GREENSBORO, NC – June 17, 2026 – Children’s Home Society of North Carolina (CHS) has earned international acclaim for its innovative use of video storytelling, securing two prestigious Telly Awards for campaigns designed to highlight the state's urgent need for foster families. The recognition places the 120-year-old non-profit on a global stage alongside major media corporations and production houses, validating its creative strategy for driving social change.

The organization received a Silver Telly Award for its “Real Families/Real Impact Campaign” and a Bronze Telly Award for its “Meredith & Sione Reality Series.” Established in 1979, the Telly Awards represent a global benchmark for excellence in video and television, drawing more than 13,000 entries annually from six continents. This achievement marks a significant step up for CHS, which received regional Telly recognition in 2024, now elevating its message to an international audience.

The Power of Authentic Storytelling

At the heart of CHS's award-winning strategy is a commitment to authenticity. Rather than relying on actors or scripts, the organization chose to feature the real-life journeys of North Carolina families involved in the foster care system. The “Meredith & Sione Reality Series,” which earned the Bronze Telly, offers an unvarnished and intimate look into the daily life of one foster family. The series documents their challenges, triumphs, and the profound emotional rewards of fostering, effectively demystifying the process for potential caregivers.

Similarly, the Silver Telly-winning “Real Families/Real Impact Campaign” was designed to raise awareness and inspire direct action. Through compelling personal narratives, the campaign illustrates the tangible difference that foster families make in the lives of children. This approach moves beyond abstract statistics, creating a powerful emotional connection with viewers.

“These awards reflect not only the dedication, creativity, and expertise of our marketing team, but also the power and authenticity of the stories we share with our communities,” said Becky Alley, Chief Marketing Officer for CHS. “We are grateful for the families who trusted us to share their journeys and honored to see those stories recognized on an international stage.”

This focus on genuine experience aligns with a broader trend in non-profit communication, where authentic narratives have proven more effective at engaging audiences and mobilizing support than traditional advertising. By giving a platform to real families, CHS builds trust and provides a relatable window into a world that many people may not fully understand.

A Global Stage for a Critical Local Need

The international recognition from the Telly Awards does more than validate a marketing campaign; it amplifies a critical message at a crucial time. North Carolina is currently facing a significant shortage of foster families. According to recent data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, approximately 10,000 children are in the state's foster care system on any given day. The need is particularly acute for older youth, sibling groups who need to be placed together, and children with specialized medical or behavioral needs.

When there are not enough foster homes, children may be placed in group settings or residential facilities, which are widely considered less ideal for a child's development than a stable, family-based environment. In some cases, children are placed in homes far from their schools, friends, and communities, causing further disruption to their lives. The campaigns from Children's Home Society directly address this crisis by working to expand the pool of qualified and dedicated foster parents.

Winning these awards provides an invaluable platform, lending credibility and visibility to the organization's recruitment efforts. It shines a global spotlight on a local problem, potentially inspiring individuals both within and outside North Carolina to learn more about fostering and get involved. The Telly Awards are judged by a council of over 250 industry leaders, and their endorsement signals that CHS's work meets the highest standards of impact and production quality.

A 120-Year Mission Fueled by Modern Methods

For more than a century, Children’s Home Society of North Carolina has worked to provide safe, permanent, and loving families for children through a wide range of services, including adoption, family preservation, and parenting support. This latest achievement in digital media demonstrates the organization's ability to adapt its methods to meet the demands of the modern world while staying true to its foundational mission.

The success of the “Real Families/Real Impact Campaign” and the “Meredith & Sione Reality Series” showcases how strategic, high-quality media production can be a powerful tool for non-profits. In a competitive digital landscape, CHS has proven that a local charity can produce content that rivals that of major commercial brands, capturing the attention of both the public and industry experts.

By leveraging the power of video storytelling, the non-profit is not just winning awards; it is building a community of support and actively working to change the trajectory of children's lives. The ultimate goal of these campaigns is not the accolades, but the outcome: ensuring every child in North Carolina has the opportunity to thrive in a family. The recognition serves as a powerful catalyst, driving awareness and inspiring the action needed to turn that vision into a reality.