Behind every strong community are people quietly changing lives.

In Brunswick County, one of those forces for good is Samara’s Village, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting young mothers and helping them build stable, hopeful futures for themselves and their children. In this exclusive conversation, Discover NC Homes Owner/Broker Nolan Formalarie sits down with Executive Director DeRee Jackson to explore the mission, the impact, and the vision behind Samara’s Village — along with a preview of their highly anticipated upcoming Gala.

It’s a story of compassion, responsibility, and community coming together to make a lasting difference.

A Mission Rooted in Support and Empowerment

Samara’s Village is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving youth and young families throughout Brunswick County. Its mission is clear and powerful: to educate, equip, and empower young parents to raise healthy babies and build stable lives.

The organization supports parents from pregnancy through the first three years of a child’s life — a crucial developmental period for both parent and child.

This long-term approach ensures that families are not just given temporary help, but real tools and guidance to create sustainable stability.

Essential Resources for Young Parents

One of the most impactful aspects of Samara’s Village is its commitment to meeting the immediate needs of young families.

Participants in the program receive a “Healthy Beginnings” baby shower experience that provides essential, brand-new, safe baby equipment such as:

  • Cribs and mattresses

  • Strollers

  • High chairs

  • Baby carriers

  • Other critical infant supplies

For many young parents, these items represent a significant financial burden. By providing them, Samara’s Village allows parents to focus on education, work, and building a stable future without being overwhelmed by initial costs.

Education That Lasts Beyond Infancy

Beyond physical support, education plays a central role in the program. Parents complete an accredited curriculum developed through Florida State University that covers topics from pregnancy through early childhood development.

This structured learning ensures that parents understand:

  • Infant health and safety

  • Early childhood development

  • Nutrition and wellness

  • Responsible parenting practices

Each participant is paired with a dedicated mentor who provides guidance, encouragement, and accountability. These mentors are not counselors but trusted advisors who help young parents stay on track with education, parenting responsibilities, and personal goals.

The mentorship model creates a strong support network — often becoming a lifeline for young parents navigating challenging circumstances.

Building Stronger Futures for Young Families

Teen and young adult parents often face overwhelming challenges. Many must balance school, work, and parenting responsibilities simultaneously.

Samara’s Village ensures that these young individuals are not left behind. By providing education, resources, and emotional support, the organization helps them continue building their own futures while raising healthy children.

The goal is simple yet profound:
Healthy parents. Healthy babies. Stronger communities.

Expanding Community Education in Brunswick County

Samara’s Village is also expanding its impact beyond enrolled families by offering educational initiatives for the wider Brunswick County community.

These programs include:

  • Infant safety education

  • Awareness about shaken baby syndrome

  • Information on fetal alcohol syndrome

  • Hands-on baby simulation tools for educational outreach

By educating the broader community, Samara’s Village helps prevent crises before they begin and promotes healthier outcomes for all families.

A Decade of Impact and a Vision for the Future

As Samara’s Village celebrates its growth and continued impact in Brunswick County, its leadership remains focused on expanding services, strengthening partnerships, and reaching more families in need.

Community support — through donations, volunteering, and awareness — plays a critical role in sustaining and expanding these programs.

Organizations like Samara’s Village remind us that strong communities are built not just through development and growth, but through compassion, mentorship, and shared responsibility.

A Journey of Hope: Samara’s Village Magical Wonderland Gala

Samara’s Village is celebrating a major milestone with its very first Gala, marking 10 years of impact in Brunswick County and honoring the young mothers and families the organization serves. Titled “A Journey of Hope – A Magical Wonderland Gala,” this special evening will take place March 21, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM, at the Homer Wright Center in St. James. Designed as both a fundraiser and a celebration of a decade of service, the event will immerse guests in an enchanting Alice in Wonderland–inspired theme, complete with creative décor, live entertainment, and memorable experiences that reflect the spirit of hope at the heart of Samara’s Village.

Guests will enjoy a full buffet dinner, live music from a professional pianist, silent and timed auctions, and a 30-minute stage performance by Chriswell, a professional traveling magician, who will also present close-up magic throughout the evening. Tickets are $75 for general admission and $100 for the Queen’s Court experience, which includes additional perks and tableside magic. Seating is limited to 250 guests, and community members are encouraged to reserve early. Tickets and sponsorship information are available at www.samarasvillage.org, where individuals and businesses can also explore sponsorship opportunities ranging from the Cheshire Cat level to the Red Queen presenting sponsor, each offering meaningful ways to support the mission while being part of an unforgettable evening.

Discover NC Homes: Supporting Community and Homeownership

At Discover NC Homes, community involvement is a core value. Supporting local nonprofits and highlighting organizations that make Brunswick County a better place to live is part of what makes this region so special.

If you are considering buying or selling a home in Brunswick County, Southport, or the surrounding coastal communities, working with a knowledgeable local team can make all the difference.

🌟 Learn More or Get Involved

Samara’s Village
Website: https://samarasvillage.org/
Phone: (910) 294-0292
Email: contact@samarasvillage.org

Discover NC Homes provides expert guidance, personalized service, and deep local insight to help you find the right home and become part of a thriving community.

To learn more or begin your real estate journey, contact Discover NC Homes today.
Website: www.DiscoverNChomes.com
Phone: (910) 363-4387
Email: frontdesk@discovernchomes.com