20 Years Later, CLC still stands for excellence in Child Advocacy
Twenty years ago, Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina (CLC) embarked on a journey—one born from a deep desire to protect and uplift children in their most vulnerable moments. Our doors opened in Forsyth County with a singular mission: to ensure children—innocent and voiceless—were heard and protected in high-conflict custody disputes. It was a mission driven by the stories of children caught in the crossfire of adult conflict. The small team at that point was made up of CLC Founders Penny Spry and Amy Kuhlman, along with a dedicated team of pro bono attorneys.
In those early days, our attorneys, operating as Guardians ad Litem (GAL), sat across from children whose worlds had been turned upside down, listening as they shared fears no child should ever know. CLC fought to give them more than just a voice in court—it fought to give them a sense of safety, stability, and the chance to dream again. This work is a pillar of the CLC and continues today under our Custody Advocacy Program, which is dedicated to serving children in both high conflict custody cases as well as domestic violence protective order cases.
In 2008 Iris Sunshine joined the team as a staff attorney, and in 2011 she took over leadership of CLC as executive director. Her leadership has been an ongoing testament to the power of our founders’ vision paired with Sunshine’s commitment. She has guided CLC with a simple yet profound belief: every child deserves to feel valued and protected. Under her guidance, CLC has not just grown—it has thrived, expanding its mission to meet the legal advocacy needs of children and families.
In 2014, at the request of the bench and the bar in Guilford County, CLC expanded our services into the county. First, we piloted our work out of the High Point Courthouse and in 2015 expanded to Greensboro to serve the entire county. Initially, CLC served only in domestic violence cases, however, in 2023, again at the request of the bench and the bar, we expanded our services to include high-conflict custody cases.
In 2017, CLC took another big step, tackling the struggles children face in the classroom. Education advocacy became a cornerstone of the organization’s work, addressing systemic barriers that prevent children from thriving in school. CLC recognized the need to stand beside children who felt invisible in their classrooms, helping them find their voices and their confidence. In 2023, our Education Advocacy Program was launched. The program works with families to empower them as they navigate the educational system, helping to ensure no child slips through the cracks.
CLC has served more than 1,750 children. Behind every number is a story. There’s the child who found safety in the arms of a loving caregiver after escaping a dangerous environment. There’s the teenager who, with CLC’s help, was given the necessary resources and found their place in the classroom. And there are so many others. These stories are not just victories—they are lifelines. They are proof that even in the darkest moments, hope can prevail.
CLC’s success is a testament to the power of community. It is built on the unwavering support of local businesses, nonprofits, donors, and volunteers who believe in the importance of advocacy. It is fortified by a dedicated Board of Directors, whose vision and commitment ensure the organization’s longevity. Most importantly, it is driven by the people who have placed their trust in CLC—the children who have opened their hearts to the organization, allowing CLC to walk alongside them in their most challenging times.
The gratitude and excitement everyone at CLC feels is immeasurable as we reflect on the first 20 years of advocacy and commitment to children. We are excited to see what the future brings. At its core, CLC will remain committed to its mission: to provide children with legal advocacy focusing on domestic violence, high-conflict custody, and the rights of students in public education. To the countless volunteers and supporters who speak up for the children, to the board members who guide the organization with wisdom and care, to the community partners who amplify our impact, and to the families who entrust us with their stories—thank you. Your belief in our mission lets their voices be heard.
As we look to the future, we invite you to join us in imagining what we can achieve together. The journey ahead is one of hope, compassion, and possibility. Here’s to creating a world where every child has the chance to dream, thrive, and shine—because of you and because of CLC. Here’s to the next 20 years.