A lasting impact on Children’s Law Center
It is our honor and pleasure to announce that Children’s Law Center (CLC) has received a transformational gift from the Strickland Graham Foundation made in memory of the late Judge William Thomas Graham, Junior. The gift, which is the largest in CLC’s 20-year history, will enable the organization to greatly expand our reach, strengthen our services, and advocate for the rights of even more children in need.
“This extraordinary gift is pivotal to our organization’s ability to meet the advocacy needs of children and families in our community and to ensure that our services continue for another 20 years and beyond,” said Iris Sunshine, Executive Director of Children’s Law Center of Central North Carolina. “With this funding, we will enhance our capacity to give vulnerable children a voice in the legal system, whether in high-conflict custody and domestic violence cases or for those facing disability discrimination or exclusionary discipline in our education system.”
Founded in 2005 in Forsyth County and expanded to include Guilford County in 2014, we are the only nonprofit organization serving as legal advocates for children in the central part of the state. We have a long history supporting children in custody cases. Building off that CLC launched its Education Advocacy Program (EAP) in 2023 to serve children with disabilities needing 504(b) or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and those facing exclusionary discipline such as suspension, expulsion, or alternative school placements.
The need for children’s legal advocacy has risen sharply in recent years. The philanthropic support from the Strickland Graham Foundation will enable us to establish a steadfast financial bedrock, ensuring long-term sustainability of our organization and its programs. This gift celebrates the work that has been done in the organization’s 20-year history and looks to launch CLC into a future of hope for a brighter tomorrow not only for our organization but for the countless children we will be able to help.
Judge Graham was elected to the District Court in 1996 serving Forsyth County for 20 years. Throughout his storied career, he appointed staff and volunteer attorneys from CLC’s Custody Advocacy Program to act as Guardians ad Litem in critical cases.
“William saw first-hand the impact of CLC’s work, and was certain that with their diligence and partnership, he would be able to uphold what was in the best interests of children facing really challenging circumstances,” said Cinny Strickland Graham, Graham’s wife. “Being a Guardian ad Litem is one of the hardest and most emotional roles a person can assume, but CLC’s professional advocates bring insight and compassion in critical moments. He had a great respect for what they do, as well as the people involved, and trusted their guidance.”
When CLC’s Custody Advocacy Program staff and volunteer attorneys are appointed by a District Court Judge to serve as Guardians ad Litem (GAL), they investigate each case and make recommendations regarding custody. Recommendations may also include connecting children and/or parents with mental and physical health services and educational assistance. The Judge makes the final decision in the case, including whether to accept the GAL's recommendations. A study by Wake Forest University School of Law in conjunction with CLC affirmed the benefits of having a Guardian ad Litem involved in the court’s work, including a decrease in later family violence and a higher likelihood of a final order that includes custody provisions to help ensure a child’s safety after domestic violence.
“Children’s Law Center provides a critical voice for children facing difficult challenges at home and at school while also working toward more just policies that provide children with greater opportunities to thrive,” said Sunshine. “We are grateful to the Strickland Graham Foundation and to our many supporters and volunteers who make this work possible. Through advocacy and awareness, we’re enabling better outcomes and brighter futures for more children and families across our community.”