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Stories of Impact: The Relatives

This Story of Impact highlights The Relatives, a Women’s Impact Fund grantee. The Relatives’ vision is to be a Relative to the vulnerable youth and young adults in our community, by enabling them to achieve independence through comprehensive services tailored to their individualized needs, in a space where they feel loved, supported and accepted as their authentic selves.

Darion is a determined young man who came from a tough home situation. Abandoned by his mother, he was raised by his grandmother—the one person who made him feel safe and loved. Her passing shattered his world. Grief consumed him, and school no longer felt like a place he belonged.

Then came the words no child should hear: a teacher told Darion he would never succeed. At just 16, he dropped out, lost and alone.

But Darion didn’t give up. In 2018, he walked through the doors of The Relatives’ On Ramp Resource Center. He came for a hot meal—but found something far more powerful: people who saw his worth. Staff encouraged him to pursue his GED, and for years, he worked tirelessly, passing three of four tests.

Life threw more challenges his way—housing instability, financial stress—but The Relatives stood by him. In 2022, he joined their Housing Program, learning to budget, save, and rebuild his life. In 2024, a new tutor named Pendle reignited his hope.

Her empathy and belief in him made all the difference. With support, transportation, and relentless encouragement, Darion passed his final GED test in February. The Relatives celebrated him with a full graduation ceremony—caps, gowns, music, and tears of joy.

Darion’s journey reminds us: with love, support, and a second chance, anything is possible. At The Relatives, young people like Darion find not just services—but family.

Learn more by visiting: TheRelatives.org

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Janet LaBar

Executive Director​
jlabar@womensimpactfund.org

With more than 25 years of experience, Janet has a proven track record of leading organizations and teams in developing strategies that foster thriving communities. Her career is dedicated to the well-being of the places she serves, and the people and businesses within them, positioning her as a trusted sounding board, critical thinker, and purposeful protagonist across corporate, government, education, entrepreneurial, and civic spheres.
Janet joined Women’s Impact Fund in June 2025 to guide one of Charlotte’s most respected, women-led philanthropic organizations into its next phase of growth and impact. In partnership with the Women’s Impact Fund team, Board, Advisors, members, volunteers, and key community partners, she will continue strengthening communities by maximizing women’s leadership in philanthropy through collective giving, education, and engagement.
Inspired by her family, teams who dare greatly, and people and communities striving to be their best selves, Janet’s impactful career includes leadership roles as President and CEO of Charlotte Regional Business Alliance, President and CEO of Greater Portland Inc, and Chief Performance Officer of Greater Phoenix Economic Council. As a first-generation Filipino American, her lived experience deeply informs her professional drive to create equitable economic growth and opportunity in the metro areas she’s served.
She holds a BA in Communication Arts from the University of West Florida and an MBA in Marketing from the University of Phoenix. Janet and her husband James are proud parents to an older daughter, and a daughter and son who are twins.