New state investment will allow children, youth and families hit hardest by Tropical Storm Helene to have access to free after-school, weekend, and summer camp programs, Gov. Josh Stein's office announced Nov. 20.

Alongside the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and the Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina, an total of $3.75 million is being set aside for the WNC Thrive initiative, a program launched the state health agency to help children and families recover from the devastating impacts of Helene. The program spans 22 counties, including Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Caldwell, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rowan, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey counties.

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