Mental Health & Advocacy
Sometimes the challenges facing a family go beyond food insecurity.
For individuals and families who need mental health, family or advocacy support, we are proud to be connected with our sister organisation, Family 4 Eternity Advocacy.
A Separate Organisation,
Created to Make Mental Support More Accessible
Family 4 Eternity Advocacy is a separate sister nonprofit providing mental health and advocacy services at substantially reduced fees.
It was established to help make professional support more accessible to individuals and families who may find standard private-service costs out of reach.
Need Mental Health or Advocacy Support?
Visit the Family 4 Eternity Advocacy website to learn about available services, reduced fees and how to get help.
Family 4 Eternity’s food assistance and community services remain completely free of charge.
Family 4 Eternity Advocacy operates separately.
Any fees, payments or donations relating to Advocacy are made directly to Family 4 Eternity Advocacy
and do not go through Family 4 Eternity.
Family 4 Eternity Advocacy Welcomes Executive Director
Strengthening Support for Families Across Western Tidewater
Family 4 Eternity Advocacy has taken an important step forward with the appointment of Mackenzie Lewis as executive director to help lead its growing mental health and family-support mission.
The organization was created in June 2024 by Charles Bazdanes, founder of Family 4 Eternity, the Capron-based nonprofit known for its food-focused community work.
Family 4 Eternity Advocacy was established as a sister organization to help address mental health needs in Western Tidewater.
Welcoming New Leadership
Mackenzie Lewis
Lewis began helping Family 4 Eternity in March 2026 and officially joined Family 4 Eternity Advocacy as executive director in June 2026.
She holds a Master of Science degree in marriage and family therapy and a bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from East Carolina University.
Her background supports the organization’s focus on expanding access to meaningful mental health and family services in rural communities.
A Commitment to Rural Mental Health Access
For Lewis, the opportunity closely reflects a long-standing professional goal.
“It has long been a career goal of mine to help bridge the gaps in access to quality mental health services in rural communities,” Lewis said.
“Through Family 4 Eternity Advocacy, I am honored to have the privilege of serving Southampton County and the surrounding communities by helping expand access to meaningful, compassionate mental health support.”
A Mission Built Around Connection and Access
Family 4 Eternity Advocacy envisions a connected and empowered community where every individual and family has equitable access to the support, resources and opportunities they need to thrive.
Its mission is to strengthen individuals, families and communities by expanding access to mental health and family support, advocating for those facing barriers, connecting people with essential resources, and providing education and training through collaborative community partnerships.
Supporting People Where Needs Arise
A Commitment to Rural Mental Health Access
Supporting People Where Needs Arise
Mackenzie Lewis and a small group of fellow volunteers forming Family 4 Eternity Advocacy have already played a meaningful role in serving the community.
The organization has assisted with more than 3,126 client intakes involving anxiety, depression, food trauma and emergency needs.
That support has taken place during food distributions, programs and other Family 4 Eternity activities.
Helping Address Gaps in Local Resources
Family 4 Eternity Advocacy has been instrumental in helping the organization respond to needs in what he described as a resource-starved area.
With dedicated leadership now in place, Family 4 Eternity Advocacy continues its work of connecting individuals and families with mental health support, essential resources, education and community-based assistance throughout Southampton County and the surrounding communities.
