Gracie Parker
Gracie Parker’s extraordinary life is a testament to resilience, leadership, and the profound impact a young person can have on their community and beyond. Her journey began at just six months old, marked by the devastating loss of her mother to substance abuse and the subsequent placement in the care of her grandparents. This early trauma, compounded by the absence of her incarcerated and substance-abusing father, could have easily defined her future. Instead, Gracie chose to defy adversity, transforming her pain into a powerful force for positive change.
From the tender age of five, Gracie began openly confronting the trauma she had endured, bravely sharing her story and channeling her experiences into impactful advocacy. Her activism wasn’t a passive undertaking; it began with concrete actions. Volunteering alongside her grandparents at Smokey Mountain Harm Reduction, organizing fundraisers at just five years old, and spearheading a school-wide initiative collecting supplies for over 100 blessing bags for the homeless – Gracie’s dedication was evident from the very beginning.
Her influence expanded rapidly. Appearances on podcasts like “Addict II Athletes” and “Recovery Road,” interviews with prominent media outlets such as USA Today and the Laurel of Asheville, and impactful speeches at local, state, and national events cemented her role as a leading voice for youth mental health. Her participation in the 2022 Inaugural Trail of Truth rally in Washington, D.C., the organization of the now-annual Youth Mental Health Rally (starting in April 2023), and involvement in over 25 additional events and organizations across Western North Carolina and beyond demonstrate an unwavering commitment. These engagements encompassed meetings with key figures like NC DHHS Secretary Kinsley, numerous Rotary Clubs, and a second appearance at the Trail of Truth rally. Further showcasing her determination, she addressed the Department of Justice at the RAPP rally, representing the often-overlooked voices of opioid orphans, and even spoke at a Republican Study Committee Luncheon in the Capitol to over 60 Congressmen, including personal meetings with Congressmen Chuck Edwards and Greg Murphy.
Driven by a critical awareness of the lack of data on the impact of trauma on children, especially exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Gracie spearheaded a vital initiative: advocating for the reinstatement of the Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Recognizing the urgent need for a deeper understanding of the root causes of behavioral issues, she also championed the allocation of at least 25% of county opioid lawsuit funds towards youth mental health trauma counselors in elementary schools and improved programs for middle and high schools. She’s even advocating for the creation of a risk behavior survey specifically designed for elementary school students, highlighting her profound understanding of the need to address mental health needs at the earliest stages of development.
As a valued member of the VAYA mental health Taskforce, Gracie continues to collaborate extensively with local and statewide organizations. Her commitment extends beyond advocacy; in September 2023, she published “Shattered—How substance abuse shattered our lives and how we put the pieces back together,” with proceeds benefiting WhyUsKids. The book’s impact was further amplified by presentations to the City Council, school board, and County Commissioners. Gracie’s dedication to empowering others is evident in her development of a workshop, “How to Start a Movement in Your Own Backyard,” designed to inspire and equip other young people to become agents of change.
Her exceptional contributions have been recognized with the 2023 Youth Citizenship Award from the Franklin, NC Chamber of Commerce. The second annual youth mental health rally, held April 28th, 2024, further showcased her leadership, featuring esteemed speakers including NC DHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley, school board members, a County Commissioner, the Mayor of Franklin, and the Sheriff.
NC Child, a statewide organization in North Carolina, had Gracie be their Keynote Speaker at their Inaugural “State of the Child” event in Raleigh, NC.
Gracie’s story is not just about overcoming adversity; it’s about inspiring hope and shaping a brighter future for generations to come and to being the voice for children everywhere.
(Gracie will be speaking on the Day of) recovery event August 9 th come meet her see her book she published and learn.)