About Us | Peers Plus 1

Mission Statement
PEERS Plus collaborates with families and the community to prevent and intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect, fostering safer, healthier homes.

Vision Statement
Together with community partners, PEERS Plus provides services that build healthy, nurtured, and empowered families.

What PEERS Plus Stands For
PEERS Plus represents Parents, Education, Empathy, Rapport, and Support. These core principles guide every aspect of the organization’s services, which aim to strengthen families through education, emotional support, and trusted connections.

Our Roots

In 1974, the Federal Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act identified child abuse and neglect as major public concerns. In response, leaders in Jacksonville and Camp LeJeune formed a steering committee to develop meaningful, local solutions.

By 1977, the Jacksonville Jaycees contributed $2,000 in seed funding, matched by Onslow County Social Services. This support launched a day treatment program for abused and neglected children and their families. With a part-time director and dedicated volunteers, PEERS opened at Midville Baptist Church, initially serving six mothers and their toddlers through its first parenting education program.

Over the decades, PEERS expanded its services to meet the growing needs of families:

Parenting Education Enhancement (PEE): Classes focused on early childhood nurturing, positive parenting, stress management, and more.
Community Outreach: Free diapers, formula, car seat safety checks, pack-n-plays, and a self-serve food pantry offered through partnerships with local agencies and civic organizations.

Through continuous growth and collaboration, PEERS has remained committed to strengthening families and supporting child well-being across Onslow County.

A Community Driven Approach

PEERS Plus thrives through collaboration. From partnering with Onslow County DSS and United Way to launching TASCO (Turning Adversity into Success for Children in Onslow), PEERS Plus consistently seeks innovative ways to support families. Community Cafés and resilience screenings now open conversations about childhood trauma and protective factors, helping families heal and grow.

Despite funding changes and evolving needs, PEERS Plus remains steadfast in its commitment to breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect. Staff, volunteers, and community supporters carry forward the legacy of the organization’s founders, ensuring PEERS Plus remains a pillar of strength for Onslow County.

Mission Statement PEERS Plus collaborates with families and the community to prevent and intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect, fostering safer, healthier homes.

Vision Statement Together with community partners, PEERS Plus provides services that build healthy, nurtured, and empowered families.

What PEERS Plus Stands For PEERS Plus represents Parents, Education, Empathy, Rapport, and Support. These core principles guide every aspect of the organization’s services, which aim to strengthen families through education, emotional support, and trusted connections.

Mission Statement
PEERS Plus collaborates with families and the community to prevent and intervene in cases of child abuse and neglect, fostering safer, healthier homes.

Vision Statement
Together with community partners, PEERS Plus provides services that build healthy, nurtured, and empowered families.

What PEERS Plus Stands For
PEERS Plus represents Parents, Education, Empathy, Rapport, and Support. These core principles guide every aspect of the organization’s services, which aim to strengthen families through education, emotional support, and trusted connections.