The Feeling Friends Community

Building emotionally intelligent, culturally responsive communities through education, leadership, advocacy, and meaningful partnerships that create lasting change.

Featured by WXII 12 News

Covering stories that matter in our community.

Skyland School Purchased for a New Future

A local nonprofit, formed by community members, successfully purchased the historic, vacant Skyland Elementary School in East Winston-Salem from Forsyth County to transform it into a community hub with educational and intergenerational programs, aiming to open by early 2026, according to a November 2025 report.

The building, used as a Head Start center until recently, was bought after community advocacy, with commissioners prioritizing the neighborhood’s vision for the site.

A New Chapter for Skyland School

Once a place of learning for generations of children, Skyland School is beginning a new chapter as The EI Factory at Skyland. This historic building is being transformed into a welcoming community center where children, families, educators, and organizations can learn, heal, grow, and build stronger relationships through emotional intelligence.

The renewed Skyland School will offer educational programs, family support, youth leadership, creative learning, workforce development, and opportunities for community collaboration. More than a renovated building, it represents a lasting investment in East Winston-Salem and a future where children feel seen, families receive meaningful support, and the entire community can thrive together.

Welcome to Our Evolving Mission

We are thrilled to announce the next chapter in our community support and enrichment journey. While Nourishing Forsyth (NF) remains an integral part of our history and continues as an active initiative, we proudly introduce our new non-profit organization, The Feeling Friends Community Center for Culturally Responsive Emotional Intelligence (TFFCC). Building on the solid groundwork laid by NF, TFFCC is a natural progression in our mission.

While NF has been instrumental in addressing the nutritional needs of our community and fostering a sense of togetherness, TFFCC expands our horizons to include the crucial aspect of emotional intelligence, with a strong emphasis on cultural responsiveness. At TFFCC, we passionately commit to creating a nurturing environment where emotional well-being takes center stage.

We do this through various culturally relevant programs and resources, empowering individuals with the tools to navigate their emotions effectively. Our ultimate goal is to foster a resilient and inclusive community. We deeply appreciate your ongoing support as we embark on this thrilling new journey. We will nourish body and mind together, forging a stronger, more connected community.

TFFCC’s foundation is LOVE.

Commitment to Equity, Inclusion & Social Justice

We believe emotionally healthy communities are built on equity, inclusion, and belonging. Through culturally responsive emotional intelligence, community partnerships, and meaningful dialogue, we empower individuals and families while creating spaces where every voice is valued and every person has the opportunity to thrive.

Equity

Creating fair opportunities and removing barriers so every child, family, and educator can succeed.

Inclusion

Building welcoming environments where diverse voices, experiences, and identities are respected and celebrated.

Social Justice

Using education, emotional intelligence, and community action to promote lasting, positive change.

The Superintendent's Institute

At The Superintendent’s Institute (TSI), we empower Black girls through our Emotional Intelligent Leader curriculum, addressing systemic inequalities and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

We break through barriers of fear, shame, and guilt, enabling girls to discuss their past and present ACEs in a safe environment. Collaborating with diverse stakeholders, we foster transformation in school communities, ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

Our approach builds trust, encouraging honest communication and emotional literacy. Our work has a significant impact. Through community collaboration, we develop effective solutions to the pressing community problem of ACEs.

Stories of Impact

Real stories. Real growth. Real change. Explore how our programs are transforming lives through emotional intelligence, leadership, and community partnerships.

The Queen Juneteenth Scholarship Pageant

Join Black high school girls as they embark on their Emotional Intelligence Leadership journey.

The Parkland Lady Mustangs

Experience how introducing emotional intelligence leadership on Wednesdays turned the Parkland Lady Mustangs into a winning team.

The Kimberley Park Outdoor Learning Center

Experience the intersection of nature, social and emotional learning, unconstrained instruction, and The Feeling Friends within an outdoor learning center at Kimberley Park Elementary School.

System Change Community

Nourishing Forsyth (NF) is a community-driven Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) initiative dedicated to building a healthier, trauma-informed, and emotionally intelligent Forsyth County. Emerging from the Forsyth Family Power Think-and-Do Tank, NF places community voices at the center of decision-making and drives meaningful system change through collaboration.

Together with educators, families, nonprofits, and local partners, NF invests in place-based programs that address educational inequities, racial wealth disparities, and multi-generational economic mobility. By combining emotional intelligence with community leadership, we help create systems that reflect local values, strengthen resilience, and empower every child and family to thrive.

NF's foundation is LOVE! ❤️

We Stand in Solidarity

We stand in solidarity with Action4Equity as youth and family advocates committed to creating safer, healthier, and more equitable communities. Through partnership, advocacy, and emotional intelligence, we support initiatives that address systemic challenges while empowering children, families, educators, and community leaders to build lasting change together.

Ending Gun Violence

Supporting community-led solutions that help prevent and reduce gun violence across Forsyth County.

Trauma-Informed Education

Advocating for safe, inclusive learning environments through culturally responsive, trauma-informed education.

Community Advocacy

Working with local partners to advance educational equity, emotional wellness, and lasting community impact.

Our Opportunity to Love

Bring Together

Uniting people who believe love is the foundation for stronger communities.

Show Community

Breaking down barriers and creating meaningful connections through shared purpose.

Create Hope

Building uplifting experiences where compassion, healing, and emotional wellness can thrive.

Winston-Salem Terheels

The Feelings Company partners with Coach Danny and the Winston-Salem Tarheels to provide a community-based social and emotional program and practices that reflect community values and strengths.

Love may not be pretty and it may not be perfect, but it’s all we need.

-Coach Daniel Cannady

Winston-Salem Tarheels

Read what Coach Danny says to the Feeling Friends About Love.

My Essential Emotional Development (MEED)

MEED is a comprehensive lifestyle training grounded in emotional intelligence focusing on Adult Social and Emotional Learning (SEL). MEED gives adults the tools to take a deep dive into their emotional journey to uncover the patterns in their lives that prevent them from being emotionally well. MEED sets participants on the path of emotional wellness.