What happens when unresolved trauma goes untreated in rural communities—and what does it really take to rebuild hope? In this episode of Rural Builds, host Rob Birdman Hephner speaks with Jonathan Brunson at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York about the realities of mental health, poverty, and resilience in rural North Carolina.

Brunson is a board member with the Rural Opportunity Institute and the founder of Unafraid to Be Gifted. His work focuses on identifying and addressing unresolved trauma in young people—especially youth of color—in rural counties like Edgecombe, Wilson, and Tarboro. Drawing from experience in classrooms, community spaces, and grassroots organizing, Brunson explains how trauma often shows up as behavior, discipline issues, substance use, or hopelessness when the root causes go unaddressed.

The conversation explores how historic flooding, housing instability, food insecurity, lack of transportation, and limited economic opportunity compound mental health challenges in rural areas. Brunson shares why trust is the biggest barrier to change, how meeting people where they are builds credibility, and why culturally grounded outreach—like community events, barbershop conversations, and youth-centered spaces—can succeed where traditional systems fail.

More than a discussion of problems, this episode highlights the power of service, humility, and presence. From suicide prevention to youth mentorship, Brunson's story shows how one committed individual—and the right partnerships—can help rural communities move from trauma toward healing.

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Sitgreaves Community Development Corporation