Paula Yost: Deep Roots and a Lasting Impact

For Paula Yost, Cabarrus County is more than a hometown. It is a place deeply woven into her family history, her professional life, and her commitment to protecting and strengthening the people who call this community home.

A lifelong resident of Cabarrus County, Paula returned home after attending college and law school out of state, drawn back by family roots and a desire to serve the place that shaped her. Today, she is the owner and managing partner of Law Office of Paula J. Yost – The Country Law Shack, located in her hometown of Mount Pleasant in the home once owned by her great-grandmother, Irene Walker. Her connection to Cabarrus County stretches back generations, with family ties rooted in the area since the American Revolution.

But Paula’s impact extends far beyond her law practice.

She is also the owner of Yost Counseling, a licensed clinical mental health agency, and founder of Miriam’s Flower Farm, a community-centered startup rooted in local partnership and entrepreneurship.

At the center of all her work is a deep commitment to people, especially children and families.

A Lifelong Commitment to Child Welfare

When asked about the work she is most proud of in Cabarrus County, Paula immediately points to her longtime service as chair of the county’s Child Protection and Fatality Team.

For more than 13 years, she has helped review child fatalities in Cabarrus County, working to strengthen communication, improve systems, and create policies that better protect vulnerable children.

“I’ve always been motivated to help children,” Paula says. “When I was in law school, I served as a court-appointed advocate, and when I came home, I became a Guardian ad Litem. That work shaped me.”

Her personal connection to child advocacy runs even deeper. Paula legally adopted one of the children she once served as a Guardian ad Litem, an experience that reinforced her belief in resilience and the importance of early support systems.

“I believe deeply in the ability of abused and neglected children to overcome difficult beginnings,” she says. “Children can do amazing things when they have the right support.”

A Community Built on Collaboration

For Paula, one of the defining characteristics of Cabarrus County is its collaborative spirit.

“What makes Cabarrus County special is that people talk to one another,” she says. “We understand that community work cannot happen in silos.”

She believes strong partnerships between agencies, nonprofits, and local leaders are essential to creating a healthy, thriving community.

“You don’t have to agree with everyone all the time,” she explains. “But you do have to be willing to reach across the aisle and work together. That collaboration is what makes this county strong.”

Paula has seen firsthand how communication and shared purpose improve outcomes, particularly in child welfare and family services.

“We would not be the community we are without that willingness to support one another,” she says.

Investing in Children Means Investing in the Future

Paula’s passion for early childhood support is what inspired her to provide the seed funding for the Ann Benfield Early Childhood Fund through the Greater Cabarrus Foundation.

The fund honors longtime child advocate Ann Benfield and supports programs that strengthen early childhood development across the county.

For Paula, the decision was both professional and deeply personal.

As a mother of four, she experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating childhood health and developmental needs. One of her children was born with a bilateral cleft lip and palate, while another spent 90 days in the NICU following a premature birth.

During those experiences, Ann Benfield became a trusted source of guidance.

“Ann always knew what I needed to do,” Paula says. “Whether it was developmental services, speech concerns, or understanding what support my children needed, she always knew where to point me.”

Paula believes early intervention changes lives.

“If children enter school confident, prepared, and supported, it shapes how they see themselves,” she says. “When children feel capable, they are more likely to succeed.”

Her passion for early childhood stems from a broader understanding of long-term community outcomes.

“We can save a child much easier than we can fix a broken adult,” she says. “Supporting children early prevents larger problems later. It improves education, reduces addiction, and strengthens communities.”

The Importance of Investing Locally

As Cabarrus County continues to grow, Paula believes community investment matters more than ever.

“When I was growing up, Cabarrus County had about 50,000 people,” she says. “Now we’ve grown tremendously, and with that growth comes increased need.”

She points to rising poverty, housing challenges, and changing economic realities as reasons local philanthropy is essential.

“We have more people, more challenges, and greater demand on our nonprofits,” she says. “Local organizations are doing the hard work of meeting those needs.”

Paula encourages community members to think intentionally about where they give.

“I would rather invest in local organizations where I can see the impact,” she says. “When you give locally, you know the people doing the work. You can build relationships, see results, and truly understand where your support is going.”

She believes local giving creates a stronger ripple effect.

“A gift to a local nonprofit has the power to change lives in your own backyard,” she says. “That matters.”

Why Creating a Fund Matters

Through her work in estate planning, Paula often helps others think about legacy and long-term giving.

She sees fund creation as an opportunity for donors to connect deeply with the causes they care about.

“When you establish a fund, it creates heart focus,” she says. “You’re not just writing a check. You’re connecting your resources to a mission you believe in.”

For Paula, creating a fund allows generosity to become intentional and lasting.

“It gives people the ability to watch their gift grow and continue making a difference,” she says.

Looking Ahead with Hope

While Paula acknowledges the challenges that come with rapid growth, she is also energized by what Cabarrus County is becoming.

She is especially excited by the county’s growing cultural diversity and expanding arts opportunities.

“We’re seeing more cultural experiences, more artistic opportunities, and more access to things that once required driving elsewhere,” she says.

She points to local organizations like the Cabarrus Arts Council and community venues such as the Avett Theatre, where she serves on the board, as spaces creating opportunities for new voices, performances, and cultural experiences.

“I love seeing our community become more vibrant and diverse,” Paula says. “That growth brings beauty and opportunity.”

At the same time, she remains grounded in the importance of remembering those who may struggle amid change.

“As we grow, we cannot lose sight of the people who need support the most,” she says.

A Legacy Rooted in Community

For Paula Yost, Cabarrus County is a place worth investing in because it is personal.

It is where she built a career, raised a family, advocated for children, and found meaningful connection.

Her work reflects a belief that communities grow stronger when people commit to caring for one another.

Through her philanthropy, leadership, and advocacy, Paula continues to help shape a future where children, families, and local organizations have the support they need to thrive.

And in doing so, she offers a powerful reminder that what makes Cabarrus County great is not only its history or its growth, but the people who choose to invest in its future.