|
Interfaith Service Youth Camp Explores:
“In Our Own backyard”
Too often we hear the phrase, “Not in MY backyard.” Mecklenburg Ministries is energized by our interfaith, service-based camp which is resolutely named “In Our Own Backyards.”
The high school youth visited and served at a number of our city’s social-service agencies including: Crisis Assistance Ministries, Second Harvest Food Bank, Urban Ministry Center, Samaritan’s House and the YWCA. They slept on the floor at Trinity Episcopal Church. One night they were “locked out” with only the clothes on their back, and ended up experiencing a little of what the homeless experience on a daily basis.
They visited and worshiped at a variety of houses of faith including: Baha’i, Little Rock AME Zion Church, Masjid Ash-Shaheed, Temple Beth El, The Hindu and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Charlotte.
Elected Officials Spend a Day In the Life of People in Poverty
Carol Hardison, Tom Tate, Mayor Anthony Foxx, Maria Hanlin, Jennifer Roberts, Dr. Peter Gorman, Nancy Carter, Harold Cogdell and Darren Ash (WISH)
On Wednesday, July 21, six elected officials participated in Mecklenburg Ministries’ “In Their Shoes” experience. They left their home before dawn to the bus stop closest to their house, rode the bus to Crisis Assistance Ministry where they arrived by 8am (just as hundreds of people needing assistance do every week.)
At Crisis Assistance Ministry, they served muffins and juice to approximately 250 people who were waiting in line because they were in immediate danger of being evicted or having their utilities shut off.
Then, with sweat pouring down their faces in the intense heat, they went on a walking tour of uptown Charlotte from the perspective of a homeless person, seeing places where many homeless sleep, the shelters that provide assistance, and learning firsthand the challenges for those who are homeless. Lastly, at Urban Ministries, they ate lunch with homeless neighbors and shared in discussion with a panel of homeless individuals.
Mayor Foxx commented, “Seeing it on paper on a data sheet and seeing it in real life is a much different experience.” Dr. Peter Gorman said that after the walk, he had a better idea of what nearly 4,000 homeless CMS students face. "What an experience to see what our students go through," Gorman said. "How in the world do you come to school each day ready to learn, when you don't know where you're going to sleep that night?"
Read the Observer Article: “Political leaders get view of poverty at street level'”
Souls of Our Teachers
The Souls of Our Teachers: An Inside Look at Urban Education documentary project is a collaboration between Mecklenburg Ministries, Temple Beth El, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Communities In Schools. Based on the success of Souls of Our Students, this documentary-style video presentation will give viewers an honest look at the teaching challenges and the unique opportunities that exist in urban public school education today. For more information on Souls of Our Teachers and to purchase your copy today please visit www.soulsofourteachers.org.
Resources from Mecklenburg Ministries' Job Support Lunches
As your congregation is coming to you for spiritual help…we want to give you a lifeline that might help them land a job.
Charlotte Job Support Group Spreadsheet
Mecklenburg Ministries is providing this information as a public service and information contained within is continually under development. We will make every effort to correct errors brought to our attention and to keep the information as timely and accurate as possible.
Please be aware that we accept recommendations from leaders of Job Support Groups in the city and do not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance or completeness of information entered into our database. We have asked only for speakers who are free and who will not attempt to sell products or services. We do not intend to endorse any products or services offered by those individuals or organizations providing input for this publication.
Mecklenburg Ministries promotes interfaith relationships, fosters racial and ethnic understanding, and inspires collaboration to address social issues.
Find us on Facebook! 
|