April 24, 2025 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
- meckmin
- 9 hours ago
- 20 min read
Welcome to MeckMIN's Thursday Zoom Check-In Meetings
These meetings are open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response, especially in partnership with the most vulnerable among us.
Meetings are held online every other Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.
NOTE: If you did NOT get an email meeting reminder at 8 a.m. on Thursday, will you please let us know by emailing meckmin@meckmin.org.
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording
55 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travelers sharing the same flesh,
as children of the same earth, which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of his with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all.
– Pope Francis Fratelli Tutti §8
1. MECKMIN UPDATES
SUPPORTING MECKMIN SO WE CONTINUE THESE MEETINGS
If these meetings are useful to you, please help us continue to offer them.
We are delighted to offer these meetings as a service to the community AND it takes a lot of staff time to make them possible SO we need solid financial support to make them happen.
The good news is that your financial support will also support YOUR work. Here's how:
Become an Affliate Member If you become an affiliate member, you can publicize your work as often as you like throughout the year through our e-newsletter, website, Facebook and Instagram. You'll also get recognition of your membership on MeckMIN's website. Depending on your budget, affiliate memberships are as little as $100 a year and give you access to share the good work you are doing all year long. It's a true win-win! To become an affiliate member, use this link.
Sponsor a Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader newsletter As an addition or alternative, you can also sponsor a Faith, Community and Nonprofit Leader newsletter for $100. As a newsletter sponsor, you will be thanked in the newsletter as a sponsor, have your logo featured, and be able to share an announcement as the featured article. To sign up for a specific date, use this link.
Sponsor a General Newsletter As an addition or alternative, your organization can also sponsor a general MeckMIN newsletter for $200. We have a reach of almost 4,000 people and a 53% open rate. To sign up for a specific date, use this link.
It takes about $10,000 per year to cover the staff time spent on these meetings – we’re grateful for everyone who has responded and welcome additional gifts as well.
COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS BREAKFAST
May 8th, 7:30 am at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
We hope you will come and join us at the 2025 Community Leader Awards Breakfast. We are looking for table sponsors at all levels. Please consider buying a table of 8 seats ($600) and inviting your friends to learn about the work of MeckMIN and the work of the amazing award winners. They are sure to be engaged.
For sponsorships at $1,000 and above, you’ll get a resource table to share your work with the attendees before and after the event – a GREAT opportunity to connect with the faith community.
A recent attendee attested, “I have never been in a space where I saw diversity as clearly as I did today. I didn’t know Charlotte had all these different communities!”
Purchase tickets HERE
SERVICE PROJECT: HEARTS and HANDS FOOD PANTRY
Wednesday, May 14th, 11am to 1pm
All adults are invited to join in serving at Hearts and Hands Food Pantry on Wednesday, May 14th, from 11am-1pm. This service session will accommodate up to 15 volunteers, and is hosted by Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network (MeckMIN) and JustServe.
Heart and Hands is a Black founded and Black run food pantry. Volunteers will help support our facility with an important task by assisting with emptying, cleaning, and restocking our refrigeration and freezer units, including the walk-in. This volunteer support will be helpful to limit the amount of time that the foods are temporarily out of the units being cleaned. Supplies and instruction will be provided.
Please wear clothing suitable for this task, and closed shoes.
The address is 4040 Chesapeake Dr. Charlotte, NC 28216. Parking is available at our main entrance.
No previous experience is necessary, just bring your smile and heart to serve.
Register HERE
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
The views and opinions expressed below are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations.
CAROLINA MIGRANT NETWORK IN NEED OF LOW COST OFFICE SPACE
Stefanía Arteaga | stefania@carolinamigrantnetwork.org
Co-founder & Co-Executive Director, she/her/hers/Ella
CMN is the ONLY organization in the Carolina’s to provide free legal representation to people facing removal proceedings and in Immigration detention facilities. We need to move spaces and we are hoping that you can help us find something comparable to what we have now. We pay @ $500/month on rent and utilities for 661 sq. ft. We would need something similarly sized or larger with one or two offices for client meetings and a flex space for other staff. It would be great to have access to a gathering space as well for trainings and workshops.
NONPROFIT JOB OPENINGS
If you recently got a letter demanding you pay your Mecklenburg County property tax and thought it looked fishy, you may be on to something.
County officials are warning property owners of a fraudulent letter making its rounds to local mailboxes. You can see a copy here.
The letter claims the recipient is behind on their local property tax and demands payment, urging them to make a phone call to prevent action.
MECK COUNTY UPDATES
MEASLES UPDATE
Raynard Washington | Raynard.Washington@mecklenburgcountync.gov
There is a large outbreak of measles in the Texas region at the moment. THere are more than 600 cases, mostly among kids within a Mennonite community. Measles is a virus spread through respiratory droplets. The most common sign is a large rash on the body. The vaccine is about 97% effective after two doses of the MMR vaccine. It spreads extremely easily and so far the Texas outbreak has been hard to contain. Last summer there was a measles case in Mecklenburg County but it is traditionally rare. However, a rising number of families are rejecting vaccines and so there has been an increase both in the number of unvaccinated kids and in measles cases. As a result, Mecklenburg County anticipates measles will recur in the county in the future. Most children recover from a bout of measles but there can be significant long term consequences like deafness or, in some cases, death.
Please help promote vaccines to your parishioners, neighbors and others to reduce the risk here in Mecklenburg. He will get back to us about whether there is a vegan version of the vaccine.
Chanda Martin | Chanda.Martin@mecklenburgcountync.gov | (O) 980-314-6848
(C) 704-591-4157
Social Services Coordinator, Department of Community Resources
The County offers programs to help eligible low-income households with their immediate energy needs. You can call 704-336-3000. There are two different programs
CIP
The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a year-round program that assists individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis, a life threatening or health related emergency, and have a final notice or past due utility bill. Residents must meet the income guidelines, be responsible for the bill, provide their account number and show proof of income. Assistance is available year-round or until funds run out.
CLERGY TRANSPORTATION CONVERSTAION Next Meeting May 1 at the Government Center
There is major additional funding coming for transit. Mayor Vi Lyles is convening a second important gathering for Clergy at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center to discuss Charlotte's comprehensive mobility plan and its impact on our communities.
This is a perfect opportunity for clergy leaders to provide input, ask questions, and offer feedback that will help shape how the City communicates about the mobility plan, including key initiatives around rail, bus, and roads — and how they intersect with goals for upward mobility, housing, and job access.
Key Information:
Registration is required to participate https://bit.ly/42dbMxn
Space is limited to 20 clergy members per gathering
Focus: Charlotte's Mobility Plan (rail, bus, road initiatives)
Impact Areas: Upward mobility, housing, and jobs
Your input will help shape community messaging and outreach
How to Register:
Please refer to the attached flyer for complete registration instructions. Space is limited, and registrations will be confirmed on a first-come, first-served basis. We truly hope you will participate in this important discussion. Your insights as faith leaders are essential as we work together to ensure the Mobility Plan serves all of Charlotte's residents equitably. We look forward to seeing you on May 1!
CITY OF CHARLOTTE UPDATES
YOUTH PROGRAMS JOB FAIR: 3400 Beatties Ford Road
Omar Crenshaw | Youth Program Specialist | omar.crenshaw@charlottenc.gov
The City of Charlotte’s Youth Programs will be hosting a Job Fair on Saturday May 17th from 10am – 1pm. Meet employers and hear about jobs that are available now for youth between the ages of 16 and 24. Please see the flyer below for the link to the registration for this event. Contact Omar Crenshaw, Youth Program Specialist, at omar.crenshaw@charlottenc.gov with any questions.
3rd ANNUAL INTERGOVERNMENTAL MEETING (East)
Please join elected representatives from Charlotte City Council, the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School Board for the 3rd Annual Intergovernmental Summit for East Charlotte residents.
This event will offer an opportunity for residents to engage with local leaders and provide insight on key community initiatives. Staff from the represented government entities will be available at resource tables to provide additional information and support.
What: "3rd Annual Eastside Intergovernmental Summit: E.A.S.T. (Education, Affordable Housing, Support Services, Transportation)"
When: Saturday, May 17, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Check-in starts at 9:30 a.m.
Where: Bojangles Coliseum, The BOplex - East CLT Room (2700 E. Independence Blvd.)
Who: Danté Anderson, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Charlotte - District 1 | Mark Jerrell, Chair, Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners - District 4 | Stephanie Sneed, Chair, Charlotte Mecklenburg Board of Education - District 4
Register at cltgov.me/eastsidesummit.
2. NONPROFIT UPDATES
This course will interrogate the question of what it means to dialogue during a time of political violence, persecution, gaslighting, and oppression. Very often we teach that tolerance is a virtue in dialogue, yet should we also be tolerant of intolerance? How does that work?
The concept of tolerance in philosophy is often elusive and, at times, replete with paradoxes and antinomies. How does our dialogical obligation to the Other reconcile our civic responsibility to oppose what we perceive to be unethical and irresponsible beliefs, behaviors, or policies? Can we dialogue when we perceive our Other as either complicit with, or worse a perpetrator of the very worldviews that support and condone hatred and violence?
We will consider a variety of views and try to chart a new dialogical path together by examining how different philosophers, political theorists, historians, and theologians have broached these questions during their own times of political peril.
Date: Wednesdays, May 7, 14, and 21
Time: 7:00–8:30 PM ET
Where: Online Via Zoom
MONEY MAGNETS
Dr. Alexandra Arrington (she/her)
Money Magnets club encourages entrepreneurship and financial literacy. They are grounded in the West Side but work all over. They have two events coming up:
Financial Health for Non-Profits
On Monday, April 28th for Financial Literacy Month, join this Lunch and Learn session. It will feature professionals in a variety of financial services fields and roles to advance your knowledge of strategies for financial growth and sustainability for yourself and your emerging nonprofit organization.
Lunch will be served at no cost. Presented by United Way of Greater Charlotte and Money Magnets Club, program is free to attend and open to small/grassroots nonprofit leaders in Charlotte, NC. Each attendee must RSVP.
Join us for the 2nd FinLit Families: Financially Healthy Futures event with financial health activities for the whole family. Presented by Money Magnets Club, Generational Wealth Educators, and Our Daily Bread Foundation. This is a free event and food will be served.
Session/Activity Offerings Include:
It’s All About the Dough: The Real Cost of a Healthy Life 💰
🤖 Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools 🤖
First Steps to Wealth-Building 👟
Financial Literacy Game Hub ♠️
Financial Services Connections 🏦 inLit event - Financial Literacy. BofA will run a game simulation, there will be financial services partners. Establish savings accounts for the kids. Wed April 30 - 6-9:30 pm. Children are included
Register today.
Tina Postel | tpostel@nourishup.org
NourishUp shared the current stresses on the system due to recent budget cuts. Recent federal budget cuts to the USDA TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) has jeopardized their ability to provide produce, refrigerated food, dairy, meat and frozen food to the families in need. You can learn more from this WCNC recent piece. They shared four ways to help families at this time.
Contact your Rep
Approximately, 50% of the TEFAP funding has been eliminated. Unless Congress approves an increase, we can expect a significant cut in TEFAP going forward. Specifically, TEFAP refrigerated (produce, dairy) and much of the TEFAP frozen (meat, frozen veg/fruit) have been cancelled.
For this quarter, there will be very little produce coming. Some Oranges, tangerines and peaches are planned for the quarter. No dairy will be coming. Milk, eggs, and cheese were cancelled (over 30,000 cases for the quarter) due to the loss in funding. In addition, approximately 50% of frozen were cancelled but we still have 5-6,000 cases coming.
What can you do?
Call/email your elected officials both at the National and Local levels. Tell them why this program is so important to your communities and request an increase to TEFAP funding. Find contact information for your Congressman and Senator.
Farm to Table Fund
The Farm to Table Fund provides critical financial resources and enables Nourish Up to purchase the vital fresh food these cuts have eliminated.
Nourish Up’s Farm to Table fund also aims to:
Purchase fresh vegetables from local farmers and farmers markets
Reduce food insecurities and hunger through the distribution of vegetables through grocery programs
Provide education and promote wellness and healthy eating habits
Provide cooking instruction to encourage healthy eating behaviors
Offer other services that have a nutritional focus and are intended to improve the health and well-being of people served through Nourish Up
Cover overhead and necessary supplies needed to administer such programs
Luncheon of Hope - Wed May 21
We are thrilled to announce our keynote speaker for this year’s Luncheon of Hope — Jen Hatmaker. Known for her acclaimed books—Of Mess and Moxie, For the Love, Fierce, Free, and Full of Fire, and Feed These People—Jen Hatmaker brings wit, wisdom, community, and authenticity to every conversation AND next month to the Charlotte stage. Jen is a champion of humanity who also connects with changemakers on her For the Love podcast. Her much-anticipated memoir, Awake, arrives this fall.
Experience her energy up close and in person at this year’s Nourish Up Luncheon of Hope:
When: Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Where: The Fillmore Charlotte
Reserve: Reserve your seat today – Early bird pricing ends April 30!
Sponsor:Corporate and table sponsorships are available.
Contact: For more information, please contact Courtney Oates, Marketing and Events Director
Coates@nourishup.org, 704.763.8796 c. 704.594.580 o.
Stamp Out Hunger
Each year, letter carriers across the country head out on their routes on the second Saturday in May to collect donations of non-perishable food items to benefit local food pantries. Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States.
The need is great, but you can help. We invite you to join letter carriers and our partner organizations in the fight to end hunger in our communities by participating in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
Simply leave your donation of non-perishable food in a bag near your mailbox on the second Saturday in May, and your letter carrier will do the rest.
Jeniffer R Loney | jen.r.loney@gmail.com | (704) 965-0433 | sjm@friendshipcharlotte.org
Join us on May 3rd to find out how you can help spot the signs and stop Human Trafficking before it begins.
Guests include
News Anchor Kaci Jones
Melissa Hall, ED Fields of Hope
Shalawn Avery Glover, Present Age Ministries
Terra Vanes, Mecklenburg County DA’s office
Where: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road
When: May 3, 10-12.
Registration required and accepted through Wed April 30.
PUBLIC SCHOOL STRONG
Roxanna | PSSMECKCO@gmail.com
We are united in our belief that an honest, accurate, and fully funded public education is fundamental to building a just, multiracial democracy – a society in which everyone can thrive with power and purpose!PSS is working to increase the County contribution to teacher pay from 5% to 10%. They have several events in support of this effort:
Join PSS-Meck to create posters to display our support for a 10% increase in the county supplemental pay for teachers! We'll use our signs for the upcoming budget meetings of the Board of County Commissioners. Some markers will be available to share, but you're encouraged to BYO lettering, markers, stickers, etc. Signs are limited to 11" x 14."
Time: Saturday, May 3, 1 – 3pm EDT
Location: Armored Cow Brewing Co., 8821 JW Clay Blvd 1
BOCC meetings:
May 7th: Join PSS on at Valerie Woodward Government Center as CMS delivers its budget request to BOCC. It would be helpful to have those who care about public ed to be there.
May 22: Join PSS at the BOCC public budget hearings.
GREATER BETHEL AME: A New Soup Kitchen
If you need a meal or just somewhere to come in out of inclement weather, stop by the Cardinal Café located at Greater Bethel AME Church, 5232 The Plaza. Enter on the Ruth Dr. side. The café is open on the last Friday of each month from 11:30 – 1:30 It begins operation tomorrow.
Rev. Pat Jackson
The mission of Interwoven Congregations is to help faith communities in the U.S. become agents for racial justice and healing -- within their congregations, in their community, and across society at large.
Interwoven Congregations is inviting faith communities in Charlotte to a conversation about how congregations can advance racial justice today. We will welcome faith communities to join the Interwoven Congregations network to further this work, and will share details about that opportunity during the gathering. Each congregation will receive tools they can put to use. Light refreshments will be served.
WHEN: We are holding two conversation gatherings on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 to provide people two options for your schedule. They will take place from 10:30 a.m. – noon and at 2:30– 4:00 p.m. Pick the time that works best for you!
WHERE: We will gather in Hope Hall at Caldwell Presbyterian Church (1609 East Fifth Street, Charlotte). Parking is available in the church lot and on the street
You could be eligible for property tax relief. We’re here to help you complete your application for FREE before the June 1 deadline.
Who is eligible?
Disabled veterans or the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran
Seniors (age 65 or older) with a combined income (you and your spouse) of $37,900 or less
Individuals who are totally and permanently disabled with a combined income (you and your spouse) of $37,900 or less
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy -- Call 980-256-7952 to schedule a one-on-one appointment at a time that works for you. Click here for more information.
For many Green Card holders in our community, recent times have felt confusing and uncertain. In light of that, we want to share a resource that we've created outlining the rights, responsibilities, and next steps for Green Card holders.
Please share this resource with anyone who may find it helpful — family, friends, neighbors, and anyone else in our community.
Click the link below or visit ncaatogether.org/GreenCard to access this guide.
This resource was drafted with guidance from NCAAT’s immigration legal team to provide general information for green card holders. However, please note that nothing in this document is formal legal advice. If you have questions about your specific situation, contact a qualified immigration attorney. We've included a link with resources to help find an attorney specializing in immigration law.
You may be hearing a lot about REAL ID right now, because the deadline to have one for commercial air travel is coming up on May 7, 2025.
We're seeing a lot of confusion about who needs a REAL ID and whether one is needed to vote, so we've put together a page with quick info, resources, and help.
PROM RESOURCES:
Prom season is right around the corner, and finding the perfect outfit within budget can be challenging for many! For many students, prom is a special milestone - a chance to celebrate, make lasting memories, and enjoy a night of fun with friends.
Lydia's Loft: The nonprofit provides gently used formal wear to students who might not otherwise be able to afford a dress for their special night. Through its “Prom Closet” program, Lydia’s Loft offers free dresses to girls in need, no questions asked. In addition to prom dresses, Lydia’s Loft also provides accessories and other formal wear, making it a one-stop shop for students looking to feel confident and beautiful. The Prom Closet will be open 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturdays from February 2025 through May 2025.
CENTRALINA AGING: NEW FREE EDUCATIONAL PLATFORM FOR OLDER ADULTS
Austin Caton, MS, CDP | acaton@centralina.org | 704-348-2708 (C) | 704-879-2398 (F)
Aging Program Coordinator
We have a new free educational platform for older adults that we would like to promote. Would you mind sending this flyer out through your listserve? The platform is an educational platform that helps to reduce social isolation and is completely free for any and all older adults in the region. My goal is to provide presentations in the community on the platform and assist those with signing up!
Living Waters Inc, in collaboration with Empower Your Life Services, will host the Domestic Violence and Mental Health Summit 2025. Themed Bridging the Gap in Community Connections to Support Children and Families, the summit continues critical conversations from the 2024 dialogue among social workers, counselors, researchers, justice-involved professionals, child welfare organizations, and community and faith leaders.
This year’s event will focus on strengthening partnerships between healthcare systems, social services, and faith-based communities to enhance support for children and families affected by domestic violence and mental health challenges.
The keynote address will be delivered by Dr. Charles Thompson, Assistant Director of Spiritual Care and Education at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center. The event will be hosted and moderated by Tonya Rivens, a renowned radio personality and award-winning journalist.
Target Audience:
Faith Leaders/Ministry Leaders
Community Leaders
Justice-Involved Professionals
Child and Family Servicing Organizations
Health Professionals and Administrators
Public and Behavioral Health Administrators and Practitioners
Educators and Researchers
Caregivers and Advocates
Summit Objectives:
Promote collaboration between healthcare, social services, and faith-based communities to improve support for affected families.
Explore access to care for children and families from religious or cultural backgrounds.
Provide resources and training for grassroots and faith-based communities to aid survivors.
Foster safe spaces within religious and cultural communities for open dialogue and healing.
Key Discussion Topics
Mental Health of Children, Teens, and Young Adults Impacted by Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence and Child Welfare Services (including justice-involved and Guardian ad Litem perspectives)
Collaboration Between Faith-Based Communities and Domestic Violence/Mental Health Agencies
Support Systems Within Faith-Based Communities
The Impact of Domestic Violence on Male Mental Health
Date: Thursday, June 5, 2025Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Check-in and exhibitions begin at 8:00 AM)
Venue: Hybrid
In-person: StoneBridge Church Community, 3700 Prosperity Church Rd, Charlotte, NC 28269
Virtual: Professionally produced online experience
Registration: Free (required)
NAMI CHARLOTTE: FAMILY TO FAMILY PROGRAM
Join us for NAMI Family-to-Family, a free 8-session educational program for family, significant others and friends of people with mental health conditions.
Monday, May 5-June 23, from 6:30–8:30 PM at Sharon Presbyterian 5201 Sharon Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210
What You’ll Gain
NAMI Family-to-Family not only provides information and strategies for taking care of the person you love, but you’ll also find out that you’re not alone. Recovery is a journey, and there is hope.
The group setting of NAMI Family-to-Family provides mutual support and shared positive impact—experience compassion and reinforcement from people who understand your situation. Sharing your own experience may help others in your class. In the program, you’ll learn about:
How to solve problems and communicate effectively
Taking care of yourself and managing your stress
Supporting your loved one with compassion
Finding and using local supports and services
Up-to-date information on mental health conditions and how they affect the brain
How to handle a crisis
Current treatments and therapies
The impact of mental health conditions on the entire family
Taught by NAMI-trained family members who have been there. Please Register.
RIGHT NOW...IT’S UP TO US!
In January this year, we posed this question: What is our job to do in the face of our new reality? When that new reality keeps changing, we must take action on these crucial issues -- health care, affordable housing, eliminating food insecurity, bolstering public education.
The Southern Piedmont Circle of the Poor People’s Campaign is inviting you to join us as we engage with selected leaders from several area non-profits who will share their visions, hopes, and immediate actions to address these critical concerns. Please welcome our esteemed presenters:
-Doug Robinson, M.D., Chair Health Care Justice NC
-Greg Jarrell, Sr. Campaign Organizer, The Redress Movement
-Kenya Joseph, Director of Hearts and Hands Pantry
-Shamaiye Haynes, Founder Common Ground Strategies
And, back by popular demand, Immigration Attorney Sharon Dove, Keynote Speaker
Feel free to share materials and community resources at the event and please share this invitation with friends and contacts. Thank you for your dedication and support in the work of social justice.
When: Sunday, May 18, 2025 4:00-6:00 pm
Where: Galilee Ministries Center
3601 Center Ave
Charlotte NC 28205
Please RSVP with this link: bit.ly/CLTPPC2
Join us as we revolutionize and resist by investing our community with action and collaboration on these basic needs that are under attack. It is up to US!
Forward Together! Not One Step Back!
Samantha Turner, Co-Chair
NC Poor People’s Campaign SPC
Marianne LeVigne, NCPPC SPC
HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY UPDATES
ONGOING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY
Bobbi Hague, so-b-it1@hotmail.com
There are two warehouses that store all the materials that have been donated. They need more volunteers at the Hickory location to help sort. Statesville also needs help Hickory is open every day except Wednesday and Sunday from 10am - 5pm. Statesville is only open M-F from 8am-5pm. They will make exceptions for Saturday if a group wants to come, but prior arrangements have to be made. The address will be shared with those who volunteer. To connect, reach out to Bobbi directly.
SUPPORT FOR NONPROFITS & COMMUNITIES IMPACTED by HURRICANE HELENE
(from the NC Center for Nonprofits)
Lots of resources for impacted people and groups AND ways to help.
OTHERS ON THE CALL (AS TIME ALLOWS)
GENERAL INFORMATION
REAL ID - INFO & HELP
You may be hearing a lot about REAL ID right now, because the deadline to have one for commercial air travel is coming up on May 7, 2025.
We're seeing a lot of confusion about who needs a REAL ID and whether one is needed to vote, so we've put together a page with quick info, resources, and help.
REAL ID is a set of national security standards for states to follow when they issue driver's licenses and state ID cards.
After May 7, 2025, you won't be able to board a US commercial flight using a driver's license or state ID card that is not a REAL ID. REAL ID will also be required to access certain federal facilities.
A REAL ID is not required to vote in any state. However, we're already seeing confusion about what type of ID is required in some states to vote.
We also know that the influx of people seeking a REAL ID will create backlogs at ID-issuing offices, which will make it harder for people who need an ID to vote to get appointment times. We're anticipating that wait times for key documents like birth certificates will get longer, too.
In other words, while REAL ID is not required to vote, we'll need to support more people who will have a harder time getting the ID and documents they need to vote. We'll also need to work together to dispel a lot of confusion and misinformation.
VoteRiders is here to help. If you need trusted information, voter outreach materials, or if you have people who need help getting an ID to vote (REAL or otherwise), please reach out to me and let me know how we can best support you.
COUNTY WARNS OF PROPERTY TAX LETTER SCAM
If you recently got a letter demanding you pay your Mecklenburg County property tax and thought it looked fishy, you may be on to something.
County officials are warning property owners of a fraudulent letter making its rounds to local mailboxes. You can see a copy here.
The letter claims the recipient is behind on their local property tax and demands payment, urging them to make a phone call to prevent action.
Read more HERE
RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS
RESOURCES TO NAVIGATE UNCERTAINTY
(from the NC Center for Nonprofits)
North Carolina nonprofits are feeling the pressure and anxiety of trying to meet their missions while navigating the whirlwind of changes in federal funding and policies. Below are resources and tools to help organizations prepare and stay grounded. You’re not in this alone – we’re in it with you.
(from Grant Station)
GrantStation is closely monitoring recent federal actions and their impact on the nonprofit sector. This article tracks ongoing developments, providing links to source materials. We will update the article at least once a week, and in cases of significant developments, we will provide updates as quickly as possible.
ASCEND NONPROFIT: BELOW MARKET RATE RENT FOR NONPROFITS
The Ascend Nonprofit Center has space available for leasing. Three suites are available with footprints ranging from approximately 3,600 to 4,150 to 4,950 rentable square feet. Ascend provides below-market rent for nonprofits and a tenant improvement allowance with a signed 10-year lease. Lease agreements also include the use of tech-enabled meeting spaces throughout the building, parking for visitors and the opportunity to participate in Finance, HR, and IT Shared Services. Contact Becca Dolan at bdolan@ascendnps.org to learn more or schedule a tour.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
In his final Easter Blessing, Pope Francis reminded his listeners: "There can be no peace without freedom of religion, freedom of thought, freedom of expression and respect for the view of others."
NEXT MEETING: Two weeks from today – Thursday at 11 a.m.
YES, WE ARE MEETING AFTER THE AWARDS BREAKFAST
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