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:
OPENING REFLECTION
Yearly reminder: there is no resolution that, if kept, will make you more worthy of LOVE. You, as your actual self and not as some made up ideal, are already worthy.
Nadia Bolz-Weber
1. MECKMIN UPDATES
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
INTERFAITH FAMILY FUN FOR MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH and THEIR PARENTS
Sunday, February 23, 2025, Temple Beth El
Middle and High School Youth and Their Parents are invited to join other families for an afternoon of food, fun, and interfaith connection. This event will feature activities and games that promote empathy and working together, while also offering a chance to bond with others and explore different perspectives. For parents, there will be a discussion about how to support the next generation in continuing their faith while navigating today's increasingly secular world.
IMPORTANT WORD ABOUT THESE THURSDAY MEETINGS
"Although I am relatively new to the work of MeckMIN, it has already been an invaluable resource for me as [my organization] endeavors to connect with others who hope to strengthen the well-being of Mecklenburg neighborhoods and communities. Among the greatest challenges in our county are the inefficiencies and miscommunication that result from the silos that exist . . . the biweekly MeckMIN Zoom meetings have introduced me to new partners, new initiatives, and useful information. After meeting with me and taking time to understand our mission, LeDayne has also provided personal introductions to important allies in my work. In coalition work, relationships are key, and MeckMIN is a strong advocate for relationships grounded in shared values."
We were so heartened to get this great feedback from a nonprofit leader who's just recently started attending these meetings.
MANY of you have shared similar reflections -- these meetings have given you solid information, new connections and partnerships, funding leads, volunteers, and more.
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:
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!
Become an affiliate member HERE
AWARDS BREAKFAST NOMINATIONS
Nominations are due by Friday, January 31, 2025
We will be offering three awards, and we rely on YOU to nominate deserving people and groups:
SYDNOR THOMPSON, Jr. COMMUNITY LEADER AWARD Those who do this work as their day job
BRIDGE BUILDER AWARD Those who contribute significantly through their volunteer hours
2025 YOUTH LEADER AWARD For the first time, a middle or high school youth who does bridge building in the community.
To learn more about the breakfast you can look at the nominees and video from last year’s breakfast: https://www.meckmin.org/awardbreakfast
Save the Date:
The Breakfast will be May 8th at 7:30 a.m. at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church (3400 Beatties Ford Rd Charlotte, NC 28216-3740)
SAVE THE DATE
April 6, 2025 (evening) – Interfaith Youth Panel
August 9 & 10, 2025 – Interfaith Youth Summit
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
CITY OF CHARLOTTE UPDATES
Jamila Freelain-Holly | Jamila.Freelain@Charlottenc.gov
City of Charlotte, Community Engagement District 1
TREES GRANT - Applications for this year’s grant are due by January 6th, 2025.
We’re pleased to announce the return of the City of Charlotte Tree Care Grant! In order to celebrate the rich biodiversity found in our urban forests, educate the public on how to take action to maintain our canopy, and protect our forest for years to come, the city’s Community Engagement Division and Landscape Management Department team up to provide eligible neighborhood organizations citywide with matching grants of up to $3,000 for the following activities:
Neighborhood canopy health assessments and/or limited, in-depth tree health assessments (by a certified arborist)
Small tree/ sapling pruning
Vine removal
Tree care educational events/ film screenings/ celebrations
Invasive plant removal
Bark scale treatment
Mulching NEW IN 2024
Participants are reimbursed for purchases made (no advance funds are available) and must match their grant through volunteer hours and cash/in-kind contributions.Applications for this year’s grant are due by January 6th, 2025. Projects must be complete by December 2025.
To find out more about the grant, including how to apply, please register for our upcoming virtual pre-registration workshop:
If you have questions, please reach out to: Jonathan Hill, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR | KEEP CHARLOTTE BEAUTIFUL, 704-432-4802, jonathan.hill@charlottenc.gov
CATS Survey - Deadline Extended to January 8
There is increasing demand for expanded bus and train lines but the city has financial constraints and has to prioritize. January 8th is the new deadline for a survey asking for what folks need and desire in public transit. Please fill out so the city has the information it needs to provide the services you desire.
link to learn more information about the CATS Transit System Plan Update project and take the survey: https://catstransitsystemplanupdate.com/
MECK COUNTY UPDATES
Marcus Boyd | Marcus.Boyd@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Mecklenburg County will receive more than $73 million over the next 18 years to apply toward solutions to the opioid epidemic in our community.
In July 2021, a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general announced the National Opioid Settlement – a historic $50 billion agreement that will help bring desperately needed help to communities harmed by the opioid epidemic. The state of North Carolina and all 100 counties, including Mecklenburg County, joined the agreement. Mecklenburg County is expected to receive $73 million over an 18-year period. Learn more about the initial $10.9M that is being invested in the community from May 2023 through June 2025.
From July 15 to Aug. 15, 2023, Mecklenburg County accepted funding applications from organizations that provide opioid addiction treatment and other substance use and mental health services. More than $6 million in grant was allocated through a competitive community proposal process. The County accepted submissions based on the following categories of opioid treatment and addiction-related services for FY24 and FY25:
Employment-Related Services - $525,000
Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment - $750,000
Early Intervention - $750,000
Recovery Support Services - $1 million
Recovery Housing Support - $3 million
On Thursday, July 13, 2023, the County held an information session to educate organizations about the application process, eligibility, and reporting requirements to qualify for Mecklenburg County’s Opioid Settlement funding. The PowerPoint presentation is available for review.
The County will announce in the future an RFP for those providing services. They will be focused on expansion, amending or altering existing programs and increasing equity of program availability to the North and South of the County.
Vendors are chosen by a team that includes the County Commission, staff, and many others. Details to come - please review the PowerPoint for full information.
Marcus will return and let us know when the RFP process is open.
SIGN UP TO HOST CoC FULL MEMBERSHIP &
CoC GOVERNING BOARD MEETINGS
Do you have space to host Continuum of Care meetings in 2025? CoC helps to coordinate social services across the County. They are looking for space for their board to meet in 2025 (about 30 people). They also need space for the Full Membership meetings (space needed for about 40 people). If your agency has space to host, please sign up below. Thank you!
COUNTY INVITES RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONSOLIDATED PLANNING PROCESS TO INFORM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM
Mecklenburg County is excited to kick off our 2025-2029 Consolidated Planning process, as required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This plan will help determine community priorities for using CDBG entitlement grant funding over the next five years, and guide spending in areas like affordable housing, public services, economic development, park improvements, public facilities, and infrastructure improvements, benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.
Mecklenburg County residents in the townships and unincorporated areas are invited to attend the following upcoming workshops to help inform the plan.
January 9, 2025, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. North County Regional Library located at 16500 Holly Crest Lane, Huntersville, NC 28078. Click here to register.
January 16, 2025, 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. The Belle Johnston Community Center located at 1000 Johnston Dr, Pineville, NC 28134. Click here to register.
Registration is encouraged but not required. For additional information call 704-688-7033 or contact:
or
Zsuzsi Kadar at zkadar@centralina.org
2. NONPROFIT UPDATES
REQUEST FOR FAITH COMMUNITY HOUSING SUPPORT
Apryl lewis | kineticworksclt@gmail.com
Lamplighter has closed and all individuals have moved. They got a 22-27 day stay at another hotel. At least 11 residents are due to check out this week and not all have been connected to permanent housing. Apryl is looking to get support for 2 folks who have limited ability to earn income as well as support for others. She is looking for supportive or transitional housing ideally so these folks do not have to return to hotel housing. This would provide an interim solution until they find permanent housing. Most of these folks have children and there are some with criminal records. Some have HEAL Charlotte availability but don’t have money for moving. Please reach out to Apryl if you are connected to an organization that can help or if you can help in some other way.
Apryl also requested support for addressing these issues in a sustainable way. Contact her if you are interested in being a part of that conversation.
Sharee Allen | mintobe20@gmail.com
The mission of Mint to Be is to significantly improve the support to single and married mothers in need of our community through support, counseling, education, and advocacy. This sprang from personal experience with other mothers who felt unprepared for motherhood. She had difficult postpartum experiences as well. They support single and married mothers.
Since launching in 2021 they have served over 4000 families. They provide postpartum counseling and monthly financial literacy workshops along with a community baby shower twice a year. They would love to connect with other organizations doing complementary work.
The Spring baby shower is scheduled for April 5 th at First Missionary Baptist Church in Concord. Registration opens Feb 3. Each registrant can invite 1 guest and they are treated to an education program and a basket of goods when they leave. If anyone is interested in being a resource vendor at the upcoming Spring Baby Shower. Please email Sharee at mintobe20@gmail.com.
Bobbi Hague | so-b-it1@hotmail.com
Greater Bethel has inaugurated a peer-to-peer youth group for 10 -16 year olds. It is the first Friday of each month from 6-10 pm. The evening will feature dancing and dinner (pizza).
The evening will enable parents to go out safely knowing their kids will be safe as well. There will be psychologists and psychiatrists there during the evening to provide some counseling to anyone who requests it. Parents will need to sign a waiver to allow all children to be wanded to exclude weapons. And children will be released only to the designated pick up person. Police are volunteering their time as well to ensure the safety of the evening.
GALILEE EMERGENCY FOOD BANK
Just a reminder: Galilee has an emergency pantry for anyone needing food asap. They can provide up to two days of food and then connect the client with Nourish Up for more extensive food support.
Bobbi Hague | so-b-it1@hotmail.com also shared that Greater Bethel also provides emergency food.
COMMUNITY PARTNERS FORUM
The Christ Church Outreach & Mission Commission is excited to continue our journey of meaningful engagement with underserved members of the Charlotte community and the dedicated organizations that support them. Alongside our grants program, we are committed to offering support to a wider range of organizations. We recognize that many nonprofits need resources beyond funding, including education on effective grant writing, measuring program outcomes, and developing leadership teams and boards that inspire and empower their stakeholders.
We are pleased to announce our upcoming Community Partners Forum on Thursday, January 16, from 3:30-6 pm at Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte. Please save the date for an engaging afternoon of learning, sharing, and networking as we unite to better serve Charlotte’s most vulnerable communities.
More detailed information about the forum’s agenda, guest speakers, and participating organizations will follow soon. There is no fee to attend, but we kindly ask that you register in advance at this link: click here to register.
3. HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY UPDATES
A New Residency Project in Response to Hurricane Helene - Deadline to apply is Friday, January 3. In response to the devastating impact of Helene on so many regional artists, Trillium Arts recently launched a new project, Helene Emergency Artists Residencies (HEAR) for artists residing in Western North Carolina.
Trillium Arts will offer four HEAR awards in early 2025, at no cost to the artists. In fact, awarded artists will receive a $700 relief stipend, along with free housing, supplies and a nurturing creative environment.
Western North Carolina artists of all disciplines substantially impacted by Hurricane Helene are invited to apply. This regional residency is open to arts professionals 18 years or older who reside in the 26 counties in Western North Carolina impacted by Hurricane Helene.
HEAR Artists Will Receive:
A $700 relief stipend
Private accommodations for up to seven consecutive nights during the months of February or March 2025 in a one-bedroom, ground floor suite. Learn more about the artist suite HERE.
Welcome dinner
Restorative time to reflect, rejuvenate and create
Shared use of the grounds, including firepit, hot tub and waterfall area
Use of a variety of supplies and onsite creative spaces that include a contemplation gazebo and a 380 square foot open air, covered workspace. Learn more HERE.
Basic kitchen supplies and all household goods (towels, linens, paper products, etc.)
Access to high speed fiber optic internet and laundry
TIMELINE
Applications are being accepted now. Applications for HEAR are reviewed by a panel. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 3, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST.
The application is intentionally short & only requires applicants to complete a handful of questions and upload supporting documents. Please share with anyone who may be interested. Thank you.
TAKE A MOMENT FOR MENTAL HEALTH
In a disaster, it's essential that first responders and volunteers have the resources they need—when and where they need them. The Hope4NC Helpline offers free, confidential support 24/7, particularly for hurricane recovery workers and first responders. Call 1-855-587-3463 for immediate assistance.
To support this effort, crisis counseling programs have been launched and are scaling up, including door-to-door trauma counseling. A $25 million investment in behavioral health support for Western North Carolina was enabled by the General Assembly. For urgent mental health needs, call 988 for confidential assistance, including services in Spanish.
Resources for Mental Health Support:
OTHERS ON THE CALL (as time allows)
CROSSNORE COMMUNITIES FOR CHILDREN and BRIDGING FAMILIES - INVITATION ONLY, but reach out if you are interested
Lila Riley | lriley@crossnore.org | 919-619-6482.
Crossnore Communities for Children is excited to expand its professional foster parenting model, Bridging Families©, throughout North Carolina--including into the Metrolina region. Thanks to a two-year, $1.8 million contract from North Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and an additional $3.75 million grant from The Leon Levine Foundation, the expansion of Crossnore’s professional foster parenting model aims to address North Carolina’s current child welfare crisis by providing innovative, purpose-driven care for children and their families.
We are calling upon partners to help us launch and sustain Bridging Families in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg region. Broad awareness and support will be key: from government and elected officials to funders and community partners across diverse sectors, including housing, child welfare, and education.
If this issue inspires you, please consider joining us at an invite only event to discuss the launch and program needs. Reach out to Lila for an invitation directly. If you have already received an invite, please don’t forget to RSVP.
You can also learn more about Crossnore Communities for Children and Bridging Families here: https://www.crossnore.org/bridging-families/
In addition, they are interested in finding affordable homes that can be transformed into professional foster care homes. Please reach out if you know of any opportunities.
Reimagining America is hosting a listening session to better understand the health and health care disparities that exist in too many of our communities. Please join us for food and the opportunity to participate in table talk at Galilee MInistries, January 25 from 2-4 pm. There will be snacks and refreshment provided.
GENERAL INFORMATION
FREE MAMMOGRAMS at GOVERNOR'S VILLAGE STEM ACADEMY
Governors' Village STEM Academy, The Elizabeth House Foundation, and The SchermCo Foundation will be hosting a Pink Pop Up on February 26th at Governors' Village STEM Academy. It will be an all-day event where they will briTenancy Stabilization
ng out a bus for free mammograms, and they have opened invitations to the community.
If you or anyone you know is interested in a free mammogram, please get in touch with Kim at kimberly@schermcofoundation.org to receive the necessary paperwork that must be filled out and submitted by January 10th; this is to ensure your spot!
CROSS MISSIONS 2025 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS
CROSS Missions, a ministry of Myers Park Presbyterian, is hiring for next summer. We're looking for young adults, college aged folkS who have a passion for Jesus and social justice. Experience working with teenagers is very helpful! It is a paid internship that includes housing on the campus of MPPC and most meals are covered.
Contact Erika Funk at efunk@myersparkpresbyterian.org
Click on the link below for more information and an application:
BETTER AT HOME
Supportive Housing Trainings
Join the supportive housing series designed with you in mind! Housing is an important social driver of health and a key leverage point for all other whole-person interventions, yet the systems of housing, homelessness and health care can be complicated and confusing.
Our Better At Home initiative offers trainings and resources to help providers and stakeholders navigate these complex systems for the people we serve.
Supportive housing Q&A sessions will immediately follow the Better at Home trainings. These sessions provide an opportunity to ask questions, address barriers and provide strategies to support tenancy for our members. Bring your questions and we’ll do our best to answer them, or you can just listen in.
January 8, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Join the Session.
Legal Aid: Tenants' Rights and Responsibilities
January 22, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
Watch the video:
Better at Home TCL Videos
Transitions to Community Living (TCL) provides eligible adults living with serious mental illnesses the opportunity to choose where they live, work and play in North Carolina. TCL offers funding to assist members with successful with community tenancy for those who qualify. Alliance offers short videos that describe the funding and how to complete the documentation.
Independent Living Initiative (ILI) Housing Trainings
This training covers the criteria and eligibility requirements for Independent Living Initiative housing funds and is intended for providers whose consumers may need financial assistance to prevent homelessness. Participants will be guided through the online application process. At the end of the training, providers will be able to apply for ILI housing assistance on behalf of their clients. This training is also useful for those who are already registered in the database but would like a refresher course. Click on the desired date to join the class:
January 23, 1:30 pm – 3:30 pm
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
“So powerful is the light of unity that it can illuminate the whole Earth.”
– Bahá’u’lláh
NEXT MEETING: Two weeks from today - Thursday, January 16 at 11 AM