Our every other week check-in meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response to our most vulnerable neighbors. 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.
Want to learn more about we do on our calls? Watch this short video clip!
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording:
In this Issue:
IMPORTANT DATES
March
3/16: Child and Adolescent Mental Health Amid COVID-19: Reflection, Response, and Resiliency, March 16, 2023 | 12:00om-3:15pm, https://www.charlotteahec.org/event/70400
3/21: Open Tables – 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. – Muslim Community Center – Open to all adults interested in substantive conversations with people of other faiths. Register HERE
3/21: How to hold a Living Room Conversation Training – 7 to 9 p.m. – Wingate University – Open to all involved in Potlucks for Pluralism
3/23: Center for Professional and Applied Ethic and Migration Research Film Screening of Sanctuary Rising with panel discussion at UNCC, 5pm. LeDayne will be a panelist. Register here.
3/30: MeckMIN Leaders Meeting, 11aM
April
4/3: Charlotte Ideas Festival panel on Interfaith dialogue in civic life. Bechtler Museum of Art. Register in advance. 7:30-8:45 pm
4/15: Latin American Coalition New Arrivals Resource Fair. Volunteers needed
4/22: Habitat for Humanities build
4/27: Gathering for Teachers of World Religions, Johnson C Smith University. 4-6pm. Sign up HERE
May
5/1: Volunteer opportunity to set up for Awards Breakfast – Covenant Presbyterian Church – 6 to 8 p.m. – open to all. Sign up HERE
5/2: Community Leaders Awards Breakfast – 7:30 to 9:00 a.m – open to all
5/7: Youth Community Service Project (afternoon time; location TBD) -- Open to all middle and high school youth and those who work with them
June
6/15: Open Tables -- – 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. – The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints – Open to all adults interested in substantive conversations with people of other faiths. Register HERE
July - Service project, TBA
August
8/18/19: Interfaith Youth Gathering (previously known as In Our Own Backyard) – Friday night and all-day Saturday, exact timing to be announced -- Open to all middle and high school youth and those who work with them
September
9/21: Open Tables -- 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. – Baha’I Center – Open to all adults interested in substantive conversations with people of other faiths. Register HERE
October - Service project, TBA
November
(exact date TBA) - Youth Visit the Catawba Festival -- 9am – 1pm -- Open to all middle and high school youth and those who work with them
11/21: Interfaith Community Wide Thanksgiving service – Trinity Presbyterian Church – 7 to 9 a.m..
December
12/19: Open Tables -- Friendship Missionary Baptist – Open to all adults interested in substantive conversations with people of other faiths
Opening Reflection
Golden Chain Prayer:
We are a link in the Infinite Light’s golden chain of love that stretches around the world, we will keep our link bright and strong. We will be kind and gentle to every living thing and protect all who are weaker than ourselves. We will think pure and beautiful thoughts, say pure and beautiful words, and do pure and beautiful deeds. May every link in the chain of love be bright and strong, and may we all attain perfect peace. (Buddhist tradition)
1. MeckMIN Updates
OPEN TABLES | March 21 | Muslim Community Center
Sign up HERE for March 21st Open Tables
Open Tables, MeckMIN's program that brings people together from different faith perspectives and promotes congregational engagement through dialogue, fellowship and food resumes March 21st at the Muslim Community Center (3116 Johnston Oehler Road, Charlotte, NC 28269).
With the hosting house of faith beginning their observance of Ramadan the day after our gathering, the discussion topic for this session will be about religious traditions/practices. Some of the questions to be discussed include:
Do you have consistent religious practices that help you connect with Deity? What are some of those practices and how do they enrich or ground your life?
What experiences have you had sharing your religious traditions with others? When have others shared their religious practices with you? What was that like?
Do you share the same religious traditions as your parents? Why or why not? If not from your upbringing, how did you come to develop your current religious practices? How important is it for you to pass on your religious traditions to your children/other family members?
How important is an “organized religion” part of your spiritual health? Do you consider gathering with other members of your faith tradition an essential part of your worship experience?
What role have spiritual practices played in helping you cope/overcome personal challenges?
*Everyone is invited to bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share. (Vegetarian meals make it easier to accommodate a variety of preferences and religious dietary restrictions.) All are invited!
Open Tables will be held quarterly in 2023. Upcoming dates are:
June 15: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints | Register HERE September 21: Baha'í Center of Charlotte | Register HERE December 19: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
CHARLOTTE IDEAS FESTIVAL PANEL ON INTERFAITH DIALOGUE IN CIVIC LIFE
April 3 from 7:30-8:45 pm at Bechtler Museum of Art.
Register in advance.
LAC RESOURCE FAIR FOR NEW ARRIVALS
Saturday, April 15 all day
We’re teaming up with the Latin American Coalition for another resource fair. This is during the CMS Spring Break so we particularly need volunteers who will still be in town. We have volunteer opportunities to help set up on April 14 and and several available shifts throughout the day on April 15. Sign up HERE
SANCTUARY RISING SCREENING & PANEL FEATURING LeDayne
March 23 at 5pm at UNC Charlotte – 130 Rowe
The Center for Professional & Applied Ethics and the Migration Research Network invites all to a film screening of Sanctuary Rising and panel discussion on Thursday, March 23, at 5 pm at Rowe 130 UNC Charlotte. Refreshments will be served. LeDayne McLeese Polaski will be one of the panelists. Register here.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERFAITH BUILD STARTS APRIL 22
TEACHERS OF WORLD RELIGIONS GATHERING
Thursday, April 27, 4 to 6 PM | Johnson C. Smith University
If you teach World Religions or a related subject at any level, you're invited to join this gathering. Our goals are simply to get to know one another and to share helpful resources.
Sign up HERE
FBI HATE CRIMES REPORT
There is a very sobering recent FBI report on the rise of hate crimes, including crimes against racial, ethnic, and religious minorities. We have invited the agent in charge of the Charlotte office to come and speak to us about this at our next Thursday meeting – we want to hear more about how we can protect ourselves and each other.
2023 COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS BREAKFAST
May 2, 2023 | 7:30 - 9 AM | Covenant Presbyterian Church
This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and your paid ticket supports our work all year to develop understanding, compassionate relationships between people of all faiths, relationships which make possible a robust, coordinated, and effective response to the needs of our community. That said, your attendance means more to us than your gift, and we do understand that many of us are struggling with our finances so we offer tickets on a sliding scale. We hope you'll buy a ticket today and plan to join us. Individual tickets are available here.
We also invite you to join us as an event sponsor. By joining us as a sponsor, you as an individual, congregation, business, or fellow nonprofit can be recognized for supporting our work to foster interfaith cooperation, promote racial and ethnic understanding and address social needs in Mecklenburg County.
Perhaps you are able to step in as the Presenting Sponsor for $5,000 or as one of the two Awards Sponsors for $3,000. Giving at this level will be a HUGE boost to our work and will allow you the opportunity to speak at the event.
We're also seeking Sustaining Sponsors, Table Sponsors, and Half Table Sponsors.
· Table Captains are needed – Please consider signing up HERE
· Sponsorship opportunities are available HERE
· Individual tickets are available HERE
For a full list of sponsorship levels and benefits, click HERE
Whatever sponsorship level makes sense for you, you'll be making possible a robust network of interconnected people and communities supporting one another and serving our neighbors together.
Our awardees this year are:
The Sydnor Thompson, Jr. Community Leader award goes to REV. GLENCIE RHEDRICK. The award goes to a local leader or organization that exemplifies leadership and collaboration across differences in the community, fosters interfaith understanding to promote racial and ethnic understanding, and addresses social needs in the community. Reverend Rhedrick, an ordained Baptist minister, currently serves as an associate minister at First Baptist Church-West, where she leads the Bereavement Ministry and facilitates an engaging weekly adult Bible study class. Reverend Rhedrick is a theoactivist womanist, addressing the issues of unjust experiences and biases which intentionally impact women and the communities of African ascent.
A local and national community activist and organizer, Rev. Rhedrick is the former president of Mecklenburg Ministries (now known as MeckMIN). She is also an active member of the Domestic Violence Fatality Review Team. Currently, she holds the following positions: Vice President for Mayfield Memorial CDC, Chair of the Social Justice Auxiliary for the United Missionary Baptist Association, Co-Chair for Charlotte Clergy Coalition for Justice; Vice President and Social Justice Chair for The Charlotte Minister’s Conference, Member of the Board of Directors for the National Jobs for All Coalition, Co-Chair for the John Lewis Voter Motorcade Caravan in Georgia and North Carolina for the Transformative Justice Coalition, Board Member and Secretary for The Reimagining America Project, Chair for Community Outreach Programs for Queen City Ivy & Pearls Foundation, Trainer and Hub Organizer for Arm in Arm, Vice President and Board Member of UMBA Bright Stars, Chair of Connection and Social Justice for Rho Psi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and Chaplain for Queen City Ivy & Pearls Foundation of Rho Psi Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, and a Board of Director member for The Red Letter Christians.
Rhedrick continues to answer the questions of how we take care of the community. As she works tirelessly to end involuntary homelessness and low wealth which often contributes to the ills that create the conditions we experience.
The Bridge Builder award goes to BECKY SCHISLER. This award recognizes someone who directly promotes one-on-one relationships and bridge building across differences through their actions and daily life.
Becky Schisler is being honored as the 2023 Bridge Builder for her work as the founder and Executive Director of The Coalition for Cultural Compassion (The CCC), a grassroots nonprofit dedicated to driving change within Charlotte communities. Driven by the belief that compassion must involve action, Becky and The CCC board of directors and program volunteers work daily to carry out their mission which aims to bring diverse groups together through educational and social events to promote empathy and dismantle harmful stereotypes as well as to combat systems of oppression through the redistribution of resources and by promoting awareness and understanding of systemically-rooted inequities.
Since 2018, the organization has grown to include a Multicultural Series for Kids, a Book Club featuring authors of color, Small-group Discussion Meet-ups, an annual Black Santa event, and the ever-growing Compassion Closet program that provides clothing and other essential items to anyone in need within the Charlotte region.
Becky is committed to continued learning and self-improvement so she may lead this organization mindfully, centering the voices and needs of marginalized community
members.
FOOD DRIVE IN SUPPORT OF OUR HUNGRY NEIGHBORS
We don’t usually have a food drive in connection with our Awards Breakfast, but the current need in our community is dire and so we’re partnering with Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays and asking you to consider bringing non-perishable foods with you to donate at the event.
Last year, Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays provided groceries to over 106,000 neighbors in Mecklenburg Co., a 38% increase. Half were children and seniors.
On the heels that 2022 explosion in food insecurity, January and February 2023 saw their highest totals in their 48 year history. And now they are bracing for an even greater rise in need. As of March 1, families and individuals who are recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) saw a decrease of at least $95 a month. We know that these cuts, coming in the midst of already-unprecedented need, are creating a crisis that will demand the generous support of our entire community.
As you come to enjoy a delicious breakfast in good company, please consider bringing some of these most-needed items: Priority Needs.
We also encourage you to host your own food drive: Food Drive Registration Form.
Together, we can keep food on our neighbor's tables.
2. Non-Profit Updates
VITA LATINO (FREE Tax Preparation) Dates
Yuly V. Rodriguez | yrodriguez@commonwealthcharlotte.org
MPA, Program Director, Latinx Services, Goodwill Industries,
As you all know tax season is well underway and I wanted to remind you that we are providing FREE Tax preparation services to our Latino community via VITA Latino. This is our second year serving our community and we are thrilled to be back. For more information on our tax services visit us at www.vitalatino.org or reach out via email.
We have a few more weeks left in the season and appointments are filling up fast, please share with your community and on social media. For appointment registrations: https://www.vitalatino.org/vita-2023-calendar.
Thanks again to this year's partners and a special thanks to this year's sponsors, Bank of America and Duke Energy. Lastly, follow us on social media @buenasfinanzasnc on Facebook and Instagram.
COMMUNITY LINK VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE
Miranda Swaim | MSwaim@communitylinknc.org
Hosts VITA programs throughout the city as well. We have partners in Mecklenburg and Union. 64 volunteers have prepped over 1000 returns so far. First come first serve for tax help this coming Saturday. Check out https://www.communitylinknc.org/pages/vita for more.
INTEGRITY HEALTH FOR WELLNESS
Elysa Graham | admin@ih4well.com Lead Clinical Provider, Integrity Health for Wellness | 704-412-2802, 305-801-8026
Keshia Caves | kctherapy@ih4well.com
Dr. Graham, Keshia Caves, Licensed therapist. Reduce death from undiagnosed and uncontrolled chronic disease and mental health issues. Provide tools and more. They are trying to increase access to communities that don’t have enough. Low cost monthly memberships - $60 or $100/month with full service primary care. Providers have fewer clients so they can allow for more personal care. Take some insurance, sliding scale options and low cost membership. Some events are coming up with a 5K as well on May 13th. There will be a mammogram bus and more. Subscribe to their newsletter HERE
MONTAGNARD CHRISTIAN CHURCH SEEKS NEW WORSHIP SPACE
The Montagnard Christian Church is seeking a new space to hold their services — they are losing their current space at the International House on Central Ave due to the upcoming sale of this building. They currently pay about $200/Sunday service for 2 hours for about 60-80 people — 100 tops.
They are looking for a local congregation who might be willing to rent out their space (or a portion of their building — not a classroom though) DURING or AFTER their own church services every Sunday; they would prefer 10 am-Noon, but would be able to do Noon-2 pm or 1-3 pm. They would like it to be local here in Charlotte. They are a very responsible and trustworthy group. Yohan (Ham) Swis | 803-833-6522 | Yohansowis@gmail.com
WHY FAITH IN HARM REDUCTION
March 20, 9-11 am at Myers Center, Gaston County College Dallas Campus
Bill Gross | 704/460-4805 | bgross@gastontogether.org
Sponsored by the Gaston Together Healthcare Commission, Gaston Controlled Substances Coalition and Community Opioid Education Series: Why Faith in Harm Reduction
Recognizing the power of faith in Gaston County, Why Faith in Harm Reduction will explore how communities and people of faith can use their spiritual resources to reduce the local impact of OUD. Presenters will discuss:
1. How our faiths call on us to work on opioids with compassion
2. How we can integrate faith and harm reduction to:
a. Dismantle opioid stigma within communities of faith
b. Dismantle faith stigma within communities of people with OUD
c. Meet people where they are, not where we expect them to be
d. Prevent opioid use disorder
e. Help individuals secure OUD treatment
f. Support people who are loved ones to individuals living with OUD
g. Use our faith rituals and resources to support persons in recovery
Registration: No charge
Register HERE
Enroll HERE
LOAVES AND FISHES/FRIENDSHIP TRAYS
Kecia Rutledge | kecia@loavesandfishes.org
Social Service Coordinator | Office: (704) 523-4333 Ext 5548
We are currently partnered with 3 communities from the United Neighborhoods collaboration through United Way:
CrossRoads/Grier Heights Community (Grier Heights Community
Contact: Anthony Chadwick | anthony.chadwick@crossroadscorporation.org | 704-498-2531
We host a mini food share for the community every 2 nd Wednesday of each month.
(Participants receive fresh veggies, fruit, meat, and hygiene products as needed )
Renaissance West Community (Billy Graham and West Blvd Area)
Contact: Gregory Joyner | GJoyner@rwci.org | 704-943-9721 Ext. 9721
We host a mini food share for the community every 4 th Thursday of each month and starting in April we will be adding the 2nd Thursday of each month.
(Participants receive fresh veggies, fruit, meat and hygiene products as needed)
Historic West End Community
Contact: JaTanya Adams/ Karen McDougald | karen@hwep.org
Up to 25 seniors receive a Grocery Home Delivery order every 3 rd Wednesday of the month from Feb-Dec 2023.
(Participants receive a 7-day box of nonperishables, a bag of fresh food items and hygiene products asneeded)
APRIL IS NC REENTRY MONTH
Hope Marshall | Hope.Marshall@mecklenburgcountync.gov
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Access to Upskilling: Vocational Program Expo - https://bit.ly/UpskillingCLT
This event will be expo-style so that employers, agency personnel, probation officers, case managers, etc., can access our programs at one event. It will also allow us to network
with each other so that we can become stronger together. Register today and share with others who might be interested.
Mon, April 3, 2023, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT Sonesta Charlotte Executive Park, Ballroom, 5700 Westpark Drive Charlotte, NC 28217
Reentry Month Proclamation by Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners
Tues, April 4, 2023, 5:30-7:30PM EDT Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center Meeting Chamber, 600 E 4 th St, Charlotte NC 28202
Reentry Month Proclamation by Charlotte City Council
Mon, April 10, 2023, 5:30-7:30PM EDT Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center Meeting Chamber, 600 E 4 th St, Charlotte NC 28202
Reentry Housing Expo – https://bit.ly/ReentryHousingCLT
As part of NC Reentry Month in April 2023 we are holding our first Reentry Housing Expo sponsored by Reentry Partners of Mecklenburg (RPM). We will hold this event expo-
style so that agency personnel, probation officers, case managers, etc., can access all the housing programs at one event. It will also allow us to network with each other so that
we can become stronger together. We will be at Entrance E in the Auditorium. Come speak with housing providers fac-to-face and get the answers to all your housing questions!
Thu, April 13, 2023, 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM EDT Valerie Woodard Center, Auditorium, Entrance E, 3205 Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208
30 Days Out: The Reentry Simulation – https://bit.ly/ReentrysimCLT
The Re-entry Simulation illustrates the enormous challenges faced by those returning from incarceration. The simulation raises awareness and empathy about the reentry
process and makes obvious for any audience the need for more creative solutions and compassion for those impacted. Over the course of about 2 hours participants experience
the first month of post-release life. Each week takes place in a 15-minute segment. In between each of these segments (at the end of each “week”), reentrants return to their
housing locations, which can be home, the halfway house, homeless shelter, or jail, depending on how successful they have been in satisfying the conditions of their release and
accomplishing their assigned tasks. They then engage in a guided discussion with the event facilitators debriefing their experiences and reflecting on their successes and failures.
Fri, April 14, 2023, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM EDT Valerie Woodard Center, Auditorium, Entrance E, 3205 Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208
Gaston Correctional Center Resource Fair
Local reentry council members from Reentry Partners of Mecklenburg deliver a resource fair inside the facility. Inmate are able to explore resources and make connections with
programs they wish to pursue once released. Vendors are by invitation only.
Council of Elders Expungement Fair
Registrants are invited to meet with an attorney to review their background and file documents to proceed with an expungement. Pre-registration closed on March 5, 2023 for
this event.
Exploring the Cycle of Recidivism – https://bit.ly/RecidivismCycle
The Cycle of Recidivism is the cognitive conflict that justice involved individuals face when released from prison or jail. We will explore the internal and external factors that can
greatly impact successful reentry into the community. This is a bring you own lunch and learn event.
Tue, April 25, 2023, 11:00 AM – 1:30 PM EDT Mecklenburg Community Resources, 3205 Freedom Drive Suite 1000, Community Room Charlotte, NC 28208
How Being Trauma-Informed Improves Criminal Justice System Responses – https://bit.ly/RESTraumaInformed
The reverberating effects of trauma experiences can challenge a person’s capacity for recovery and pose significant barriers to accessing services, often resulting in an increased
risk of encountering the criminal justice system. Trauma-informed criminal justice responses can help to avoid re-traumatizing individuals, and thereby increase safety for all,
decrease recidivism, and promote and support recovery of justice-involved women and men with serious mental illness. Our objective is to increase awareness of the impact of
trauma on behavior and develop trauma-informed responses.
Wed, April 26, 2023, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM EDT Valerie Woodard Center, Auditorium, Entrance E, 3205 Freedom Drive Charlotte, NC 28208
HOPE COMMUNITY CLINIC
Melanie Edwards | medwards@project658.com | 704-910-5810
Provide medical care to those who are uninsured or underinsured.
A few ongoing groups that may be helpful to folks:
Parent Resource Curriculum groups for parents or caregivers of children who have been involved in the care system or who are parenting children of trauma are in institutional care.
SPARCS groups for adolescent trauma survivors
Parent Empowerment groups. Will be led by their peer specialist. Those who have parented children who have had mental health or substance abuse problems. There will be scholarships and participants will be paid.
Sandra Rose Conway | Sandra@matthewshelpcenter.org
Executive Director | (704) 847-8383 ext 298
The Matthews HELP Center has been serving the greater Matthews community since 1979. We provide short- term crisis assistance to our neighbors in the greater Matthews community. We provide financial assistance to prevent rental eviction and utility disconnections along with childcare assistance. We offer an emergency supply of food, clothing in which our clients can shop in our thrift shop at no charge. We also have several programs that we partner with the Matthews Police department to provide financial relief to parents- back to school for new school supplies and holiday support for children toys and gift cards for teens. Last fiscal year we provided 8,144 services to 1,941 households that impacted 4,813 children and adults with over $782,000 in financial and non financial support. If you know of anyone that lives in our service area please have them call or complete the online volunteer application at www.matthwshelpcenter.org or (704)847-8383
We serve the following zip codes: 28104, 28105, 28226, 28079 and 28270
FOOD FESTIVAL & FUNDRAISER FOR THE CONGO April 29 from 6-9 pm at Myers Park Baptist Church
Dina Nshisso | dinanshisso79@gmail.com
I'm with the Congolese Community of Charlotte and together with the Alliance Francaise of Charlotte, we're putting together a Food Festival and Fundraiser for the Congo.
Aside from the fundraiser, the goal of the event is to invite fellow Charlotteans discover the Congolese community and culture. There will be artists, food, fashion show and more. Proceeds will support a girls school in the Congo.
Please REGISTER by April 15.
ALL OF US RESOURCE FAIR AT International House
Lauren Rogers | lrogers@ihclt.org
Director of Community Engagement | 704-333-8099 ext. 110
This spring, International House will be hosting All of Us, a research program from the National Institute of Health (NIH), from April 3–6 from 10AM-3PM each day. This 4-day program is part of a large research initiative with goals to help researchers understand more about why people get sick or stay healthy. We would like to extend an invitation for friends, clients, and anyone else you know who identifies with any of the following descriptions to participate in the All of Us healthcare research and resource fair. Participants can receive free genetic testing, gift cards, “swag” items, covid tests, first aid kits, community resources, and more:
• Racial and ethnic minorities
• Rural communities
• Low socioeconomic status communities
• Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning, intersex (LGBTQ+) community
• People with physical, developmental, and intellectual disabilities
• Women and children
Since these populations have been historically underrepresented in biomedical research, we are reaching out to you to ask for your help in spreading the news about this opportunity and prioritizing members of these groups. Attached to this email are two flyers with more information for you to pass along to people who may be interested—an email version and one that’s more print-friendly (less toner).
Community partners who will be hosting tables at this event to provide resources include BraveWorks, Camino Health Center, MedAssist, Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Loaves and Fishes, Hope Community Clinic, the Mecklenburg County Health Department, and One Health Alliance. We still have a few spaces available for any other partners that would like to come and table that week. We’ll also have a variety of children’s activities, games, and crafts for the little ones who attend.
Sign-up to table at IH event in April HERE:
CHARLOTTE CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS NEEDS A NEW HOME
Looking for a permanent space and have funds to donate. Lindsay will share more on March 30.
RED CROSS SOUND THE ALARM CAMPAIGN
Sound The Alarm is a nationwide program during April to install free smoke alarms and provide home fire preparedness education to community residents. On April 14th and 15th the Red Cross will walk through the Thomasboro-Hoskins neighborhood offering to install alarms. Anyone who wishes to join us for this installation event can register at
Partners and Event Based Volunteers will register on our public site https://www.redcross.org/sound-the-alarm.html under How You Can Get Involved and by clicking Become a Volunteer.
Public registration will ask volunteers to agree to our Code of Conduct and Confidential Policies. There is no background check. Registration is required and preference is for volunteers to sign up in advance.
Shakieta Maloye | executivedirector@anotherchanceclt.org
Founder, Executive Director, (704)562-7500
ACHR are in need of volunteers: We are in need of individuals to assist with event planning, managing community gardens, social media marketing and management, graphic designing and printing, and preparing hot meals for residents.
If these areas of opportunity interest you, please call or use our Sign-Up Genius to book your slot. We look forward to working with you!
Board Member Recruitment:
Another Chance House of Refuge is in need a new board members. If interested please email executivedirector@anotherchanceclt.org with your resume and interest.
First Annual Gala:
Another Chance House of Refuge is hosting their first annual gala to support men and women in transition. We are preparing to open our very first 100 unit facility that will address the increased homelessness in Mecklenburg County.
Tickets are available via Eventbrite:
LOOKING FOR A SOURE FOR FREE HAIRCUTS FOR WOMEN
Erin Concelman | erin.concelman@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Social Services Supervisor | Mecklenburg County | CSS| PISD
Office: (980) 314-8964 | Cell: (704) 900-9345
Visit us: Community Support Services
I did want to reach out to see if you, or anybody, might know of any resource that provides free haircuts to women in need, particularly African American women. We have an intern working at Moore Place and they have a partnership with a barber school that provides free haircuts to men there, but not to women. We are trying to match the resource so all can get the basic care that they need and deserve.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
FREEDOM SCHOOL PARTNERS' SUPPLY DRIVE
Freedom School Partners' March Supply Drive is Thursday, March 30. Show your love for FSP by supporting our scholars and helping us prepare for the 2023 summer program! All donated items should be new and enclosed in original packaging.
March Items
Baby/Personal Wipes
Facial Tissue
Toilet Paper
Paper Cups & Plates (sealed)
Plastic Cutlery
Bottled Water
Drop off supplies in the front of our warehouse, Thursday, March 30, anytime between 11AM - 3PM. Our warehouse is located at 3605 Latrobe Drive Ste. D Charlotte, NC 28211.
If you need assistance unloading or have questions, please call 704-371-4922 and dial EXT. 243 to be connected directly to us.
Don't have time to stop by? Check out our Amazon Wish List to ship directly to our warehouse and for other additional needs.
KAREN GONZALEZ AT MYERS PARK UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Monday, March 20
Speaker on immigration and welcome. She has been in town before and people love her.
CHARLOTTE METRO IMMIGRATION REPORT
I am currently looking at the immigration community in Charlotte to better understand the need to help people through the immigration process. As part of this work, the George Mason University Institute for Immigration Research pulled some data together and I thought I would share it with you in case you find it useful. We have permission to share the work and that extends to you as well. So feel free to share it with the broader group.
AGE-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES SURVEY
Kristine Arnau | Kristine.Arnau@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Please share this survey within your networks. It targets Mecklenburg County residents from 45-60 years old in an effort to learn about future needs of aging populations. The survey is available in English and Spanish and only through the online platform at this time. The results will inform the work of the Age-Friendly Mecklenburg Committee. Please contact Kristine Arnau directly if you have any questions or would like copies of the flyer attached to distribute.
URBAN LEAGUE CHARLOTTE
March 28th League up hiring event. All are welcome. Between 10 am and 1 pm. If you are hiring and want to participate, reach out to April Turner directly.
ADL – RELIGIOUS ACCOMODATION IN AN ERA OF COURSE CHANGE March 21st @ 5:30PM online
The ADL is offering a free webinar/community event centered around "religious accommodation in an era of culture wars" the webinar will help to educate on SCOTUS cases in regards to religious accommodations. Register HERE
3. General Information
GRANTS FOR YOUTH & FAMILIES: CHARLOTTE MECKLENBURG COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
The grant-making arm of the Foundation for the Carolinas, recently opened the Children, Youth and Young Adult Grants cycle. Eligible, youth-focused nonprofits can apply through Friday, April 7. Awards range from $10,000 to $50,000.
COUNTY ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR THE ELDERLY & OTHERS
Energy Assistance Programs: For information on The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP), The Crisis Intervention Program or Low Income Household Water Assistance Program go to: mecknc.gov/energy
Senior Tax Exemptions: For information on Senior / Elderly Tax Exemptions to to: mecknc.gov/Assessors
Transportation: Mecklenburg Transportation System (MTS) provides transportation to eligible citizens. For more information, please call 704-336-4547 or visit mecknc.gov.
Digital Education Sessions:
Fill My Cup! Digital Education Session information can be found click here.
Grocery programs: Mobile Market Program provides produce and grocery items to eligible residents 60 years and older. To learn more, please call 980-314-7788.
NOW THAT SNAP BENEFITS HAVE DECLINED, WHAT OTHER FOOD RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE?
WIC: If you have a child under 5 and/or pregnant or breastfeeding, you may be eligible for WIC. Learn more: ncdhhs.gov/ncwicreferral
Dial 211 or visit www.nc211.org to be connected to community food resources.
FindHelp.org: Find food and other helpful resources.
NCDHHS TO RESUME ANNUAL MEDICAID RECERTIFICATION PROCESS
Contact: news@dhhs.nc.gov | 919-855-4840
RALEIGH — Due to a change at the federal level, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services will begin Medicaid beneficiary recertifications that could result in coverage termination or a reduction in benefits. The recertification process is called the Medicaid continuous coverage unwinding and it will begin on April 1, 2023. Since March 2020, under the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, states have been required to maintain enrollment of nearly all Medicaid beneficiaries and their level of coverage to ensure they continued to receive health care and services through Medicaid during the pandemic regardless of changes in eligibility status. This continuous coverage requirement will end March 31, 2023. People with Medicaid who were already enrolled or newly enrolled during the continuous coverage period have continued to receive the same level of benefit coverage since March 2020. The state’s goal is to ensure people who remain eligible for Medicaid continue to be covered and those who are no longer eligible know their potential options, such as buying coverage, often at a reduced cost, through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. As recertifications take place over the next 12 months, up to 300,000 North Carolinians may lose full health care coverage or see a reduction in benefits. Most Medicaid terminations or reductions could begin as early as July 1, 2023, although some could lose coverage as early as May 1, 2023. NC Medicaid has been working with county Departments of Social Services and other partners to reach as many of its 2.9 million beneficiaries as possible to explain what they can expect and their potential options to obtain health benefits. Beneficiaries will be notified by mail, email and other forms of communication during this recertification period. NC Medicaid will also hold webinars and post updates on social media, among other measures to increase awareness. To continue Medicaid health care coverage, beneficiaries will work with their county Department of Social Services to update contact information, including correct mailing address, phone number and email. This information can be updated online by beneficiaries by opening an enhanced ePASS account at epass.nc.gov or at their local DSS. People with Medicaid coverage may receive a letter from their local DSS for additional information. People should check their mail and follow instructions in any letters by the stated deadlines to help avoid a gap in their Medicaid coverage. Questions about the Medicaid annual recertification process can be answered by their local DSS office.
CANOPY HOUSING FOUNDATION GRANTS
Stacy S. Baum | sbaum@canopyrealtors.com
Sponsorship Coordinator | 704-940-3147 (o) / 704-808-0423 (m)
The Canopy Housing Foundation, the charitable arm of the Canopy Realtor® Association, is pleased to announce our timeline for our 2023 Community Grants and Youth Excellence in Service (Y.E.S.) Awards:
March 1: Applications released to the public
May 31: Deadline for submission of applications
July 26: Funding announced through Grants Celebration Event
Our grants program provides restricted monetary support to nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties that address unmet housing needs. Grants are awarded in amounts up to $3,000, pending availability of funds, and cannot be used for operational, administrative, capital expenses or debt reduction. In 2022, the Foundation distributed community grants totaling $50,000 and the Community Grants Program has awarded a total of $414,600 in grants throughout its history.
Attached you will find additional criteria and information as well as the application itself. All submissions are ranked according to the following attributes: community impact, project feasibility, fiscal strength and Realtor® support. All non-profit organizations within Mecklenburg and Iredell counties who are addressing unmet housing needs are eligible to apply; however, please be aware that this is a competitive grant process.
We are also currently accepting nominations for our 5th Annual Youth Excellence in Service (Y.E.S.) Award. This award was established to encourage youth to address a broad spectrum of needs in an effort to build a stronger community. This would be a wonderful opportunity for you to honor a young person involved with your organization. The nomination form and additional information on this award is also attached.
For additional information about the Canopy Housing Foundation or our grants process, as well as an online version of the application, please visit www.CanopyHousingFoundation.org.
There is a MAY 31th deadline.
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
A Hindu Peace Prayer:
I desire neither earthly kingdom, nor even freedom from birth and death. I desire only the deliverance from grief of all those afflicted by misery. Oh Lord, lead us from the unreal to the real; from darkness to light; from death to immortality. May there be peace in celestial regions. May there be peace on earth. May the waters be appeasing. May herbs be wholesome and may trees and plants bring peace to all. May all beneficent beings bring peace to us. May your wisdom spread peace all through the world. May all things be a source of peace to all and to me. Om Shanti, Shanti, Shanti (Peace, peace, peace)
(M.K. Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence)
Next meeting – TWO weeks from today – Thursday, March 30th at 11 AM
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