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
63 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
1. MECKMIN UPDATES
SUPPORTING MECKMIN SO WE CAN CONTINUE THESE MEETINGS
THANKS SO MUCH TO RECAST for sponsoring 5 upcoming newsletters! Also to Crossnore Communities for Children for sponsoring 2 upcoming newsletters.
It will be a true win-win – great publicity for them and great financial support for MeckMIN!
"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 above 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! To become an affiliate member, use this link.
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.
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.
Sunday, April 6 | 5 - 7 PM, Myers Park United Methodist Church
Join us for a Meet & Learn where you'll hear youth from various faith traditions narrate their religion's values and traditions and share how they live their faith. Stay for the conversations and the snacking!
Open to Middle and High School youth and their companions or guardians. Publix is providing sandwiches and there is time for conversation afterwards.
OPEN TABLES LUNCHEON
April 24 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM | Friendship Missionary Baptist Church | Conference Room A | TOPIC OF DISCUSSION: LOSS & GRIEF - FINDING MEANING
At an Open Tables gathering, individuals from diverse congregations come together for fellowship and dining; with the goal of building relationships based on our shared humanity that go beyond the divides of tribalism.
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.)
We sit at tables of 6-8 people making sure that each table has a variety of faith backgrounds and traditions.
Using some wonderful resources from Living Room Conversations, we have substantive conversations on topics that matter.
REGISTER HERE
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
We invite all who are interested to join us in at Heart and Hands Food Pantry for our service project. The project will include cleaning up their food pantry and other assorted tasks. This is a great way to connect with others while collaborating.
Registration information coming soon
BUILDING BRIDGES CAMPAIGN UPDATE
Goal: $36,000 in individual, organizational, and congregational giving by March 31
Raised: $29,484.20
Still to go: $6,515.80
THANK YOU for your much-needed support! If you have not yet made a personal or organizational gift, we hope you will!
REQUEST FOR YOUR FEEDBACK
The MeckMIN board is asking for your feedback:
In the midst of this time of political transition, what primary concerns are being expressed within your particular communities?
In what ways can MeckMIN work within our broader network to help support your community during this season?
Please email ledayne@meckmin.org with your feedback and/or reach out by phone if you would like to have a conversation
Rev. Benjamin A. Roberts | baroberts@rcdoc.org
Pastor, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, Monroe, NC,
Ecumenical Officer, Diocese of Charlotte, Chairman, Presbyteral Council, Diocese of Charlotte, 2024-2025
Rev. Roberts is the recently appointed Ecumenical Officer of the Catholic Diocese of Charlotte. The ecumenical officer is the principal advisor to the Bishop for ecumenical and interreligious matters. He represents the Bishop and Diocese to the Catholic Association of Diocesan Ecumenical and Interreligious Officers (CADEIO), a national organization that works with the U.S. bishops, as well as to other ecumenical and interreligious gatherings; serves as a consultant to diocesan leaders and entities on ecumenical and interreligious matters; and promotes a spirit of cooperation, collaboration and understanding with other faith communities.
Rev. Roberts sees the core of the job as making friends. You are invited to reach out and connect with him and explore ways that your work might connect.
Rev. Roberts is also the pastor of Our Lady of Lourdes church in Monroe which is 90% Mexican by culture. The congregation is hosting a resource fair on April 5th from 9-12 and all are welcome to attend.
Due to the Trump Administration's indefinite refugee ban, stop work orders, and failure to reimburse resettlement agencies, our affiliate partners are struggling with reduced staffing and the challenge of meeting the critical needs of the refugees we serve. If you are looking for ways to stand with refugees and immigrants during this time, here are a few meaningful ways to help:
Connect with a local resettlement affiliate. Reach out to the closest affiliate in your area to learn about their current needs for donations, volunteers, and financial support.
Engage in education and advocacy. Knowledge has the power to change hearts and minds.
Explore and share the Immigration Action Toolkit
Engage with our book discussion guides covering topics like refugee resettlement, asylum, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, and the immigration system.
Sign up for and send action alerts, including:
HELPFUL RESOURCES TO STAY INFORMED
The National Council of Nonprofits is the largest network of nonprofits in North America. They champion, inform, and connect organizations across the country to score big wins for nonprofits and the communities they serve.
They are doing an excellent job summing up all the current federal and state changes impacting nonprofits. You can sign up for their newsletter for free to get up-to-date information.
GOVERNMENT POLICY UPDATE
Grant Station is closely monitoring recent federal actions and their impact on the nonprofit sector. This article tracks ongoing developments, providing links to source materials. The article will be updated at least once a week, and more often in cases of significant developments when possible.
NC FOOD SYSTEM ADVOCACY COALITION
If you are concerned about food justice and strengthening local food systems, The NC Food System Advocacy Coalition is on Instagram (@ncfoodadvocacy) and is tracking some of the local impacts of federal actions.
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.
MECK COUNTY UPDATES
Danielle Crawford | 704-351-2107
Clinical Outreach Coordinator, Mecklenburg County Government
Danielle Crawford is the Clinical Outreach Coordinator for Overdose Data to Action | Public Health. Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) is a 5-year cooperative agreement designed to provide local jurisdictions with resources to improve surveillance efforts to inform prevention activities and ultimately reduce the opioid burden. The Mecklenburg County Public Health Department’s OD2A program is working to strengthen and build partnerships across community organizations, health systems, public safety and others with a common goal of reaching people at highest risk of overdose and closing the gaps in access to care and service. At the core of this program is a focus on health equity and reducing health disparities by engaging partners and integrating people with lived experience into all goals and activities. Priority goals to include linkage to and retention of care, harm reduction and enhancing clinician and health systems best practices.
On their site you can find resources to get free Naloxone, resources for treatment and training for your organization. There are also data dashboards to track progress.
This work is made possible by the Opioid Settlement Fund which has several collaborative opportunities. A 75 Million dollar funding opportunity through Mecklenburg County which funds under exhibit A evidence-based strategies related to addressing opioid use. Currently, we have 11 of the strategies funded and are interested in collaborating with faith-based communities. Once RFP's become available, Danielle will notify the community but you should also feel free to reach out to her for more information.
Christina Dooley, MLIS (She, her, hers) | cdooley@cmlibrary.org
Librarian, Nonprofit team lead, University City Regional
The CML Non-profit resources team exists primarily to serve founder-led and smaller non-profits and grassroots organizations. The team has 6 librarians in total across several branches and they lead one-on-one classes, group trainings and more both in-person and virtually. Go to the CML website to find classes and events.
In addition, they are always looking for presenters. If you feel you have wisdom to share with other non-profits, reach out to Christy with your expertise.
It is important to note what they do NOT offer help with. They are not attorneys or tax specialists. They cannot write/review/submit or offer grants. They don’t prospect for grants on your behalf
They DO help you learn how to find grants. They can help you find links to learn about filing your 990s. And they offer robust subscription databases for free as long as you are using a library computer inside a library building.
2. NONPROFIT UPDATES
JUSTFAITH MINISTRIES
Leila Oakley | Leila@justfaith.org | info@justfaith.org
JustFaith Ministries was birthed in the effort to invite and prepare people of faith for the life-changing and world-changing call of the Gospel to help heal the world and, in so doing, experience a deeper faith, a more fulfilling life, and a community of care and vitality.
They create small group programming that inspires people to take action towards social justice. They have Christian focused work as well as interfaith programs. Groups are typically 8-14 people who want to talk and learn about social issues. They gather weekly and engage with articles, music, books and more and connect with one another around the materials provided. The hope is that by providing a process for engagement and education around social justice issues they can expand the number of people who want to engage with these issues. These sessions can also be used as training opportunities for your organization.
They currently have a grant to support their eco-justice program which includes Sacred Air, Sacred Earth and Sacred Water.
For more about the programs they offer: https://justfaith.org/programs/
MYBABY4ME: CANVASSING DAY - April 5
Amee Roome | ameeroome@gmail.com | 704-699-6070
The MyBaby4Me program is an initiative of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in collaboration with A Chance To Learn, a national nonprofit organization, that addresses infant and maternal mortality rates that are significantly elevated in a specific geographic area.
By volunteering for our MyBaby4Me Canvassing Day, you’ll play a vital role in connecting pregnant women and new mothers with valuable resources to support healthy pregnancies and thriving families. Volunteers will distribute flyers in nearby neighborhoods, helping to spread the word about this important initiative. Your time and effort will make a real difference in reaching women who may need this program. We appreciate your support and look forward to working with you!
Volunteers, ages 16+, will work in groups of 2-4. Youth, 11-15, can join with their parents. Please sign up as a group on this form. There is a spot for you to list the other members of your group (or indicate in that space that you need help getting paired with another volunteer.)
You will be given instructions on where to go and what to say when you arrive at the Galilee Center on April 5th at 9:00 am. This event will happen rain or shine, so dress accordingly! There will be parking attendants to show you where to go when you arrive. (Carpool if you can.)
THE FORUM at HOPE HAVEN
Barbara Thomas | TheForum@hopehaveninc.org | (980) 308-2686
The Forum at Hope Haven is a new center for training and collaboration whose mission is to equip train and support front line workers who serve the most marginalized in our
community. Some of the foundational trainings we are offer are as follows:
Trauma Informed Care
Motivational Interviewing
De-escalation: Creating Safety
Mental Health 101 and Refresher
Substance Use Disorder Basics
Compassion Satisfaction: Preventing Burn out
In addition, we have offered Cultural Sensitivity, Race-Based Stress and Trauma, Grief and Loss, Ethics and Boundaries and a Leadership series in response to the needs of our partners. Our goal is to have every non-profit worker trained and equipped with a strong network. All our trainings are developed in response to our partners so if you need a training, please reach out. Most trainings cost $25 adn include 3 CEU.
Trainings are also offered on site at your place of worship or organization and have been offered to church volunteers and staff as well as human service providers from 72
different agencies.
June 13th - CONNECT, a fun festival that connects front line staff throughout Charlotte! And... will include, food, games, prizes and a ton of information!
Here is what we have coming up-- Lots of great trainings and events—Register here: www.thforumathopehaven.org See you soon at The Forum!
April 1: Housing Problem Solving Conversations; 9 am -4pm: Day 1 of a 2 day training. An innovative client centered approach to promote rapid exit to housing.
April 8: Housing Problem Solving Conversations: Day 2 9am-4pm-- continue learning this unique approach recommended by Meck County COC
April 11: Compassion Satisfaction: Preventing Burn out-- This workshop will support you in finding joy and assessing burn out factors. Bring your team!!
April 30th Leadership Series Level 1: Cohort #5: Virtual orientation at 11 am followed by 4 fabulous sessions of learning and support on Wed 5/7 ,Wed 5/14 ,Wed 5/28,Tues. 6/3. Led by coach and leadership expert Lo Myrick
May 2: De-escalation: Creating Calm and Safety 9am 12 pm—For staff at all levels- Tools to interact safely and respond to bring clam to difficult situations.
May 9th: McLeod Centers @theForum: 8:30-4pm-- offering 6 CEU's. More information to come-- keep checking the website!
May 21: Building Resilience; 9am-12-- Practical tools and approach to gain resilience for your self and for your clients. Add to your self-care repertoire.
May 30: Motivational Interviewing Basics 1-9am-12: Practice engagement tools that lead to positive change-- Learn something new or refresh your MI skills.
May 30: Motivational Interviewing Basics 2-- 1pm-4pm: A deeper dive with more skills in this evidenced-based best practice that will create positive outcomes.
Register here: www.theforumathopehaven.org
KINSHIP PLOT GARDEN APPRENTICES
Rebecca Hart | cultivation@kinshipplot.org
Stephanie Vander Lugt | director@kinshipplot.org
Kinship Plot is a community of learning and practice where we cultivate resonant relationships through collaborative learning, contemplative action, formative artistry, slow cultivation, and liberatory welcome.
Kinship Plot is hiring two Garden Apprentices. This apprenticeship is designed to pass on knowledge, provide hands-on gardening skills training, and cultivate a vision for earth keeping and food justice for the next generation.
This is a summer position that requires roughly 8 hours a week. Schedule is Tuesday and Thursday from 9am - 1pm and it pays $180/week
The position is open to people age 16-40.
Tasks include: Hands-on learning, Physical garden and land care, Contemplative Action, Reflection, Assisting with fundraising and willingness to participate in a few additional community offerings and activities of kinship plot.
The position requires transportation, reliability, a strong work ethic, the ability to work in the summer heat, and a willingness to learn about food justice and community care through slow cultivation.
Full Job Description + application: https://www.kinshipplot.org/jobs
MECKLENBURG COUNTY CRIMINAL JUSTICE ADVISORY GROUP, VICTIMS SERVICES COMMITTEE: SURVEY of HOUSES of FAITH
Cindy Adcock | cadcock@msn.com
I am serving on our County's Criminal Justice Advisory Group, Victims Services Committee. The CJAG was created in 2005 as an informal forum where criminal justice system leaders engage in systemic planning and coordination. The CJAG focuses on identifying goals and priorities, developing solutions, and measuring results. Commitment is made to establishing cohesive policies and programs which are based on research and comprehensive planning. This commitment entails effective resource utilization and targeted funding strategies as part of its goal.
The Victims Services Committee is exploring which religious groups, if any in Mecklenburg County, provide services to crime victims.
Please reach out if you provide any of these services so we can include you in our work.
TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) TRAINING
Saturday, May 10 from 10am-2pm
Lila Riley | lriley@crossnore.org
Crossnore Communities for Children, in partnership with Foster Family Alliance and Children's Home Society, is hosting a free TBRI (Trust-Based Relational Intervention) training on Saturday, May 10 from 10am-2pm. Crossnore works with families who are at risk of entering the foster system, in the system, or exiting the system
We hope you will share this information in your newsletters, with your staff and with those you serve.
If you are unfamiliar, TBRI is an attachment-based, trauma-informed intervention designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children. TBRI® uses Empowering Principles to address physical needs, Connecting Principles for attachment needs, and Correcting Principles to disarm fear-based behaviors. While the intervention is based on years of attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, the heartbeat of TBRI® is connection. More detail can also be found at this website.
TBRI® is designed to meet the complex needs of children who have experienced adversity, early harm, toxic stress, and/or trauma. Because of their histories, it is often difficult for these children to trust the loving adults in their lives, which often results in perplexing behaviors. TBRI® offers practical tools for parents, caregivers, teachers, or anyone who works with children, to see the “whole child” in their care and help that child reach his highest potential.
What: TBRI Training
When: May 10th from 10-2 pm (lunch included)
Where: Children's Home Society, 1300 Baxter Street, Suite 264, Charlotte
Please register and join us
We are also hoping to bring our professional foster care model to a broader audience. We are looking for housing to lease from our partners so if you have any connections to townhomes or other homes in the region please reach out.
CHAPLAIN SERVICES CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
Chaplain Fatima Gonzalez | fatima.gonzalez@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s
Office: (980) 314-5465, (704) 491-6654
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Department is looking for volunteers for their Chaplain Aide program.
What a Chaplain Aide can do;
Talk with the residents (inmates)
Teach classes (faith based studies)
Assist in Chaplain Office needs/duties
Schedule – Monday to Friday
9 am to 11 am or
1 pm to 4 pm
Volunteer – Monday to Sundays - Evenings & Weekends
Only teaches faith based studies
Schedule
8 pm to 9:30 pm
They are doing a Zoom meeting April 1 & 8 at 6 pm to offer information and orientation.
If you are interested in joining, please email Chaplain Gonzalez
Roxanna DeShong-Myrie | roxannadeshong@gmail.com Co-coordinator of Public School Strong.
Public School Strong is a North Carolina-wide, nonpartisan group that works to ensure all children have a basic right to education. The Mecklenburg Chapter is organizing educators, public school supporters and families all across the county to work towards equity in education and access to resources for all kids. We advocate for
Salary Raises
Filling all Open positions
Teacher retention.
Won’t you join this work? We are developing a campaign around increasing the teacher supplement to 10%. Teachers are leaving the profession because CMS doesn’t pay enough. They leave mid-year, summer and they are leaving in droves.
Teachers are professionals who have worked hard, getting necessary licensing, additional degrees and more. Securing a 10% supplemental increase to their salary would have a significant ROI (return on investment) preventing learning loss when teachers leave mid-year and when our most experienced teachers leave for work that offers better pay.
Strong public schools are an investment in the future of Charlotte, benefitting corporate America and the skills/ trade markets as well. A more productive workforce will create a more developed and productive society.
BOE Meetings which are approaching. We hope you will join us to advocate.
Next Opportunity: Public Comment on the Budget:
When: Tuesday April 8, 6 pm
Where: 600 E 4th Charlotte NC the government building.
In addition, we hope you will sign our petition opposing the dismantling of the Department of Education by the Trump Administration. https://publicschoolstrong.controlshift.app/petitions/public-school-strong-defend-against-the-trump-administration-s-attacks
THE PUBLIC SCHOOL FUNDING CRISIS - What’s at Stake Event
GUARDIAN AD LITEM DIVISION
Dana S. Frady | dana.s.frady@nccourts.org
Recruit and train community volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children in the foster care system. The role of Guardian ad Litem advocates is to:
Protect and promote the best interests of juveniles in abuse and neglect court proceedings
Conduct independent investigations to determine the facts, needs of the child, and the resources appropriate to meet those needs
Report the wishes or preferences of the child and make recommendations to the court
Advocate for abused and neglected children in every county of the state
Learn more about volunteering on our website and come to the next MeckMIN meeting where we will present more. We will also have a resource table at the breakfast and we hope to see you there.
MATERNAL HEALTH SOLIDARITY WALK and RALLY
The Health Justice Committee of the Reimagining America Project in Charlotte encourages advocacy participation with Care Ring -- Join us for a Maternal Health Solidarity Walk and Rally at Marshall Park on Saturday, April 19th at 11 am. There will be speeches, activities, and a DJ as we walk to raise awareness of the maternal health crisis and make a call to action
2025 MATERNAL HEALTH CONFERENCE
The 2025 Maternal Health Conference in Charlotte will beApril 17, 2025. Care Ring, along with our Presenting Sponsor, Novant Health, and in partnership with South Piedmont AHEC, Mecklenburg County Public Health, and Atrium Health, will host the 2nd annual maternal health conference. With a focus on improving maternal health and reducing maternal mortality, the conference will feature informative sessions focused on healthy birth outcomes and empowering families through strategic health system changes.
Hear from local, state and national leaders on the State of Maternal Health and action steps we can all take, and attend your choice of 12 different breakout sessions in the morning and afternoon, lead by subject matter experts.
Who Should Attend?: Anyone who provides services to and/or advocates for pregnant and postpartum birthing people such as:
Physicians, especially OB/GYNs, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, OB/GYN, L&D, or Public Health Nurses, Doulas and Midwives, Community and Public Health Workers, Social Workers
Healthcare Executives, Advocates & Activists, and Students.
CEUs and Contact Hours offered for a variety of professionals.
HEALTHY MECK COALITION
The next Healthy Meck coalition meeting will be on April 11 from 9:30 -11:30. You can learn more about Healthy Meck here: Home - Healthy Meck and you can register for the meeting here: https://forms.office.com/r/V5TdQTY88T
HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY UPDATES
WILDFIRE SHELTER
Registration deadline is now Monday, 4/7
Registration deadline is now Monday, 4/7
Headlines with Deadlines: Survivor Assistance
1. FEMA Individual Assistance - Extended to Monday, 4/7
2. Disaster Unemployment Assistance - Extended to Monday, 4/7
3. IRS tax returns and payments for Helene survivors - Extended to Thursday, 5/1
4. Red Cross Additional Financial Assistance - Extended
Public Engagement and Advocacy
Access public comments and open letters submitted by the NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network here.
1. FEMA Request for Information: FEMA Review Council. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2025/03/26/2025-05057/request-for-public-input-on-experiences-with-fema-disaster-responses
Grants for Organizations
1. American Red Cross - Helene Long Term Recovery, ongoing
Jobs in Community Resilience
1. Southeastern and Caribbean Disaster Resilience Partnership: Job Board https://www.scdrp.secoora.org/job-board
Webinars, Newsletters, and Data Archives
1. Southern Economic Advancement Project - Resource Roundup. Fortunately, the work to protect data, mobilize grassroots organizations, and build tools that respond to the current federal climate has ramped up, too. So, SEAP is bringing you a monthly resource roundup (in addition to our newsletter) featuring the best tools, events, and resources we’ve found to help meet our communities’ needs.” Read here.
2. Southern Environmental Law Center Guide to Archived Federal Environmental Data, Tools & Websites. This is a guide to finding alternative places to access important environmental government data being removed from public online sources.” Access the archive.
Other Resources
How to donate and volunteer: Blue Ridge Public Radio has this list, VolunteerNC has this list, NCVOAD has this list, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe County has this list.
Qualified Disaster Loss Deduction: Available to taxpayers affected by Hurricane Helene
Did Hurricane Helene damage things you own, like your house, car, or things inside your house? The value of the things lost or destroyed in the hurricane may lessen your tax bill or add to your refund. Learn more: pisgahlegal.org/taxes.
Following is a list of the NC VOAD recurring Committee Calls with dates, times, and links.
Long-Term Recovery Groups
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:00 am
Meeting ID: 160 098 4167, Passcode: 604572
Dial in number:
+1 415 449 4000 US (US Spanish Line)
• 833 568 8864 US
Disaster Case Management
Wednesdays at 12:00 noon
Emotional and Spiritual Care/Child Wellbeing
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 pm
Meeting ID: 160 139 5145
Passcode: 054460
Dial in number:
• +1 415 449 4000 US (US Spanish Line)
• 833 568 8864 US
Volunteer Management
Fridays at 2:00 pm
Meeting ID: 944 0139 8276
Passcode: 461008
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
First and third Thursdays each month at 10:30 am
Meeting ID: 963 214 6210
Dial-In: +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC)
Communications Committee
Tuesdays at 10 am
Meeting ID: 160 340 4306
Passcode: 653471
Programming Notes
· Please feel free to forward/copy, no credit needed.
· If this message was forwarded to you and you want to receive it directly, please fill out this short form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/NCIDR-Membership.
· If you have something to share through our network, please email network@inclusivedisasterrecovery.org.
GENERAL INFORMATION
We're teamed up with VITA Latino again to offer Free tax preparation services. Our last available date is:
Saturday April 5, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM @International House, 1611 E 7th St.
Join us for our WelcomeCLT program, in partnership with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library. "WelcomeCLT: International House" are held on the first Thursday of every month from 11 AM to 1 PM at the Independence Regional Library. These sessions are free and open to anyone interested.
WelcomeCLT is a collaborative effort to provide programs and services that appeal to new residents and members of our community from diverse backgrounds, countries, and experiences.
Next meeting: Apr 03, 2025, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM, Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Dr,
Explore our space, meet our community, and learn more about the exciting opportunities for you to get involved with our international community here in Charlotte. You're welcome to bring a guest with you! Please RSVP here.
Tuesday Apr 8, 6-7 pm @ International House
Tuesday: 4/8
This orientation is designed for newcomers looking to integrate themselves into the Charlotte community. Please join us to learn about International House, the city of Charlotte, and the different resources available here. Presentations are from 10AM-12PM, followed by optional 1:1 community navigation appointments from 12PM-2PM. The sessions are provided in English and Spanish, and we will provide interpreters for other languages upon request.During the sessions you can learn about the many different resources available in Charlotte for
Health
Housing
Education
Food
Childcare
and more!
For more information click on this link.
RSVP here.
Fridays: April 11, June 6, Aug 22, Oct 3
NCHTC is reaching out to organizations across North Carolina that provide vital housing and support services as part of a statewide effort to assess how well they can meet the needs of victims of human trafficking. To better understand the housing options available to these individuals, they have created a brief survey titled "Survey of N.C. Housing Inventory for Victims of Human Trafficking." Whether your organization specifically focuses on human trafficking or provides broader services (such as domestic violence, substance recovery, or homelessness), your input is crucial in helping NCHTC understand the range of housing resources available across the state.
BRIDGE FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM APPLICATION
Rev. Dr. Stefan Weathers, Sr. (he/him/his) | stefan@democracync.org | 704-756-0732.
Program Manager - Young Adult Engagement
The Democracy North Carolina Bridge Fellowship Program is a 6-month fellowship program for non-college (enrollees or graduates) 18-29 year old young people. It pays a $10,000 stipend (taxable) and will only require a 10-15 hour a week commitment (to accommodate those with young children and other full or part-time work).It is a 6-month fellowship program from September 2025 to February 2026 that will provide participants with the skills needed to do grassroots organizing in their communities. The goal of this fellowship program is to help empower young people to build people power that can be translated to increased voter turnout and increased accountability among local and state lawmakers. In other words, they will become Bridge Builders that help to close the gap between their communities and full participation in the electoral process and our democracy as a whole.
The program is divided up into three parts:
Part 1 - Interactive Civic Education
Part 2 - Practical Experience
Part 3 - Community Project
Key Details:
10-15 hours per week
Stipend - $10,000 over 6 months; paid twice a month (16th and last day of the month)
Orientation: Friday, August 29, 2025
Program Start Date: Monday, September 8, 2025
Program End Date: Friday, February 26, 2026
This application is open from Monday, March 17, 2025 to Friday, May 9, 2025. No applications will be accepted after May 9th.
FosterCARE: UPCOMING TRAINING
FosterCARE is an adaptation of Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) that speaks to the unique challenges of children and families involved in the foster care system and the adults who support them. FosterCARE is a trauma-informed way for any adult to interact with any foster care child or teen. It seeks to increase positive child-adult interaction, child compliance, and child engagement. FosterCARE uses ideas and skills derived from evidence-based, positive parenting programs. FosterCARE is not therapy but can complement ongoing therapeutic services. Participants will learn a skill set that will enhance child-adult relationships in any setting and with a multitude of child populations, ages 2-18.
This FosterCARE training is offered in partnership with South Piedmont AHEC. CEU credits are available.
Date: Wednesday, April 30
Time: 8:30am - 12:30pm
Location: South Piedmont AHEC, 5039 Airport Center Pkwy
SPRINGCLEAN
CT Anderson | ct@springclean.org
Founder and Creative Director | Springclean
CATS TRANSIT SYSTEM PLAN SURVEY DEADLINE EXTENDED to April 11th
Christine Edwards Pitkin
CATS Community Engagement Liaison
Principal Consultant, Civility Localized
CATS invites the community to provide feedback for the Transit System Plan (TSP) update, which will shape the future of bus and rail in the Charlotte region. Your input is essential because you know what matters most to you and your community.
Join the conversation! Visit https://catstransitsystemplanupdate.com/get-involved to take the survey today!
After reviewing the alternative program scenarios, share your feedback in the survey through April 11, 2025. Survey participants will have the opportunity to be entered to win one of five $100 Visa® gift cards. Rules apply.
If you would like to share your comments beyond the survey, please reach out to our project team:
Email: TSP@publicinput.com
Project Voicemail: To leave a voicemail for the project team call, 704-461-4441; enter project code 10887.
Mail: CATS, C/O Natalie Bouchard, 600 E. 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
The City of Charlotte does not discriminate on the basis of disability. To request reasonable accommodation or translation (free of charge) please email telltransit@charlottenc.gov or call 704.336.7433.
About the Transit System Plan update:
The Transit System Plan update will shape the future of bus and rail services in the Charlotte region. Mecklenburg County is working with the State of North Carolina to consider a future local sales tax referendum to ask our community if they support dedicating additional funding to transit service investments. This Transit System Plan update is needed to identify the transit enhancements that would be made if additional local funding were available.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
“In the modern world, we typically think of sloth defined vis-a-vis productivity. And so laziness and not doing stuff, we equate with sloth. [But] In one of the interviews we did on the so-called seven deadly sins, I learned that in the classic tradition … sloth was an inattentiveness to things that merited our attention. And so one could actually be super busy while being slothful, because we haven't given attention to [what matters].” Lee C. Camp
From Kelly Corrigan Wonders: Deep Dive with Lee C. Camp on Holiday Hope, Dec 31, 2024
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NEXT MEETING: Two weeks from today – Thursday at 11 a.m.