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 subscribe to our newsletter.
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:
4/18: TAXES DUE
4/21, 12:15 Food for Thought: The Asylum Process: A personal Story – LIVE ONLY, NO RECORDING
4/22, 4-6pm: International House Spring resource fair
4/23, 10-12: Storm Water Stream Clean Up Service Project
4/30, 6pm: Karen Gonzalez Event at St. John’s Baptist Church
5/12, 7:30 am: MeckMIN Awards Breakfast
5/19, 12:15: Food for Thought: Affordable Housing Stories
6/23-26: In Our Own Backyard Camp
7/14-17: S4TL – Rotary Leadership Camp
7/18: Applications due for National Fund for Sacred Places grant
8/27: Another Chance House of Refuge 5K run, “Racing Through ReEntry”.
9/11, 1-6pm: Sacred Threads Conference
4/28, 11 am: Next Non-profit Leadership meeting
Opening Reflection
By Tom Eure
Gracious God of many names, bless this gathering bonded together in the sprit of unity. Let us feel and embrace our oneness. Let us recognize each others hurts and sorrows. Let us see and celebrate each others common goal of opening our hearts for the benefit of all people. We acknowledge that compassion and understanding are the seeds that becomes peace and trust, which blossoms into radiant love. We come together today because of our hope for the future, bless our efforts, Amen.
1. MeckMIN Updates
STORM WATER STREAM CLEAN UP Service Project |
Saturday, April 23 | 10 am - 12 pm
Join us on Saturday, April 23 for a two-hour service project at Sugar Creek Pineville - 9840 Pineville Matthews Rd. We will be cleaning both the stream and roadway. Storm Water services will provide waders (assorted sizes), trash bags, gloves, & little pickers.
AWARDS BREAKFAST
The Date: Thursday May 12th at 7:30 am in person at Covenant Presbyterian his is the biggest MeckMIN fundraiser of the year. If the work that MeckMIN is doing matters to you, please sponsor a table or buy individual tickets.
Tickets are going fast! Get yours! The deadline to become a sponsor is April 30. Seats are selling fast – buy yours today to be certain of having a seat!
FOOD FOR THOUGHT:
We invite you to join us for the last two remaining Food for Thought events before our summer break on Zoom from from 12:15 to 1:15 PM.
April 21 – Asylum Process Out of safety concerns this session will not be recorded but will be live only for safety of the speaker. This is the second part of our two-part series about the realities of immigration. We will hear the personal story of one asylum seeker living in our community and also from the faith community supporting her.
May 19 – Affordable Housing Stories We will hear the stories of those who live in some of the affordable housing highlighted in an earlier Food for Thought event.
IN OUR OWN BACKYARD (IOOBY) | June 23-26 | Applications Open
SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 23-26, 2022
We will once again host our acclaimed interfaith youth camp.
Every year we hold our interfaith summer camp experience for high-school aged youth in Mecklenburg County. The purpose of the camp is to bring youth together from different faiths, races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds to learn more about each other’s faith traditions and to serve area residents in need. Participants visit various social agencies, visit different houses of faith for worship services and develop their own interfaith service on the last evening of the program. PLEASE SHARE WITH ANY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT YOU THINK MIGHT BE INTERESTED.
Please help us spread the word by sharing the webpage on your social media accounts and within your personal networks
I
COVID UPDATES
CDC’s New COVID-19 Quarantine and Isolation Calculator
The CDC has a new calculator that you can use. This tool helps people know what to do if they have COVID-19 or have come into close contact with someone with COVID-19. People with COVID-19 who have mild symptoms or no symptoms will know how long they need to stay home away from other people (isolate). Close contacts to someone with COVID-19 will know if they need to stay home (quarantine) or take steps like getting tested and wearing a well-fitting mask.
Order (or re-order) At-Home COVID-19 Test Kits
Every home in the U.S. is eligible to order 2 sets of 4 free at-home tests. If you already ordered your first set, order a second today. These are free to the public
Find Free Masks (N95 Respirators) | CDC
The CDC can help you locate free N95 masks for staff or clients. This tool shows a list of pharmacies that provide free masks (N95 respirators). It does not show their current inventory. Please check with the location for availability. Need help finding free masks in the U.S.? Call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489)
Fourth Boosters:
Everyone 50 and older and certain immunocompromised people can now get a second COVID vaccine booster. Learn more atcdc.gov/coronavirus.
Update on current COVID recommendations
Mecklenburg County Public Health: Autumn B. Watson, MPH, REHS
Sr. Health Manager Community Outreach | COVID-19 Unit
C: 704-621-5181 www.meckhealth.org
-Many are asking about current COVID protocols. The county has a dedicated COVID page on their website where you can find recommendations for current conditions. -Slight uptake in Covid cases locally
-Visit www.mecknc.gov/covid-19 to monitor community metrics, updated every Wednesday (collected thru waste water)
-Still advised to wear a mask in large groups
The health department is monitoring the emerging variants but is not recommending any changes in Mecklenburg at this time.
2. Non-Profit Updates
Sagar Kapse skapse@gmail.com -2-hour exhibition includes 24 posters depicting Hindu civilization
-Enjoy a cup of Indian Chai
WELCOMING AMERICA GATHERING IN CHARLOTTE
Jordyne Krumroy (she/her/hers) | Senior Regional Manager
Welcoming America | Building a nation of neighbors
Phone: 678-824-4230 | Based in Raleigh, NC
jordyne@welcomingamerica.org | welcomingamerica.org -National non-profit holding their annual 2-day conference
-May 18-20. Engage with over 400 attendees working to shape more inclusive communities
-Register at: https://web.cvent.com/event/44f57b1e-79d8-4424-b15c-24385e033efa/summary
Tom Eure | tomeure@icloud.com
Let’s get together at the Friends & Neighbors Festival on April 30th from 12pm to 5pm at Morning Star Lutheran Church 12509 Idlewild Rd. Matthews NC. It’s going to be a fun filled day of celebrating the creativity, and diversity of our surrounding community! Featuring live music from Christy Snow Band, Brighter Day Gospel Choir, Christo Reina (St. John Neumann Music Ministry), and Carolina Gator Gumbo. Expect creative arts activities, a hot dog lunch, special guests and more. This free outdoor family event is open to all! Join in the fun and let’s come together as Friends and Neighbors, because when we get together, we grow together.
FREEDOM SCHOOL PARTNERS SUPPLY DRIVE
George Metz | Chief Strategy Officer
Office: 704-371-4922 ext. 229
PO Box 37363 Charlotte, NC 28237
George Metz <george@freedomschoolpartners.org
-Hiring Summer Staff
-Serving 800 students in 3 sites
-No charge other than a $40 registration fee which can be waived
-Current challenge is finding enough servant leaders (interns) to help run the program
Servant Leader Intern
The Servant Leader Intern (SLI) serves as a classroom teacher in a Freedom School literacy based summer enrichment program. The SLI helps to serve breakfast and lunch, leads a literacy rich curriculum during the morning, and leads/chaperones activities or field trips in the afternoon. The Servant Leader Intern should be experienced in working with groups of children, responsible, energetic, able to think on his/her feet, a good leader and a strong role model.
Site Administrative Intern The Site Administrative Intern (SAI) is responsible for managing, organizing and performing administrative duties for the site and, along with the Site Coordinator, serves as the primarily liaison between the site and Freedom School Partners’ main office staff. The SAI has a key role in ensuring that operations are effective and efficient, requiring strong organizational and customer service skills.
FSP's April Book and Supply Drive is Thursday, April 28. Show your love for FSP by supporting our scholars and helping us prepare for this summer!
April Items
Books for students K-8
Scholar incentives
Paper towels
Scotch tape
Gallon size plastic bags
Drop off supplies in the front of our warehouse, Thursday, April 28, 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 4000 to be connected directly to our warehouse.
Can't make it in person?
View FSP's Amazon Smile wish list for additional needed supplies.
View FSP's Amazon book wish list.
HABITAT
Zach Surber | Faith Relations Manager Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region
980.859.5578 (office) | 612.425.8225 (mobile)
Habitat is hiring a Faith Relations Intern! This 9 week summer internship will help our faith program be more inclusive, assist in outreach, and learn some fantastic skills in nonprofit management. The position pays $14/hour for about 27 hours per week, May 24th – July 26th. We hope to have applications in by April 22nd, so please apply soon!
Our application portal can be found here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=79551&clientkey=B9AEBEEC5E3A8BA881D7206574ECB329
If you have interest, but are unable to apply before the deadline, send whatever you can to Zach Surber, Faith Relations Manager directly at zsurber@habitatcltregion.org Deadline April 22nd
Property Tax relief Clinic
65+, folks w/ disability & facing financial stress can come to the office and get help May 14 – See attached
CARE RING
Jennifer Frey | JFrey@careringnc.org A Guided Journey
Care Ring’s A Guided Journey program connects pregnant women and those up to 90 days postpartum with a Community Health Worker who can help identify individual needs; provide information on healthy lifestyles and infant health; and connect women to supportive services like food assistance, transportation, access to medical care and other resources.
The goals are:
· to improve health outcomes before, during, and after pregnancy
· reduce the infant mortality rates in black and brown communities
· reduce negative maternal health outcomes
Anyone living in zip codes 28205, 28206, 28208, 28212, 28216, and 28217 can enroll in the program. Visits take place in the home, over the phone, or by video. An expectant mother can enroll anytime during the pregnancy up to 90 days postpartum. The program serves the family until the child turns three years old.
We currently have openings in the program, so if you know of an expectant mother or a new mom who could benefit from this service, please reach out to Sherresa Falls by phone at 980-310-2968, or by email at SFalls@CareRingNC.org. You can also contact her for more information.
ACTIVE READING FAMILY WORKSHOPS
Elyse Berrier | Library Program Coordinator
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library | ImaginOn
Learn about the ABC's of Active Reading here. Sign up today!
C. 704-607-5912 O. 704-416-0553
Upcoming opportunities for faith-based organizations to host Active Reading Family workshops in partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library this summer.
Grant funding allows us to provide a pizza meal, three free books, and the workshop to each family that participates, and workshops can be in person or virtual. We can also utilize Spanish facilitators if needed as well. We will also share information about our Summer Break reading program at the workshops this summer.
Flyer outlining the opportunity for faith-based groups to participate in July and August:
URBAN LEAGUE EDUCATION SYMPOSIUM
April C. Turner
Outreach and Engagement Specialist
Urban League of Central Carolinas
O: 704.373.2256 x207
C: 704.594.0386
- Education Symposium: April 20th 8 am – 1 pm. Johnson C Smith University
-Spots still available for high school aged participants and chaperones/educators considering higher education. Various topics will be discussed. Highschoolers will get to experience a college setting and conversation. Food, music, free event.
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
Lauren Rogers | lrogers@ihclt.org
New Office Hours are Mon – Thur 9AM-5PM
New citizenship classes at IH on Sundays from 2-5 PM starting April 24th for 10 weeks. The program is free and students can register on our website.
Our summer session of evening ESL classes will start May 16th for 7 weeks. The beginning level will take place Mon/Wed from 6-8 PM, and the intermediate level will take place Tues/Thurs from 6-8 PM. Students can register on our website, and they will take their English tests the first night of class--May 16th from 6-8 PM.
Our Spring Resource Fair will be on Friday, April 22nd from 4-6 PM at International House. We'll have a food truck, games for children, give-aways, and community resources.
We're also hiring for our summer youth program, Rising Readers. These are paid positions, 8:30 AM-3:30 PM Monday-Thursday from June 20th-August 4th. There will be a week-long break during the week of July 4th. We're looking to hire about 40 tutors to support 4 different CMS school sites. Paid positions- $3000
"Immigration in times of Crisis" educational webinar will stream on August 25th at 6 pm via our social media accounts and YouTube channel.
Mental Wellness Workshop: “Coping with Crisis will take place May 4th from 6:30-8 PM in-person at IH, registration will be available on our website next week. We'll have marketing materials available soon for those.
Specialty programs to address concerns in CLT regarding the war in Ukraine
Please reach out with any questions, or if you know of any families that could use a fridge. Lauren Rogers, lrogers@ihclt.org
Finally-- we have a fridge that someone would like to donate to a family in need. Please let me know if you are aware of anyone that could use it. :)
ROTARY CLUB
Kevin Kendrick | bkkendrick@outlook.com
-Sunday, May 15th 1 – 5 PM, Afghan Picnic - Hunter Farm, Weddington, NC
-Looking for 3-4 buses to get the Afghan folks from a central collection point and take them to the farm
57 clubs in the district involved in 7 areas of focus: disease prevention, water, sanitation, hygiene, peace & conflict prevention & resolution, basic education & literacy, maternal & child care, growing local economies, supporting the env.
DIAPER BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA (DBNC)
Michelle Old CEO and Founder | Diaper Bank of North Carolina 919-886-8085 Changing lives, one diaper at a time. You Can Help. www.ncdiaperbank.org
Diaper Bank of North Carolina (DBNC) announced this week it is opening a Charlotte branch this month.
How it works: The Durham-based nonprofit partners with regional organizations to distribute items like diapers, formula and other baby essentials, feminine hygiene products and adult incontinence supplies.
· Many of these products are not covered by SNAP (food stamp) benefits.
· Smart Start of Mecklenburg County and the Archer Foundation worked with DBNC to secure funding for the new space.
Details: The local branch will be on Vane Court in the Atando Office Park, just outside NoDa.
· They'll be accepting diaper donations, volunteers and monetary gifts.
"We are excited to move toward our vision of addressing personal hygiene needs across the state," Michelle Old, founder and executive director of DBNC, said in a statement. -Diapers can cost about $100 / week -Parents making tough decisions (food or diapers) -Looking for new partners -During Covid there was a 400% increase in diaper products -We need people power (volunteers)
If you are in need of assistance: A list of our partner agencies may be found on our website by clicking here. Please contact agencies individually to learn of their latest distribution procedures.
Ways to support DBNC: There are other great ways to support Diaper Bank of NC in lieu of volunteering at our warehouse.
· Donate our most needed items: Our most pressing need is for size preemie, newborn and 1 diapers, 4T/5T pull ups, feminine pads, and baby formula. Adult products include: Large pull-ups.
Collect cash donations. Cash donations allow us to purchase our most needed sizes when we run low, and because we buy in bulk, your dollars can purchase 3x more diapers than retail!
https://ncdiaperbank.networkforgood.com/projects/58385-donate-today-change-today-change-a-life
· Become a sustaining donor through ourCircle of Change Program:https://ncdiaperbank.org/circle-of-change
· Shop from our Amazon Wishlisthere:http://a.co/0p5fLzN
· Continue to follow our Facebook page for updates on most needed items.
CAMINO
Sarai Ordonez | sarai@camino.org
Camino Research Institute is currently conducting a comprehensive North Carolina Latino Community Strengths and Needs Assessment. Phase 1 of this project includes an anonymous, electronic 15-minute survey (camino.org/survey). Eligibility criteria include: Latino/Hispanic identify, 18 years old or older, and currently live in North Carolina. Results will be turned into widely accessible reports that can be used to efficiently tailor services, as well as aid in establishing need for grants.
For details contact: Sarai@camino.org
Research Institute -- update on our Latino Community Strengths and Needs Assessment – looking to see what needs and strengths are within the community – completely anonymous (just ask for zip code) – goal is to create a comprehensive report – tailor programming for community needs – have over 400 responses – need about 250 more
Results thus far have shown:
Strengths: Bilingual, entrepreneurial
Biggest needs: Dental, Vision, Preventive health care. Big desire for cultural programming
Help us by recruiting people to take the survey.
FREEDOM FIGHTING MISSIONARIES
Kenny Robinson | freedomfightingmissionary@gmail.com
Kenny Robinson from Freedom Fighting Missionaries is doing a speaking tour about how to get churches and other groups interested in Christ-centered, transformative change for recently incarcerated people (connecting to jobs, housing, etc.) He spoke at the Charlotte Justice Conference in October. If anyone in the network is interested in getting him to come speak, they can get in touch with myself or Kenny at freedomfightingmissionary@gmail.com.
CHARLOTTE KNIGHTS NON-PROFIT SUPPORTS
Community Corner Program - The Charlotte Knights are proud to support awareness campaigns of local nonprofits through our Community Corner program. Every Charlotte Knights home game is a great place to educate fans and expand knowledge about your organization to the Charlotte community and beyond. The form to apply: Community Corner Program Duke Energy Community Seats Program - Thanks to a partnership with Duke Energy, the Charlotte Knights will donate up to 25 seats for select* home games at Truist Field to different nonprofit partners. These tickets are yours to use for supporters, donors, volunteers, patients, clients, etc. The form to apply: Seats Program Safe at Home Grant Application - The Charlotte Knights Charities "Safe at Home" grant program awards financial grants to non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)3 organizations that better the quality of life of those living in the Charlotte community. Applications will close on Sunday, May 29, at 11:59 pm. Application
3. General Information
BCDI-CHARLOTTE
BCDI-Charlotte is still seeking Volunteers for the Out of School Tutoring at Windsor Park Elementary from 3:30-5:30pm M-Th. More pressing need are Tuesdays and Thursdays
If anyone would like DSS to come to your event or to share info please email me at jennifer.rupp@mecklenburgcountync.gov
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, NC MEDASSIST OPPORTUNITY
See attached job description
UNIVERSITY SOUP KITCHEN
University Soup Kitchen - needs volunteers. We have a need for more weekend volunteers this month due to the different initiatives we are supporting across the city. New volunteers are welcome to sign up to serve with us on a Saturday or Sunday by using this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d49a8ae23abf8c43-university
2022 VIRTUAL NON-PARTISAN VOTER EDUCATION ADVANCE POLITICAL FORUM: Meet the Candidates
Tuesday, April 19 at 6:30pm | Zoom Thursday, April 21 at 6:30pm | Zoom Saturday, April 23 at 1:00pm | Zoom An opportunity to ask questions and meet candidates running for office in the 2022 elections. Presented by seven faith and community-based organizations, including Temple Beth El.
Tuesday, April 19 will feature candidates for Judge, NC Senate, and NC House.
Thursday, April 21 will feature candidates for US Senate and US House.
Saturday, April 23 will feature candidates for Mecklenburg County Commissioners, Charlotte City Council, Charlotte Mayor, District Attorney and Sheriff.
Zoom link provided upon registration.
MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE PAYMENT PROGRAM
On April 4, 2022, Mecklenburg County will begin accepting applications for its Mortgage Assistance Payment Program.
The program is designed to provide financial assistance to homeowners located in the six towns and unincorporated areas of the County who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19.
The Mortgage Assistance Payment Program is available thanks to CARES Act funding provided through the Community Block Development Grant.
Low to moderate income residents located in the 6 towns and unincorporated areas of the County who have been negatively impacted by COVID-19 are invited to apply. Eligible homeowners can receive up to 6 months of consecutive payments to use toward their mortgage payments including principal, interest, taxes, and insurance.
To be eligible, homeowners must:
· Reside in the towns and/or unincorporated areas of the County
· Have a household income of up to 80% Area Median Income (AMI) at the time of application
· Homeowners must have been current on mortgage prior to the COVID-19 hardship
· Homeowners must have a COVID-19 related loss of income or other qualifying criteria
Homeowners must also prove income loss or increased costs-related to childcare due to COVID-19 including:
Reduction of work hours
Job loss or furlough
COVID-19 illness of self or immediate family member
Applications will be accepted until funds are depleted. To apply for the Mortgage Payment Assistance Program or to review eligibility requirements, visit RampCharMeck.com.Homeowners If you have questions about the application process call the Mortgage Payment Assistance Hotline at 704-343-4692
NORTH CAROLINA VOTING DATES
· Friday, April 22 - Voter registration deadline for the primary
· Thursday, April 28 - One-stop, in-person early voting period begins
· Tuesday, May 10 - Deadline to submit an absentee ballot request
· Saturday, May 14 - One-stop, in-person early voting period ends at 3:00pm
· Tuesday, May 17 - Primary Election Day
CITY WALKS
Registration for City Walks is now open! City Walks gives Charlotte residents the opportunity to learn about Charlotte’s art, history, public spaces and more. Each tour is different, led by a local historian, activist, non-profit leader or neighborhood resident. Here is a list of this year’s walks:
· Walk Tall: Wander Among the Trees of University City’s Green Heart - Monday, April 25, 12 p.m.
· Dilworth/South End Tour - Monday, April 25, 5 p.m.
· Elizabeth neighborhood Tour - Wednesday, April 27, 5 p.m.
· Ramble along The Plaza - Thursday, April 28, 5 p.m.
· A Walk on the Wild Side...of Plaza Midwood- Friday, April 29, 10 a.m.
· Coffee + Donuts: South End Edition - Friday, April 29, 10 a.m.
· Art in Transit: Blue Line Tour - Friday, April 29, 1:30 p.m.
· South End’s History: Rail and Reinvention - Friday, April 29, 4 p.m.
· A Walking Tour of NoDa and Historic North Charlotte Tour #1 - Saturday, April 30, 10:30 a.m.
· A Walking Tour of NoDa and Historic North Charlotte Tour #2- Saturday, April 30, 11:30 a.m.
· Exploring the “Hidden” History... Along West Boulevard - Saturday, April 30, 1 p.m.
· Charlotte's Belmont Neighborhood: Where Do I Go From Here? - Saturday, April 30, 3 p.m.
· Historic West End / Biddleville Tour - Monday, May 2, 5 p.m.
· Heart of Myers Park Tour - Wednesday, May 4, 5 p.m.
· Treetops & Tombstones - Charlotte's Super-Natural Arboretum - Saturday, May 7, 9 a.m.
· The Evolution of University City - Saturday, May 7, 10:30 a.m.
· Stories in Stone - Our Charlotte Hebrew Cemetery - Sunday, May 8, 1 p.m.
If you would like to participate in a walk (or two), registration is now open online. Walks begin Monday, April 25. For more information, visit citywalksclt.org.
VACCINE UPDATES
Walk-In COVID-19 Vaccine Events | Atrium Heath (atriumhealth.org)
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