August 27, 2026 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
Updated: Aug 27
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.
You can find the recording HERE
58 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
Love your neighbour as yourself because your neighbour is yourself.
JW Windland
MECKMIN UPDATES
PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF
THURSDAY MEETINGS
We are meeting in 2026:
Sept 10
Sept 24
October 8
October 22
November 5
November 12
December 3
December 17
No meeting December 31
This newsletter proudly sponsored by VíaLegal Immigration
Free Immigration Chat Event
At VíaLegal Immigration, we believe everyone deserves access to trusted legal guidance. That's why we create opportunities for people to connect directly with our legal team. If you or someone you know has questions about immigration or wants to understand their options, we're hosting a free Virtual Immigration Chat event.
Wednesday, September 2 | 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
No appointment is needed. Learn more and find out how to participate: https://bit.ly/VIMChat
Please share this opportunity with someone who may benefit.
Interfaith Embroidery Group Seeks New Members
A while back a member of MeckMIN's Faith Club reached out to ask if she could coordinate a new group, an Embroidery Club, as another way of sharing cultures and creating relationships. Piedmont Unitarian Universalist enthusiastically agreed to host, and a new group was born.
Recently, they checked in to share an update: "We took a break in July for the summer and were so happy to get back together. We started our new project, needle felting, and had such a wonderful time learning a new technique together. We’re also looking forward to participating in MeckMIN’s Thanksgiving event where we'll have some of our Embroidery Club work displayed. It will be a nice way to showcase both our cultural traditions and what we’ve been creating together. Also, while we were meeting at the church, someone stopped by and asked me if we were planning to continue the Embroidery Club. Before I even had a chance to answer, some of the members immediately said, 'Of course we want to continue!' It was really sweet to hear that, and it made me happy to see how much everyone enjoys being part of the group.
The group meets one evening a month and is open to new members. If you are interested in getting details, email meckmin@meckmin.org.
Islamic Center of Lake Norman Update
I am sure many of you have heard of the ongoing situation of public harassment being directed at the Islamic Center of Lake Norman.
Here's the brief update we shared with our board:
The Islamic Center of Lake Norman (ICLN), a Muslim community founded in 2011 and long operating out of rented space in Mooresville, is building its first permanent home on a 6-acre site located at 179 Singleton Rd, Mooresville NC 28117, which it has owned since 2019—fully approved, zoned, and permitted under Mooresville Town ordinances that have allowed religious assembly on the site since 1998. Construction is already underway. At an August 3 Town Board of Commissioners public comment session, the project drew opposition that went well beyond ordinary land-use concerns. Alongside genuine questions about traffic and notice, several speakers made explicitly anti-Muslim statements, invoking Sharia law, comparisons to other Muslim communities nationally, and unfounded claims about the faith itself. The Town has since publicly reaffirmed the project is approved and legally protected.
From the ICLN website:“The Islamic Center of Lake Norman (ICLN), established in 2011, is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofitorganization (EIN: 45-5149405) dedicated to serving the Muslim community in and around Mooresville,North Carolina. Currently operating from a rented facility at 120 South Park Drive, Mooresville, NC28117, ICLN is the only Islamic center within a 30-mile radius that offers daily congregational prayers,Jumu'ah (Friday) prayers, and Islamic education for children through our Sunday School program. Ourgoal is to establish a permanent Masjid in Mooresville to better serve the growing needs of thecommunity. During the holy month of Ramadan, ICLN hosts nightly Taraweeh prayers and organizescommunity Iftar dinners on weekends, fostering unity and spiritual growth among the Lake NormanMuslim community. We are committed to building a welcoming space for worship, learning, and community engagement for generations to come.”
Per a report in The Charlotte Observer the language used in opposition was inflammatory and hateful:According to a town recording of the meeting on YouTube, speakers called Islam an “evil ideology” andsaid “no to Sharia Law and this Muslim center.” Speakers asked if “women and girls [are] at risk” andlabeled Islam “a political regime with the ultimate goal of takeover [of] regions and nations.”
I have spoken by phone with the masjid’s outreach contact and with his help identified concrete ways the interfaith community can be helpful. My husband and I also joined Friday prayers last week and then met with some of the leaders for a little over an hour. They are the kindest, most welcoming group you can imagine.
As of today, the community reports it does not feel physically threatened but has received direct hostile messaging and has added security as a precaution. The outreach director reports that attendance at Friday prayers has declined, which he attributes to some members feeling unsafe.
I am attaching a letter of support that MeckMIN shared with them during our visit.
Based on my conversations with them, here are some options we are encouraging:
We would love to have individuals and houses of faith connected to MeckMIN send their own messages of support through us - we will deliver them on an ongoing basis
Supporters are welcome to attend Friday prayer services at 1 or 2 p.m. at their current location - I can share more details on request
There is also an opportunity to attend the next Mooresville town meeting (September 8 at 6 p.m.) in support
We will also be inviting our network to a planned interfaith dialogue session hosted by ICLN (not yet scheduled, but possibly near the date of the town meeting)
Please let me know if you have any questions or if you have additional information or ideas to share. Read MeckMIN's open letter here.
Finally, does anyone know what interfaith networks (formal or informal) already exist in Mooresville or in Iredell County more generally? We have not been able to identify any but would love to support any networks there that already exist.
Open Tables Monday September 28 – 6 to 8 p.m.
"Holding Our Humanity Across Difference"
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church | 3400 Beatties Ford Road Vegetarian Potluck Dinner
Youth Service Project Sunday October 25 – 4:30pm to 6 pm
Serving at Lydia's Pantry
Galilee Center | 3601 Central Avenue, Charlotte | RSVP
Cultural Displays at Friendsgiving!
MeckMIN Interfaith Friendsgiving 2026 Call for Cultural Display Tables
FRIENDSGIVING REGISTRATION IS OPEN!
NONPROFITS & ORGANIZATIONS PROGRAMMING PLANS FOR FALL 2026 Consider MeckMIN’s wealth of training offerings
MeckMIN Speakers Bureau
Recently, Myers Park Covenant Church reached out to us to ask if there was someone in the MeckMIN network who could lead the adhan (Islamic call to prayer) as part of an interfaith-focused Sunday morning worship service. We LOVE these opportunities to create interfaith relationships and were delighted to connect the church to board member Erkam Adiguzel who described the experience as “lovely.”
If you are interested in hosting someone from another tradition in your house of worship, please reach out. We can also make suggestions for workplaces, schools, fellow nonprofits and more.
MECKMIN TALKS AND TRAININGS
LOOKING TO CREATE GREATER BELONGING AT YOUR SCHOOL?
Consider how MeckMIN can ease the way. We are excited to offer schools a dynamic way to expand understanding of different faith traditions. Through two interactive interfaith panels—one designed for students in grades 6–12 and another for teachers and administrators at all levels—we provide opportunities to learn directly from people who practice these traditions to build greater understanding across communities.
Help us expand religious literacy in our schools by sharing these flyers with educators and administrators in your network. If you would like to host an interfaith panel, please contact LeDayne at ledayne@meckmin.org
OTHER FAITH/INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES
Support for increasing the Tree Canopy in Charlotte’s Urban Area
Katie Brown katie@nrpe.org
The National Religious Partnership for the Environment is looking for congregations interested in planting anywhere from 1 to 50 trees on their property this Fall or Spring. This is part of a national effort to expand the tree canopy in disadvantaged, urban areas - stemming from a belief that all communities and generations should share in the gifts of our Creator. Trees, planting support, tools, and expertise are provided at all stages of the process at no cost to the congregation. Please reach out to katie@nrpe.org if interested.
Opportunity for Volunteers
Big Planting Day - Saturday, October 17
We will be looking for volunteers to help with plantings at congregations. We currently have a big planting day scheduled for Saturday, October 17 from 9am to 4pm, when we will be doing plantings at up to 15 different congregations. If you think you may have folks interested in volunteering and could help connect us, please also reach out to me at katie@nrpe.org.
Katie Glenn Brown (she/hers), M.T.S
Program Manager
National Religious Partnership for the Environment
404-901-1127
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
SNAP Map
I hope this email finds you well. My colleagues and I would love the opportunity to share the launch of the SNAP Map with MeckMIN! This map shows places where people can access food by either using their SNAP benefits at a supermarket, grocery store, or other retailer (like a convenience store), at a Farmers Market, or get food for no or low cost through a non-profit organization. We feel this map can be an added resource to support community and enhance knowledge of food vendors in the area.
The map is a thoughtful collaboration between Mecklenburg County Criminal Justice Service, the City of Charlotte Innovation and Technology Department, and the UNC Charlotte Urban Institute.
Food landscape app: https://unccharlotte.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=03b3d592eac64914b29c49e3aa9f7a7a
Food near me app: https://unccharlotte.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/nearby/index.html?appid=0b0e02abde364923a0131e519b9a02e4#find=-8998007.456411747%2C4231205.090947099&level=10
Chandra Tyler Equity and Inclusion Consultant Criminal Justice Services | Research and Planning Unit Mecklenburg County Government 980-280-7055 | MeckNC.Gov
CMS District event English Learner Family Academic Symposium
The English Learner Family Academic Symposium is a free, family-focused event for multilingual learners in grades K–12 and their families. Students can enjoy activities and cultural celebrations while parents take part in short workshops focused on academic support, literacy, and helpful community resources. The day will also feature community organizations, music and dance, a parade of flags, concessions, giveaways, and more.
Saturday, October 3, 2026 | 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. Garinger High School, 1101 Eastway Drive, Charlotte, NC 28205
The event is presented by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Federal Programs – Multilingual Learners and Lift Up Carolinas. Here is the link to the translated flyers.
Interested in hosting a table, sponsoring, donating items or volunteering, please email: Gilmara Johnson | Director, Learning & Language Acquisition | Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools Education Center -Suite 350 | 4421 Stuart Andrew Blvd. | Charlotte, NC 28217
Ph: 980-343-9425 | Cell Phone: 704-778-7546 |Courier #835A
CITY OF CHARLOTTE UPDATES
NEW Rental Housing Preservation Program: Applications Now Open!
This new pilot program is designed to help small and mid-sized rental property owners preserve Charlotte's existing affordable housing by providing funding for eligible rehabilitation projects. Whether your property needs critical repairs, system upgrades, or improvements that will help extend its useful life, RHPP may be able to help. All homes/units must be built prior to 1976.
The City may fund up to 75% of approved eligible rehabilitation costs, with flexible payment options available to help move projects forward.
Before applying, we encourage you to review the Program Guide, which provides an overview of:
Who is eligible to apply
Property and unit requirements
Eligible repairs and funding options
Program commitments
The application and review process
What to expect before, during, and after construction
If you believe your property may be a good fit, click the links below to review the Program Guide and submit your application.
Applications will be accepted now through Friday, August 28, 2026. Because funding is limited, all eligible applications will be reviewed through a competitive selection process.
We look forward to working with property owners who share our commitment to preserving safe, quality, and affordable rental housing throughout Charlotte.
Jessika McNeill
Housing Project Manager
Housing & Neighborhood Services
NONPROFIT UPDATES
Promise Resource Network
Ethan English eenglish@promiseresourcenetwork.org
Promise Resource Network (PRN) is a peer-operated nonprofit supporting individuals experiencing mental health, substance use, trauma, housing, employment, and other life challenges.
Our Charlotte Recovery Hub & Café provides a welcoming community space where individuals can access peer support, recovery resources, groups, and connections to services.
PRN offers peer-run respite stays at no cost to guests, providing a voluntary, short-term alternative to hospitalization for individuals experiencing emotional distress. Stays are available for up to 10 days.
Our statewide Peer Warm Line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for emotional support, connection, and resource navigation. The Warm Line is available by calling or texting 1-855-PEERSNC (1-855-733-7762), or online by clicking "Chat with us" via our website promiseresourcenetwork.org
We provide support related to employment, housing navigation, harm reduction, recovery resources, benefits navigation, and other community needs at no cost.
We welcome referrals from congregations, nonprofit organizations, and community members.
Community support through donations and partnerships helps us expand awareness and access to peer-led services and recovery supports.
Ethan English (he/him) Marketing Manager 540-642-2135
Update on Hertford Co ICE detention center
mary ross maryrossva@gmail.com
https://thecultivator.org/ - Hertford County community grouphttps://www.stopdetentioncentersnc.org/https://kziegler.substack.com/ - The Democracy Out Loud weekly newsletter always posts our events
The Park CDC Sunset Farm Fall Open House and Family Financial Fitness Program
Danyae Thomas danyae@theparkcdc.org
The Park CDC's seasonal Sunset Farm Open Houses is only part of the organization's Healthy Living programs serving West Charlotte residents. The Park CDC's holistic and whole family approach combines gardening and nutrition education to increase food access and food independence within a local food desert.
These free and family-friendly events welcome guests of all ages to engage in the following interactive activities:
* Container Gardening Workshops
* Kids Gardening Activities
* Farm-to-Table Cooking Demonstrations
* Nutrition Education
Plus, attendees can learn about volunteering at the urban garden.
Registration is required, and attendees can pick one or more activities. Please be sure to sign up so we can save your spot.
*Note: Registration is required, and attendees must complete the Waiver and Release of Liability and Photo Release Waiver prior to the event.
Family Financial Fitness Program (launching in October) as well. Please see the attached flyer for additional details.
Caregiving Workshop Saturday September 19, 10:00 am – Noon, In person and through Zoom
Monica Aguilera monica28270@gmail.com
A high-level overview of caregiving presented by:Jennifer T. Szakaly, MA, CMC, NMG, Founder & CEO of Caregiving CornerCheryl J. Sherrard, CFP®, MA in Gerontology, Director of Financial Planning/Senior Financial Advisor, Clearview Wealth Management.
Caregiving 101
Introduction and Objectives
Poll of active caregivers vs. planning ahead
Documents and Records
Resources for the Caregiving Journey
Caring from a Distance
Caregiving in an ever-changing environment
Respite and Selfcare for the Caregiver
Focus on the relationship
Embrace all Latino Voices
Upcoming Resource Fair event Latinos in Action and also the open spots for moms to join our Maternal Health Program and receive diapers.
Maternal Care Form - Up to 2 years free diapers
9th Latinos in Action Resource Fair - Free table request form
Springclean
CT Anderson
Follow us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/springcleanglobal
The Kaizen Foundation
Kimberly M. Hansley | Founder & Board Chair
PO Box 79386 Charlotte, NC 28271
Office: (980)239-1871
Crittenton Conversations
Chrissy Kincheloe Director of Philanthropic Partnerships and Public Relations
Phone: 704-372-4663
3350 Holabird Lane, Charlotte, NC 28208
Showing of Jesus Was A Migrant
Amy DeVore AmyD@matthewsumc.org
We are showing the documentary, “Jesus was a Migrant” on Tuesday, Sept 15 at 6:30pm at Matthews United Methodist. Rev. Ken Gordon from House of Light Church is partnering with us on this project.
Register: https://matthewsumc.org/events/jesus-was-a-migrant (Light Snacks Provided)
Panel Discussion with Immigration Attorneys & Area Clergy to follow viewing
Hosted by: The Micah Connection at Matthews UMC and House of Light Church
Contact: AmyD@MatthewsUMC.org
Amy DeVore704-839-3144
Part-Time Preschool Teacher Opening
If you or any of your contacts know of anyone looking to work in a half-day (9am-1pm) church preschool, Memorial United Methodist Church needs a Lead Teacher for one of our 2-year old classsrooms. Please call 704-537-4611 if you are interested.
Rev. Amelia Stinson-Wesley, PastorMemorial United Methodist Church
4012 Central Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28205
Faith and Health Summit Jessica Stokes
Blue Cross NC’s Faith-Based Initiatives invites you to a Faith & Health Summit. Come share your resources and successes, connect with organizations, and learn about Blue Cross NC resources. We won’t stop until healthcare is better for all North Carolinians!
Wednesday, September 30, 2026, 9:15 am – 2:00 pm Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
3400 Beatties Ford Road
Charlotte, NC
9:15 am - Check-in & Breakfast
10:00 am – Summit starts
A full agenda will be sent to you as we approach the Summit!
We are pleased to share that Dr. Sonyia Richardson, Assistant Professor in the School of Social Work and the School of Medicine at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, will be our keynote speaker!
Registration is required for resource vendors, speakers, and general seating. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 15th.
Resource Vendors – We invite organizations to reserve space to display information about your organization. Please indicate on the registration form. As space is limited, you will be notified if we are able to accommodate your organization. Setup as early as 8:30 am.
General Seating – Anyone may register to attend and learn about community and Blue Cross NC resources available. ChooseCommunity Member on registration form.
Continental breakfast and catered lunch will be provided.
Free mental health event Solihten Institute is hosting in Charlotte
Spaces are limited, so click here to register!
Thursday, September 10 • 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM @ The Dubois Center on UNC Charlotte Center City Campus
Charlotte—like many growing cities—is experiencing rising stress, burnout, and mental health challenges. Lasting Wellbeing offers something rare: free, research-based mental health education grounded in nearly 30 years of evidence—not trends or quick fixes.
This event will feature Dr. Matt Bloom, a nationally respected researcher whose work focuses on wellbeing among caregivers, frontline workers, and those in high-stress roles. Dr. Bloom is also the co-founder of Ritual, a mobile app that offers wellbeing practices. This talk will align with themes and research behind Dr. Bloom's new book, Lasting Wellbeing.
What attendees will gain:
Practical, science-backed tools to manage stress and burnout
Strategies to strengthen resilience and emotional health
Insights to deepen meaning, purpose, and sustainable wellbeing
Experience is designed for families, caregivers, professionals, faith communities, and community leaders across Charlotte.
Presented in Partnership with
Solihten Institute – Advancing holistic, spiritually integrated mental health care nationwide
NAMI Charlotte – Providing education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness
UNC Charlotte – Gerald G. Fox MPA Program – Preparing leaders in public service and community engagement
Spaces are limited, so click here to register!
Caitlin E. Donley, CFRE | Director of Development
Solihten Institute
7887 East Belleview Ave, Suite 1100
Denver, CO 80111
P: 720-678-9063 | E: CaitlinD@Solihten.org | W: Solihten.org
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9/11 National Day of Service event
The 9/11 Day organization at https://www.911day.org/ organizes large food packing events every September 11 across the nation. Their motto is "Unite for Good."
This year there will be a packing event in Charlotte and they have reached out to us through JustServe because they are short on volunteers for the event staff. They only have 20% of the volunteers they need. Please spread the word!
It is Friday September 11 at The Revelry North End
There are different 4-hour shifts to choose from.
Event staff volunteers will help with check-in, support food packing tables, load and unload boxes, and do other jobs that are needed.
Ages 18 and older
Groups are welcome
For more information please see the JustServe listing HERE
Or they can reach out to me with any questions at kirsti.ehlers@justserve.org
RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS NONPROFITS
GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Local
Applications Opening Soon for the Community Microgrant
The Community Microgrant program funds resident-led projects between $500-$3,000 that can be implemented within six months, no match required! Projects must align with one or more of the three focus areas: Innovation & Sustainability, Community Health & Wellness, or Neighborhood Engagement & Belonging. Applications will open on September 15, 2026 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until March 15, 2027 or until funds are fully expended.
Live Well Community Grants
Mecklenburg County Public Health’s Live Well Community Grants program for those who provide programs and services to address chronic disease prevention and education.
Regional
Clancy & Theys 1949 Fund
Funding available to help scale programs that align with the following areas of impact:
Construction and Vocational Education and Workforce Development.
Youth Programming and Enrichment
Community Well-Being
Award Amount: Up to $10,000
Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
Additional Details: Priority for applicants in Central Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.
Key Dates: 15th of the month on a rolling basis.
ALDI Community Gift Cards for Youth and Food Security Programs
Application deadline: October 31, 2026Grant amount: Gift cards valued at $100–$1,000Geographic scope: Communities with ALDI storesTarget population: Youth under 18 and individuals facing food insecurityDescription: The ALDI Community Gift Card Program provides gift cards valued between $100 and $1,000 to nonprofits, K-12 schools, and Native American Tribes and Nations in communities where ALDI stores are located. Funding supports after-school and out-of-school youth programs focused on children's health and wellness ages 0 to 18, and food banks and pantries working to increase access to nutritious foods. Eligible applicants must be involved in an after-school or out-of-school program, or a food bank or pantry seeking to purchase products.
National
The MOORE Equity in Mental Health Community Grants Program
Funding available to support community organizations that have undertaken innovative awareness programs and/ or have provided services to improve the mental health of people of color.
Award Amount: $10,000
Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status
Key Dates: Applications due September 30, 2026
Grassroots Grants Support Environmental and Social Justice
Climate Ride Application deadline: September 30, 2026 Grant amount: $5,000 Target population: Community members Description: Climate Ride's Environmental Justice Action Grants support organizations fighting systemic racism and advancing environmental and social justice. Areas of interest include renewable energy, climate policy, sustainable food and farming, outdoor recreation, environmental law, community organizing, voting rights, and BIPOC youth access to outdoor sports. Special consideration is given to organizations led by BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, and women.
RedRover - Safe Housing Grants for Domestic Violence and Animal Organizations
Deadline: September 1, 2026
Award Amount/Ceiling: Up to $60,000
Description: RedRover’s Safe Housing grants support nonprofit domestic violence and animal organizations that want to help survivors escape abuse with their pets by building or renovating pet-friendly spaces, creating foster or boarding programs, covering routine or emergency veterinary care, and helping with pet deposits. Applicants must be established organizations and must apply with a required partner organization from the domestic violence or animal sector, and demonstrate they can launch pet-safe housing services within 12 months.
Community Grants for Economic Mobility, Sustainability, and Community Building
Application deadline: September 30, 2026G rant amount: Varies Target population: Community members Description: BMO Financial Group's Community Giving Program supports registered charities and nonprofits in the U.S through donations and sponsorships across three areas: growing economies through financial education and economic mobility, investing in environmental solutions and a sustainable future, and developing strong communities through financial literacy and educational programming.
Broad Community and Faith-Based Grants Across the United States
Application deadline: October 15, 2026 Grant amount: VariesT arget population: Community members Description: The Robinson Foundation invests in nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. across a wide range of areas. Focus areas include religious and spiritual endeavors, families and children, medical assistance, poverty relief, disaster relief, education, veterans issues, animal welfare, and nature and wildlife conservation.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
“Faith is a team sport.” – Nadia Bolz-Weber
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