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August 28, 2025 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting

Updated: Sep 1

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.




Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording

48 participants




OPENING REFLECTION



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1. MECKMIN UPDATES 



MECKMIN TALKS AND TRAININGS


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INTERFAITH SPEAKERS BUREAU 


MeckMIN is always happy to help connect groups with local speakers. We have members who are Bahá’í, Buddhist, Christian, Christian Science, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, Science of Mind, Sikh, Quaker and Unitarian Universalist who can speak to those specific traditions. We also have connections to a variety of other faiths as well as specific cultures and traditions. We can also help you find someone who can offer a more general introduction to interfaith work and/or speak to specific topics such as gender, sexuality, climate care, health care, race and more. 


Please complete this form to request our help in finding a speaker.

Request a speaker: 




PLEASE SAVE THE DATE AND SHARE THE WORD ABOUT FRIENDSGIVING 


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This years’ service will be hosted at Myers Park Baptist Church and will center on the themes of UNITY IN DIVERSITY, GRATITUDE, and SHARED HUMANITY, offering space for people of all backgrounds to connect across differences.

 

Join us as we honor the legacy of the original Thanksgiving services while opening new doors for participation, reflection, and community building in a way that reflects the vibrant diversity of Mecklenburg County today.

 

This event is free. When you register, you'll have the opportunity to make a voluntary donation of $10 per person to help cover the costs of food.


Mecklenburg County is home to people from many different religions, spiritual traditions, and secular backgrounds.



INTERFAITH HARMONY MONTH - BUILDING BRIDGES IN A DIVIDED WORLD


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Since 1987, MeckMIN has been connecting people, faith groups, and organizations to create understanding and trust.

 

In February 2026, MeckMIN aims to help create opportunities for houses of faith, spiritual groups, and community organizations to connect peoples so we can better understand each other and serve side-by-side.

 

The initiative called Interfaith Harmony Month - Building Bridges in a Divided World aims to create a series of events across the month that promote the values of interfaith bridgebuilding by providing wonderfully diverse opportunities for our communities to get to know one another in engaging ways to help reduce prejudice and build empathy.

 

If your house of faith, group, or community organization would be interested in hosting an event, you might consider the ideas below, come up with your own idea, or invite people to a February event you've already planned that would be appropriate for a wide audience.

 

  • Service project

  • Prayer ceremony

  • Festival/Concert

  • Film screening

  • Religious Class

  • Spiritual site tour


Register HERE to host an event




AUGUST IS MAKE A WILL MONTH



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Have you ever thought about what you want to leave to the future?  One important step of the process of shaping your legacy is creating a will. It’s estimated that nearly ⅔ of American adults do not have a will – missing a chance to protect their family, their legacy, and pass on their values.

 

If you are interested in writing your will during this National Make-a-Will month, you might consider this free estate planning resource. This online tool has been used by over one million people to create a will aligned with their faith and values. 

 

Many people of faith include legacy gifts in their will to provide sustained support for the causes they care about. While creating your will, you’ll be asked if you want to make such a commitment to a ministry or nonprofit of your choice. Please know this is an optional step!




PLEASE SHARE THESE EVENTS WITH YOUR NETWORK AND WITH ANYONE YOU THINK MIGHT BE PARTICULARLY INTERESTED – AND PLEASE CONSIDER COMING YOURSELF




OTHER INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES




Now through Sept. 1 • times vary • Hindu Center of Charlotte • prices vary

Find details here


Since 1981, the Queen City’s Indian community has celebrated the Ganesh Festival, which honors the birthday of Hindu deity Ganesh. The multifaceted festival includes music, arts and devotional ceremonies, beginning with Sthapana, the sacred act of placing a newly crafted Ganesha murti (idol) on a decorated platform. Musical performances include Antarnaad (“inner voice”), a journey of self-empowerment through music that features flutist sisters Suchismita and Debopriya Chatterjee as well as Maestro Harshad Kanetkar on tabla.


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. 



MECKLENBURG COUNTY UPDATES



  • MCPH is encouraging parents to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccines. There has been a rise in vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles and whooping cough.

  • All students must be up to date on their required vaccines by Sept. 24, 2025, or they could be excluded from school.

  • Vaccines are available at healthcare providers and retail pharmacies and covered by insurance. Free or low-cost vaccine options are available for the uninsured at Mecklenburg County Public Health.  

  • Public Health will be offering additional clinic hours in September for school-required vaccines on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northwest Health Department (2845 Beatties Ford Rd.) and Saturday, Sept. 27, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ella B. Scarborough Community Resource Center (430 Stitt Rd.). Evening clinic hours will also be offered Sept. 15 through Sept. 19 until 7 p.m. at the Southeast Health Department (249 Billingsley Rd.) and the Northwest Health Department (2845 Beatties Ford Rd.).

 

  • MCPH issued an urgent public health advisory to all pregnant women and healthcare providers regarding the increased risk of congenital syphilis due to a nationwide shortage of Bicillin L-A (penicillin G benzathine). Bicillin L-A is the only recommended and effective treatment for syphilis during pregnancy.  

  • Mecklenburg County has seen a rise in syphilis infections, particularly among women of childbearing age. 

  • When left untreated, syphilis can pass from a mother to her baby during pregnancy, leading to blindness, miscarriage, premature birth, and other serious health complications for the infant, including stillbirth.  

  • Public Health urges all pregnant women to be tested for syphilis at their first prenatal visit, during the third trimester, and again at delivery as required by law. 

  • Pregnant women or healthcare providers can call Mecklenburg County Public Health if they need assistance with low-cost or free syphilis testing for pregnant patients and their partners or help locating Bicillin treatment in this area. 704-336-4700




CITY OF CHARLOTTE


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JOIN US AUGUST 28: COMMUNITY MEETING ON MOBILITY+


We’re excited to invite you to a virtual community meeting where we’ll share updates on the City of Charlotte’s Mobility Plus Plan — a roadmap for improving transportation, accessibility, and movement throughout our community.

 

Meeting Details:

Date: Thursday, August 28

Time: 6 p.m.

 

This is your opportunity to learn more about the projects and initiatives shaping the future of mobility in our city. We hope you can join us online.

 

Per state statutes, city staff are not permitted to advocate for or against any measure or candidate. Staff may provide informational content to help the public understand official processes, services, and decisions. Any information shared by city staff is for educational and informational purposes and should not be interpreted as an endorsement or opposition

 

For more information, please contact Jacquelyn Horton at Jacquelyn.Horton@charlottenc.gov or (980) 333-5962.



JOIN US SEPT 3: MOBILITY+ and AFFORDABLE HOUSING


Join us for a meeting where we’ll share updates on the City of Charlotte’s Mobility Plus Plan — a roadmap for improving transportation, accessibility, and movement throughout our community. The session will provide an overview of proposed mobility projects with a focus on integration with affordable housing in Charlotte. This meeting will have both an in-person and virtual option.

 

Meeting Details:

September 3, 4 p.m.

Old City Hall - Wilmore Room

600 East Trade Street

Charlotte, N.C. 28202


Register HERE to attend virtually: 





NONPROFIT UPDATES 




Also tonight, Red, Wine, and Blue is sponsoring a forum to discuss the transit tax. First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St., At 6:30.




STOP DISPLACEMENT EVENT

Sunday, August 31 | 5:30 PM | Forest Park Mobile Homes


Jessica Moreno- Action NC | jessica@actionnc.org | 980.339.9139


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I am organizing a majority immigrant community who is fighting the loss of their mobile homes that they own due to the sale and rezoning of the land where they rent.

We have a community tour Sunday night, all are invited, https://secure.everyaction.com/VARiV4ah1kuXDj1KpoGyyA2

-Latino immigrants have lived here for at least 20-25 years

-Join Jessica and this immigrant community for a tour




HUG SEARCH FOR NEW SPACE


Bethany McDonald | executivedirector@hugclt.org

Executive Director Hearts United for Good (HUGCLT)

Coming Together | Changing Lives | Building Futures

2920 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28206

www.hugclt.org | (O) 704-626-5980 (ext 5202) | (C) 704-491-3321



We are looking at any and every possibility available! The thought of having to shut down is killing me, so I appreciate you more than you know. 


We are hoping for a minimum of 10,000sq ft,, affordable, and located within the community we serve so our neighbors can easily access our programs. We also need the space to have a bay door or loading dock so our food trucks can deliver our large donations that keep our Food Assistance and Homeless Outreach Programs running. 


I'm including our mid year impact report so you can see the work we do with the little we have... because we are committed, and resilient, and refuse to let our community down! 




PARTNERING WITH GOD TO SURVIVE AND THRIVE AFTER ABUSE

 

Tambry Harris of Survivors to Thrivers and Myers Park United Methodist Church are partnering with nationally-known theologian Thomas Jay Oord to offer an event called "Partnering with God to Survive and Thrive after Abuse."


Tambry Harris and Thomas Jay Oord will explore what it means to survive harm and collaborate with a loving God in the healing journey. The intent is to speak LOVE and HOPE into the hearts and spirits of survivors of abuse, letting them know that God wants a full, thriving life for them. 

 

The event is next week, Tuesday, September 2nd, from 7-9 pm. Please help us get the word out about this free event, or encourage individuals you know who would benefit from this inspirational talk to join us.



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This topic is important because many survivors of abuse wonder, "Where is God in Healing my Woundedness?"

·      Survivors need to know that something better awaits, and God is present, wanting each of us to know peace and love.

·      Survivors can embrace the sense of God wanting us to thrive, versus being caught in thoughts of unworthiness. 

·      Survivors need to know they are not alone and need our encouragement and support to move into their healing journey! 

The Speakers:

·      Tambry is a survivor, author, speaker, and founder of Going Forward: Survivors to Thrivers. 

·      Tom is a theologian, philosopher, author, and international speaker who has a heart to help survivors.


Survivors need to know they are not alone and need our encouragement and support to move along their healing journey. Thank you in advance for helping to get the word out about this free, non-denominational event!


To learn more about the event, speakers, and registration, here is a link to Eventbrite


-Encourage someone you know to sign up for this message of hope and encouragement

-Help us get the word out





SALVATION ARMY


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Center of Hope Meal Support:


To get connected contact Brent Rinehart at Brent.Rinehart@uss.salvationarmy.org or (704)714-4727

 

Echelon group for young professionals 


Echelon seeks to mobilize the next generation for The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte by providing opportunities for young professionals to engage with the organization through fellowship and networking, donations and fundraising, and service and volunteering. These activities directly support Salvation Army services in the Charlotte community. Whether we are serving, attending one of our social events, or raising money, you will find Echelon is a connected community full of people who are making a difference.

As a member of Echelon, you’ll have access to:

  • Exclusive networking events and leadership development opportunities

  • Access to mentorship and connections within the Charlotte business community

  • Engaging volunteer activities that support your neighbors in need

  • A supportive community of like-minded peers

 

Current needs at The Center of Hope: biggest need is food, you can sponsor a meal or provide meals


At the Center of Hope our largest current need is meal support. Local restaurants, Churches, and Civic groups can prepare and bring a meal to be served or sponsor a meal for $500. Volunteer opportunities are optional based off the partners ability to provide volunteers. It is requested that you provide enough food to accommodate 300 women and children.

 

Benefits: Name displayed on Salvation Army meal service page. Social media mentions to our thousands of followers on multiple platforms.

 

 

To get connected contact Brent Rinehart at Brent.Rinehart@uss.salvationarmy.org or (704)714-4727.



MENTAL HEALTH SPEAKS: A CONFERENCE FOR ALL AGES


Thursday, Sept 11 | 6-8pm, Programming for Adults, Youth and Kids.

A collaboration of 20 community mental health providers.

Registration HERE

For more details and/or questions: bhorton@pineville.church



There will be a free supper, and programming for all ages. There will be breakout sessions for adults, including: Mental Health First Aid, Suicide Prevention in the Aging Adult, QPR Training-Question/Persuade/Refer and Online Safety for kids/teens. Middle School Youth will be learning about Online Safety and High School Youth will be having training with regards to mental health awareness. Kids will have a therapy dog intro and activities that will help identify and manage feelings. There will be resource tables and networking options, with 20 different mental health providers available for support. 

-Sign up and bring your family 

-Registration is open



ENGLISH FOR PROFESSIONALS


David Nettles | david.nettles@clearvoicetranslations.com | +1 (980) 220-0110 ext. 7

Co-founder of Clear Voice Translations

Clear Voice Translations | (Community Language Development Initiative)


In addition to my role as CPO at Clear Voice, I’m excited to serve as the Director of our new Community Language Development Initiative. We launched the CLDI to support immigrant professionals who already speak English functionally but want to strengthen their ability to express their expertise and thrive in their careers.


In partnership with like-minded organizations, we’re offering our course, Clarity at Work: Foundational Skills in Professional English. Through focused instruction and compassionate support, our goal is to empower professionals to communicate with confidence, grow in their careers, and contribute fully as valued members of our shared community.

-Also offer simulation workshops that showcase what our immigrant community goes through



CIVICS 101




Promoting a new "Civics 101" course that is designed for schools, faith communities, and really any local organization interested in spreading civics education and motivating voter participation.  


We are also going to press Congress to introduce The Working People's Budget which they have done in past years: https://peoplesbudget.org If budgets are moral documents, the current budget, that is designed to kill people is an immoral budget. We need a Moral Budget!



If you work on any issue where you need to be able to broadcast to your network anonymously (no name/no email); we offer a free tool called Fast Alert available at https://fastalert.now. You can create multiple channels and broadcast a message with an image, phone number



POVERTY SIMULATION


Kimberly M. Hansley |  Kimberly@tkfnc.org | Office: (980)239-1871

The Kaizen Foundation of NC  Executive Director & Co-Founder

PO Box 79386 Charlotte, NC 28271


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• Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025

• Time: 10 am - 1 pm (Registration starts at 9 am)

• Location: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3400 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC 28216

• RSVP Deadline: 10/3/2025

• 18 and older


-It is through lived experiences that we’ll understand what poverty is really like


Volunteer Link 

Sign up to volunteer here: https://forms.gle/dziGsmcLEgCcZ99f9

RSVP Link: Registration Link

Donation | Sponsor Link






FUNDRAISER TO BENEFIT HER PLACE

Sept 6 | 6 PM | Dance and Tea lessons | Learn about Indian culture


Coordinator Catholic Social Teaching Ministries St. Philip Neri Catholic Church



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To benefit Her Place, a transitional home for women.  A fun night of authentic Indian food prepared by the Indian parishioners of St. Philip Neri Catholic Church and programs presented by the Indian community. All  profits go directly to Her Place. After you place your reservation, please make your donation to Her Place


-Her Place is in Rock HIll, sustains women for 2 years, it is run completely by volunteers




GANAS PROGRAM IS NOW RECRUITING NEW FAMILIES FOR THIS FALL SEMESTER


Nancy Apolinar | Youth Education and Opportunity Center Manager 

yecmanager@mylac.org | 704.501.3849

Latin American Coalition 

4938 Central Avenue Suite 101 | Charlotte, NC 28205 



We’re excited to announce that the GANAS Program is now recruiting new families for this Fall Semester. Our program offers mentorship, family workshops, and support for Latino youth ages 13 to 19 and their families.


We’d appreciate your support in helping us reach more families! Here’s how you can help:

  • Share Our Flyer: Attached is our recruitment flyer, please share it with your network and any families who might be interested.

  • Refer Families: If you know of a family who could benefit from the GANAS Program, simply fill out this form and we’ll follow up with them directly.

  • Join as a Mentor: Whether you're a professional, college student, or community member, your time and guidance can make a lasting impact. Become a GANAS mentor this fall with a commitment of just five Thursdays at 6pm or five Mondays during school hours. Interested in learning more? Fill out this form: https://forms.gle/tTgXFB83SpGPS3747


We’re also hosting an information session for interested families on September 11, 2025, at our offices. Families can register using the QR code or this link. Thank you for your support in making a difference in our community!



LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL 


We are pleased to invite you to join us for the Latin American Festival Please be informed and feel free to participate in various ways:

Feel free to join us as attendees, sponsors, or volunteers, and help us continue making this event a success for our community.


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JOB OPENING AT WEDGEWOOD 

Zoom Technology Coordinator

 

Position Overview

We are seeking a detail-oriented, reliable, and creative Zoom Technology Coordinator to support our weekly interfaith services and digital presence. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys blending technical skills with creativity and communication, and who can translate data into simple, clear updates for leadership.

 

The Zoom Technology Coordinator will play a key role in ensuring our interfaith services run smoothly, our content is shared effectively across digital platforms, and our leadership team stays informed about how people are engaging with our ministry online.


Key Responsibilities

●      Service & Event Support

o   Attend our weekly interfaith services on Sundays

o   Manage and share slides during Sunday services

o   Record services, edit/configure video files, and ensure quality audio/visual output

●      Content & Media Management

o   Upload service recordings to social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, etc.) by Tuesday each week

o   Ensure content is presented in a professional and accessible way across platforms

●      Analytics & Reporting

o   Retrieve weekly analytics from all social media platforms and the website

o   Provide leadership with clear, plain-language summaries of online engagement (example: “Our Facebook post reached 500 people, with 50 likes and 10 shares this week”) once a month

o   Track growth and trends in audience interaction to help improve communication and outreach strategies

o   Submit  a monthly report including analytics summary and budget updates

●      Additional Duties

o   Support other technology and media needs as assigned


Qualifications

●      Familiarity with social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, YouTube) and website content management

●      Ability to record, edit, and upload video content

●      Strong organizational and time-management skills

●      Ability to explain technical information in clear, simple terms for non-technical audiences

●      Experience with analytics tools is a plus, but willingness to learn is welcome

●      Dependable and able to work a consistent weekly schedule


Compensation

●      $25 per hour

●      13 hours per week

 

All resumes and questions should be directed to wedgewoodjobs@gmail.com




A CONFERENCE ON OPEN & RELATIONAL THEOLOGY

September 5–7, 2025

Park Road Baptist Church 3900 Park Road, Charlotte, NC 28209


Open and Relational Theology (ORT) offers a fresh and compelling vision of God—one that moves beyond the rigid frameworks of classical theism. This conference invites participants to explore ORT from diverse perspectives, including parenting, politics, worship, and personal spirituality. Through both practical insights and theological reflection, attendees will discover new ways to engage faith in a world that is ever-changing. Together, we’ll pursue a vision of spirituality that speaks meaningfully and courageously to the modern world.

More info and registration here: https://www.parkroadbaptist.org/ort-conference


-20 speakers / 5 sessions

-Free conference that includes two meals

-Please register, especially if you want the meals 

-Dropping in on certain sessions is okay if you don’t want a meal 




GALILEE MINISTRIES of EAST CHARLOTTE

Rooted in Celebration, Service, and Community



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This season at Galilee, we’re celebrating 10 years of open doors, open hearts, and open hands while continuing to live out our mission in meaningful ways. From preparing for our Power of 10 Anniversary Celebration, to rocking hope with the new MyBaby4Me program, to youth and families serving through camps, field days, and school supply drives, Galilee remains a place where faith meets action. Add in the sweetness of figs on our front lawn, opportunities to volunteer, and upcoming events that gather us around food and fellowship, and you’ll see that Galilee is alive with gratitude, growth, and connection.


We invite you to join us for a special morning as we celebrate the journey we’ve shared and look ahead to the future we are building together. 


We'll enjoy fellowship, delicious food, and live music, hear remarks from Bishop Anne Hodges-Copple, and view a short video honoring Galilee and the community! 



Date: Friday, October 10, 2025

Time: 10 a.m.

Location: The Galilee Center, Nave 

Please RSVP by October 1, 2025

For 10 years, we have witnessed the Power of 10: 10 years of open doors, open hearts, and open hands that have shaped Galilee into a place of love, hope, and service.


Whether you are a nonprofit partner, a member of a Charlotte church, a board member or volunteer, part of the St. Andrew’s Homes community, or a neighbor here in East Charlotte—you are part of Galilee’s family, and this day is meant to honor your connection with us.


Please bring shelf-stable food, cleaning supplies, or dignity products, including diapers, for our East Charlotte neighbors.


If you are unable to attend and would like to donate to Galilee, please visit https://bit.ly/3Vhyn7z


Wednesday Lunches at Galilee





RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS




GrantStation is closely monitoring recent federal actions and their impact on the nonprofit sector. This article tracks ongoing developments, providing links to source materials. We will update the article at least once a week, and in cases of significant developments, we will provide updates as quickly as possible.




NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE FOR IMPROVING RESPITE CARE SERVICES FOR CAREGIVERS


The ARCH National Respite Network, through its ACL-funded grant to manage the Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center, has released new caregiver respite resources for lifespan respite grantees, partners, state and local agencies, and community and faith-based groups.


ARCH receives funding from ACL to operate the Lifespan Respite Technical Assistance and Resource Center (TARC). Through the TARC, ARCH provides training and technical assistance to Lifespan Respite Care Program grantees and the Lifespan Respite Network. If you have questions, please email info@archrespite.org.



PARTNERING, PIVOTING, and PERSEVERING IN

A CHANGING POLICY LANDSCAPE

September 25, 2025 from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm


Julie Alexander, RN, MSN | 704-355-0628

Project & Program Coordinator, Healthy Meck Division of Community & Social Impact, Department of Community Health



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Healthy Meck and North Meck Connect are excited to invite you to our upcoming workshop and collaborative planning session on September 25, 2025 from 9:30 am - 2:30 pm: 

This hands-on session is designed for organizations advancing health and social well-being—including nonprofits, faith-based groups, government agencies, and philanthropic partners. Together, we’ll explore upcoming policy changes, discuss their impact, and begin planning for how to meet emerging community needs in 2026 and beyond.


Through panel conversations, breakout discussions, and collaborative activities, participants will:

  • Gain insight into policy timelines and implications

  • Identify areas where new partnerships may be needed

  • Begin shaping shared strategies for action


Register now to be part of this timely and action-oriented session! Additional details and registration can be found here:https://forms.office.com/r/PZPC3SeKbC

Thank you for your continued commitment to the well-being of our community. We look forward to seeing you there!



ATRIUM HEALTH 


DATA RESOURCES: 

  • The Central Carolina Community Collaborative has a public dashboard featuring a range of measures related to health and wellbeing. Data can be viewed on color-coded maps by county, cities and towns, and often census tracts. 




EXTREME WEATHER RECOVERY UPDATES


Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program is now accepting applications. Access the Toolkit with more information: English HERE | Spanish HERE. Have questions? View the Resource Page here or reach out to Maggie Battaglin, Single-Family Housing Director, Division of Community Revitilization at Maggie.battaglin@commerce.nc.gov. 


NC Emergency Management Private Roads and Bridges Program interest form is DUE August 31. If you need assistance with the form or have general questions about the NC Private Roads and Bridges Program, please contact ncemprb@ncdps.gov or call 1-844-746-2326. 





GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 




Local/Regional


Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation Opens Fall Grant Cycle


CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation recently opened its fall grant cycle. Applications will be accepted from eligible 501(c)3 publicly supported charities through Friday, October 3, at noon.


The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation (CMCF) announced several changes to grantmaking earlier this year, including aligning investments to Leading on Opportunity’s Opportunity Compass and expanding eligibility to include requests for operating support. Program-specific requests will continue to be accepted. CMCF will consider applications from organizations that support youth from cradle to career, provide family stability, build social capital, or encourage civic engagement.


A Tool Kit is available to support applicants during the application process. The Tool Kit includes a copy of the application, answers to frequently asked questions, and the scoring rubric that will be used to review applications. CMCF will also host a virtual information session on Thursday, September 4, at 11:00 a.m. outlining the priority areas of this grant opportunity, along with the application and review processes. Registration is available online.


To apply – or for complete criteria – please visit the Online Grants Center and select “Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation” in the Grant Program Name field. Visit www.charmeck-cf.org for a complete list of grants. For more information about the fall grant cycle, contact Nicole Fote at nfote@fftc.org or 704.973.4559.



Regional 


Broad Support for North Carolina and Beyond

James G. Hanes Memorial Fund


Application deadline: October 1, 2025

Geographic scope: First Winston-Salem, NC; Second NC, Third Southeast; and Fourth Nationally

Median grant: $30,000

Description: The James G. Hanes Memorial Fund primarily supports nonprofit organizations in Winston-Salem, across North Carolina, and, secondarily, in the southeast and nationally. The Fund’s areas of interest are wide-ranging, including arts and cultural initiatives, community-based programs, environmental conservation, health and education, and social services. Grants are awarded for diverse purposes such as project support, seed funding, land acquisition, equipment, facilities, matching and challenge grants, planning, research, and general operating needs. 


National 


Presbyterian Thank Offering Supports Innovative Community Projects


Application deadline: November 1, 2025

Grant range: $5,000 to $50,000

Description: The Presbyterian Church (USA) Thank Offering provides grants of $5,000 to $50,000 to up to 20 projects each year. Eligible programs must address basic human needs, align with the church’s mission, and offer aid that directly responds to community-identified needs. Projects must either be new (under three years old) or established initiatives moving in a fresh, innovative direction.


CCHD Supports Grassroots Solutions to Poverty

Application deadline: Pre-applications November 1, 2025

Grant range: $25,000 to $75,000 

Description: The Catholic Campaign for Human Development (CCHD) is the U.S. Catholic bishops’ domestic program aimed at addressing the root causes of poverty through community-driven solutions and education. It empowers low-income individuals and communities to break cycles of poverty by supporting self-help organizations and fostering participation in decision-making. CCHD offers two main types of funding: Community Development Grants, which strengthen solidarity and leadership among people living in poverty, and Economic Development Grants, which support community-based businesses that create jobs and build assets. Grant awards typically range from and may include general support, seed funding, capacity building, technical assistance, and implementation support.


Strengthening Diverse Communities


Application deadline: December 31, 2025

Annual giving: $6-$8 million

Description: The GEICO Philanthropic Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations nationwide that deliver programs to support and uplift diverse communities. Its funding priorities include expanding access to education, particularly in STEM, early childhood learning, and safety. The Foundation also invests in community engagement efforts that address issues such as financial literacy, food insecurity, environmental conservation, animal welfare, and health and wellness. In addition, it supports organizations advancing equity, justice, diversity, and inclusion to create fairer opportunities for all.


Children's Book Donations Available to Nonprofits


Application deadline: None

Grant amount: Book donations are provided.

Description: The Lisa Libraries donates children’s books to nonprofit organizations across the United States. Support is provided to organizations in low-income or underserved areas that need a small library, need to rebuild or add to a library, or serve children who would benefit by being given new books to take home. Some of the libraries established have been at daycare centers, prison visiting areas for children of incarcerated parents, and after-school programs. The book donations are free; however, recipient organizations must cover the shipping and handling costs.



GENERAL INFORMATION




MAKE A MARK CLT 2025 | Nonprofit Application


If you are a non-profit and have creative and marketing needs, consider applying to Make a Mark CLT - a 12-hour make-a-thon, bringing volunteer creatives together to make beautiful work for local nonprofits who deserve it but may not otherwise have access or means. Apply by September 10.  Please be as specific and detailed as possible regarding how you see Make a Mark Charlotte helping your organization. 




AUGUST IS NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS MONTH


As we prepare for students to return to school, we are likely to hear a lot about the importance of childhood immunizations. But immunizations aren't just for kids!


According to the American Association of Immunologists, getting recommended vaccines throughout our lives is the best way to protect against serious, vaccine-preventable diseases. Vaccination is also important for the well-being of our community. Since some people aren't able to be vaccinated, it is especially important for others to do their part. You might see their #ivax2protect campaign promoting this idea.

 

The topic of vaccination has been in the news a lot, and unfortunately, misinformation about it spreads easily on social media. Immunize.org is a national coalition that is working to provide educational resources to professionals and remove vaccine barriers to the public. Their public education site,  Vaccineinformation.org provides accurate, factual information to help promote public awareness about this important public health topic.



KNOW YOUR RIGHTS FOR BACK-TO-SCHOOL SEASON


Back-to-school season should be a time of excitement and learning — not fear. But since Trump rescinded a policy that once protected schools from ICE raids, immigrant families are now forced to prepare for the worst.


To help families stay informed and empowered during this uncertain time, we’re sharing essential resources, including steps they can take as students return to school:


  • Create a family emergency plan: Gather important documents for your children, like passports, birth certificates, Social Security cards, school and medical records; Identify at least two willing caregivers and write down their contact information; Save money for legal fees and bonds.

  • Identify a local nonprofit organization that can help you: Find out who in your community provides free legal support services (e.g., immigration advocates, legal aid organizations, churches, or worker centers).

  • Find an attorney: Identify a reliable immigration attorney ahead of time and keep their name and phone number with you at all times.

  • Know your rights and keep a card with you: These cards state that you would like to exercise your right to remain silent and that you would like to speak to an attorney. Your attorney’s name and phone number should be listed on the card.





Schools are places for children to grow and develop lifelong skills. Thank you for standing with us in the fight to ensure that they stay that way.

— National Immigration Law Center



OTHERS ON THE CALL 




LIFE CONNECTIONS OF THE CAROLINAS 


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TROUBLE SO HARD

September 13 | 2 PM | AME Zion Church Cornelius


Dr. Dave Keely | dfkeely3@gmail.com

Saturday, September 13, 2 pm | 21517 Torrence Chapel Rd., Torrence Chapel AME Zion Church | Cornelius, NC 28031

Trouble So Hard | Awareness Event - Reimagining Project

Documentary/Musical about our country’s history regarding social justice


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FREE LUNCH LAST FRIDAYS OF THE MONTH

Free Food Last Friday in Each Month | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Greater Bethel AME Church. 5232 The Plaza. Last Friday in each month free food from 11:30-1:30






PRAYER FOR LEADERS


for the ones who choose to break their hearts for ours 

Kate Bowler 


Blessed are you who let your heart break. You don’t have to. You could just have easily skirted the issue, shrugged it off as someone else’s job.  But you didn’t. You gave the ride or set up the meal train or sat in the waiting room. You handed your precious time over to the inefficiency and exhaustion of tragedy.

Blessed are you who show up during someone’s worst day  because it is your job. The healthcare worker, funeral director, foster parent, chaplain, social worker, pastor, lawyer, police officer, or judge. You who have not allowed yourself to be hardened by all you’ve seen. You who offer the gift of steady presence amid swirling chaos.

Blessed are the communities of care that surround us when we fall apart. Knowing we can’t do this alone, and trusting that even if we don’t shade the answers or the right words to say or know exactly what to do, we will continue to show up. Again and again and again.

Because that’s what love demands: to let our hearts break, together.




NEXT MEETING: TWO weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m. 





 

 

 


 
 
 

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