Our every other week check-in meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response to our most vulnerable neighbors. Meetings are held online every other Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.
Want to learn more about we do on our calls? Watch this short video clip!
Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording:
In this Issue:
Opening Reflection
A Prayer for the Tired, Angry Ones
by Laura Jean Truman
God, We're so tired. We want to do justice, but the work feels endless, and the results look so small in our exhausted hands. We want to love mercy, but our enemies are relentless,
and it feels like foolishness to prioritize gentleness in this unbelievably cruel world. We want to walk humbly, but self-promotion is seductive,
and we are afraid that if we don't look after ourselves, no one will. We want to be kind, but our anger feels insatiable.
In this never-ending wilderness, come to us and grant us grace. Grant us the courage to keep showing up to impossible battles, trusting that it is our commitment to faithfulness, not our obsession with results, that will bring in Your shalom. Grant us the vulnerability to risk loving our difficult and complicated neighbor, rejecting the lie that some people are made more in the image of God than others. Grant us the humility of a decentered but Beloved self. As we continue to take the single step that is in front of us, keep us from becoming what we are called to transform.
Protect us from using the empire's violence—in our words, in our theology, in our activism, and in our politics—for Your kingdom of peace. Keep our anger from becoming meanness. Keep our sorrow from collapsing into self-pity. Keep our hearts soft enough to keep breaking. Keep our outrage turned towards justice, not cruelty. Remind us that all of this, every bit of it, is for love. Keep us fiercely kind. Amen. from A Rhythm of Prayer: A Collection of Meditations for Renewal, ed. Sarah Bessey
1. MeckMIN Updates
A NOTE ABOUT THESE MEETINGS
These meetings are open to anyone or any group interested in promoting the common good in our shared Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.
We do not allow announcements from for-profit groups promoting their businesses or campaigning from political candidates. Beyond that, we don’t have rules for who can speak or what they can share as long as they support our commitments to respectful conversation and the dignity of all people.
Because we have a very wide array of beliefs and understandings within our membership and because we want to keep these meetings open as an open forum, we’re going to add this disclaimer to the minutes: "The views and opinions expressed here are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations."
MECKMIN YOUTH SUMMIT
August, Friday 18 | 12:00 - 9 PM August, Saturday 19 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Youth Summit is Full – Hooray – please pray for a successful event!
SERVICE PROJECT WITH THE LATIN AMERICAN COALITION
Saturday, August 5 | 1 - 4 PM
Join us this Saturday, August 5 from 1:00 to 4:00 PM at the Latin American Coalition (4938 Central Avenue, Charlotte, 28205-6878) for their summer Resource Fair for newly arrived immigrants to the Charlotte area. We will be sorting and distributing food, medicine, and clothes as well as playing and doing crafts with children.
*English and Spanish speaking volunteers are welcome.
Register HERE
Thursday, September 21 | 6:30 PM | Baha'í Center of Charlotte
At an Open Tables gathering, diverse congregations come together for fellowship and dining; with the goal of building relationships based on our shared humanity that go beyond the divides of tribalism. Register HERE
TEXT MESSAGING
MeckMIN is trying to expand its reach via Text Messaging. If you would like to receive MeckMIN announcements through this means, please email your first and last name along with your mobile number to meckmin@meckmin.org.
SAVE The DATE: COMMUNITY-WIDE INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE Tuesday, November 21 | 7 - 9 PM | Trinity Presbyterian Church
Help us share the word and get the event on people’s calendars.
2. Non-Profit Updates
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.
REENTRY HOUSING CHALLENGES
Kenn Shrader | Kenn@ReentryHousingAlliance.org | M/TXT: 704-953-0185
Executive Director | Reentry Housing Alliance
-People w/criminal records are marginalized for life
-Since May 2018, RHA helps educate housing providers and people re-entering society
-Help try to match previously incarcerated people with landlords who will accept them
-Eventually 98% of those in prison come out & they’ll need a JOB & a PLACE to live
-The record stays with you & follows you for LIFE
-Most people w/criminal records don’t have violent records
-About 8% of the population has a felony record, 40% a misdemeanor
-A criminal history comes along with restrictions in education, voting rights, housing, certification licenses
-A criminal record is different than a CONVICTION – a criminal record doesn’t mean a person is guilty of a crime
-People coming out from incarceration need a 2nd chance and the faith community can help
Jasmine Milton shared her experience of being incarcerated and her challenging experiences afterwards. If you’d like to invite her to speak and share her powerful story, please reach out to jasminemilton1991@gmail.com and / or 716-424-5137 (cell).
OPPORTUNITY TO HELP AFGHAN CHILD/FAMILY COMING TO CHARLOTTE FOR BURN TREATMENT AT SHRINER'S HOSPITAL
Rochelle Wilensky | rochelle.rrr@gmail.com | 202-747-4630
Meet Mehria, an 8yo girl from Afghanistan. Two years ago, she was horrifically burned over much of her body. Shriner's Hospital of Dayton, Ohio has agreed to treat her burns for FREE because her home country of Afghanistan lacks the appropriate specialists and facilities to do so. Treatments including surgeries, injections and therapies will allow Mehria to restore her mobility and relieve her chronic pain.
Rochelle Wilensky of Charlotte, NC has been coordinating a self-assembled team of volunteers to arrange visas, transportation, and logistics to bring Mehria to the US to receive her medical treatment. Mehria, along with her mother and 2 young siblings, have just been granted Humanitarian Parole (HP) visas to enter the US and will arrive in early August 2023. Upon their arrival, they will settle in Charlotte, NC with family while traveling to/from Dayton for Mehria's medical care.
This is where YOU come in. We hope to raise at least $10,000 to fully cover:
-(4) Humanitarian Parole Visas to the US: $2,300
-(4) Medical Screenings for US Embassy visa requirements: $500
-(4) Pakistani Exit Visa Fees for Afghans traveling to the US: $1,625
-Airfare to US: $4,000
-10 months living expenses in Pakistan while awaiting US visas (Nov 2022-Aug 2023): $975
-Immediate needs upon arrival to US: $600*
*Includes US Cellphone, food, transportation, urgent medical and living needs.
Thank you so much for your generosity and support!
UPDATE ON HAPPENINGS AT ROOF ABOVE
Joe Hamby | jhamby@roofabove.org | 704-574-6154
Director of Community Education
1. Post-Covid reintroduction of prayer services at Day Services Center (945 N. College Street, formerly known as the Urban Ministry Center or "The Urb") and opportunities to participate in this ministry, currently happening every Wednesday 12:30-1:15pm. Contact Joe Hamby at jhamby@roofabove.org for more information and a copy of our Religious Activities Guidelines.
2. Opening of 55+ PSH community and awareness of aging homeless population
Highlight from the blog post: According to May 2023 data , there are 770 single older adults (55+ years) experiencing homelessness in Charlotte-Mecklenburg. This group accounts for 36% of the overall single adult homeless population. Single older adult homelessness has increased 3% in the past two years.
These data are consistent with national reports and research which show that the median age of the homeless population in the United States is rising. Research by Kushel and colleagues suggests that older adults make up approximately 50% of the single adult homeless population. The rise in older adult homelessness is expected to continue, with research by Culhane and colleagues suggesting that the population of homeless adults aged 55 and older is projected to double or triple between 2017 and 2030 in large urban cities such as Boston, Los Angeles, and New York City.
3. Celebrating Mecklenburg County's first homeless street outreach lead agency: Hearts For The Invisible Charlotte Coalition, Inc. (HFTIC) under the leadership of Jessica Lefkowitz, Executive Director. Jessi is always looking for partners in this vital work: contactus@hftic.org
4. Expanded opportunities for volunteering at Roof Above. Visit our website at roofabove.org. Only limited by your imagination.
5. Community education opportunities and the importance of changing the narrative . One way to be a knowledgeable voice on homelessness and solving homelessness is to subscribe to our bi-monthly email : the 2x4. Go to Roof Above website. Click on "Become an Advocate" tab at the very top of the page.
Click on the "Become an Advocate" tab at roofabove.org and receive our 2x4 email.
Urban Ministry Center and Men’s Shelter of Charlotte is now Roof Above.
FAMILIES FORWARD CHARLOTTE
Tatiyana Laws, M.Ed | tatiyana@familiesforwardclt.org | 302.359.6878 (C) Director of Programming, Families Forward Charlotte
Being A Family Liaison
Mentor a Family Partner through our Family Success Program (1-2 year) to assist with goal setting and resources as they navigate through economic barriers and strive for long-term stability
Attend an 8 hour training and consent to a Background check (Fall training dates: Saturday, September 16th OR Friday, September 22nd)
Approximately 6-8 hour a month commitment; in-person meeting once a month and weekly check in with Family Partner
Receive continued support and resources from our staff as well as ongoing training opportunities
What is it like to be a Family Liaison mentor? https://youtu.be/Y0JWsSmG6tk
-It is truly a partnership b/w the family mentor and mentee
FEEDING CHARLOTTE UPDATE
Kim Aprill | kim@feedingcharlotte.org | feedingcharlotte.org Executive Director feedingcharlotte.org
-Food rescue collection that delivers to 39 partners
-Current major needs is connecting with food partners (hotels, restaurants, caterers, private schools, etc.) who could donate any excess food
-In need for more CONNECTIONS
-100,000 people in the Charlotte area are food insecure
www.feedingcharlotte.org
CULTURAL SENSITIVITY TRAINING WITH INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
Lauren Rogers | lrogers@ihclt.org | (704) 333-8099 ext. 110
Director of Community Engagement
International House
1. Our Cultural Sensitivity Training is now approved for Continuing Education Unites (CEUs) through AHEC! Our first accredited workshop will be held through AHEC on August 25th from 8AM-12:15PMat their training location. We’re also excited to offer a brand new Level 2, ‘deep dive’ training on September 29th from 8AM-12:15PM, which will delve more into recognizing implicit bias in practice, how adults from different cultural backgrounds learn new information, and a skills demonstration for utilizing translation tools.
a. IH Cultural Sensitivity Training: https://www.ihclt.org/copy-of-the-hub
2. We’re also hoping to find 3-4 more interns for the 2023-2024 school year. We ask for a commitment of 12-16 hours a week for a full school year (August-May). Depending on the intern’s academic program, we can often help them receive course credit for the internship experience. These are unpaid experiences, so we try our best to make sure we have our interns working on projects and assignments that they’re passionate about, and that directly align with their career goals. We want to make the experience as valuable as possible for our interns. We have flexible scheduling, including some remote/hybrid options. You can find the full internship descriptions up on our website.
a. IH Internships: https://www.ihclt.org/volunteer (*internships are included at the bottom of the page)
3. We’re supporting our friends at Loaves and Fishes by hosting a community food drive at International House. From August 14-September 14th, we’ll be collecting nonperishable food donations at the new IH location. Please stop by anytime Monday-Thursday from 9AM-5PM with your donations.
a. Most highly requested items: Priority Needs (loavesandfishes.org)
b. P.S. please ask our front office team for a tour when you come by with your donations! We’re happy to show you our new space.
CRISIS INTERVENTION PROGRAM (CIP) Helping Low Income Families with Cooling Bills
Ginny Harper
Community Program Coordinator
Mecklenburg County DSS | Economic Services
301 Billingsley Road, Charlotte, NC 28211
Office: 980.314.6027 | Fax/FlyDoc: 866.851.1409
Mecklenburg County offers energy assistance to help low income individuals and/or families with their heating and cooling bills. With temperatures well into the 90’s and numerous Code Orange ozone action days, many residents are unable to pay their higher cooling bills. DSS may be able to help through the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP).
The Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) is a federally funded program that provides funding to assist low income individuals/families who are experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis and have a final notice or past due utility bill. Assistance is available year-round or until funds are exhausted. These funds can be applied for through DSS. If approved, the payment is mailed directly to the applicant’s utility account. CIP funding can potentially assist up to $600 per household per fiscal year.
I’m interested in growing awareness and program participation of the Crisis Intervention Program (CIP) within zip codes 28205, 28212, 28215 and 28227. I’d love to partner with you to get the word out about CIP to your congregations and the residents in your area as a whole. Your help is needed to not only share information but encourage your parishioners and neighborhood residents to apply for this financial assistance. I want everyone who qualifies and is in need of this funding to apply for it. It’s FREE money and so needed, especially during these challenging times. Any way you are willing to help spread the word will be appreciated.
I’ve attached copies of our CIP flyers which are in both English and Spanish. I’ve also included them in PNG format which is social media friendly. Sharing this information on your social media platforms would give TREMENDOUS exposure. The flyers provide more information about the program, including how to apply.
Please let me know if you’re willing to have me speak (briefly) at your church/house of worship so I can personally share this information with your congregation.
Let’s work together to connect Mecklenburg County residents with available and needed resources such as CIP. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Thank you.
-As long as there is one documented person in the household they qualify for the program
-Can assist also with deposits
-You can apply on-line, fax/email an application, drop by the office, call the office – trying to help and meet people where they are
-Trying to re-engage with houses of worship in East Charlotte
-Approval or answers take about 2 business days
-Income information is available on the website
HOMES PROGRAM HELPING OUT MECKLENBURG'S HOMEOWNERS WITH ECONOMIC SUPPORT
I am Patricia Oliver, the Communications Specialist for Mecklenburg County’s Department of Community Resources. I would like to information on a homeowner economic support program offered by the Mecklenburg County Department of Community Resources. The HOMES Program (Helping Out Mecklenburg’s homeowners with Economic Support) serves as an ally to Mecklenburg County homeowners who are struggling with the rising costs of owning a home. HOMES provides economic assistance grants up to $426 to qualifying residential homeowners. Residents within the Charlotte city limits may receive additional grant funding (up to $234), so they could receive up to $660 total! Applications and 2022 income verifications MUST be submitted and/or postmarked by November 17, 2023.
We hope to leverage our current partnerships and contacts to ensure qualified homeowners and their families are aware of the HOMES Program. We are committed to connecting those in need with economic assistance! Thus, we would love for you to include the attached images (select what image works best for those you serve) and the text below in your upcoming communications such as digital newsletters, website announcement pages, and social media posts:
Mecklenburg County and the City of Charlotte are proud to be an ally for residents. Qualified Mecklenburg County homeowners may be eligible for a HOMES program grant up to $426. Residents within the Charlotte city limits may receive additional grant funding (up to $234), so they may receive up to $660 total! The deadline to apply is November 17th. To apply, visit: www.MeckNC.gov/4HOMES or call 980-314-4663.
We also have small, printed flyers that can be dropped off at your location. Please let us know if flyers could be useful for you.
AVAILABILITY OF FREE COVID Test Kits
David Sweat, MPH | 980-314-9633
Director, COVID-19 Response Unit
Public Health | COVID-19 Response Unit
Mecklenburg County Government
Would it be possible for you to help me spread the word to the MeckMin group that any of the faith-based organizations, non-profits, or other organizations who would like to receive free test kits to distribute to their members or clients can request kits, and we will be happy to supply them while we still have inventory? All they have to do is send us an email identifying how many kits they want and who we can coordinate with, and we are happy to get them supplied.
-Seeing an increase level of Covid in the Community
-Can give out 1 case of test kits per Congregation
3. General Information
CYNTHIA JOHNSON
Please sign a petition for an All boys school focusing on music & entrepreneurship
We need your signature in support of an all male school ( K-8) in Charlotte.
Please click on the link below.
CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING
Rev. Rosedale Jones | rosejones1121@gmail.com | 980-230-8395 Founder, Spiritual Director Center for Spiritual Living Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CSLCLT/
Get ready to mark your calendars because we're inviting you to the most unforgettable virtual and in-person event on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 am!
Join us for an awe-inspiring experience that will take you on an incredible journey like no other!
Discover the transformative power of joining a Diverse-Tight-Knit and Supportive Spiritual community at Center for Spiritual Living Charlotte.
For more information and to register, follow the link below and join us for an uplifting experience together.
Calling All Vendors! Join Us for Our Open House Event at CSL Charlotte
Hey there, local vendor! Are you looking for an awesome chance to show off what you've got? We've got just the thing for you. The Center for Spiritual Living Charlotte is throwing a super cool open house event on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at 11:00 am. We totally want YOU to be a part of it. Get ready to dive into the essence of what we do! We're super excited to invite vendors specializing in spirituality, health, and wellness to be a part of our awesome Open House event.
Showcasing What We Do:
This event is gonna be a blast! It's all about celebrating and sharing the amazing vibes of Center for Spiritual Living Charlotte—The Mind Body Spirit Center. Get ready to be amazed as we showcase our Mind-Body-Spirit philosophy, work, and teachings. We want to give everyone the opportunity to personally experience the life-changing magic of our Spiritual Community.
Networking Opportunities:
Once you become a part of this event, you'll not only get to hang out with awesome people but also have the chance to network with other vendors. It's an amazing opportunity to expand your reach, make valuable connections, and grow your business. Don't miss out on this!
Vendor Tables Available:
We've got a limited number of vendor tables up for grabs, and they're just $75 each. So, if you want to secure your spot at this super anticipated event, make sure you reserve your table now. It's an amazing chance to showcase your awesome offers to an audience that's ready to get engaged. Don't miss out on this opportunity!
Respond by September 10th:
To ensure your spot, please respond by September 10th. Simply register by clicking here to reserve your vendor table. Space is limited, so act fast!
Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2023
Time: 11:00 am to 2:00 pm
Location: Loom 120 Academy Street Fort Mill, SC 29715
For any further questions, please send us a message via email at admin@cslcharlotte.org or call (980) 230-8395.
We can't wait to have you join us at our open house event. Let's come together, celebrate, and create an unforgettable experience for this awesome Spiritual Community. See you there!
GET A FREE ID TO BE USED FOR VOTING
Voters can now get free IDs at their local community board of elections to comply with the state’s new voter ID requirement.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections announced today that registered voters who don’t currently have an acceptable ID can now get a free ID to be used for voting.
Kyle Ingram has more on how you can get a free ID.
POW WOW
September 22-23 – Huntersville
Join us for our 2023 Pow Wow! COVID interrupted our annual cultural event, but we are back to showcase our Indigenous Culture. We will have Native American vendors, dancers, singers and food! Public is welcomed.
Learn more about this upcoming event HERE
READING BUDDY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT NORTH COUNTY REGIONAL
The Reading Buddies program at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is a free program that brings children and volunteers (adults or teens) together to read. Children (grades K-5) select their own books and trained volunteers provide support and encouragement to help children experience and develop a love of reading.
Do you want to make a difference in the life of a child? Read with two children for one hour weekly or four children for two hours weekly (30 minute appointments). Our next Reading Buddies semester will begin the week of September 18, 2023 and will run through December 15, 2023.
Your help is needed for students in our community!
Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library will offer two opportunities to support elementary school students in our community this fall.
The Reading Buddies program at Charlotte Mecklenburg Library is a free program that brings children and volunteers (adults or teens) together to read. Children (grades K-5) select their own books and trained volunteers provide support and encouragement to help children experience and develop a love of reading.
The Student Success Center is a new pop-up learning space one afternoon a week for students to seek help completing assignments, practice a skill, or get connected to Library resources with trained volunteers (adults or teens). Families share what type of support is needed, and volunteers provide help and encouragement on a first come-first served basis.
Do you want to make a difference in the life of a child? Register to be a volunteer for the fall semester at Allegra Westbrooks Regional Library. The fall semester will begin the week of September 18, 2023 and will run through December 15, 2023.
Register Today!
Register to be a Reading Buddy Volunteer HERE.
Register to be a Student Success Volunteer HERE.
NEXT STAGE IS SEEKING A CONTENT AND COMMUNITY MANAGER
Our team is looking for a Content & Community Manager to help us scale Cultivate, our online collaboration and social learning platform - someone who thrives on community, loves to write, and wakes up excited to learn something new. We're looking to build engaged, collaborative communities, so the ability to translate content and make connections is a must.
Our team is fully committed to our values and we're looking for a teammate who shares our focus on purpose, equity, courage, collaboration and belonging. If this sounds like you, or someone you know, please forward this email and encourage them to join our team of change-makers.
Learn more about this evolution and read the job description to apply!
View position HERE
HEALERS MARKET Saturday, August 5
ROSEDIN FOUNDATION ANNUAL GRANT APPLICATION
The Rosendin Foundation cares about the well-being of our communities by partnering with community-focused non-profit organizations to support health, including emotional, nutritional, and occupation programs. The Rosendin Foundation has one grant annual cycle for financial grants up to $50,000.
The deadline for these grant applications is August 15. The Foundation will issue grants in November/December annually. For questions about the Grant Application, please contact Jolsna Thomas (President) at jthomas@therosendinfoundation.org.
For more info and to apply: https://rosendinfoundation.wufoo.com/forms/annual-grant-application/
CHRISTIAN LEADERS ADDRESSING POVERTY & INEQUALITY FUNDED
Application deadline: February 15 and September 30, annually Grant amount: $15,000 over two years
Description: The We Raise Foundation provides support to Christian nonprofit organizations predominantly serving communities of color in the United States that work at the intersection of poverty, violence, and inequality. The Foundation’s Emerging Leader Grants invest in the development of leaders, between the ages of 20-35, at Christian organizations throughout the U.S. who are leading new programs at the intersection of poverty, violence, and inequality. Recipients receive $15,000 over two years, with $10,000 supporting the new program and $5,000 supporting leadership development, which includes conference attendance and individualized leadership coaching. (A separate program, GrantsPlus, supports Christian organizations in Chicago, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Oakland/San Francisco.)
VISION NC
VISION NC (formerly Vision USA)
Provides free eye exams to low-income, uninsured individuals in North Carolina. Eye exams are provided by North Carolina Optometric Society member optometrists who have agreed to give their time and services to help those in need. If you need an eye exam, do not have insurance, and cannot afford one, work with your social worker, case worker, charitable organization, or agency to submit an application on your behalf for VISION NC services. Link: https://www.nceyes.org/vision-nc.
At the bottom of the page are two organizations that provide free eyeglasses.
EYES OF HOPE (through VSP)
Provides gift certificates with coverage for a comprehensive eye exam and a complete pair of prescription glasses with single vision or lined multifocal lenses for individuals who can’t access or afford vision care. Contact Prevent Blindness at 1-800-331-2020 and let them know you’re in need of vision care through the Eyes of Hope Program.
TAKE ACTION: HELP PEOPLE CONNECTED TO YOUR NONPROFIT MAINTAIN MEDICAID COVERAGE
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress created a temporary exemption (known as continuous coverage) from annual Medicaid recertification rules that normally require Medicaid recipients to provide verification of their income, family size, and other information to ensure they remain qualified. The Medicaid continuous coverage provision ended on April 1, and the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has begun the process of recertifying Medicaid beneficiaries in North Carolina. Medicaid recipients need to contact their local Division of Social Services (DSS) office to ensure that it has their current contact information. While the process isn’t difficult, many North Carolinians stand to lose their Medicaid coverage if they don’t contact their local DSS office.
DHHS originally projected that as many as 300,000 North Carolinians – many of whom receive services from nonprofits – could lose their Medicaid benefits if they don’t recertify. Many of these North Carolinians may have begun participation in Medicaid during the pandemic and may be unfamiliar with the recertification process. A new report from NC Health News indicates that the impact may be even worse than initially expected; in June alone, more than 35,000 North Carolinians lost their Medicaid coverage. Some of the people losing their Medicaid coverage may qualify again once Medicaid expansion begins in North Carolina (see the first item in today’s update for more details), but they will still have a gap in coverage at least through October 1.
Your nonprofit can help make sure that the people you serve keep their Medicaid coverage by sharing information with them about the recertification process and the need to confirm their contact information with their local DSS office. Three nonprofits – The Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, Pisgah Legal Services, and Legal Aid of North Carolina – launched NCMedHelp.org to answer questions about NC Medicaid services, including eligibility determination. The website has direct links to each county’s DSS office and information about legal help and health coverage options for people who have lost their Medicaid coverage through this process.
THURSDAY, AUGUST 10th: Black Child Development Institute's Board Talk (4:00 p.m. at Lawrence Orr Elementary School). "BCDI will share ways to strengthen your voice and build community. We will provide information about school resources, and discuss your child's needs, concerns, and ways to navigate through elementary school. A meal will be served. Please click the link below and complete the form so we can accommodate your attendance." Register HERE.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 11th - SUNDAY, AUGUST 13th: QC Alumni classic! A three-day basketball tournament and community celebration based at Garinger High School. All proceeds go to the participating schools (Garinger, East Meck, North Meck, Independence, West Charlotte, Chambers). Tickets here.
THROUGH SEPTEMBER: ourBRIDGE for KIDS is collecting school supplies - there is a need for uniforms, binders, glue sticks, scissors, notebooks, calculators, pencil cases, art supplies, backpacks, markers, and pencils/pens.
RADICAL SELF-CARE FOR COMMUNITY ORGANIZERS
Wednesday, September 13 | 6:30 - 8:00 PM | Claudia Belk at Queens University
Join Dr. LaDarius Thompson and Elizabeth Rogers for a transformative workshop on Radical Self-Care: Nurturing Your Mind, Body, and Soul. In our fast-paced world, taking care of ourselves often gets pushed to the bottom of our priority list. But it's time to change that! Embrace radical self-care as a revolutionary act of self-love and discover the ripple effects it can have on your relationships, work, and overall well-being. Leave this workshop feeling inspired, rejuvenated, and equipped with the tools to make self-care a priority in your life and reclaim your joy. For more information, contact Judy Schindler, schindlerj@queens.edu.
RSVP HERE
TRANS FAITH and ACTION NETWORK (TFAAN) RETREAT
Radically Authentic
The 2023 Trans Faith And Action Network Retreat | August 24-27, 2023
The Avila Center | Durham, NC
Register HERE
The Transgender Faith and Action Network (TFAAN) is a collective of trans people of faith who recognize the value of being connected to one another and providing mutual support. The TFAAN Retreat is a virtual experience featuring workshops by and for transgender, non-binary, genderqueer/gender non-conforming people on topics that feel urgent and necessary to explore within community. The TFAAN Retreat is a non-denominational space and is open to trans* people of all (and no) religious identities. As with all of our work at The Freedom Center for Social Justice, the TFAAN Retreat is intentionally intersectional and inter-generational. TFAAN began as “TransFaith in Color,” a collaborative effort among trans people of various faith traditions to create more welcoming and affirming houses of worship. TransFaith in Color hosted convenings in North Carolina to promote learning, networking, healing, and empowerment. TFAAN proudly builds upon the work done by the trans people of color and faith who founded these efforts.
ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) CLASSES FOR ADULTS @ Harris YMCA
This fall, the Harris YMCA will offer ESL classes on our very own campus just 3 miles away from South Boulevard. Please see the flyers in English and Spanish for more detailed information. Please share them with your staff, program participants, contacts and networks.
Registration dates (in-person only): August 21-22.
Classes start September 11.
Childcare will be available during morning classes.
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
If you, like me, find that you don’t seem to have everything you need, it’s ok. You don’t actually have to show up to your healing with all your own supplies. What we lack we can always find in the storehouses of the divine. There are streams of mercy never ceasing. There is, in the heart of God, enough compassion when we have nothing but lack. When we cannot stop trying harder, God makes us lay down in green pastures. When we do not have what it takes, we still always and forever have the God that it takes. And God never tires of being called upon for help. It’s like, God’s job.
You can call out for help in the darkness of your own blackout, when the [will]power grid has once again gone down, and plug into a whole different power supply: endless, clean, renewable energy for the road ahead.
You just need help. It’s ok. Because there is help to be had. And needing help is not a failure - the whole God-and-Human-thing is set up to work like that. And so is community. As my friend Nikki says, no one can do it for you and you cannot do it alone.
You are worth all the help you can get.
And your worthiness lies not in the strength of your will but in the unyielding determination of God's Divine Love which is simply too fierce to leave you unchanged.
Nadia Bolz-Weber
Next meeting:
August 17th - Thursday at 11 a.m.
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