Our every other week check-in meeting is open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response to our most vulnerable neighbors. Meetings are held online every other Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please subscribe to our newsletter.
Want to learn more about we do on our calls? Watch this short video clip!
Click Here to Access Zoom Recording:
In this Issue:
Opening Reflection
– from Valarie Kaur
Place your hand on your heart and another on your belly. And now let the breath come, feeling your belly fill up. Hold for four. Let it go. What does it feel like to let this deep of a breath into your body? Take in your surroundings. Let your eyes fall on the most beautiful thing around you. Notice its color and shape. Notice the way the light falls on it. Notice its beauty. No matter what is happening out there in the world right now, no matter how dark, or violent, or cruel, this beautiful thing also exists. The world right here is just as real as the world out there. Take another deep breath. Notice if it’s a little easier. When we give our attention to wonder, we call it breathtaking. But perhaps we should call it breathgiving. Awe stretches out our capacity to be present and let in even a sense of joy. Notice what you feel in your body. Is this feeling in your body familiar or is it rare? How have you been breathing? What do you need to be able to breathe like this every day? Get quiet and listen.
1. MeckMIN Updates
IN REMEMBRANCE OF 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF OAK CREEK August 5, 7 -8:30 PM | Gurdwara Khalsa Barbar
The interfaith community is invited to join the local Sikh community in commemorating the tenth anniversary of Oak Creek, a massacre in a Sikh house of worship in Wisconsin. There will be a vigil on Friday, August 5, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Gurdwara Khalsa Barbar at 401 East Arrowood Road Charlotte, NC 28211. RSVP to char1onesikhs@gmail.com.
MeckMIN will be present, and we hope that we’ll have a strong interfaith presence at the event in support of our Sikh friends and neighbors.
Below you’ll find an array of resources from the national Sikh Coalition related to the national remembrance efforts:
NEW REMEMBER OAK CREEK LEARNING HUB The Sikh Coalition has partnered with the Revolutionary Love Project on RememberOakCreek.org, a learning hub designed to help Americans from all communities understand what happened 10 years ago and how we can take action together to prevent further tragedies. The learning hub includes new video content, downloadable graphics, direct ways to contact your lawmakers, educational materials, as well as a wealth of other resources aimed at commemorating the anniversary while raising Sikh awareness. New content is being added, so check back frequently!
The Charlotte project is in partnership with MeckMIN and Refugee Support Services, collecting school supplies for refugee children to be distributed at a back-to-school party August 6.
If you want to participate in collecting school supplies, you can bring them to the vigil.
YOUTH VOLUNTEER EVENT - COLLECT & SORT SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Aug 06, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207
Calling all MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOLERS to join us as we pack 150 backpacks to help Refugee Support Services children get ready for school. Stay for a delicious Bojangles lunch.
Register here
IN PERSON FOOD FOR THOUGHT | JAMES E. FORD (CREED) August 16 | 12 PM Covenant Presbyterian Church
On TUESDAY, August 16, we'll gather to hear from the amazing James E. Ford, an award-winning educator and consultant on issues of equity in education, discuss "A New Precedent of Faith in Unprecedented Times".
This will be a great "back-to-school" event as we embrace the role people of faith have to make our schools work for ALL students and to work for a more equitable society.
Register here. This event will be in-person only. NO online option. NO recording. Lunch reservations due by August 4.
AUGUST 18 MEETING – Immigrant/Refugee focus
We'll learn from different groups in town working w/these communities
Let LeDayne know if your group want to participate or if you know a group we should invite
A TU LADO Guide to COMMUNITY RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANT FAMILIES
WOMEN'S FAITH CLUB
We will be doing a program of sharing the rites and rituals of our faith throughout the life span: baptisms, bris, confirmations, etc. at our program in August on the 24th.
-Reminder: this is a group for WOMEN
-Looking for new members, fun, diverse group
SACRED THREADS CONFERENCE September 11 | at Queens University and Myers Park Baptist
Don't miss this half day interfaith conference on September 11th (in person or virtual). Connect with Charlotteans from varied faiths, be inspired by nationally known interfaith scholars and musicians, and engage in great conversations.
Together, we will explore the remarkable content of Nostra Aetate -- the 1965 watershed document issued by Vatican II that set into motion introspection, reconciliation, and interfaith dialogue.
To learn more about the conference speakers, musicians, and schedule, and to register click here.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY-WIDE INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE Tuesday, November 22 | 7 - 9 PM (Prelude to begin at 6:45 PM) | Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church
Save the Date for one of the highlights of the year -- the annual community-wide interfaith Thanksgiving service which will be hosted this year by the Rev. Dr. Dwayne Walker and the congregation of Little Rock A.M.E. Zion Church in Uptown Charlotte.
We gather each year on the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, and the service is a delightful reminder of the rich and growing diversity of our community. We hope you'll mark your calendar and plan to join us!
2. Community Information - Covid and other
MECKLENBURG COUNTY PUBLIC HEALTH
MONKEYPOX
Autumn B. Watson, MPH, REHS
Sr. Health Manager Community Outreach | COVID-19 Unit
Mecklenburg County Public Health
C: 704-621-5181 www.meckhealth.org
-40 cases in Mecklenburg County
-28 days of isolation once diagnosed
-very different from Covid, spread from skin to skin
-in our area, disproportionately affecting African American men
-www.mecknc.gov – Monkeypox wait list for vaccination (about 2 weeks)
-Signs & Symptoms: you develop a rash w/open lesions and fever the first days
Monkeypox Website for Meck Countyhttps://www.mecknc.gov/HealthDepartment/CDControl/GeneralCDControl/Pages/Monkeypox.aspx
ASK TO COMMUNITY LEADERS:
Help communicate:
· Monkeypox spreads very differently than Covid or the flu – Risk to the general public is low. The monkeypox virus is spread through close, often skin-to-skin, contact with an infected person. Being aware of symptoms in others and practicing good hygiene and safer sex are the best ways to avoid infection.
· There is currently a very limited supply of vacines, so people should sign up for a vaccine only if they are at high-risk.
· People who are at high-risk should go ahead and get on the vaccine wait list and should contact the Health Department if they develop symptoms.
COVID
Tamara Hawkins, MSPH (She/Her/Hers)
Supervisor | COVID-19 Community Outreach
Mecklenburg County Public Health | COVID Response Unit
O: (980) 314-9079
C: (980) 266-0155
-19% increase in cases
-biggest jump is in kids younger than 18
-starting to be some strain on emergency health care centers
ASK TO COMMUNITY LEADERS:
· Continue to share accurate information and trust-worthy sources of information. (Such as that below)
· Continue to promote vaccinations and boosters.
· Share the CDC recommendations below.
· Let people know where they can get test kits (see below.)
· Consider Covid-safe training (see below.)
Local Covid Level
It was announced this week that we have now moved to COVID-19 Community Level High, per the CDC. This is based on the level of new cases (per 100k residents) coupled with new hospital admissions and inpatient beds metrics.
At level High, the CDC recommends as individual- and household-level prevention behaviors:
· Wear a well-fitting mask indoors in public, regardless of vaccination status (including in K-12 schools and other indoor community settings).
· If you are immunocompromised or high risk for severe disease:
o Wear a mask or respirator that provides you with greater protection
o Consider avoiding non-essential indoor activities in public where you could be exposed
o Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you need to take other precautions (e.g., testing)
o Have a plan for rapid testing if needed (e.g., having home tests or access to testing)
o Talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a candidate for treatments like oral antivirals, PrEP, and monoclonal antibodies
· If you have household or social contact with someone at high risk for severe disease:
o Consider self-testing to detect infection before contact.
o Consider wearing a mask when indoors with them.
· Stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and boosters.
· Maintain improved ventilation throughout indoor spaces when possible.
· Follow CDC recommendations for isolation and quarantine, including getting tested if you are exposed to COVID-19 or have symptoms of COVID-19.
New test kit distribution sites
New test kit distribution sites have been added to the state’s Community Access Points program. In total, there are now thirteen (13) locations offering free test kits in the county – (7) community access points in addition to the (6) library branches that we are already partnered with.
The following (7) locations are now participating in the program, per the finder map. Community members can get up to 10 COVID-19 rapid at-home tests per visit.
1. BCY Healthcare, 8801 JM Keynes Drive, Suite 150, Charlotte, NC, 28262
2. Breaking Barriers Building Bonds, 2422 Purser Drive, Charlotte, NC, 28215
3. Mecklenburg County Health Department (Northwest), 2845 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28216
4. Mecklenburg County Health Department (Southeast), 249 Billingsley Rd, Charlotte, NC, 28211
5. RAO Community Health, 321 W. 11th Street, Charlotte, NC, 28215
6. StarMed Healthcare, 4001 Tuckaseegee Road, Charlotte, NC, 28208
7. StarMed Healthcare, 5344 Central Avenue, Charlotte, NC, 28208
PLEASE NOTE:
· Hours of availability are limited at some sites so community members are advised to check the program map for locations and hours before visiting the site.
· Only our Mecklenburg County Health Departments and six library partner sites are (currently) known to offer free masks.
· Community members may still be able to obtain free masks at local sites around the county.
Help Keep Schools Safe From COVID
As summer winds down, schools across the country are preparing to receive students back into the classroom. To protect the progress that has been made to bring back regular, in-person learning, it is crucial to get all staff and students vaccinated against COVID. Everyone 6 months or older should get a COVID vaccine. Share 3 Ways School Leaders Can Promote COVID-19 Vaccination with schools and other learning facilities in your community to help them prepare for the upcoming school year safely.
Immunization Awareness Month
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recognizes August as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Now more than ever it is important to get all recommended vaccines for yourself and your loved ones. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper also proclaimed August as Immunization Awareness Month. NCDHHS is partnering with health care providers and stakeholders in a statewide awareness campaign to help ensure school-age children are protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.
The 2022 NCDHHS NIAM toolkit includes flyers and social media graphics and is available for anyone to use. We invite you to share these resources with the communities and populations you serve.
As children across North Carolina head back to school, and with cases of COVID-19 on the rise again, we need your help reminding families that vaccinations are an important part of back-to-school success and overall health and well-being. Your trusted guidance and voice continue to help people make informed decisions to protect themselves. Whether children are homeschooled or attend a public, private, charter or religious school, state laws require they stay up to date for certain vaccinations based on their age, as recommended by the CDC.
Talk with your child’s healthcare provider about recommended vaccinations. During that same visit, families can talk with their physician about the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine for their children, ages 6 months and older. Many pediatricians and family practitioners will provide the COVID-19 vaccine for all eligible family members, as well as teens, during that same visit. Visit MySpot.nc.gov or contact the North Carolina COVID-19 Vaccine Help Center by phone at 1-888-675-4567 for more information about COVID-19 vaccines.
The CDC has more information and resources for parents and guardians:
· List of all vaccines required for school attendance, from kindergarten through 12th grade
· Parents unsure which vaccines their children need at any age, can find out what is needed by taking a short quiz on the CDC website
· Additional information on vaccine-preventable diseases and immunizations for North Carolina families available at immunize.nc.gov/family
COVID-SAFE training and certification program
Mecklenburg County Public Health on Tuesday announced the launch of its new COVID-SAFE training and certification program. Free to Mecklenburg County businesses, the online training provides information about COVID-19 and guidance on COVID-19 safety (physical distancing, masking and cleaning), vaccinations and employee health. Upon completion of the training, participants receive a personalized certificate and window-cling with the COVID-SAFE Business logo for display, an example Employee Health Policy for use with employees, COVID-19 safety posters for display, and monthly COVID-19 updates from MCPH.
3. Non-Profit Updates
ROOF ABOVE
You have stood with us through the challenges and changes of the last two years. It brings me such joy to share that last week Roof Above opened the doors to our newest housing community! SECU The Rise on Clanton will provide permanent supportive housing for 88 individuals experiencing homelessness, making a significant impact on chronic homelessness in our community.
LOAVES and FISHES / FRIENDSHIP TRAYS
Louise McCrorie, MLS, MSW, LCSW
Social Services Coordinator
Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays
648 Griffith Road, Suite B
Charlotte, NC 28217
Phone: (704) 336-9548
Email: louise@loavesandfishes.org
-Fed 113% more this June than last June
-Desperately need VOLUNTEERS for the following opportunities: (deliveries on groceries, Friendship Trays, packing houses on Warehouse, Personal shoppers)
Desperately need food donations, hygiene items – Please consider personal donations or hosting a food drive
- Loaves & Fishes is HIRING multiple positions!
Really need warehouse assistants (who feel comfortable driving a box truck and using a forklift/electric pallet jack). https://loavesandfishes.org/about-us/employment-opportunities/
-This Saturday, walk and/or bike ride fundraiser
MOBILE HEALTH UNITS
Anabel Paniagua-Doyle
Senior Specialist
ONE Charlotte Health Alliance
601 E. 5th St. | Suite #330-D
Charlotte, NC 28202
As you know, ONE Charlotte Health Alliance (OCHA) has two Mobile Health Units that can be brought to where they are most needed. We work with both Atrium and NOVANT health, as well as the county to bring health awareness, screenings and information of access to care to the community members.
We are looking for new locations to host our Mobile Health Units on a regular basis. Our units are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, doing health assessments, counselling on nutrition, blood pressure, glucose, etc.
Please let me know if this is of interest to you and feel free to forward this along.
-If interested in hosting email Anabel
-The mobile units be at International House starting in September! On the 2nd and 4th Thursday from 10AM-3PM :)
LIFE UNLEASHED TRAININGS
Adam Cecil | 919-260-9304
Linda Artis | 704-293-7562
Business Manager
Life Unleashed Trainings, LLC
I facilitate a totally unique and exciting in-person program for teenagers and their families in Charlotte, that could be a great supplement to what you do. The demand for support for teens is at an all time high, and this powerful and transformative program is built to empower teens to become more self-confident, to find connection with other teens, and to create a vision for their lives.
If you or someone in your organization would like to get together and explore more, I would love to make that happen.
-Looking for 8-12th grade teenagers (those struggling & those who don’t)
-8 week program helping teens discover they have a choice to dealing with life choices
-a program designed to provide emotional intelligence
-Please spread the word
LOCAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM EFFORTS
-Email LeDayne if you know of anyone working on criminal justice reform so we can help make connections and groups can support each other’s work
EVERY CHILD NC
Suzzanne Miller | Pastors for NC Children
-4 zoom documentaries (25 mins) about Leandro coming up in August
-Asking for Clergy to speak at the Vigil
-state wide effort to support the 1.5M children not receiving the quality education guaranteed to them
We need your help to spread the word! The major education court case, Leandro v. NC, is going back to the NC Supreme Court, so we are planning a Prayer Vigil for Education on Wednesday, August 31st immediately following our Every Child NC’s brief press conference at 9am outside the NC Supreme Court. This is the opening day of the trial. Here is the information page with all the details and to RSVP here.
Every Child NC <everychildnc.org> is a coalition of 50+ organizations across NC supporting the full implementation of the Leandro Plan that the NC courts adopted and has yet to be fully implemented, and Pastors for NC Children is a proud founding partner in the coalition. Here is the Amicus Brief the coalition submitted to the NC Supreme Court case with 144 cosigners in support of the case.
FREEDOM CENTER FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE
Cameron Pruette (he/him)| 980-334-3316
Liberating Theologies conference
-Sept 23 & 24th - $40
Join us for this year's Liberating Theologies Conference in Charlotte, NC, on Sep 23 and 24. For more information on our speakers and registration, click here
THE SHEPHERD'S CENTER OF CHARLOTTE
Alissa Celek | (704) 365-1995
Director
The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte
300 Hawthorne Lane
Charlotte, NC 28204
-interfaith nonprofit supporting seniors
-their biggest program is Adventures in Learning – helps seniors continue to grow and provides social opportunities
-provide transportation & assists seniors getting to medical appointments
-Seeking VOLUNTEERS
The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte provides a network of support for the senior community to increase social connection, expand access to critical resources and combat the negative effects of isolation. The Shepherd’s Center relies on the time and talent of volunteers to accomplish its vital work. Volunteers work in the office, teach classes, serve on planning committees, counsel individuals and couples on Medicare options, drive seniors to their medical appointments, provide minor repairs, serve on the board, and help with special events. Please check out our website https://www.shepherdscharlotte.org/
We will be partnering with NC MedAssist Mobile Free Pharmacy in Mecklenburg Count on August 26, 2022 9:00am – 2:00pm https://medassist.org/events/
DIAPER BANK OF NORTH CAROLINA
Avery Payne | 980-900-7364
Branch Director – Greater Charlotte Area
-Distribute diapers, period products, incontinence products
-Partner w/diff organization to distribute products
-Looking for orgs interested in becoming a partner
-Growing – went from 30 volunteers in June to 120 in July
-Looking for 250 volunteers a month
-They do group volunteers 2 Saturdays of each month and other opportunities throughout the month
-Looking for hotspot dontation sites
-They are looking for a grant to start a mobile distribution program
-Looking for groups to host a donation drive
-At home diaper wrapping sessions – u can pick up products and pack them at home
Sign up for a volunteer session here: https://x.gldn.io/e/saoKebg7bsb
interested in having your team volunteer? email me avery@ncdiaperbank.org
Like/Follow us on Facebook to hear keep up with us:
Learn more about the Diaper Bank of NC
For more information about Hotspot Donations, Donation Drives, and At Home wrapping sessions email: info@ncdiaperbank.org
“WHAT'S NEXT with CMS” via ZOOM
Thelma Byers-Bailey, Esq. | 980-272-1943
District 2 Representative and Vice-Chair
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Board of Education
CMS will be providing an update to the Black Political Caucus (BPC) on next Wednesday, 8/10 at 6:30 entitled “What’s Next with CMS” via ZOOM. It is to include a presentation followed by Q&A on Student Outcomes, Safety, Goals, Bonds and more.
ANOTHER CHANCE HOUSE OF REFUGE, Inc
Shakieta Maloye | 704-562-7500 Founder | Executive Director 1818 Kennesaw Dr., Charlotte, NC 28216
We are growing extremely fast and need financial assistance to purchase our Case Management Software System. The system costs $3,500. Kenny stated that they will provide $30(10%) of total cost. I would like to know if you could share this with your community for support? This software system will allow us to further streamline and build a stronger system to manage and support our clients and residents?
Monies can be donated via:
Paypal: www.paypal.me/anotherchanceclt
Cash App: $anotherchanceclt
Website: www.anotherchanceclt.org
** We also provide tax donation receipt for any monies donated**
SOCIAL VENTURE PROFITS CHARLOTTE
Laurel Grauer | Social Venture Profits Charlotte
Who is Social Venture Partners Charlotte?
Social Venture Partners Charlotte (SVP) is an innovative nonprofit organization that provides a path for passionate and committed individuals and companies to collectively invest their money, skills, and time to nurture and support some of the most promising nonprofit organizations attacking social and economic inequality within our greater Charlotte region. Founded in 2005, SVP Charlotte is one of over 40+ affiliates in 8 countries around the world as part of the Social Venture Partners International network; SVP Charlotte has invested over $1.8 Million dollars and thousands of skilled volunteer hours into high potential, high-impact nonprofits right here in the greater Charlotte area.
Hope Community Clinic of East Charlotte (formerly named Smith Family Wellness Center). Charlotte Medical Clinic (hopeeastclt.com)
SVP Charlotte Now Taking Applications for 2023 Investee Grant!
SVP Charlotte is looking to support an emerging, innovative nonprofit with our Investee grant beginning in 2023 for up to 3 years. SVP Charlotte is a different kind of funder. One of our top goals is to help develop organizational capacity and sustainability for Charlotte’s nonprofit community. We seek to support organizations that will benefit from a collaborative relationship with SVP. This includes both cash grants and hands-on strategic engagement with individual and corporate Partners (donor volunteers) who have a range of talents and professional skills to offer.
For our next Investee, we will invest in an emerging, local nonprofit that is working to address the following critical community issues:
• Support neighbors in the greater Charlotte region in crisis
• Provide pathways for adults to achieve self-sufficiency
• Help children/youth reach their greatest potential
Application Link: 2022 Call for Applications – Social Venture Partners Charlotte
-Experts wanting to donate their expertise to non-profits
For details and questions, email lgrauer@SVPcharlotte.org
If you or an emerging non-profit you know is interested, please submit Letters of Interest via the application link on our website by Friday, August 26th at 11:59 pm (EDT).
2022 Call for Applications – Social Venture Partner
THE INTERNATIONAL MINORITY COALITION
Rose Terrelonge-Dunn | 917-532-4117
Inviting everyone to their picnic on Sunday August 14th at 2:00 to 7:00 P.M.
All donations will be donated to Rose's Helth and Home program.
Rose's Health and Home Program email rdunn777@gmail.com or call Rose 917-532-4117
PACE | Beni Tshipamba
Beni Tshipamba | Beni.Tshipamba@pacesp.com
-Shoe Drive for Seniors 10 AM – 1 PM at AME Weeping Willow
-Feet washing ceremony
HUMAN TRAFFICKING/MODERN SLAVERY | Rotary
Jenny Kendrick | jakendrick@outlook.com
We are having a speaker talk tomorrow about Human Trafficking/Modern Slavery at our Rotary meeting. Our meetings are Friday 11:30 - 1 ish. If you are interested in attending, email me and I can send you inperson info or a link to Zoom. jakendrick@outlook.com
JOY INTERNATIONAL
Janelle VanAcker | 704-562-8264
Hear abolitionist and best-selling author Dr. Jeff Brodsky share stories from the frontlines of the fight against child trafficking and learn how you can make a difference in the lives of these precious children.
FRIENDS MEETING HOUSE
625 South Street, Davidson, NC 28036
FRIDAY, August 12, 2022 @7:00-8:30 PM
STEELE CREEK CHURCH OF CHARLOTTE
Small Meeting Tent
1929 W Arrowood Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217
SATURDAY, August 13, 2022 @ 2:00-3:00
PART-TIME JOB at COVENANT PRESBYTERIAN
See attached job description
CAROLINA MIGRANT NETWORK HIRING
The Carolina Migrant Network is the only legal nonprofit based in Charlotte, NC providing legal representation to immigrants in detention centers. We are currently hiring a Legal Caseworker to support our detention work. I would truly appreciate it if you could share the job posting within your networks. Please see the job description below:
Stefanía Arteaga
Carolina Migrant Network
Legal Worker & Co-founder
she/her/hers/Ella
HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
Please join us for an immersive evening of culture, music, and food to kick off Hispanic Heritage month at Camino on Thursday September 15 from 5-8pm! You will be the FIRST to hear the Mecklenburg County results of our Latino Community Strengths and Needs Assessment through the viewing of an exclusive video! We will also unveil Phase 2 of our Journey of Hope mural, host an international art show from Guatemalan artists, and an interactive digital media art walk around campus. The event will be in Spanish with English translations. We hope to see you there! https://fb.me/e/3weJev9Ry
¡Únase a nosotros para una noche inmersiva de cultura, música y comida para dar inicio al mes de la Herencia Hispana en Camino el jueves 15 de septiembre de 5 - 8 pm! ¡Ustedes serán los primeros en escuchar los resultados de nuestra Evaluación de las Fortalezas y Necesidades de la Comunidad Latina en el Condado de Mecklenburg a través de un video exclusivo! También presentaremos la segunda parte de nuestro mural Jornada de Esperanza, junto con una exposición de artistas guatemaltecos; y, una caminata interactiva de arte digital alrededor del campus. El evento será en español con traducciones en inglés. ¡Esperamos verle aquí!
COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY YARD SALE SATURDAY, AUGUST 27 | 2920 N TRYON ST. SUITE 150
Liz Schob (she/her)
Community Outreach Coordinator
Wedgewood Community Church
910-489-2943
Wedgewood Community Church and the Hearts Beat As One Foundation are organizing another yard sale this year in support of the community food pantry. We are seeking donated items to be sold at the yard sale and we are also asking people to help spread the word. All donated items can be dropped off at 2920 N Tryon St. Suite 150 starting August 1st. The pantry feeds about 150-200 families a week – Donations always welcome
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE
Lauren Rogers
Volunteer and Outreach Manager
International House
704-333-8099
1817 Central Ave.
I have a few updates to share about the new People of the World series that we’re launching (a monthly, educational meet-n-greet to highlight the different cultural groups living here in Charlotte).
August 17 – Common Market – Ukraine – Charlotte for Ukraine
The purpose of these series is to Educate the CLT community and bring communities together
CHARLOTTE MEDICAL CLINIC
Melanie Edwards | medwards@project658.com
Free clinic providing medical care to marginalized communities (refugees, immigrants)
Hope Community Clinic will be hosting a back-to-school event on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Free school health assessments and immunizations will be available along with fun-filled activities for the entire family. School health assessments are for uninsured children entering Pre-K, Kindergarten or are new to CMS schools. Please call our office at 704-910-5810 to schedule your appointment today. A big thank you to Novant Health for sponsoring this event.
Hope Community Clinic offers a connected campus of care in Charlotte, NC. This means that an uninsured person in need has the ability to receive traditional medical treatment as well as emotional support through counseling services.
The clinic provides services to our uninsured, underinsured, refugee and immigrant community members.
URBAN LEAGUE OF THE CAROLINAS
April Turner | 704.594.0386
First Day Ready
The Urban League of Central Carolinas will be hosting FIRST DAY READY a free event for K12 students and their families. Located at The Mount at Charlotte 1520 Allegheny St. —August 20– at 11am until 3p. Lots of free giveaways and other back-to-school services. Join us!
4. General Information
PICK UP FREE AT HOME COVID TESTS
Across HERE
SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO CHRISTIAN LEADERS FOR NEW PROGRAMS ADDRESSING POVERTY & INEQUALITY
We Raise Foundation partners with Christian nonprofit organizations and emerging leaders in the United States working at the intersection of poverty, violence, and inequality. Areas of interest include education, workforce development, and criminal justice. The Foundation's Emerging Leader Grants support the development of leaders, between the ages of 20-35, at Christian organizations who are leading new programs at the intersection of poverty, violence, and inequality in the United States. Grants of $15,000 over two years are provided for new programs led by young adult leaders, with $10,000 designated for startup expenses for the new program and $5,000 designated for leadership development. The upcoming application deadline is September 30, 2022. Visit the Foundation's website for additional eligibility information and to access the online application.
Opportunity for Young Christian Pastors
From one of our partner pastors: I participated in the Clergy in Community grant with Wake Div in 2020-2021 -- it was a really good experience. They are starting a new cohort, and it would be a very helpful thing for any young ecumenical-minded ministries looking for ways to connect to various community initiatives.
This program will place promising early-career clergy (5-10 years in ministry) serving congregations in cities and towns throughout North Carolina in sustained conversation with the most notable and effective civic and business leaders in the region around key issues facing this area.
Grants Benefit Social Change Organizations in NC, SC, and GA
Fund for Southern Communities
The Fund for Southern Communities provides grants and technical assistance to progressive grassroots social change organizations working in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Fund supports organizations that are fighting discrimination, struggling for the rights of workers, promoting self-determination in low-income and disenfranchised communities, protecting the environment, promoting or creating non-traditional arts and media, promoting peace, working for equitable distribution of economic or political power, involving new people in social or political change, and challenging undemocratic systems with public education and organizing efforts. Grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 are provided as seed grants for new projects, or as general or project support to small organizations with a total organizational budget of $150,000 or less. The application deadline is September 1, 2022. Visit the Fund's website to download the application form and guidelines.
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
"I had been made to believe that overwork was the only way to make a difference. I had come to measure my sense of worth by how much I produced, how well I responded, and how quickly. I had worked for so long, and so hard, and at such great speeds, that I had become accustomed to breathlessness. I could not remember the last time I had a long night of rest. Or gazed at the night sky. Or danced. I told myself that it was for good reason, that the need was so great, and our work too important. Perhaps you too have felt this way.
“This is what I want to tell you: You don’t have to make yourself suffer in order to serve. You don’t have to grind your bones into the ground. You don’t have to cut your life up into pieces and give yourself away until there is nothing left. You belong to a community and a broader movement. Your life has value. We need you alive. We need you to last. You will not last if you are not breathing.”
“Breathing creates space in our lives to think and see differently, enliven our imagination, awaken to pleasure, move toward freedom, and let joy in. For those of us who live in bodies that are denigrated by society, breathing like this is a political act.”
Next meeting – Two weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m. – IMMIGRATION FOCUS