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December 19, 2024 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting

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:



OPENING REFLECTION



 “We are each other's harvest; we are each other's business; we are each other's magnitude and bond.” – Gwendolyn Brooks



1. MECKMIN UPDATES 


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




INTERFAITH FAMILY FUN FOR MIDDLE and HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH and THEIR PARENTS



Sunday, February 23, 2025, Temple Beth El  


Middle and High School Youth and Their Parents are invited to join other families for an afternoon of food, fun, and interfaith connection. This event will feature activities and games that promote empathy and working together, while also offering a chance to bond with others and explore different perspectives. For parents, there will be a discussion about how to support the next generation in continuing their faith while navigating today's increasingly secular world.


WE NEED A SPONSOR (OR SPONSORS) FOR THIS EVENT, A PERSON OR GROUP WILLING TO PROVIDE A LIGHT DINNER FOR APPROXIMATELY 50 PEOPLE - Please contact LeDayne if you are interested in sponsoring 



THURSDAY MEETINGS

 

We will take a week break until January 2nd.  Then we will return to an every two weeks format EXCEPT we’ll be taking January 30 off. 




AWARDS BREAKFAST NOMINATIONS

May 8th @ Friendship Missionary Church


Please be thinking about potential nominees. We offer awards in three areas:

  1. Those who do this work as their day job

  2. Those who contribute significantly through their volunteer hours

  3. For the first time, a middle or high school youth who does bridge building in the community. 


To learn more about the breakfast you can look at the nominees and video from last year’s breakfast: https://www.meckmin.org/awardbreakfast 



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



SAVE THE DATE


April 6, 2025 (evening) –  Interfaith Youth Panel





MECK COUNTY UPDATES 






Mecklenburg County will receive more than $73 million over the next 18 years to apply toward solutions to the opioid epidemic in our community.


In July 2021, a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general announced the National Opioid Settlement – a historic $50 billion agreement that will help bring desperately needed help to communities harmed by the opioid epidemic. The state of North Carolina and all 100 counties, including Mecklenburg County, joined the agreement. Mecklenburg County is expected to receive $73 million over an 18-year period. Learn more about the initial $10.9M that is being invested in the community from May 2023 through June 2025.


From July 15 to Aug. 15, 2023, Mecklenburg County accepted funding applications from organizations that provide opioid addiction treatment and other substance use and mental health services. More than $6 million in grant was allocated through a competitive community proposal process. The County accepted submissions based on the following categories of opioid treatment and addiction-related services for FY24 and FY25:

  • Employment-Related Services - $525,000

  • Evidence-Based Addiction Treatment - $750,000

  • Early Intervention - $750,000

  • Recovery Support Services - $1 million

  • Recovery Housing Support - $3 million


On Thursday, July 13, 2023, the County held an information session to educate organizations about the application process, eligibility, and reporting requirements to qualify for Mecklenburg County’s Opioid Settlement funding. The PowerPoint presentation is available for review.




 


Mecklenburg County DSS services for adults. They want to begin working with communities of faith to expand their services. They provide services to those 60+ and to those with disabilities. These services include transportation and social work. They can’t serve as many people as they wish which makes partnership essential.  Please reach out to begin exploring how a partnership might benefit both the department and your org. They can perhaps write grants on behalf of a group project and help you access some of the funding that is available to non-profits exclusively.





Branden M Lewis | Branden.Lewis@mecklenburgcountync.gov | Staff for Continuum of Care.


The 2025 Point in Time Count will take place on January 23, 2025.  The PIT Count is when our community comes together to survey each person experiencing sheltered or unsheltered homelessness on one night. 

 

You can support this year’s count by offering your time, donating items, and raising awareness. 

  • Volunteer Your Time: On January 23, 2025, we need volunteers to help complete surveys with people experiencing homelessness. If you have never volunteered before and would like to learn more, feel free to reach out to PIT@mecknc.gov.  You can register to volunteer here.

  • Donate Supplies: This is urgent!! Support the 2025 PIT Count by donating essential items for people sleeping outside in our community. Check out theAmazon Wishlist for the most needed items, or make a financial contribution to provide these supplies and a warm breakfast for our neighbors on the morning of the PIT. To make a financial contribution to Hearts for Invisible Coalition, the lead street outreach organization in our community, click here.  Do a supply drive at your houses of faith—if you would like to focus on certain items from the WishList for your drive, we can let you know which items are most needed.

  • Spread the Word: Use your voice to raise awareness and share this information with friends, family, and networks via social media using the #EverybodyCountsCLT hashtag. Stay informed and participate in community activities outlined on the 2025 PIT Activities Calendar. This year’s calendar will be available mid-December at the Point-in-Time Count page on the Housing and Homelessness Dashboard.

 

Have additional questions? Please feel free to reach out to Branden Lewis Branden.Lewis@mecklenburgcountync.gov,  Jessica Lefkowitz, jlefkowitz@hfticc.org or Mary Ann Priester, PIT@MeckNC.gov




2. NONPROFIT UPDATES 



COMMUNITY HOLIDAY DINNER & VISION FOR CHANGE LAMPLIGHTER RESIDENTS, NEIGHBORS and COMMUNITY SUPPORTERS Events


Apryl Lewis | Kinetic Works LLC


As we come together this holiday season, I'm excited to invite you to join our community gathering in whatever way works best for you:


VIRTUAL COMMUNITY MEETING

Date: Dec 22

Time: 2:00 PM Eastern TimeRegister in advance at:https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIocuGuqj4uGtbVLyLaVFN1i3N-nOHi3i_2 (You'll receive joining instructions after registration)




COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS DINNER

Date: Dec 22

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Location: 1026 Jay Street, Charlotte

During our time together, we'll share a meal, connect with neighbors, and discuss our plans for a stabilization center that will serve our Lamplighter and Tanglewood communities.


For Our Residents:

  • Come share your stories and vision for our community

  • Connect with supporters and resources

  • Enjoy a warm holiday meal with neighbors


For Community Supporters:

  • Meet and connect with residents

  • Learn about ways to support our community

  • Bring donations if you'd like of Christmas gifts or other goods

  • Learn about our stabilization center initiative


Whether you join us online or in person, your voice and presence matter. Let's come together to support each other and build a stronger community.


Please RSVP by:


We still have a number of people who need housing.  There are some with substance abuse problems so if you can help folks with these problems please reach out to Apryl who can help connect you. Reentry services would be welcome as well. 




UPDATE ON TWO MASS DISPLACEMENT EVENTS IN CHARLOTTE


The Lamplighter Inn
The Lamplighter Inn

Residents of the Lamplighter Inn and Tanglewood Apartments, along with community advocates, gathered to speak at last Monday’s City Council meeting. The residents, who have been facing mass evictions in recent months, shared their experiences in the neglected motel and apartment complex and pushed for change in how Charlotte-Mecklenburg faces the housing crisis. Owners of both the Lamplighter Inn and Tanglewood Apartments chose to close the facilities in the fall. They gave residents little time to move out and they neglected to maintain the buildings. Residents at Tanglewood were given just 30 days to leave their homes, and utilities were unreliable at the Lamplighter even before leases ended.


Crisis Assistance Ministry and the Charlotte Housing Collaborative have worked with residents to find housing following the evictions, but the work doesn’t end there. Now is the time to advocate for eviction prevention and for more safe and stable affordable housing.

OneMECK’s Affordable Housing Committee identified 916 housing code violation reports that remain open in the city, just in the last two years. At the City Council meeting, community organizer Apryl Lewis shared a plan to prevent future code violations and mass displacement, including mandatory code enforcement hearings and real tenant protections.


“Let’s transform this crisis into a catalyst,” Lewis said. “The time for bold action is now. Let’s create a Charlotte we can all be proud of.”


These two mass displacements are just the most recent examples of an all-too-common issue faced by renters across the country. Eviction changes lives, whether it’s a highly visible event or an individual family quietly forced to leave their home they can no longer afford. Eviction also often directly contributes to homelessness. The need for stronger eviction prevention measures and more affordable housing cannot be overstated.


Read this QC Nerve article to dive into one aspect of Charlotte’s housing crisis and what organizers are looking at moving forward. Or, read this short opinion piece by the Rev. Kate Murphy that compels us to come to a solution — more affordable housing.





Alisha M. Wimbush, M.Div., Th.D., | 410-494-7161 ext. 1005 | awimbush@icjs.org

Program Director, Religious Leaders Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies (ICJS)


ICJS is located in Baltimore but has a great deal of online programming. They provide programming to chaplains, congregations and more. They work to support the breadth of religious experience and also work to mobilize towards service. Their programs are open to all people whether they are clergy or not. 


Alisha was with us to  lift up an upcoming online workshop. In this 3-week workshop series, the ICJS invites Christian clergy to engage with an interreligious perspective as they prepare to share the passion narrative through the Lenten and Easter seasons. Historically, Christian scripture, tradition, and liturgy have been used to perpetuate Anti-Judaism, especially during the Lenten season. How can Christian clergy reflect on and respond to this legacy? 


Date: Tuesday  Jan. 7, 14, and 21

Time: Noon – 1:00 PM ET

Where: Online Via Zoom

Who: With ICS Program Director for Religious Leaders The Rev. Dr. Alisha Wimbush

 





Coury O'Donoghue, Ph.D. | codonoghue@alz.org

Program Director,

p 980-498-7727 l f 980-939-1306 | c 828-577-7929, 24-Hour Helpline: 800-272-3900


The Alzheimer’s Association (western Carolina Branch) has a wealth of information to support caregivers and those struggling with Alzheimers. The first three handouts on the list below may be useful for those navigating this disease.  The last handout is most useful for those interested in hosting an educational program.


  1. Alzheimer's Association Care and Support Resources Links and QR Codes

  2. Caregiving During the Holidays Tips:

  3. Tips for Making Difficult Conversations Easier

  4. Alzheimer's Association Education Programs & Information to Request a Program 











If you serve a traditionally under-served or under-represented community, please reach out. We are particularly interested in connecting. We welcome anyone who wants to explore a mutually supportive relationship where both our missions are served.


They have a help line that is available 24/7. Anyone can call it to get advice and help:  24-Hour Helpline: 800-272-3900






Martha Cochrane | mcochrane@nourishup.org

Community Engagement Coordinator


Our mission is to nourish our neighbors with food and compassion, and we envision a community that accepts no excuses for anyone going hungry. We are dedicated to ending food insecurity and creating a community where everyone thrives.


They have an urgent need for volunteers in several areas. 


Volunteer Drivers for the Grocery Delivery Service: Nearly 30 thousand more people are using their grocery delivery service this year over last year and they need drivers to get the food where it needs to go. There is an urgent need for drivers to deliver this food. Volunteers must be able to pick up boxes on the day of from 10 am - 11:30 am and deliver by 2 pm. They must be healthy and at least 18 years old. Volunteers must also have personal vehicle with space for multiple deliveries and able to lift 25 pounds repetitively. Must wear closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes. No sandals. To find available shifts, go here: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/web-admin/app/#/join-party?k=cw01h7ebgawjc6 Y


Pantry Volunteers: They also have a pantry on-site with opportunities for groups to do a volunteer shift of 2 hours. You will be working on an assembly line to pack nonperishable food supply boxes for distribution to those in need or helping to inspect and sort food donations. You can sign up here: https://volunteer.bloomerang.co/web-admin/app/#/join-party?k=gcgtdanrjmy0ey 


Meals on Wheels volunteers needed: Every weekday, it takes over 60 volunteers to pack and deliver meals to our homebound neighbors. Deliver on a route and be a friendly face that takes prepared meals to neighbors and checks to make sure they’re okay. Please e-mail for a list of volunteer opportunities. Meals are picked up Monday through Friday from 9:30-10:30 and take about 1.5 hours to deliver. 


Front Desk Volunteers: Volunteer as a receptionist in our new lobby at 901 Carrier Drive. Provide support with greeting visitors and accepting packages. Volunteer shifts are for four hours a day per week.  If you are interested in learning more please email Volunteer@nourishup.org 


Food Drives:  Nourish up is down from 83,000 pounds of food donated last October to only 19,000 this most recent October. There is an urgent need for more food as need has skyrocketed. You can help others by uniting fellow students, coworkers, your faith community, friends, or neighbors by collecting food donations.


Get Started in 3 Easy Steps:


  1. View our Food Drive Toolkit to download resources and tips for successfully organizing your food drive.

  2. Register your food drive

  3. Start collecting and have fun!





Zaria Davis | zariafdavis@gmail.com



At a time when there are deep divisions in so many areas of life, it is critical to have leaders with relationships across all faiths and life stances, and who are trained to share their understandings and their relationships with their congregations.


Tri-Faith Initiative is pleased to announce the first cohort of the Emerging Clergy Seminar to Advance Interfaith Relationships and Understanding.  In 2023-2024, the cohort of 14 emerging leaders across diverse faith and religious traditions are meeting together and developing relationships built over time with trust. The goal of this cohort is to equip these emerging leaders with learning and skill, and the ability to bring these relationships home to their communities.


The cohort will be led by four co-directors from diverse backgrounds.  Trifaith is currently seeking applications for leaders from a Jewish faith background. Leaders will work together to develop a curriculum.


They are also looking for additional participants to the cohort. The cohort is hybrid with in-person sessions at the beginning and end and virtual meetings in-between. 


Both Leader and cohort participants are compensated for their time. 






BEETS HEALTH


Abiade (Abby) Ogunsola | Beetshealth@gmail.com 


Abby is a nutritionist and dietician who initiated a non-profit focused on people with diabetes, pre-diabetes and children. They are looking to do preventative work and nutrition. As a start-up, they need volunteers. Please reach out to Abby if you would like more details. 





We are thrilled to announce that EMBRACE ALL LATINO VOICES has partnered with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC) to offer paid internships through the Federal Work Study (FWS) program. This opportunity is designed for students interested in gaining hands-on experience, applying their knowledge, and expanding their professional network. This is your chance to join our team and contribute to the positive impact we make in the community.


Available Positions:

  • Social Navigation Intern

  • Community Health Advocate

  • Marketing Intern

  • Community Outreach Intern

More information about each position and their roles can be found in the links below this article.


How the Application Process Works:

  1. Access the link for the desired position below and apply directly on the CPCC website.

  2. After applying, CPCC will assess if the student meets the program requirements.

  3. If approved, the application will be forwarded to EMBRACE, and the candidate may be invited for an interview.


⚠️ Important:

  • To qualify, students must have a FAFSA application submitted for the 2025 academic year.

  • EMBRACE has no control over the program criteria and cannot respond to or modify the requirements set by CPCC.

  • For questions or more information, please contact Laura Sneddon, Program Coordinator/FWS at CPCC, at 704.330.2722 ext. 3676.


Program Details:

  • Hourly Pay: $15 to $18 (depending on the position)

  • Workload: Part-time (up to 20 hours per week)

  • Flexible Schedules: Adaptable to the student's class schedule

  • Internship Duration: Spring and Summer, with the possibility of extension


Links to Available Positions:


Embrace is also offering free Community Health Worker training, in Spanish and English, for free. 


If you're a CPCC student looking for a unique and enriching experience, don't miss this opportunity.


For UNCC Students: Students at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC) also have the chance to apply for various internships at EMBRACE through the Hire-A-Niner portal. Access the portal via this link: Hire-A-Niner




MECKLENBURG COUNTY DEPT. OF HEALTH


Liz Graham


Please be careful. Pneumonia cases are on the rise. If you are feeling ill, please wash your hands and consider a mask and/or avoiding gatherings. 


 If anyone is unvaccinated, you can get free flu and covid vaccinations for the uninsured. You can also call 800-232-4636 (TTY 888-232-6348)




Amy Korb


The American Red Cross Western North Carolina Chapter serves a population of more than 775 thousand people in the counties of Buncombe, Cherokee, Clay, Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Yancey.


Red Cross is launching their long term recovery efforts (2-3 years) in WNC.  They will also provide strategic grants to nonprofits providing community resiliency and recovery.  Jan 8 applications will be accepted. 


They are also hiring a team for long-term recovery. This is a benefits eligible position. You must reside in Western NC. Looking for people looking to build relationships and connections. 








3. GENERAL INFORMATION



COUNTY INVITES RESIDENTS TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CONSOLIDATED PLANNING PROCESS TO INFORM THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 

 

Mecklenburg County is excited to kick off our 2025-2029 Consolidated Planning process, as required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. This plan will help determine community priorities for using CDBG entitlement grant funding over the next five years, and guide spending in areas like affordable housing, public services, economic development, park improvements, public facilities, and infrastructure improvements, benefiting low- and moderate-income residents.

 

Mecklenburg County residents in the townships and unincorporated areas are invited to attend the following upcoming workshops to help inform the plan.



Registration is encouraged but not required. For additional information call 704-688-7033 or contact  Timmothy Tibbs or Zsuzsi Kadar.





CATS TRANSIT SYSTEM PLAN UPDATE: Share the Survey with Your Community


Christine Edwards | christine@civilitylocalized.com | 704-900-3428

Founder and Principal Consultant


CATS is the largest public transportation provider in the SouthEast outside of Atlanta.  They have heard a great desire to expand from the public. So .. They are working on a 30-50 year vision.  A part of that is to update the Transit System Plan (TSP) and develop recommendations for a financially constrained program of bus and rail improvements within the CATS service area, and we are seeking community input via a survey for this round of engagement. What are people looking for (buses, trains, rides to the airport, etc) and what are the assumptions. if you complete teh survey you will receive a $100 gift card.If you visit RideTransit.org, you will notice the colorful icon on the right side of the menu. This will lead you to the dedicated Transit System Plan webpage. The survey can be found here: https://catstransitsystemplanupdate.com/get-involved. It will remain open until December 31.


The following phase will establish priorities in response to funding constraints. Then in March they will present several scenarios to the public


Third phase will ask the MTC approval and action based on the public recommendation.


Please share this information. We have created a media kit to assist you with getting the message out about the Transit System Plan and accompanying survey. You are also welcome to repost CATS social media posts if you see fit. 


Here is the link to the media kit with graphics and language for you to use: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/igh75ut8fiipsnkz9zus9/AORj1INlIoyilT5wRe850XY?rlkey=avhyk5lvivp8n20cvqcsai66x&st=s1qdhniy&dl=0. One of the tools in this kit is a flyer (English and Spanish) that has the QR code that leads to the survey. Please feel free to print, post or send digitally to your community members and post in any public spaces that you see fit. 


The survey will be open until December 31 – it might possibly be extended for a week or two beyond as needed


Thank you all so much for your participation in getting the word out about this project and survey. We appreciate your collaboration!



PEER TO PEER DANCE: AGES 10 -16

1ST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH | GREATER BETHEL AME CHURCH | 6-10 PM







PRAYER FOR LEADERS




“My trust in God flows out of the experience of his loving me, day in and day out, whether the day is stormy or fair, whether I’m sick or in good health, whether I’m in a state of grace or disgrace.   


-- Bishop Desmond Tutu




 

NEXT MEETING: Two weeks from today - Thursday, January 2 at 11 AM

 




 

 

 


 
 
 

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