top of page
inter_faith.gif
Search

December 4, 2025 | 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.




You can find the recording HERE



90 participants




OPENING REFLECTION



Jesus says very clearly at the end of the world, we're going to be asked how did you receive the foreigner? Did you receive him and welcome him or not? And I think that there's a deep reflection that needs to be made in terms of what's happening.


-Pope Leo XIV, media interview outside Castel Gandolfo, 18 November 2025


Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean

- Ryunosuke Satoro




1. MECKMIN UPDATES 



FRIENDSGIVING RECAP AND PHOTOS


On November 20th, we gathered for our annual Friendsgiving and celebrated 50 years of interfaith community with an evening grounded in welcome and belonging.

 

Neighbors from many cultures, traditions and backgrounds filled the room, reminding us of the dignity and humanity each person carries. In a week that was difficult for many, being together in a space where everyone was honored truly mattered.

 

Thank you to everyone who attended, participated and helped make the evening what it was. Your presence reflected the strength of our community and the many ways people show up for one another across Mecklenburg County. 



THURSDAY MEETINGS 


We’re going to take a few weeks off after today’s meeting, but we look forward to seeing you in 2026. We are meeting:


  • Jan 15

  • Jan 29

  • Feb 12

  • Feb 26

  • Mar 12

  • Mar 26

  • Apr 9

  • Apr 23

  • May 7

  • May 21


The June and July dates have not yet been set due to potential staff vacation and sabbatical time.




INTERFAITH EMBROIDERY CLUB

Piedmont Unitarian Universalist Church, 9704 Mallard Creek


ree


The first session will be January 8, 2026 and will continue on the first Thursday of every month. You are invited to join the group to work on embroidery projects chosen in advance that will come from a variety of embroidery traditions across the globe. Before each session you will get a supply list so you can come prepared.  


Beginners are welcome. There will be friendship and an opportunity to learn a new skill or expand and hone the skill you already have. 


If enough people participate, they may host a sale of their products in the future with the proceeds donated to a worthy cause. To join, please email sara.canakkus@gmail.com.



January 24th, 9am - 1pm, Location TBD



ree


Ever wondered how AI could support your work for the common good but find yourself unsure of how to even start? Join us for this FREE introduction led by former MeckMIN Board Member Pawanjit Singh. A vegetarian lunch will be served.  Attendance is limited so register today.





ree

In February 2026, MeckMIN is launching Interfaith Harmony Month - Building Bridges in a Divided World. Your house of worship is invited to host or join one or more of a series of events focused on nurturing  interfaith bridgebuilding.


Each event will be organized and planned by the host house of worship. You can invite others to an existing February event or make your own. Below are some ideas that might intrigue or engage your imagination:  

  • Service project

  • Prayer ceremony

  • Festival/Concert

  • Film screening

  • Religious Class

  • Spiritual site tour


Register HERE to host an event


Interfaith Harmony Month events planned so far: 

​

February 1: 4:30 to 6:30 - Planting Seeds of Love for a World of Harmony - Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual Organization

February 3: 6 to 8 pm - KickOff Dinner 

February 11: 12 - 1:30 PM - STORIES FROM THE CHICAGO INTERFAITH AMERICA LEADERSHIP SUMMIT– Queens University of Charlotte

February 14: MeckMIN Interfaith Service Event 

February 15: 5 to 7 pm Interfaith Youth Panel (Open to all ages) 

February 20: Community Iftar Dinner 

February 27:  Ayyám-i-Há Festival

Date TBA: Feel the Vibe Mini Film Festival




We have opened nominations for the Community Leaders Awards Breakfast, and we want you to start thinking about those amazing individuals or organizations building bridges every day and nominate them to be honored.  Save the date for breakfast – May 7 at 7:30 a.m. 




FALL CAMPAIGN: 


We know MeckMIN is important to you and that you value these meetings. Help us show our board and our community that this work matters and is worth the substantial investment of staff time and resources by supporting this work with a financial donation. If you feel moved, please mention this meeting in particular. There are several ways you can support us. We hope you will choose one, two or all:


  • Become an Affliate Member If you become an affiliate member, you can publicize your work as often as you like throughout the year through our e-newsletter, website, Facebook and Instagram. You'll also get recognition of your membership on MeckMIN's website. Depending on your budget, affiliate memberships are as little as $100 a year and give you access to share the good work you are doing all year long. It's a true win-win! To become an affiliate member, use this link.


  • Sponsor a General Newsletter For $200 organizations can sponsor a specific general MeckMIN newsletter which goes out to almost 4,000 people and has a 53% open rate (well over average). As a sponsor you’ll have:

    • your logo at the top of the newsletter

    • an acknowledgement for your sponsorship

    • your content as the top article.

Only one sponsor will be accepted per newsletter, making your message highly noticeable.

To sign up for a specific date, use this link.



To sign up for a specific date, use this link. Again,  you can do one, two, or all. 



MECKMIN TALKS AND TRAININGS


ree


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



The views and opinions expressed below are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations. 



MECKLENBURG COUNTY UPDATES




January 13, English only. Open to anyone 


ree

Adult Mental Health First Aid: BLENDED Virtual


Adult Mental Health First Aid is for any adult who wishes to learn the knowledge and skills to support another adult struggling with a mental health or substance use challenge. This is a BLENDED course, which means you must complete 2 hours of pre-work online before you can attend the in-person portion of the training. Instructions on how to complete the pre-work will be provided after registration is complete.

 

You must complete all pre-work, post-work, and attend the full live portion of the training to become certified as a Mental Health First Aider. The certification lasts 3 years and can be submitted to your credentialing board for up to 7.5 continuing education credits. 

 

Date: Tuesday, January 13

Time: 9:00am – 3:30pm

Location: Virtual via Zoom



CITY OF CHARLOTTE UPDATES


 

MAYOR'S YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM– Chance to host a summer intern 


Maura E. Chavez (she, her, hers), | Maura.Chavez@charlottenc.gov 

Youth Outreach & Engagement Specialist, Office of Youth Opportunities, Housing & Neighborhood Services,  (980) 259-0580,


Maura helps lead recruitment efforts for Host Employers for the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP). As with organizations like yours to help prepare Charlotte’s youth for future career success.e celebrate the program’s 40th year, we are excited to strengthen partnerships w

 

In alignment with our mission to promote economic mobility, MYEP interns—who are thoroughly vetted—earn above minimum wage while gaining meaningful work experience and mentorship. Every candidate who enters the program has already received essential skills training, completed interviews, undergone drug screening, and been carefully matched to host sites.


If your organization anticipates needing interns this summer, we encourage you to consider hosting a MYEP intern—whether onsite, hybrid, or fully remote. Host Employers commit to working with a motivated high school student from June 22 through July 31, 2026, providing a minimum of 150 hours of work at $13/hour or more.

 

We understand that funding for non-profits can be a challenge, especially given tightening budgets under the new federal administration. For that reason, the City may be able to offer limited grant support to nonprofit organizations interested in participating. We’d be happy to discuss these options in more detail.

 

If you are open to exploring this opportunity, please share a time that works best for a brief meeting by sending me an email at maura.chavez@charlottenc.gov. A colleague and I would be glad to accommodate your schedule and walk you through the program and its benefits.




NONPROFIT UPDATES 



GALILEE COMMUNITY LUNCH 

DECEMBER 16 | 11:30 AM



Please join us at Galilee for our Community Lunch on Tuesday, December 16th! 3601 Central Avenue. 11:30 to 12:30 pm or so...No registration required.  All are welcomed...And our Annual Coat Giveaway will also happen that day too...Please invite your neighbors who need a coat and some other clothing to please come for lunch and love.




Aurora Palmer, Director of Programs & Services @ the Matthews Help Center.


Our mission is to provide short-term crisis assistance to our neighbors in the Greater Matthews community. We serve people living in six zip codes in and around Matthews; 28105, 28105, 28211, 28226, 28270, and 28079.


We have been blessed with food by our donors this last month and would like to make sure it gets out to those in need. Anyone needing food assistance should visit our site at Client Inquiry Form - Matthews Help Center It’s a very simple process to apply for food assistance. We will be closed from December 24 – Jan. 1



ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS charlotteaa.org  (Spanish meetings too)


AA is a fellowship of people sharing experiences, strengths and their hopes for recovery from alcoholism. The only requirement to be a member is a desire to stop drinking.  They want to work in partnership with houses of faith. AA is not in conflict with any religion or philosophy; rather it is a spiritual but not a religious framework that allows members to consider a higher power of their choosing whether that is the group, nature, or a traditional religious entity. 


Let them support your work with congregants. Know your local contacts, identify members for referral, open your doors as a meeting space (they pay to rent) or attend and learn at an open meeting. Reach out if you’d like to offer your space.  See the powerpoint for more information. 


If you want AA to come and speak to your congregations or staff, please reach out to Cpc-pi@charlotteaa.org or just call 704-377-0244.





DAHLIA GROVE EXPANSION


Gayle Smith | gayle@dahliagrove.org



Dahlia Grove is a nonprofit justice enterprise seeking to empower and employ women survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence and sexual exploitation. We do this by providing a two year rent free restorative care home providing resources for healing and recovery. Mostly we provide a community of love and support. Through our Justice enterprise Dahlia Grove provides premium-quality catering services, handmade giftware and event planning to provide job training and a job at a living wage for survivors. We are a sister organization to Thistle Farms in Nashville, TN and a part of the National Network of Sister organizations, providing over 600 beds across the nation.


Women are provided with a two year rent free restorative home, a community, and a living wage. They have three pop-up cafes and each is donation based running from 11:30- 1 pm.  There are psycho-educational classes, financial classes and addiction treatment programs. They graduate with savings and a strong base for a stable future.


Dahlia Grove has just expanded and has two homes available now. We hope you will support their work or consider partnering with them. They cater as well (their prices are reasonable and their food and service are top notch!)








Miriam Guzzardi | miriam@voteriders.org 


VoteRiders  does free id assistance work. They help any citizen that needs help getting their ids - drivers license and id cards for any reason. They will support them through the process. It is different for each individual, and Vote Riders understands the system very well and can guide people through it. Please reach out to her for assistance.




MECKLENBURG COUNTY MILITARY/VETERANS NEEDS ASSESSMENT SURVEY


 


If you are a veteran or veteran spouse and live in Mecklenburg County, I have a favor to ask...please take this survey: https://tinyurl.com/meckco-milvet3

 

D’Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families (IVMF) at Syracuse University—partnering with Mecklenburg County Veteran Services and Veterans Bridge Home—is conducting a brief survey to better understand the needs of our local veteran and military community.

 

Why this matters:

  • Identifies service and resource gaps for Mecklenburg County veterans.

  • Strengthens outreach so veterans receive the benefits and support they’ve earned.

  • Directly shapes future programs and initiatives in our community.

 

The survey takes about 8 minutes, is voluntary, and all responses are confidential and reported only in aggregate. We’re asking for your support in sharing this with your military-veteran ERGs and employees.




GIVING MACHINES 


Sabrina Johnson | sabrinajohnson@justserve.org 


ree

It is the LAST WEEK for the The Light the World Giving Machine. This unique holiday initiative invites the community to give in a simple yet meaningful way. This “vending machine for good” allows visitors to purchase real items—such as groceries, classroom supplies, baby care essentials, hygiene kits, and more—for individuals and families in need. One hundred percent of every donation goes directly to the participating charities to provide and deliver the selected items, with all administrative costs covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


This year’s Charlotte Giving Machine features six nonprofits: Ada Jenkins Center, American Red Cross, Church World Service, Classroom Central, Common Heart, and MiraVia. Together, these organizations address a wide range of local and global needs—from hunger relief and disaster response to education, housing, and maternal support—creating opportunities for the community to come together and make a tangible difference this holiday season. 100% of the money donated goes to the charity.

Please join us at the Carolina Place Mall (on the first floor near Belk) from November 19th through December 7th to spark hope and spread joy this holiday season.  More details: hopp.bio/givingmachinecharlotte or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItJwN5AyWqg 


There is also a 777 challenge for groups. If you input that code it will automatically donate to every single organization. The total cost for that gift is $1594.







Kristin Tokic | tokick@queens.edu




International House is creating a database of houses of worship here in Charlotte: International House Charlotte - Faith-Based Directory Survey – Fill out form


Please share your organization’s information so we can include it in this directory and connect our newest neighbors with your work. It will be internal for now, as a reference but they may make it public in time. 


ree

Also, International House is hosting its annual Open House Dec 12, 2025 from 2-4 pm at their home, 1611 E 7th St.  Come on by and check it out in person and RSVP so they know you are coming!




Samwel Otachi |  info@empowereddreamsinit.co.ke 

Phone: sotachi22@gmail.com +254 727098368


Empowered Dreams Initiative (EDI) is a community  based organization  based in Nairobi, Kenya, dedicated to empowering vulnerable children, young mothers, and youth in Korogocho slums. We address challenges like poverty, hunger, limited education, and access to healthcare by offering community-driven programs that build resilience and sustainable change. 


They support kids in the slums of Nairobi through feeding programs, menstrual dignity programs and more. Check out what they are doing and please consider supporting them. 


You can also find them on social media at: LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/samwel-otachi-a9a441108 

Instagram: @edreamsinitiative.  



MEDASSIST:


NC MedAssist seeks to ensure that no eligible person in North Carolina has to choose between purchasing food or their needed medication; improving the patient’s health and lowering uncompensated health care costs for all stakeholders. They have a pharmacy program as well as free OTC medications available. 


Next Friday, December 12th they are hosting a mobile free pharmacy from 9 - 2 at Camino Salud.  Please use this form to order in advance. If you cannot order in advance, you can still come and pick up medications that you may need. 12/5 is the last day to pre-order.



IMMIGRATION SUPPORT



SUPPORT IMPACTED BUSINESSES in Charlotte East


Greg Asciutto | greg@charlotteeast.com 


70 % of businesses are owned by 1st or 2nd gen immigrants and over half had to shut down because of immigration issues.  From Small business saturday til now is Fuerza del Este. Many of you have already received communication about this, but CharlotteEAST has launched a monthlong campaign to drive traffic to our small businesses. The premise is simple: Spend $25 at any eligible business, upload your receipt, and we'll give you a $50 gift card to your business of choice come January. Spend $50 and get $100. All of the information is available here: https://gleam.io/bi3uy/fuerza-del-este


Local foot traffic has not returned to normal levels and will not for some time. Many businesses are still losing thousands per day; I'm hearing a decrease in daily revenue ranging from 20% to 80% versus what it was at the beginning of November. 


Please shop local and explore when and where you can, as we need as many dollars coming into our small business ecosystem as possible over the next few months.


Between November 29th and December 31st: Spend $25 at any eligible Eastland-area business and receive $50 in gift cards (or spend $50+ to

receive $100). No catch-we just want to highlight and support

our small business community! For more information, click here or visit



SOUTHCLT COMMUNITY: HELPING SOUTH BLVD. ADJACENT IMMIGRANT FAMILIES


Diego Torres


Families in our South Charlotte public school community are facing urgent needs, including access to groceries, basic supplies, and essential items. In response, parents and neighbors have joined together to provide rapid, volunteer-driven support to any family who asks for help.


To date, more than 600+ families have received food deliveries from volunteers.


Requests continue to grow, and our team is moving quickly to meet each one with care, respect, and confidentiality. 


This is a simple effort rooted in compassion and community care: no politics, no agenda,  just people showing up. You are invited to join.


Instagram: @SouthCLTCommunity



ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR IMMIGRANT COMMUNITIES


Nonprofit resources: With immigration enforcement activity increasing across North Carolina, nonprofits are once again stepping up – as they always do – to support immigrant communities facing heightened fear and uncertainty. Organizations across the state are fortifying their response networks and providing community defense, legal help, mental health support, and reliable public information to counter rumors and keep families informed. Here are some resources nonprofits can share:


Eastside businesses: CharlotteEAST has put together a comprehensive list of small businesses in its coverage area that have been disproportionately impacted by the CBP’s operations. Asciutto suggests checking on social media or calling each one before patronizing to make sure they aren’t closed while federal immigration enforcement is in town.


District 3 Immigrant owned businesses: Charlotte City Council District 3 rep-elect Joi Mayo, also co-founder of the Transforming Nations Ford community organization, released a list of immigrant-owned businesses in her district that could use some help from customers: Fortune Garden, Best Price Appliances Sale/Repair, Punta Cana Dominican Restaurant, Pollo Royal, Alicia’s Kitchen, Morazan Restaurant, Moda City Tailor & Design, Lempira Restaurant, Lupita’s Tortilleria, O’Daly’s Bakery, Supermercado El Rey, Costa Del Sol #4, and Compare Foods. 



MECKLENBURG METROPOLITAN INTERFAITH NETWORK STATEMENT


Inspired by the highest values and core virtues of our rich faith traditions to create an inclusive community that respects the dignity of every person, MeckMIN values the diversity of our community - enriching our lives as we learn from one another’s racial, ethnic, cultural, and faith understandings.

 

MeckMIN is a longstanding network of support across Mecklenburg County, committed through our member groups to uplift the rights and dignity of all within our community.

 

MeckMIN’s core vision and values compel us to speak words of solidarity and support to those who currently face fear, uncertainty, persecution and isolation as a result of federal immigration enforcement activity in Charlotte and the surrounding communities. We should demand humanity, dignity and accountability from everyone in our communities, especially those we empower to enforce our laws. The scale and manner of recent investigations and arrests does not meet that standard and is harming our neighbors and our community.

 

MeckMIN will continue to lift up the work of organizations working for the safety and well-being of all people, supporting actions that allow us all to live out the vision of an interconnected community in which all may thrive in dignity and respect.

 

MeckMIN Executive Committee



VIRTUAL CHARLEMOS CHARLOTTE: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS Phrase Practice /Conozca sus derechos - Práctica de Frases


Friday, December 5, 2025, 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM, Online event

English translation provided below.


Practique frases sencillas de “Conozca sus derechos” en inglés. Esta sesión comunitaria es para cualquier persona que quiera sentirse más preparada en interacciones con las autoridades y para quienes desean ayudar a familiares, amistades y vecinos a aprender estas frases. 


Asistencia virtual: Nos reuniremos de manera virtual por Zoom. La información para conectarse se enviará el día de o el día anterior.


Importante: Esta es una sesión de práctica de idioma e información, no una clínica legal. El personal de la biblioteca y las personas voluntarias no pueden ofrecer asesoría legal ni responder preguntas legales específicas. Para ayuda legal, se animará a las personas participantes a comunicarse con un abogado o una organización legal de confianza.


Programa gratuito. Todas y todos son bienvenidos.


Help someone learn simple “Know Your Rights” phrases in English. This community session is for anyone who wants to feel more prepared in interactions with authorities and for those who want to help friends, family, and neighbors learn these phrases. 

Attending Virtually: We will be meeting virtually on Zoom. Login information will be provided the day before or the day of.


Important: This is a language and information practice session, not a legal clinic. Library staff and volunteers cannot provide legal advice or answer specific legal questions. For legal help, participants will be encouraged to contact a licensed attorney or trusted legal organization.


Free program. All are welcome.



KNOW YOUR RIGHTS FOR Non-PROFITS


Below are links that were shared in the chat. 

English


 Espanol



GREAT RESOURCES for EDUCATORS




KNOW YOUR RIGHTS IN AAPI LANGUAGES


Our "Know Your Rights" (KYR) flyers are available in 11 languages: English, Hmong, Burmese, Chinese, Nepali, Hindi, Dari, Vietnamese, Korean, Telugu, and Gujarati. You can download them for free and share them at https://ncaat.org/keepncsafe/.



IF YOU WITNESS ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITY


 We encourage you to record what you see and report it using the SALUTE method:


  • Size: Number of agents or vehicles

  • Activity: What the agents are doing

  • Location: Specific address or intersection

  • Uniform: What the agents are wearing

  • Time: Date and time of incident

  • Equipment: Vehicles, weapons, or tools observed



REPORTING HOTLINES:


Raleigh/Wake County: 1-800-559-8714 (Radar Safe)

Charlotte: 704-740-7737 (Carolina Migrant Network)

All other NC counties: 336-543-0353 (Siembra)


 

TAKE ACTION: HELP DISTRIBUTE KYR MATERIALS


We're organizing volunteer teams to distribute flyers throughout North Carolina. You can help by handing out materials, posting flyers in your community, or sharing them digitally with your family, friends, and community. Sign up here: http://ncaat.org/keepncsafe-vol



SUGGESTIONS FROM OurBridge: 


ree


  1. Stay informed about Siembra NC events and trainings: https://defendandrecruit.org/nc/

  2. Report ICE Activity: Call or text the Comunidad Colectiva hotline at 704-740-7737and share: Date and time, location (including intersections, city, and state), clear photos and videos. Please share this number with family and friends.

  3. Follow Carolina Migrant Network and Comunidad Colectiva to receive ICE presence alerts. Find the updated WhatsApp Channel here.

  4. Follow Julian Berger @WFAE for local immigration news in Charlotte.

  5. Support local businesses - Spend money at immigrant-owned businesses in South and East Charlotte, especially those reopening after closing their doors. You can find a list of businesses in east Charlotte here. 

  6. For business owners/managers - A Guide for Employers: What to Do if Immigration Comes to Your Workplace: https://www.nilc.org/resources/a-guide-for-employers-what-to-do-if-immigration-comes-to-your-workplace/

  7. Print and share “Know Your Rights” cards: Available here.



CLASSROOM RESOURCES for EDUCATORS:


  • Need support facilitating critical conversations with students about social inequality and discrimination? Want guidance on how to speak up against biased language or stereotypes in your school? Learning for Justice has compiled a list of School Climate Resources.

  • Looking for a classroom-ready curriculum on immigration? The Zinn Education Project offers free teaching activities that explore immigration history, law and citizen rights, and organizing movements. Here are teaching materials to help students understand the power of collective action and civic engagement in immigrant justice movements.

  • During times of heightened fear and uncertainty, trauma-informed approaches are essential. Here are Trauma-Informed Teaching resources to learn how to create safe, supportive learning environments for students experiencing stress. 

  • Public School Strong has created a Safe Zones Toolkit to equip students, educators, families and community members to organize in their community and state to develop policies to defend education for all students.



GET CONNECTED and TRAINED:





ACLU ADVISORY for CONGREGATIONS 




GENERAL INFORMATION




Y READERS (YMCA) AMAZON WISH LIST


Ashley Brown | 704 716 6376 (o)

Association Academic Initiatives Supervisor

YMCA of Greater Charlotte

400 E. Morehead St., Charlotte NC 28202


ree

We’re excited to share that our Y Readers Amazon Wish List is now live! Y Readers is a literacy-based academic support program serving students in Title I schools across the Charlotte-Mecklenburg School District who benefit from an extra boost in reading and enrichment. Our staff work incredibly hard throughout the year, and our students continue to show tremendous growth and dedication.


As we head into the holiday season, we would love your support in helping us provide a small, meaningful gift to both our students and staff. If you’re interested in contributing, please consider selecting an item from our Amazon Wish List. Every gift makes a difference and helps us show our appreciation to the individuals who make this program so special.

Thank you so much for your support and generosity!




WAYS TO SUPPORT POINT IN TIME COUNT 



ree

The PIT Count takes place nationwide in cities across America and is led locally by Mecklenburg County Community Support Services and Hearts for the Invisible Charlotte Coalition.


Last year in Charlotte-Mecklenburg, 2,095 people were identified as experiencing homelessness, including:

• 152 families with minor children

• 76 unaccompanied youth (ages 18–24)

• 444 individuals experiencing unsheltered homelessness


But these numbers aren’t just statistics; they represent our neighbors who need our support. The data collected helps shape policies, guide funding decisions, and strengthen local strategies to prevent and end homelessness.


How You Can Help - Starting Today: 


Volunteer Your Time:  Join the PIT Count team on January 22 to help conduct surveys with individuals experiencing homelessness or work behind the scenes. More than 200 volunteers are needed - invite friends and neighbors to join you!


Donate Money: $10 gift cards will be given to every neighbor surveyed.


Purchase Cold-Weather Items: Donate sleeping bags, hats, gloves, and hand warmers through an Amazon Wish List. These items will be distributed on the night of the Count. If you prefer to donate items in person, email info@hfticc.org.




FIGHTING FLU WEBINAR


Rev. Jessica Stokes, M.Div. | Jessica.stokes@bcbsnc.com | 984.389.1619

Principal Project/Program Manager, Faith-Based Initiatives


ree


Blue Cross NC and the organization, Families Fighting Flu, are excited to partner, to share important information for this flu season.  We invite you to join our upcoming educational webinar designed to help keep your community healthy and informed. We will gather via Zoom on Tuesday, December 9, at 11am. This webinar will offer insights on how faith communities can uniquely address the flu. Please see the attached document for details and please register at this Zoom link: 25-26 Flu Season Webinar. We hope you and anyone from your faith community can join us.

 

We believe faith communities remain one of the strongest ways to share important information. Thank you for your leadership and commitment to the well-being of the community.  We look forward to your participation!



STOP THE BLEED TRAINING 


Stop the Bleed is a national initiative that teaches community members how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and take quick action using simple techniques and tools. This Train-the-Trainer session will equip participants to:


  • Identify life-threatening bleeding

  • Use direct pressure, wound packing, and tourniquets

  • Confidently teach Stop the Bleed to staff, students, families, and community members


We are currently collecting interest to help us plan dates, locations, and capacity. If you or someone from your organization would like to be considered for this training, please complete the interest form below: STB Interest Form


This opportunity is ideal for:

  • School staff and administrators

  • Youth-serving organizations

  • Faith leaders and ministry teams

  • Community health workers 

  • Violence prevention and outreach workers

  • Neighborhood leaders and resident advocates


Please submit the form by 12/15/2025. We will follow up with selected participants with final training details, including dates, times, and expectations for trainers.


 

Applications are open for Youth Lead Charlotte


ree

Amy Farrell, Executive Director | 704-343-6999


Who can be a civic leader? YOU! Apply now to be part of the January-May 2026 Youth LEAD Charlotte program for grades 9-11

  • Build your civic leadership

  • Explore and learn how Charlotte works

  • Meet friends from different schools and neighborhoods

  • Engage with community leaders

  • Find out about careers connected to government, civic leadership, community investing, public service, and more

  • Become a civic difference maker across CMS and your city


Applications are open now through December 31! Apply now at tinyurl.com/ylcmapply 


 

 

RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS



GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 



Regional  


The Duke Endowment: Child & Family Well-Being GrantNEW!

Deadline: December 15, 2025 | June 15, 2026 (Pre-application deadlines)

Award Amount: Unspecified amount

Description: The Duke Endowment funds implementation support for public and private

child- and family-serving agencies in North Carolina and South Carolina to adopt and

sustain evidence-based and evidence-informed programs shown to prevent or treat

child maltreatment. The grant supports proven, replicable models such as Multisystemic

Therapy (MST), Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT), Strengthening Families, The

Incredible Years, Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), and

Positive Parenting Program (Triple-P). Eligible applicants are accredited nonprofit

organizations with two years of audited financial statements serving children, youth, and

families who have experienced or are at risk of child abuse or neglect. 


Stantec: Community Engagement FundingNEW!

Deadline: Rolling-basis

Award Amount/Ceiling: Unspecified amount

Description: Stantec invests in organizations that share its commitment to creating

lasting, meaningful change through four core areas: arts, education, environment, and

health and wellness. Funding supports visual and performing arts organizations,

museums, art education programs, symphonies, and public media; youth scholarships

and educational programs with a focus on design disciplines; programs promoting

sustainable development, environmental responsibility, energy efficiency, air quality,

and climate change; and health charities, hospitals, and health centers. Eligible

applicants are organizations whose initiatives are located in areas where Stantec

operates or serve those communities, with preference given to initiatives in operation

areas including Charlotte. 


Southern Vision Alliance - Block and Build: Rapid Response Grant

The Block and Build Rapid Response and Defense Fund provides immediate, flexible resources to frontline organizations in the Southeast as they face rising authoritarian threats and incidents of hate or violence. This fund supports organizations in responding quickly to crises in ways that center the voices and leadership of directly impacted individuals. Small monthly grants of $500 – $3,000. Funding decisions will be made by the Community Advisory Board. Click HERE to learn more.


Footprint Project: Microgrids for Long Term Recovery and Resilience in North Carolina.

Please fill out this survey if your facility, organization, or site is interested in receiving microgrid support to power long term recovery and resilience efforts in disaster-affected area of North Carolina.  Additionally, Footprint Project has committed to the ongoing, long-haul recovery & resilience efforts of Western North Carolina and surrounding communities through its WNC Free Store. Click HERE to learn more. 


NCCF Disaster Relief Fund is seeking applications from charitable organizations working to support long-term recovery in western North Carolina communities impacted by Hurricane Helene.


The Southeast Energy Efficiency Alliance (SEEA) invites local governments and community-based organizations to apply for grants to provide outreach and assistance to low-income households in order to close the participation gap that prevents residents from utilizing the existing programs that aim to increase their homes’ efficiency and reduce energy costs. Applications are due December 10. Learn more here.


National 


Arch Community Fund: Transformative Organizing Grants

Deadline: February 20, 2026 (Forecasted)

Award Amount/Ceiling: US $15,000 – US $30,000

Description: The Arch Community Fund’s mission is to strengthen grassroots

movements to resist oppression and build towards a more equitable future. The Fund

believes that this moment calls for resistance, actively challenging the authoritarian

threat posed by extremists and investing in long-term, transformative change. Grants

support transformative organizing for systemic change, with explicit articulation of the

following values: resistance; community leadership; transformative, anti-capitalist

solutions; and intersectionality. The Fund seeks to support grassroots strategies that

meet immediate needs and are part of a broader strategy for long-term structural

change. Eligible applicants must have 501(c)(3) status or be fiscally sponsored by a

501(c)(3) organization, have an annual budget of $1,000,000 or less, be headquartered

in the United States, and have transformative organizing for systemic change as their

primary program, activity, or mission.


Lever for Change: Scaling Pathways to Homeownership, a $25 million Open Call designed to identify and support bold solutions that expand access to affordable homeownership in the United States.


LegacyWorks Group: Creating New Economies Fund (CNEF): Applications for CNEF will open on January 5, 2026. 

This grant program provides direct investment in community-based efforts that address the triple bottom line (environmental stewardship, social justice, and sustainable economic development benefits). 

Important Dates:

  • Applications open: January 5

  • CNEF webinar: January 14 at 12:00 noon and 6:00 pm

  • Last day to call staff (this is a requirement to apply): February 6

  • Applications DUE: February 13

More information with full details, eligibility criteria, and application guidelines to come. 


Climate Smart Communities Initiative: The Climate Smart Communities Initiative (CSCI) is pleased to announce the launch of the 2026 CSCI grants opportunity for US-based climate resilience projects. The program prioritizes funding for communities that include historically disinvested populations at increased risk to climate-related impacts. It is open to US-based project teams composed of a climate adaptation practitioner and representatives from a local or regional government entity and a community-based organization. Deadline: March 12, 2026. Click HERE to learn more and view the timeline and key dates. 







PRAYER FOR LEADERS



“When the mind is balanced, mindful, and gentle with love (metta), one can live peacefully among the non-peaceful, even in these troubling times.” -Ayya Sudhamma



NEXT MEETING: January 15, 2026 Thursday at 11 AM  





 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page