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
Ruth Anderson, Chief Content Officer, Second Breath Center, Greensboro
Second Breath CENTER update
Originally started out as a “Wisdom School” in Greensboro, NC.
They now offer MANY classes, weekly gatherings, and more online. The Second Breath App contains 100s of spiritual practices. A wide array of new classes will be starting in the Fall.
1. MeckMIN Updates
FAITH CLUB | ECONOMICS OF SLAVERY THROUGH THE EYES OF A DESCENDANT OF AN ENSLAVED PERSON | July 27 @ 7PM
MeckMIN’s Women’s Interfaith Book Club invites you to join the Faith Club on Wednesday, July 27th, at 7:00pm at Park Road Baptist Church in conference room 503 as they welcome John Ashworth.
John is a knowledgeable historian, speaker and writer. He will discuss little known facts about the journey of African Americans in this country.
RSVP to saeeda4days@aol.com. There will be no fee. Masks are optional. There will be a zoom connection for those who prefer.
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!
JOIN US FOR A CONGRESSIONAL BRIEFING ON JULY 26
On Tuesday, July 26, the Sikh Coalition will convene speakers from communities harmed by hate violence--the Sikh community of Oak Creek, WI; the Black community in Charleston, SC; and the Jewish community in Pittsburgh, PA--along with elected officials for a virtual congressional briefing. Register here to join Honoring Oak Creek, Charleston, and Pittsburgh Through Action: A Virtual Congressional Briefing at 1 PM ET on July 26, as our panelists discuss lessons learned from these previous tragedies and policy solutions to secure a safer future for marginalized communities.
CONTACT YOUR MEMBERS OF CONGRESS AND DEMAND ACTION
As we reflect on 10 years since Oak Creek--and additional acts of targeted mass violence in Charleston, Isla Vista, Pittsburgh, El Paso, Poway, Atlanta, Buffalo, and elsewhere across our country--we choose to take action. Not enough has been done to stem the rising tides of violent hate in the United States, but Congress can move forward with three critical pieces of legislation today. In collaboration with the Revolutionary Love Project and SALDEF, join us and take two minutes to send a message in support of these bills to your representative in the House and your two Senators.
JOIN US IN NATIONAL DAY OF SEVA
Finally, sangats from coast to coast will be leading Day of Seva projects and Night of Vigil events in honor of the 10-year anniversary of the Oak Creek gurdwara shooting. So far nearly 20 cities have confirmed projects during the August 5 to 7 weekend including Detroit, MI; Charlotte, NC; Fairfax, VA; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; Bellingham, WA; Lawrenceville, NJ; Salt Lake City, UT; Indianapolis, IN; Salem, OR; Enola, PA; Albuquerque, NM; Olathe, KS; Dayton, OH; and more.
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 or give through the Amazon Wish List.
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.
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.
ELECTION REMINDER
Charlotte Voters!!! Election for Mayor and City Council is going on Now!!! Early Voting ends July 23rd and Election Day is July 26th!!
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
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
Increase in COVID cases
Over 50% of strains are BA5
It evades immunity from past infections and vaccines
High level of transmission in Mecklenburg County
Novavax – 2 dose vaccine administered 3 weeks apart – not yet available in Meck County
Update on Newly Approved Novavax Vaccine
MONKEYPOX
We have a good bit of information on our website that can be distributed. https://www.mecknc.gov/HealthDepartment/CDControl/GeneralCDControl/Pages/Monkeypox.aspx
We also have some monkeypox handouts from the CDC surrounding safe sex practices and general transmission info.
Right now we have a waitlist for Monkeypox vaccinations for those at high risk and we have been able to schedule about 150 appointments per week for the past week. We are scheduling appointments through the waitlist only since our demand is higher than our supply:
· People who have been in close physical contact with someone diagnosed with monkeypox
· Men who have sex with men or transgender individuals who have had multiple or anonymous sex partners in the last 14 days
3. Non-Profit Updates
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
Hector Munguia
Our Client Services Coordinator
Hector Munguia, also has some updates/requests to share. In the last week, we’ve started to see homeless undocumented families looking for resources at IH. The families have been Spanish-speaking, with no documentation, and little ones to take care of. They aren’t eligible for the go-to housing programs (Roof Above or services through DSS), so we’ve been struggling with helping them. Thankfully, a community member reached out to help one of the families (friend of a cousin’s employer, or something like that)—but this highlighted one of the “gaps” in services here in CLT.
We’re looking for community resources, crisis centers, family programs, etc. that might be able to help with situations like these. Another group is hopefully going to help us collect some dignity kits for families (toothbrushes, underwear, shampoo, socks, etc.), but I’m sure there are some programs and resources out there that we aren’t aware of. Hector would like to join the MeckMin meeting with me next week, to share this community need/request.
Particularly looking for SHELTER for these families
Please reach out to Hector (and copy LeDayne) if you have ideas!
RED CROSS NEED
Amy Korb
Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist
American Red Cross | Greater Carolinas Region
amy.korb@redcross.org | 704-221-8862
This past year, the Red Cross responded to a number of single and multi-family home fires (primarily in East Charlotte) where most of the impacted residents only spoke Spanish. Unfortunately, most of our Disaster Response volunteers aren’t bilingual.
I am wondering if there is a local church or faith based group (with a large representation of bilingual members) that would be interested in helping our Red Cross responders during these responses in an “auxiliary” type support position? Primarily with translation. Or even a church that would be willing to open for shelter or staging during a multi-family (apartment) response?
Suggestions from the Chat:
1) Have you connected with the Latino Faith and Health Coalition. They may be able to help share interest to gather volunteers as well as additional resources.
2) I would love to chat in more detail as we may be able to help (Common wealth Charlotte) not for crisis but a good resources to help these families not become victims of predatory lending, etc. Due to their situation and beyond.
3) There are a few Latino FB groups that would be great to look at and help share the need for volunteers, etc.
Carmel Baptist Church has hosted an emergency response event in the past.
THE REDRESS MOVEMENT
Jasmine Wright (She|Her|Y'all)
Sr. Organizer, Charlotte
jwright@redressmovement.org | 803-448-4236
Www.redressmovement.org
National organization working in 3 satellite cities, Charlotte is one of them
August 5, Greg Jarell will present to Faith leaders The Color of Love at Caldwell Pres Church
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/redress-charlotte-a-faith-based-presentation-tickets-384232448597
CHARLOTTE MEDICAL CLINIC
Melanie Edwards | medwards@project658.com
Hope Community Clinic of East Charlotte (formerly named Smith Family Wellness Center). Charlotte Medical Clinic (hopeeastclt.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.
HOLY TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH – FREE Programs for Families
Sally Barnard Daggett
Communications Team Lead
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church
Phone number: 704-604-7102.
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, located on The Plaza in Plaza Midwood, is having two events for children that I thought your congregants might find of interest. I am the Title 1 Literacy tutor at Merry Oaks Elementary and work mainly with Spanish-speaking students.
1. Active Reading Family Workshop: Our church will be hosting an Active Reading Family Workshop on Wednesday, August 3rd from 5-6:30 pm at the church location: 1900 The Plaza. The workshop will be presented by the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library in both English and Spanish. The program will include dancing, singing, and a story time. Families will receive 3 books, along with a free pizza to take home.
We thought some of your members might be interested in attending. I’m attaching a flyer, which you might share. I can also drop off copies at your church if that would be helpful. The sign-up form is accessed at: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/familiesread
2. Free tutoring in math and reading: Members of our church are offering free tutoring in math and reading Mondays through Fridays, from 9 am to noon during the first two weeks of August (August 1st through the 12th). This will be offered to rising 1st through 6th grade students. I will be tutoring in reading, along with another reading specialist. In addition, we will have two tutors who will help students excel in math. I have attached a flyer for this offering and can also drop off copies of this flyer. The sign-up form is accessed at https://www.signupgenius.com/go/freetutor.
Please contact Sally Barnard Daggett if you need additional information or flyers.
URBAN LEAGUE OF THE CAROLINAS
April Turner | 704.594.0386
FIRST YEAR READY: Event for college students heading out for the first time. Families may not be able to support as much as they wish so we help out by coming together to support. July 29 from 11-3 college students will receive a trunk of items they need for their room to get started along with a computer, school supplies and dorm essentials. We need donations for spreads, sheets, etc. Click here to access the Amazon Wish list:
UNFORGETTABLE
Charlotte is honored to have been chosen as one of the six cities on the first leg of a national stage play tour about Alzheimer's. Gdavis Productions and Films, LLC and the Alzheimer’s Association have joined together to create a new stage play titled, Unforgettable. The dynamic and emotional stage play will showcase the effects of caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s. It specifically addresses the health disparities gap in underserved and communities disproportionately affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The performance is taking place on Saturday, August 13 and is open to the public.
DIAPER BANK OF NC
Avery Payne | avery@ncdiaperbank.org
Looking for volunteers email me for more information
Fundraiser - Looking to raise $6000
Facebook.com/DBNCCharlotte - Fundraising campaign
LOAVES & FISHES
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/
MARK YOUR CALENDARS for Back-to-School Immunization Events
Immunizing young people before school both keeps them safe from preventable illnesses, and meets the state requirements that keeps them in school, learning. These are the scheduled events, and opportunities to participate.
· Saturday July 30, 2022 (9 am-1 pm) 249 Billingsley Road
Adolescent Focused Event
· Saturday August 27, 2022 (9 am-1 pm) 2845 Beatties Ford Road
Pre-K and Kindergarten Focused Event
· Saturday September 24, 2022 (9 am- 3 pm) Location TBD
COMMUNITY ACCESS POINTS
NCDHHS is establishing Community Access Points in all 100 counties.
Find at-home tests is available at: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/FindTests
Organizations interested in becoming a Community Access Point: https://covid19.ncdhhs.gov/community-access-points
Learn more: June 30, 2022 press release: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2022/06/30/ncdhhs-invests-more-home-covid-19-testing-strategy-reinforces-surge-capacity
4. General Information
PICK UP FREE AT HOME COVID TESTS
Across HERE
FOODFINDER
MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING OPPORTUNITY For BIPOC Faith Communities
New grant opportunity! Partners in Health and Wholeness is thrilled to announce a new mental health funding opportunity for BIPOC (Black & Brown, Indigenous, People of Color) faith communities.
Thanks to The Duke Endowment, PHW is able to offer this new grant opportunity of $5,000-10,000 for faith communities of color to apply towards COVID-19 mental health efforts. In mid-2022, we plan to award 50 grants in this funding range throughout the entire state. Later this year, there will be an opportunity to apply for a large grant, up to $50,000, to establish or expand a mental health resource hub in your region. This application period for this grant opportunity will be rolling, with quarterly reviews, from May 2022 until May 2023. Learn more here: PHW BIPOC Mental Health Grant Webpage
MECKLENBURG COUNTY 2023 PROPERTY REVALUATION
Mecklenburg County conducts a property revaluation every four years so assessments stay closer to the market, there’s less chance of large market increases, and the public remains educated on the process. Revaluation is the process where all property (land and buildings) within Mecklenburg County is revalued to its current market value as of an established date, in this case January 1, 2023.
Property taxes are based on the market value of your property. Without periodic revaluation, some property owners would pay more than their share of property tax while others would pay less than their share. Revaluation resets property tax values so all taxpayers pay their fair share.
2023 Property Revaluation Important Dates
· January 1, 2023: Countywide Revaluation Effective Date
· January 23, 2023: Notice of January 2023 Real Estate Assessed Value Mailed
· July 2023: Tax Bill Mailing
To learn more about how the Mecklenburg County Tax Revaluation affects you visit
Property Revaluation Workshop: What Does it Mean for Me? | Thursday, July 21, 6 to 7:00 p.m.
The City of Charlotte’s Community Engagement team is hosting a workshop in collaboration with Mecklenburg County to increase awareness of the 2023 property revaluation. North Carolina state law requires all counties to conduct a property revaluation at least every eight years. Mecklenburg County is currently conducting a property revaluation that will affect property taxes beginning January 1, 2023. Join us to learn from the County Assessor’s Office about the property revaluation process, possible impacts on property taxes, and how to appeal your 2023 assessed value if needed.
Registration is recommended, but not required: The registration link includes an option to submit questions in advance.
Zoom link to join the workshop on July 21: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83061888813
PROPERTY TAX RELIEF
Homeowners who qualify can apply to Mecklenburg County for help paying the property tax on a primary residence. The amount granted will be equal to 25% of the tax amount, not to exceed $340. There is no age requirement to participate. The deadline to apply is November 18. Learn more and apply online.
Mecklenburg County homeowners can apply to receive benefits from the HOMES Program. The HOMES (Helping Out Mecklenburg's homeowners with Economic Support) program offers qualifying Mecklenburg County residents an economic assistance grant of up to $340.
Grant funds will be paid to the Mecklenburg County Tax Collector, who will reduce the total amount of taxes due for the qualifying recipient's primary residence. There is no age requirement to participate in the program, and the home does not have to be paid off. Applications and verifications MUST be submitted and postmarked by Nov. 18, 2022.
County residents interested in applying for relief should visit www.mecknc.gov/4HOMES to confirm eligibility and to download an application in English or Spanish. Paper applications can be obtained from the Department of Community Resources at 3205 Freedom Drive Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28208, or the County Assessor's Office located at 3205 Freedom Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208. Completed paper applications can be mailed to the Department of Community Resources at 3205 Freedom Drive, Suite 1000, Charlotte, NC 28208.
County residents seeking assistance navigating the application process can call 980-314-HOME (4663) or email 4Homes@mecknc.gov.
Visit https://www.mecknc.gov/4HOMES/Pages/Home.aspx to learn more about the HOMES program.
UDO PROJECT Next Steps
On Monday, July 11th, Charlotte community members had the opportunity to share their thoughts with City Council at the UDO Public Hearing. Next steps for the UDO include:
July 19 - Planning Committee recommendation meeting
August 15 - UDO Adoption draft release
August 22 - City Council vote on proposed UDO
The UDO second draft was released on June 3, 2022, and was open for public comment through June 30. Staff has identified and is recommending changes based on feedback received via the public comment portal and through the City Council Public Hearing.
These recommended changes are now available in advance of the July 19 meeting of the Planning Committee of the Planning Commission who will discuss and make recommendations for the City Council on the UDO.
BRIGHT BEGINNINGS and NC Pre-K PROGRAMS
CMS is accepting applications for Bright Beginnings and NC Pre-K programs. Details on fliers in English and Spanish. Apply here. Application page is initially in English; for other languages, find "Select Language" dropdown at top right of page.
988 Launched THIS WEEKEND!
Too many people are experiencing suicidal crisis or mental health-related distress without the support and care they need.
· In 2020, the U.S. had one death by suicide every 11 minutes.
· For people ages 10–34, suicide is a leading cause of death.
· From April 2020 through April 2021, over 100,000 people died from drug overdoses.
Starting this Saturday, everyone in the United States can begin using 988- the new three -digit number for calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. There is also a chat feature will be available through the Lifeline’s website. When people connect through 988, they will be connected to compassionate, accessible care and support, in multiple languages, for anyone experiencing mental health–related distress. People can use 988 if they are having any kind of emotional distress including thoughts of suicide, mental health challenges or substance use crises. They can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support. How can you help?
· Check out the 988 Partner Toolkit. Help spread the word. Share email messages and social media content that includes the importance of understanding how 988 works locally and how to follow communication best practices.
· Learn how to talk about Suicide. It matters. Review the 988 Messaging Framework to provide guidance on developing 988-related messaging.
· Check out Faith and Community Resources on Suicide Prevention. Resources from the Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention to support these efforts to strengthen your efforts by increasing hope, supporting emotional well-being, and fostering the development of positive social connections.
GET VOTERS ENGAGED
It seems far off, but the November elections will be here in a blink. Nonprofits are an important voice in educating and encouraging voter registration and participation, so Nonprofit VOTE and Independent Sector have partnered to launch It’s On Us: The Nonprofit Voter Empowerment Project. Your organization can take the pledge to ramp up your nonpartisan voter engagement efforts, download the playbook with recs and practices to boost your voter engagement activities, and access resources, graphics, templates, articles, and insights.
And while you’re clicking ‘Sign Me Up’, become a National Voter Registration Day partner to help register voters – including your staff, volunteers, and community members – on September 20.
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
Next meeting – Two weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m.