July 31, 2025 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
- meckmin
- Jul 31
- 18 min read
Updated: Aug 1
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
68 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
Interfaith Teachings on Compassion:
Jewish: "She opens her hands to the poor and extends her arms to the needy," Proverbs 31:20
Buddhist: “Teach this triple truth to all: A generous heart, kind speech, and a life of service and compassion are the things which renew humanity.”
Hindu: Bhagavad Gita: This sacred text emphasizes the importance of selfless service, detachment from the fruits of action, and the need to act with compassion and empathy.
Jain: “Do not injure, abuse, oppress, enslave, insult, torment, torture or kill any creature or living being.”
1. MECKMIN UPDATES
INTERFAITH SPEAKERS BUREAU
MeckMIN maintains a list of speakers from our member traditions who enjoy sharing with others about their faith. Our member faiths are: Bahá'í, Buddhist, Muslim, Jewish, Christian, Science of Mind, Sikh, Hindu, and Unitarian Universalist. We’re also often able to make connections to other faith and cultural groups.
Become a speaker:
Request a speaker:
CONGREGATIONAL SURVEY
Congregational leaders, please take our brief survey to let us know more about the work being done in your congregation.
We're working with some of our partner nonprofits in conducting this survey to better understand the strengths, interests, and outreach activities of houses of faith in our community. By sharing your information, you can help us foster new partnerships between like-minded groups and better align opportunities for collaboration across Mecklenburg County and beyond. Information provided may be shared directly with nonprofit organizations and other houses of faith seeking to build partnerships and support community-based initiatives.
Congregational Survey Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfLOA9UMDowgWyjWhUutBMoyp_4FMQZKZzyJHe4YsEQDNZeAw/viewform
At an Open Tables gathering, individuals from diverse congregations come together for fellowship and dining; with the goal of building relationships based on our shared humanity that go beyond the divides of tribalism.
Everyone is invited to bring a vegetarian potluck dish to share. (Vegetarian meals make it easier to accommodate a variety of preferences and religious dietary restrictions.)
We sit at tables of 6-8 people making sure that each table has a variety of faith backgrounds and traditions.
Using some wonderful resources from Living Room Conversations, we have substantive conversations on topics that matter.
Our next Open Tables will be August 4, 2025 at St. Luke Catholic Church from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM and we will be discussing Acceptance - the last stage of the 5 stages of grief.
*Please register to attend.
OCTOBER INTERFAITH SERVICE PROJECT
Please join us in serving dinner at The Salvation Army Center of Hope Shelter on Sunday, October 26th from 4pm-6:15pm.
Click here to register and learn more: https://www.justserve.org/projects/ff957eb7-cb91-4773-b7fa-051fbb581e95
PLEASE SAVE THE DATE AND SHARE THE WORD ABOUT FRIENDSGIVING
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
FREE FANS FOR SENIORS
In response to record heat, Mecklenburg County is giving free box fans to seniors and adults who receive disability income. To learn more, call 980-314-6800 or email
SFA-Events@MeckNC.gov. Find more information and other resources here.
NONPROFIT UPDATES
THREE BONE THEATRE
Robin Tynes-Miller | 704-559-9051
Artistic and Operations Director | Co-Founder Three Bone Theatre
Three Bone Theatre's upcoming production of Electricidad
This is the second installment of the Luis Alfaro Trilogy
A modern day Chicano retelling of the Greek Tragedy of Electra
August 15-31
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m.
Sundays at 2 p.m.
All performances at Arts Factory 1545 W Trade Street
Directed by Glynnis O'Donoghue
Starring Melissa Lozada, Michelle Medina-Villalon, Isabel Gonzalez, Eduardo Sanchez, Luis Medina, Banu Valladares, Mariana Corrales, Allison Graham, and Marcella Pansini
About the show:
The desert is on fire. It’s being consumed by fury as Electricidad, burning with grief and hatred, keeps vigil by her murdered father’s corpse. She longs for the sweet revenge that will set his spirit free. When her brother Orestes returns from exile, Electricidad’s anger explodes, consuming everything in its path and leading her family to a final shattering confrontation. Transporting Sophocles’ Electra to the Los Angeles barrios, MacArthur Genius Award-winning playwright Luis Alfaro investigates violence, loss, and redemption through the lens of this age-old tragedy. Electricidad crackles with intensity, and transforms a 2000-year-old text into a vibrant, vital and thoroughly unforgettable myth for the modern age.
True to the original Greek tragedy, the play includes mature situations, smoking, violence, drug and gang references, and adult language in both English and Spanish. Electricidad is recommended for adult audiences.
Community Partner:
Enlace Charlotte acts as a bridge between members, the Latino community, and the greater community of Charlotte-Mecklenburg to identify needs, create collaborations and promote unity among its members. Within Enlace, organizations target issues of importance that need immediate and long term attention in the Latino community.
Community Safety:
We are taking additional safety precautions to protect our artists and audiences at this time of increased violence
We would love to pack the house for the full run and show up for and with the Latinx community in Charlotte at this time.
Season 14 Announcement
We'll announce our next season on August 15th
4 new Charlotte premieres
1 Tony Award Winner
Our first show focused on indigenous stories (will need additional funding and support if you are passionate about this area!)
We cannot wait to share with you!
"To succeed in life, you need three things: a wishbone, a backbone, and a funny bone." - Reba McEntire
HOPE COMMUNITY CLINIC OF EAST CHARLOTTE BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT
Margie Lugibihl | mlugibihl@project658.com | 704-910-5810
Director | Hope Community Clinic of East Charlotte
6900 Farmingdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212
Hope Community Clinic Back To School Event, Wednesday, August 6, 202 from 9:00 am – 3:00 pm.. Providing Free School Health Assessments, Vaccines and Vision screening for uninsured children new to CMS schools. Event will take place at 6900 Farmingdale Drive, Charlotte, NC 28212. Please call 704-910-5810 to schedule an appointment.
-For kids going into the CMS system for the first time
-Need to call to schedule an appointment - NO walk-ins
-To support uninsured kids and families
BUILDING COMMUNITY-LED RAPID RESPONSE TEAMS
Kelsey L. Burton | kelsey.burton@advocatehealth.org | 901.496.2197
PhD Research Associate, CREATE Team Wake Forest University School of Medicine
Deadline is TOMORROW, August 1st but the form is easy!
The CREATE Team (Collaborative Research to facilitate Equity Action and Trust) is looking for trusted community-based organizations like yourself to help develop community-led Rapid Response Teams (RRTs). These teams will play a crucial role in preparing underserved communities for future public health emergencies. https://youtu.be/mfBBWuiwIEs
Why Join the RRT?
The COVID-19 pandemic showed the urgent need for local teams that can respond quickly to crises. Through this initiative, we’ll provide your organization with training in:
· Contact tracing & case investigations
· Community education & outreach
Who Can Apply? See Checklist attached to this email to see if your team is eligible.
We’re seeking North Carolina-based organizations that:
· Are well-connected and trusted in their community
· Have full-time or dedicated staff
· Engage in health-focused initiatives
Key Dates & Benefits
· Application Deadline: August 1, 2025
· Training Period: August–October 2025
Funding
· Organizations receive $2,500 after building their Rapid Response Team
· Trainees up to $1,000 after completing the training (orientation, online modules, skills exercise, simulation exercise, feedback sessions and questionnaires)
Total Commitment:
40 hours from August-October
By equipping organizations with these skills, we hope to enhance their ability to secure future grants and funding for pandemic preparedness and response for our states and local governments.
How to Get Involved!
If you are interested in starting a rapid response team, complete the short interest form here: https://redcap.link/0pdtdqn3 Each organization participating in the RRT training must have two representatives that can be present for all training activities.
We look forward to working with your team and help strengthen community preparedness. If you have any questions or would like additional information about developing a rapid response team, visit our website at https://www.createteam.org/. You can also reach out to our team at create@wakehealth.edu.
SURVIVING and THRIVING ABUSE IN PARTNERSHIP with GOD EVENT
Tambry Harris | tambryharris@bellsouth.net
Founder of the Going-Forward: Survivors to Thrivers Organization
Many survivors of abuse wonder, "Where is God in Healing my Woundedness?"
· Survivors need to know that something better awaits, and God is present, wanting each of us to know peace and love.
· Survivors can embrace the sense of God wanting us to thrive, versus being caught in thoughts of unworthiness.
· Survivors can choose healing, growth, and collaboration with God's spirit.
My passion is to get this message out as a spiritual director, transformational coach, and survivor.
· I share my experiences, concepts, and heart to shine light into the darkness that surrounds sexual abuse and domestic violence through my talks and book, Awakening the Light: A Survivors to Thrivers Going Forward Story.
· I collaborated on a book called Love Does Not Control with Thomas Jay Oord, who is my co-presenter.
Tom is a theologian, philosopher, and scholar of multi-disciplinary studies.
· His best-selling book, God Can't: How to Believe in God and Love after Tragedy, Abuse, and Other Evils, has helped numerous victims and survivors.
· He lectures at universities, churches, and institutions across the globe and will be holding the “Speaking to a Modern World: A Conference on Open and Relational Theology” at Park Road Baptist Church.
Why Partnering with God to Survive and Thrive After Abuse Matters
Sexual and domestic violence is a significant problem in the United States.
According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), approximately 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence.
The National Sexual Violence Center states that 1 in 3 women and 1 in 6 men will experience sexual trauma in their lifetime.
Additionally, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that nearly 1 in 5 women and 1 in 14 men report experiencing sexual abuse during childhood.
Sexual violence has a profound impact on lifelong health, opportunity, and well-being:
Survivors often face mental health challenges, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression.
Victims of abuse are at a higher risk of developing substance abuse issues, engaging in self-harm, and experiencing difficulties in relationships.
This trauma may impact a survivor's employment due to diminished performance, job loss, or inability to work. These issues disrupt earning power and have a long-term effect on the economic well-being of survivors and their families.
Survivors need to know they are not alone and need our encouragement and support to move into their healing journey!
This safe, sacred space of encouragement will be offered at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207, on Tuesday, September 2nd, from 7-9 PM.
How to Get Involved! Please helps us spread the word and share with your communities and houses of faith.
Domestic Violence Services for Adults - Confidential individual and group therapy to people experiencing domestic violence. Licensed therapists provide domestic violence counseling, case management, and personal advocacy in a non-judgmental, safe environment. Services available in Spanish (Programa Confianza) and other languages with interpreters.
HARRIS YMCA SOUTH BLVD INITIATIVE
Ana Butters | Ana.Butters@ymcacharlotte.org
Community Development Director | Operations Director South Blvd Initiative
Harris YMCA YMCA of Greater Charlotte
5900 Quail Hollow RoadCharlotte, NC 28210
(O) 704 716 6827 (M) 704 763 6655
Upcoming WORKSHOPS
-September: English and Spanish
-October: Immigration
-November: Buenas finanzas
INTRODUCING SOLARIZE CHARLOTTE-MECKLENBURG
Emily Hurd | emily@solarcrowdsource.com
Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg | admin@solarizecharmeck.com
Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg: Sign up or learn about upcoming events at solarizecharmeck.com. Email admin@solarizecharmeck.com.
We would love to join or host events with faith leaders and communities!
Are you interested in solar energy for your home, business or nonprofit? Are you unsure how to find a trustworthy company or what the overall costs are? The City of Charlotte has partnered with local stakeholders to launch a community-based clean energy group-purchasing program, making solar energy more affordable and accessible for residential, commercial and nonprofit participants across Mecklenburg County.
Through this program, solar energy may be more affordable than you think! With the group-purchasing model, everyone enrolled in the program pays the same low rate per watt. The more people who participate, the lower the price for everyone.
Start by signing up for a FREE solar evaluation on the Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg website. There’s no commitment — just the opportunity to meet Renu Energy Solutions, our trusted local installer, and learn what solar can do for you.
Solarize Charlotte-Mecklenburg wants to come to neighborhoods near you to spread the word about this exciting, time-limited campaign. If you know of an event near you that we should be at or if you’d like us to hold an information session, fill out this online event form.
If you have any questions, please email admin@solarizecharmeck.com.
This campaign is the first of its kind in the region and the work of a local partnership forged by the City of Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, the Town of Davidson, Centralina Regional Council and Solar CrowdSource. Learn more today about how you or someone you know can benefit from going solar!
-Open to all municipalities within Meck County
-This program is all about making solar more accessible to people
-Deadline to enroll is Oct 31st, 2025
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for KAIZEN FOUNDATION POVERTY SIMULATION
Kimberly Morrison-Hansley | Kimberly@tkfnc.org
The Kaizen Foundation of North Carolina | info@tkfnc.org Phone: (980) 239-1871 | Web: tkfnc.org
P.O. Box 79386 Charlotte, NC 28271
The Kaizen Foundation is excited to host an eye-opening Poverty Simulationhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/11Z3O8pTND3e1YjZY-hLWmKzbKjlvHNsb/view?usp=drive_linkon Saturday, October 4, 2025, from 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM.
This immersive experience is designed to deepen awareness and understanding of the complex challenges faced by individuals and families living at or near the poverty line.
We are reaching out to invite you to participate as a volunteer and be part of this powerful learning experience.
Sign up to volunteer here: https://forms.gle/dziGsmcLEgCcZ99f9
-Looking for volunteers and sponsors
NOURISH UP - DELIVERY DRIVER SHORTAGE Meals on Wheels Program
Tina Postel | tpostel@nourishup.org
-NourishUp runs 41 food pantries across Meck County
-Desperately in need of Volunteers for Meal on Wheels Program: currently, 80 volunteers short for Meals on Wheels delivery drivers each week
-It is a very rewarding experience
-It takes 60-90 minutes to deliver 8-12 meals
Volunteer opportunities available at https://nourishup.org/ or email at Volunteer@nourishup.org;
Upcoming biking/walking/food drive event called Tour de Turns
Register at https://www.tourdeturns.org/
UPDATE and SUPPORT ASK for the NEXT COUNTY MEETING
Apryl Lewis | apryllewis0@gmail.com
I want to invite organizations to support displaced residents as we present the pilot program for the stabilization center to get support for residents of Heal Charlotte. If anyone wanted to join the planning call tomorrow night at 7pm on zoom if they could email kineticworksclt@gmail.com and they can get a link to join the call
HEALTH CARE JUSTICE – MEDICARE'S BIRTHDAY
Susan Rucker | ruckersg@gmail.com
Health Care Justice • NC supports privately delivered, publicly funded, expanded and improved Medicare for All. We oppose racism and support equity for racial, ethnic, and gender minorities and other underserved groups.
We are over 4500 Charlotte-area physicians, nurses, other healthcare workers, community members, and students advocating for a single-payer universal health care system. We are the Charlotte region chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program (PNHP), which has been working on this cause with its 22,000 members for 35 years. We support Improved Medicare for All.
I will be talking about the importance of supporting a single-payer system.
-Overall Goal is to have health equity, people should receive the same health care
-The US ranks 17th amongst other developed countries
-Goal: Single payer health system
If you want to host a “birthday party for Medicare” event at your organization, reach out.
FOSTER VILLAGE'S EXPLORING FOSTER CARE
Meredith Barbee | meredith@fostervillagecharlotte.org | (980) 237-0261
Engagement Manager | Foster Village Charlotte
Website: www.fostervillagecharlotte.org
-Tuesday, Aug 5th - a session open to anyone who wants to learn more about foster care. A FC parent will lead the session and give 1st hand experience of what it’s like to be a foster parent
INTERNATIONAL HOUSE YOUNG PROFESSIONALS EVENT
Lauren Rogers, M.Ed | lrogers@ihclt.org
Director of Community Engagement
1611 East 7th Street | Charlotte, NC 28204
www.ihclt.org | 704.333.8099
FIRST IN FAMILIES – ANNUAL BACKPACK EVENT
Keiba Young | fif@inreachnc.org | 704-343-5205
FIF is hosting our annual backpack event for the returning exceptional students of Charlotte-Mecklenburg County Schools. If anyone has a soft spot for kids with Autism, Down Syndrome, or Cerebral Palsy, we could use their help acquiring hand sanitizer, baby wipes, new or pre-loved clothing, and disinfectant wipes.
CHOSEN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Tyris Rorie | chosenlaorg@gmail.com
Opportunity to sponsor uniforms or snacks -- $600 per age group for uniforms at this point will add they company logo.
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AND FORM
MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH PRESCHOOL IS HIRING
We need an assistant teacher for our program that runs 9am-1pm. Please call 704-537-2060 if you are interested. and please pass the word.
RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS
GrantStation is closely monitoring recent federal actions and their impact on the nonprofit sector. This article tracks ongoing developments, providing links to source materials. We will update the article at least once a week, and in cases of significant developments, we will provide updates as quickly as possible.
EXTREME WEATHER RECOVERY UPDATES
Resources to Share with Survivors
Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program is now accepting applications
Access the Toolkit with more information:
The Renew NC Single-Family Housing Program is a centralized housing rehabilitation, reconstruction or replacement program that will prioritize low-to-moderate income families with seniors aged 62 and older, children, and/or disabled household members impacted by Hurricane Helene in the following 29 counties: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mecklenburg (28214), Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Surry, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkin and Yancey.
Have questions? View the Resources Page here or reach out to: Maggie Battaglin, Single-Family Housing Director, Division of Community Revitalization maggie.battaglin@commerce.nc.gov
Know Your Rights: Know your rights as an immigrant before, during, and after disasters. Lee esto en español.
“This guide offers up-to-date information on some of those resources, as well as examples of community organizing and policy work that have made it easier for immigrants to find help. It also includes best practices for navigating disaster relief and recovery at a time when there is a heightened risk of deportation for certain immigrants. This information is fact-checked and will be updated periodically as laws, practices, and resources change.”
This information comes from Grist, “a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to reporting on climate change.”
FREE WATER TESTING: Was your home’s water source damaged or affected
during Hurricane Helene? Wine To Water can help by providing free water testing at your home.
Global Empowerment Mission: Hurricane Helene Rental Assistance Program (RAP)
The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides up to three months of rent support to individuals and families affected by Hurricane Helene. Assistance can help cover move-in costs for a new lease or support those behind on rent to avoid eviction.
Click here to view the flyer and additional information
NC INCLUSIVE DISASTER RECOVERY NETWORK
Good afternoon, NC Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network. Click the buttons for a summary of last week’s full network meeting. The objectives of this meeting aimed at building trusting relationships, amplifying time-sensitive recovery resources, and planing individaul and collective next steps. The resounding ASKS here are for everyone recieving this email to share this information widely and intentionally.
If you need help with getting connected, please contact either Dayna Covey (dcovey@mdcinc.org) or Andy Shoenig (andrew.shoenig@mdcinc.org).
Click HERE to access the meeting's summary in English
Click HERE to access the meeting's summary in Spanish
GENERAL INFORMATION
50 YEARS OF EASTLAND
At 10:00 a.m. on July 30th, 1975, Eastland Mall opened its doors. For generations of Charlotteans, Eastland wasn't just ice skating, the food court, or the best retail destination in the Piedmont—it was where they first felt the magic of Christmas, had their first jobs, and met their spouses. To commemorate what would have been the mall's 50th anniversary, we're throwing a 50-day celebration of all things East Side: 50 activities, 50 winners of $50 gift cards to support our small business community.
Enter the competition HERE
TAX CREDIT PROGRAM FOR HOMEOWNERS
About the program:
The NC Clean Energy Fund is announcing the launch of Carolina SURE (Smart Upgrades for Residential Efficiency), a consumer lending program designed to make home electrification and energy efficiency improvements accessible to homeowners across North Carolina and South Carolina.
The program targets projects that help homeowners transition to all-electric, high-efficiency technologies while reducing long-term energy costs.
Eligible improvements include:
heat pump HVAC systems,
heat pump water heaters,
solar installations,
battery storage systems,
air sealing and insulation,
roof repairs,
septic system improvement, and
other residential improvements that bolster resiliency.
Homeowners interested in Carolina SURE can learn more and complete applications through the program’s website.
CITY COUNCIL CANDIDATE FORUM August 12
Greg Jarrell | gjarrell@redressmovement.org
Redress Movement and a variety of partner organizations are hosting a candidate forum in advance of our fall city council primaries. This email is a request for you to let your folks know about this forum, through your church newsletter, social media, an announcement, or whatever forum you think is appropriate.
Details:
What: City Council Candidate Forum
When: August 12, 2025 | 7-9pm
Where: First United Methodist Church, 501 N. Tryon St. Parking available at 145 W. 9th Street.
Purpose: Candidates in the fall city council and mayoral races will be present to discuss policy platforms around housing, neighborhoods, and transportation.
Event sponsored by Redress Movement, Greater Bethel AME Church, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, Faith and Justice Group of Providence Presbyterian Church, OneMeck, and Action NC.
LESSONS FROM THE HOLY LAND
Thursday, August 7 | 7 pm | Myers Park Baptist Church
GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Local
Corridors of Opportunity: National Night Out Mini-Grant
Nichelle Wilson | nichelle.wilson@charlottenc.gov | charlottenc.gov | (980) 214-9750 |
Neighborhood & Community Partnerships Manager Housing & Neighborhood Services – Community Engagement 600 East Trade Street | Charlotte, NC 28202
Neighborhood organizations within the City of Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity can apply for up to $500 in reimbursement for eligible expenses related to their 2025 National Night Out events.
Key Details:
Applications are open until Monday, August 4, 2025, at 12 PM or until funds run out.
Eligible expenses include signage, outreach, food, event promotion, and more.
Reimbursements require submission of receipts by October 1, 2025.
This grant opportunity is limited to one application per organization and can be concurrent with other grants including NMG and the 2025 Boost grants. (Unique receipts must be submitted for each grant, no duplicates will be accepted.)
Eligibility:
Your organization must be located within Charlotte’s Corridors of Opportunity. Check your eligibility.
For more info and to apply, login or create an account on the grants portal. Apply early as funds are limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis!
Would you like Corridors of Opportunity materials or partner presence at your event? Let us know on your application!
Regional
EDA will be working to support locally driven economic recovery and disaster resilience efforts in communities affected by FEMA-declared disasters in 2023 and 2024. These grants are made possible under the American Relief Act of 2025 and reflect EDA’s ongoing commitment to ensuring every region has the tools it needs to recover and thrive after major disaster declarations. Readiness and Implementation grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on an ongoing (rolling) basis until funds are exhausted or the Notice of Funding Opportunity is canceled.
Three main pathways to funding include:
projects to build local capacity
standalone construction and non-construction projects that help communities recover
coalition-led, multi-project portfolios that transform regional economies through industry development
Click here to view the Fact Sheet (PDF link)
Strong Minds, Strong Communities" (SMSC) mental health intervention
Claire Poindexter, MSW | c_poinde@uncg.edu | (c) 317.828.4142
Project Director
UNC Greensboro
The Center for Youth, Family, and Community Partnerships
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG), with funding from the NC Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, is seeking applications from qualified community-based organizations and clinics across North Carolina!
Become an implementation site for the "Strong Minds, Strong Communities" (SMSC) mental health intervention and help expand access to culturally competent, evidence-based mental healthcare for underserved populations. Selected organizations can receive up to $166,950 in Year 1 funding to recruit, hire, and manage a team of Community Health Workers and a licensed clinical supervisor.
This is a fantastic opportunity to expand your organization's mental health programming, grow the Community Health Worker (CHW) workforce, and significantly increase access to culturally competent, evidence-based mental healthcare for underserved populations, especially racial/ethnic and linguistic minority groups, and those in rural areas.
Key Dates:
RFA Posted: July 25, 2025
Applications Due: September 1, 2025
Award Period: October 1, 2025-September 30, 2026 (with annual renewal option pending funding availability)
Information Sessions: Join us to learn more!
Tuesday, August 5th: 2pm-3pm - Join the meeting
Thursday, August 7th: 10am-11am - Join the meeting
The full Application and Instructions documents are attached for your convenience. You can also find more information on our website: Strong Minds, Strong Communities Program. We anticipate funding TWO organizations during this application cycle.
For questions, please email Claire Poindexter at c_poinde@uncg.edu
Foundation Drives Justice Through Opportunity and Equity
Application deadline: No deadline for organizational summaries
Geographic scope: AL, AK, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, SC, RN, VA, and WV
Description: The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation works to help people move out of poverty by advancing social and economic justice. Its approach centers on three pathways: expanding economic opportunity, strengthening democracy and civic engagement, and supporting policies and institutions that dismantle harmful systems. Funding priorities focus on organizations accountable to low-wealth communities, committed to racial equity, and capable of building long-term power and systemic change.
National
Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP)
On Monday, the Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) opened its application cycle for fiscal year 2025. The NSGP provides funding support for physical security enhancements, trainings, and other line items to nonprofit organizations—including houses of worship—to help them prevent and prepare for targeted violence and other emergency situations. Such resources remain critical for communities across the country, including our sangats.
In order to apply for NSGP funding, you should visit the Federal Emergency Management Administration’s (FEMA) summary page and application process page for more information. Note that applications are ultimately submitted through State Administrative Agencies rather than through FEMA itself. The current published application deadline is August 11, 2025
Grants Fuel Women's Heart Health Initiatives
Application deadline: October 31, 2025
Grant amount: $100,000 for clinical research and up to $25,000 for community-based education and care
Description: The Alpha Phi Foundation advances women’s heart health through its Heart to Heart Grant program, which funds research and education efforts in the U.S. and Canada.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
a blessing for keeping your heart soft when everything is broken – from Kate Bowler
Blessed are you who see it all now. The terrible, beautiful truth that our world,our lives seem irreparably broken.
And you can’t unsee it. The hungry kid. The exhausted mom. The woman who wonders if any of this is worth it. The loneliness and despair.
Blessed are you who glimpse reality and don’t turn away. This kind of seeing comes at a steep cost, and it is a cost you may not have paid intentionally, but here you are. Seeing things clearly.
Blessed are you who have worked hard to keep your heart soft. You who live with courage, fixing what is in your reach, praying about what is not, and loving, still.
May you experience deeper capacity and glimpses of hope, as you continue to see the world as it is.
Terrible. Beautiful. Fragile.
The blessing is from:
She also has a book of 100 blessings:
Her website: https://katebowler.com
NEXT MEETING: TWO weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m.
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