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 email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.
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
May your troubles be far and few except those that lead you closer to your purpose.
1. MeckMIN Updates
A NOTE ABOUT THESE MEETINGS
These meetings are open to anyone or any group interested in promoting the common good in our shared Charlotte-Mecklenburg community.
We do not allow announcements from for-profit groups promoting their businesses or campaigning from political candidates. Beyond that, we don’t have rules for who can speak or what they can share as long as they support our commitments to respectful conversation and the dignity of all people.
Because we have a very wide array of beliefs and understandings within our membership and because we want to keep these meetings open as an open forum, we’re going to add this disclaimer to the minutes: "The views and opinions expressed here are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations."
MECKMIN YOUTH SUMMIT
August, Friday 18 | 12:00 - 9 PM August, Saturday 19 | 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
We are excited to host an Interfaith Youth Summit this August! Every year we hold experiences for middle and high-school aged youth in Mecklenburg County. The purpose of these activities is to bring youth together from different faiths, races and socioeconomic backgrounds to learn more about each other’s traditions and to serve our local community. Participants will experience and visit various social agencies and houses of faith for worship, dialogue, fellowship, food and fun! Upon completion, attendees will be awarded with a certificate in religious-diversity.
Register HERE
We would LOVE your help in sharing the word about this great opportunity. Please download and share one or more of these social media announcements with middle and high schoolers you know and those who work with them.
NC MEDASSIST WAREHOUSE FAMILY-FRIENDLY SERVICE PROJECT
Sunday, July 30 | 1 - 4 PM
Join us on Sunday, July 30 from 1 to 4 pm at NC MedAssist (4428 Taggart Creek Road, Suite 101, Charlotte, NC 28208) for an afternoon of sorting, organizing, and packing over-the-counter medicines, and other duties as needed.
Please note the following:
• There may be some heavy lifting.
• Dress comfortably but modestly - no tank tops or flip flops
• All shoes must be closed-toe
• Volunteer 12 years and older are welcome
Register HERE
2. Non-Profit Updates
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.
GREENFAITH
Amy Brooks Paradise | amy@greenfaith.org
GREENFAITH is an environmental justice organization that seeks to engage people of faith
Just created a starter program: climate justice + people of faith
Help people understand more deeply the connection b/w these 2
Understand what is happening with climate change, who are the culprits, looks at fossil fuels, Scriptures, and the front lines
Interest Call Tuesday, July 18 – 4 pm
Greenfaith Starter Program for congregations interested in faith climate work
Please RSVP HERE
NORTH CAROLINA JUSTICE CENTER
Reggie Shuford - Executive Director | www.ncjustice.org
Cristina Galvan | CristinaG@ncjustice.org
Headquartered in Raleigh but work throughout the state
Been around 30 years
Goal: End poverty in NC
Achieve economic justice by bringing access and resources to those that need it, not only for survival but for them to thrive
Focus on these areas:
Housing Help Advocacy
Immigrant rights
Workers rights
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
Tuesday, August 1 | 4:30 PM
Charlene Henderson | charlenehendersonclt@gmail.com
Chair of National Night Out
This year marks their 20 year anniversary
An opportunity to understand what law enforcement is and is not
Tuesday, August 1 – 4:30 – 7:30 pm – Hunter park
FOOD STAMP CHANGES
Ro'shaun McClendon | roshaun.mclendon@charlottelegaladvocacy.org
Emily Johnston | emily.johnston@charlottelegaladvocacy.org
The return of 3-month time limit
Ages 18-49 can only receive food stamps for 3 months
DHS estimates it will affect 160,000 individuals
DHS is not properly messaging the exemptions
Starting July 1, 2023, if you are an adult under 50 who does not live with children, you can only receive food stamps for three months, unless you are working or meet an exception.
Exceptions - You do NOT have a time limit if you are:
Age 50 or older; or under age 18
In a food stamp household with children
Receiving a disability-based benefit (Social Security, SSI, VA pension, Workers Comp, private insurance)
Unfit for work at this time according to a doctor’s office
In school or taking classes at least part-time (special rules apply)
Pregnant
Applying for or getting Unemployment Benefits
In a drug or alcohol treatment program or in need of that treatment
Homeless
Caring for a disabled person
Not able to work 20 hours per week
Some other exceptions apply
How can I keep my food stamps if the time limit applies to me?
Work at least 20 hours/week, including at a job, in your own business, or in exchange for goods or services
Volunteer 20 hours/week
Do job training through DSS 20 hours/week
Any combination of the prior adding up to 20 hrs/week
Call DSS to find out more about the three-month time limit, and report your current situation.
If you need help contact us: English: 704-376-1600 and Spanish: 800-247-1937
Learn more HERE
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy – people can reach out to them for concerns, questions
Employment Resources / Jen Rupp https://dcr.mecknc.gov/employment/rise-2-work ...
MEDICAID CHANGES
Rita M. Dominguez, MPH, CHES | Rita.Dominguez@cognosante.com | (P) 336-518-0904
Community Outreach Specialist – North Carolina
3110 Fairview Park Drive, Suite 800 | Falls Church, VA 22042
Unwinding process covering Mecklenburg & Guilford Counties
Contracted by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Support public services during this unwinding process
17 M will be impacted
Providing education in the community – bringing awareness to support consumers during this transition
Willing to collaborate with any institution to help share the word
You can find out more about our Medicaid Unwinding assistance services at https://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Programs-and-Initiatives/Health-Insurance-Marketplaces/assistance, and consumers can schedule an appointment to sign up for a
Qualified Health Plan (QHP) at https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/CMS_EAPNC@cognosante.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/.Our state telephone number for inquiries is (336) 310-8874
Enrollment Assistance Personnel (EAP) Program link for further information:
OPPORTUNITY TO BECOME A HEALTH EQUITY AMBASSADOR
Rebecca Bross | rebecca.bross@cancer.org
We would like to invite you and fellow community leaders to join in American Cancer Society’s growing movement to empower diverse leaders as Health Equity Ambassadors. Please click HERE to RSVP for our July 8th training, starting at 9AM.
The goal of the Health Equity Ambassador program is to promote cancer health equity and reduce cancer screening disparities through community outreach and education. As advocates for health equity, we, at the American Cancer Society, know that education is an important piece to obtaining better health outcomes for us all. With education as one of the pillars of the Collaboration for Equitable Health, we will gather community-based and faith-based organizations for a facilitated health equity ambassador training on July 8th, from 9am-1pm at the Urban League of Central Carolinas.
Please register individually if you plan to attend, as we need an adequate headcount for food and materials.
For questions email: gloria.robinson@cancer.org
American Cancer Society Health Equity Ambassador training Saturday, 7/8 from 9am-1pm @ the Urban League of the Carolinas.
For additional information: gloria.robinson@cancer.org.
LGBTQ-AFFIRMING FAITH ORGANIZATIONS & CONGREGATIONS INVITED TO BE ADDED TO AN INTERFAITH RESOURCE DIRECTORY
The Charlotte Pride Interfaith Program seeks to create an Interfaith Resource Directory listing LGBTQ-affirming faith organizations and congregations in the Charlotte area. This long-sought-after local resource will provide LGBTQ and ally community members an opportunity to learn more about LGBTQ-affirming religious organizations. Your listing will be included online, as well as in the year's Charlotte Pride Magazine resource directory.
OTHERS ON THE CALL (as time allows)
JEN RUPP - WORKFORCE OPPORTUNITY MEETING
1st Week of August via Microsoft Team Jennifer Rupp | Jennifer.Rupp@mecklenburgcountync.gov
JOHN GIAMPAOLO – ALLIANCE HEALTH
Alliance Health is now providing traumatic brain injury waiver to individuals 18 years or older
To learn more about the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver through Alliance Health. Please contact me via email at jgiampaolo@alliancehealthplan.org or on y cell (704) 677-9676. We are offering in-person or virtual training opportunities.
SAMANTHA TURNER - NC POOR PEOPLE'S CAMPAIGN
Moral Monday Rally-Charlotte July 24th 6:30pm at the Government Center
Samantha Turner | samanthacltppc@gmail.com
PAM PEARSON – VOTE RIDERS
providing free help to obtain state ID/DL so people can vote.
Vote Riders pays fees, provides transportation, etc.
Pam Pearson | pam@voteriders.org | 704-641-4845
PRESTON GIBSON – DEMOCRACY NC
will host a Voters Rights Meeting today at 6 pm on zoom and in person at Hygge, 330 Camp Road
DIEGO TORRES – LATIN AMERICAN COALITION
August 5th upcoming Newcomer’s Resource Fair
They’ve had great success lately with workshops that provide assistance/information to newly arrived immigrants
Diego Torres | Integration@mylac.org
3. General Information
HOPE COMMUNITY CLINIC BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT Wednesday, August 16 | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Hope Community Clinic is hosting it’s 6th Annual Back to School Event on Wednesday, August 16th from 9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Free school health assessments, immunizations and vision testing will be provided for children new to CMS schools or entering kindergarten. Please call the clinic at 704-910-5810 to schedule your appointment.
CHARLOTTE CENTER FOR MINDFULNESS MEDITATION RETREAT
We have a retreat on 7/22 open to anyone who wants to come for a day of mindfulness. I'm attaching the flyer here and giving the website link in case you know places to share this info that might help make this offering available to people who could use it. This retreat is open to beginners and experienced meditators alike.
WELCOME RECEPTION FOR Rev. LINDSEY ARDREY
OPPORTUNITY TO BE A PART OF THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT TASK GROUP
Mission
Mecklenburg County is committed to making the criminal justice system more racially equitable. The County has committed to being part of the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge, a national movement to safely reduce the use of jails and address racial and ethnic disparities in criminal justice systems. The County hopes to reduce disparities within the local criminal justice system through understanding the drivers of our current disparities and creating new policies and practices to address those disparities.
Purpose
In order to achieve the mission above, strong community relationships are vital to build trust, ensure transparency, and safeguard the inclusion of all the unique voices that make up Charlotte.
Vision
The Criminal Justice Community Engagement Task Group will serves as a liaison between the community and the criminal justice system to help improve county-citizen relationships and create a more equitable system.
Task Group Structure
Two seats on the task group are reserved for Criminal Justice Advisory Group (CJAG) members, and another two are reserved for Criminal Justice Services staff members. The task group is seeking members to round out the 10 community memberships representing multiple communities in Mecklenburg County. Examples of these communities include, but are not limited to; Southeast/East Asian, African American/Black, Hispanic/Latino, LGBTQ+, persons with disabilities, faith communities, and persons with lived criminal justice experience.
Task Group Member Responsibilities
Task group meetings are held once per month. Members should expect to commit 1.5-2 hours per monthly meetings. To be in good standing, task group members must attend a minimum of 75% of scheduled meetings. Members found to not be in good standing will be asked to step down.
Goals
· Hold community forums/events (virtually or following Health Department and CDC guidance around in-person meeting capacity due to COVID) that will serve to provide additional feedback from the community, as well as provide information to the community on the work that the local criminal justice partners are doing.
· Attend and participate in meetings related to Criminal Justice.
· Provide recommendations to the Criminal Justice Advisory Group (CJAG) on specific topics, as directed by the CJAG.
· Collaborate with criminal justice stakeholders to teach a community build up and criminal justice learning series.
Compensation $200 stipend per meeting for community representatives.
STRATFORD RICHARDSON / ARBOR GLEN YMCA FOOD SHARE
We are excited to be able to share fresh produce and other food items with our neighbors in need. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming food shares! Monday, July 10th, 2023; 10:30-11:30am Arbor Glen Recreation Center 1520 Clanton Rd. Charlotte, NC 28217 *Please note that food may vary based on available inventory.
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
Sometimes, you hear a voice through the door calling you,
as fish out of water hear the waves,
as the hunting falcon hears the drums.
Come back, come back.
Turning toward what you deeply love saves you.”
-Rumi
Next meeting:
July 20th - Thursday at 11 a.m.
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