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June 5, 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.




Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording

68 participants




OPENING REFLECTION


A Blessing for Sharing Our Light


Across so many traditions, light is sacred. In the beginning, the Jewish tradition teaches, the light was summoned – not to erase the darkness, but to live in balance alongside it.

The Ifa tradition [West African] reminds us that light and darkness dance together, not as enemies,but as teachers.

We gather not because the world is finished, but because we are still creating it.

We come together as co-creators understanding that it is not perfection that brings light into the world, but iwa pele - good character and integrity.

Each soul here, made in the image of God, is a spark – fragile, luminous, necessary. And together, we are a constellation.

When we walk in alignment with the divine spark within us, we shine not only for ourselves, but become stars that form the beloved community.


Closing prayer at the 2025 MeckMIN Annual Awards Breakfast by the Rabbi Asher Knight and the Rev. Kyndra Frazier, MeckMIN Board Members



1. MECKMIN UPDATES 





PEOPLES OF FAITH - PILGRIMS OF HOPE | JUNE 8


Voice of the Faithful Charlotte is inviting ALL to join them on Sunday, June 8th, from 2 to 4 PM, at 4103 Shanamara Dr, Matthews 28104 to honor Pope Francis' legacy and dream of a future where we ALL are active pilgrims of hope and continue his work of creating more equitable, inclusive, and diverse faith communities.

 

Pope Francis' papacy was marked by service, dialogue, unity, humility, mercy, and compassion. He preached inclusive and equitable measures and reflected those values through his actions.





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.



Friday, August 8 and Saturday, August 9, All day




We invite middle and high school youth to register to join us for this two day summit where we will visit houses of worship, build relationships across faiths and enjoy food and fellowship with one another. 



SERVICE PROJECT:  

Saturday, July 12, 9-12 for Beds For Kids 



Please join us in serving at Beds For Kids on Saturday, July 12 from 9am-12pm. The session will accommodate up to 20 volunteers who will help in various tasks in the warehouse. Possibilities could include but are not limited to:


●  loading trucks for future deliveries

●  assembling furniture

●  moving, organizing, and cleaning furniture 


Please wear clothes suitable for work in the warehouse conditions and closed shoes.


As a note for younger volunteers who may also be interested: Volunteers must be 11 years or older to volunteer with a parent or guardian, 14 years or older to join a delivery with a guardian, or 17+ to volunteer on their own.


No previous experience is necessary, just bring your smile and a heart to serve the community! You will have an opportunity to learn more about the mission of Beds For Kids, the impact they make, and how to help that day. 


When: Saturday, July 12, 9-12 

Where: Beds For Kids, 4200 Revolution Park Drive

Duration: 3 hrs 

Open to: All including families

Sign up HERE



MECKMIN TALKS AND TRAININGS






Rev. Christopher Czarnecki | revchris@holycovenantucc.org

Senior Pastor | Office: 704-599-9810, Cell: 314-402-8167


On 6/22 from 1-3 pm, Holy Covenant United Church of Christ, PBS North Carolina and Working Films invite you to a screening and discussion of the film ”American Coup: Wilmington 1898”.  The documentary tells the little-known story of a deadly race massacre and carefully orchestrated insurrection in North Carolina’s largest city in 1898 — the only coup d’état in the history of the U.S.


A panel discussion will follow the film featuring: 

  • Justin Perry, LCSW: Founder and therapist at Perry Counseling, Healing and Recovery, Perry seeks to provide healing and end stigma in his work with individuals and families.  He is the co-founder of OneMECK, a grassroots organization that focuses on increased equity and integration in housing; has been a contributing columnist for the Charlotte Observer, and was named one of Charlotte Observer’s Seven to Watch in 2016.  

  • Tom Hanchett, Ph.D.: Hanchett is a community historian, author Sorting Out the New South City, and the new book Affordable Housing in Charlotte:  What One City’s History Tells Us About America’s Pressing Problem.  Charlotte Magazine calls him “Charlotte’s Dr. History” and named him a Charlottean of the year in 2015.


Please RSVP so we can ensure there is enough refreshment for all.



KNOW YOUR RIGHTS TRAINING

Tuesday, June 17 | 10 am – 12 pm | The Galilee Center (3601 Central Avenue)


The Reverend Deacon Emily Parker | EDGalileeEast@gmail.com | 704-900-5210 x323 


Please join us for a “Know Your Rights” training designed for community members who want to support and stand in solidarity with immigrants. The session will cover– fundamentals of immigration enforcement, what to do if someone you know is detained by ICE, how to respond if you witness an immigration raid, and how citizen allies can safely and effectively provide support. There will be ample time for questions and discussion.

 

The training will be led by Jamilah Espinosa, Esq., immigration attorney and the founder of Espinosa Law. She is a proud native Charlottean and is deeply committed to serving the community both inside and outside the courtroom. Jamilah currently serves as Chair of the Latin American Coalition, is on the boards of Safe Alliance, the Board of County Commissioner’s Women’s Advisory Board, and the Community Advisory Board at Care Ring. Through these roles, she works to support immigrant families, advocate for survivors, and help advance equity and access to care in our region.

 

There is no cost to attend. Please RSVP by emailing EDGalileeEast@gmail.com. Light refreshments will be provided. Feel free to bring your own lunch.  Please share this message with your friends and neighbors.


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. 





MECK COUNTY UPDATES 




Latoya Pousa (she/her), Health Program Supervisor, Office of Violence Prevention, 980-279-9989


The office shared their strategic plan with the group, including many ways that Houses of Faith can join in their work. They are looking for public and private stakeholders who will work as equal partners with community members and organizations in planning, measuring, and carrying out policies, programs, and practices to address violence in their community. Their goal is to reduce gun-related violence by 10%. This requires strong partnerships to succeed. 


Partners have several opportunities to engage including joining The Way Forward Advisory Group, the 100 Youth Advisory Council, and the Pacekeepers Academy.  In addition there are public information campaigns that can spread info via flyers and more.  If you want to re-up your commitment to the Faith in Action campaign, that is another way you can engage.  Details on all these ways to collaborate can be found in their annual report.

faith leaders join this team which will offer oversight and advice. 





COUNTY: UPCOMING FREE MENTAL HEALTH TRAININGS

CARE TRAINING


Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) is a trauma-informed way for any adult to interact with any child or teen. It seeks to increase positive child-adult interaction, child compliance, and child engagement. CARE uses ideas and skills derived from evidence-based, positive parenting programs. CARE is not therapy but can complement ongoing therapeutic services. Participants will learn a skillset that will enhance child-adult relationships in any setting and with a multitude of child populations, ages 2-18.

 

Date: Friday, June 6

Time: 8:30am - 12:30pm

Location: South Piedmont AHEC, 5039 Airport Center Pkwy

Register here - CEU credits are available.

 

OR

 

Date: Saturday, June 21

Time: 10:00am – 2:00pm

Location: The River, 1601 Ranch Rd., Charlotte, NC 28208

 

FosterCARE TRAINING


FosterCARE is an adaptation of Child-Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE) that speaks to the unique challenges of children and families involved in the foster care system and the adults who support them.

 

Date: Monday, June 16

Time: 8:30am - 12:30pm

Location: South Piedmont AHEC, 5039 Airport Center Pkwy

Register here - CEU credits are available.

 

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: Blended In-Person


This training is for any caring adult (school staff, coaches, camp counselors, youth group leaders, parents, caregivers, etc.) who interacts with youth 12-18 years old and would like to learn how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges.

 

Date: Saturday, June 14

Time: 9am-3pm

Location: The Connecting Place at Greater Salem, 5318 Salem Church Rd., 28216

Register here by June 2: 

 

ADULT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID: Blended In-Person


Jessica Montana, Health Program Supervisor, 980-312-4897

Adult MHFA 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.

 

Date: Friday, July 25

Time: 9am – 4pm

Location: The Connecting Place at Greater Salem, 5318 Salem Church Rd., 28216

Register by July 10






Reynard Washington


Measles spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes and others breathe that air. You can get measles just by being in a room where a person with measles has been. This can happen even up to 2 hours after that person has left.


It is so contagious that if one person has it, 9 out of 10 people of all ages around him or her will also become infected if those people are not vaccinated. Visit the CDC's About Measles webpage for more information about measles, including symptoms, complications, and vaccine recommendations.


There is an urgent need to spread the word about being up to date on your measles vaccines.  Please share information with your communities. YOu can find more information including symptoms and treatments on the County website.





CITY OF CHARLOTTE



WANT TO BUILD A SMALL HOME ON YOUR PROPERTY? Let the City Help



The City of Charlotte is preparing to launch a new program to help property owners (owner-occupants and non-occupant property owners) create Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) — small rental or guest units like garage apartments, basement suites, or backyard cottages— and we want to keep you in the loop!

Whether you're planning to convert a garage, build a detached unit, or create a rental-ready space, this program is designed to provide financial assistance and support throughout the process.

Sign up now to:

  • Stay updated on program launch dates

  • Learn about eligibility and application requirements

  • Get early access to resources and funding details


Please complete Interest Form. Your responses will help us better understand community interest and notify you as soon as the application opens.



2. NONPROFIT UPDATES 




COMMUNITY BUILDING INITIATIVE: LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS and COMMUNITY BUS TOUR




CBI has been building belonging here in Charlotte Mecklenburg for more than 25 years. We have several programs that can support your work and your development as a leader. 


Leadership Programs: We have two signature leadership development programs: LEC and LU40. Both are year-long initiatives that meet once a month. Participants come from many sectors of our community – business, government, non-profit and others.  LEC works with established community leaders, and LU40 typically involves community leaders under 40 years of age. Neither program is exclusive, and we’ve had many participants who start with LU40 and then sign up for LEC to continue their journey.  But each program stands alone as well as potentially being a cumulative experience. We hope you will consider joining us. Every participant valuable lived experience to the conversations, and the friendship bonds created, and skills developed last long after the 12 month curriculum.  LEC:  https://cbicharlotte.org/programs/lec/


The next CBI Community Bus Tour is Friday June 6th. These bus tours are led by community historians and interactively explore our collective history and how decisions made in the past are impacting our present and our future.  Tomorrow’s bus tour will be led by John Howard (Charlotte Mecklenburg Historic Landmarks Department) and Brandon Lunsford (Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation).  We’ve still got a few seats available so register quickly. We also can arrange for a private bus tour for your congregation or community.




Check out our Community Calendar featuring events that align with our mission to build belonging. If you have an event that you think would be a good fit – feel free to send it to me and I’ll get it posted on our calendar. 



VETERANS BRIDGE HOME'S MISSION and RESOURCES



Paul Bill | Community Engagement Manager | 704-353-7165 cell: 619-203-7010


Veterans Bridge Home is a committed advocate for service members, veterans, and their families, striving to create stronger communities one veteran at a time. With a mission to connect, lead, and advocate, we focus on providing tailored support services, fostering community integration, and building cross-sector partnerships to ensure that every veteran is supported, connected, and respected. Through a proven process of engagement, care, connection, advocacy, and celebration, Veterans Bridge Home upholds its promise that every veteran matters and is an integral part of our community.


We serve Anson, Alexander, Burke, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, Union & Wilkes counties with a variety of services including: 


We depend on our partners to help support our veterans. Veterans are often looking for multiple services when they come in: financial services, to housing, to employment, to medical.


Summary of our events Calendar. This includes a great opportunity  next week: the Uptown Veterans Networking Lunch (CLT-11 June) featuring Col. Royal Mortenson.


Volunteers are essential to our mission, supporting community events, welcoming  visitors and staff, and providing behind-the-scenes administrative support. There are four ways to connect without team:


  • Become a Battle Buddy: Battle Buddies receive basic mental health training to support them as they support friends. The training can equip you to know the difference between a bad day and a situation that requires more professional help.

  • Volunteer as a Group: If you are a group, or ERG/BRG looking to volunteer at the Center please contact Aaron our VP of Employment at aharper@veteransbridgehome.org. 

  • Volunteer for an event: Support the operational functions of Veterans Bridge Home events as well as community events. These volunteers are not asked to commit to any certain number of hours and are only emailed when their support is needed.

  • Deliveries and Transportation- provide transportation to appointments and or assist with delivering items.








August 23 | 11-4 | Amity Medical, 9835 Monroe Rd.



Michelle Clark | Community Outreach and Event Coordinator 


Amity Medical Group is having a back to school resource event on August 23rd, from 11AM-4PM at our Monroe Road clinic. There will be many services available including sports physicals for students, vaccinations, health screenings, dental screenings, and HIV testing. We also plan to secure a mobile OBGYN unit. In addition, over 10 nonprofits and community organizations will be there to provide non-medical resources. Kids will be entertained by arts and crafts and a DJ and the whole family can purchase a meal from the food trucks. The event is free of charge- both to attend, to participate, and to be a vendor.




Kayanna Johnson | kjohnson@habitatcltregion.org 


Habitat of the Charlotte region is a great place to focus on helping Western NC and our own community. We have many ways you can get involved.


  • New Home Construction We are always in need of new construction volunteers over the summer months when the temperatures are hottest! If you or a group are interested, reach out to volunteer@habitatcltregion.org. We have a critical need for the following shifts: 

    • June 27th – 8-4pm (Trim – 12 people)

    • June 28th – 8-4pm (Framing – 15 people, Paint/Punch – 8 people, Framing Punch – 12 people, Drywall – 20 people)

    • July 2nd – 8-4PM (Floor Trusses – 12 people)


Individual volunteers Visit the Shift Search Page. To search for shifts, press ‘search’ button. Check desired shift(s) and click “select” at the bottom of the page. You will need to login or create a new account.


Group volunteers Email volunteer@habitatcltregion.org  with which of the shifts listed above you would be interest in. Please include the group name and group lead name, email, and which day, shift task, and number of people you plan to bring.

 

If you don’t find a shift you are interested in or have any questions, please feel free to reach out to volunteer@habitatcltregion.org. 


  • ReStore

    Our many ReStores across the region are always in need of volunteers. As a restore volunteer you may assist with helping to unload donated household items, organize, and clean the donations, place the items on the sales floor, maintain the cleanliness and organization of the store, and assist customers with carry-outs after purchase.  If you or a group are interested, utilize the following steps to sign up or reach out to volunteer@habitatcltregion.org. Individuals interested in signing up can also visit the Shift Search Page and follow the instructions laid our previously. Groups can fill out the Group Interest form.     

  • Western North Carolina

In the wake of the devastation of Hurricane Helene in Western NC, Habitat of the Clt region has partnered with Western NC Habitat affiliates to focus on recovery. Together we are rebuilding homes, repairing infrastructure, and supporting affected communities.

We are looking for volunteers to help with building in Western North Carolina on 6/24, 6/26, 7/1, 7/2, and 7/3. These shifts have been posted on the website and can be accessed by visiting our group search page. You can search using Group Number: 8285 and select “Disaster Relief Volunteers”.  Then search for shifts by using the “search” button. Click on your desired shifts and then “Select” at the bottom of the page.  You will have to login or create a new account.


If you have further questions about Western North Carolina please reach out to cdubulis@habitatcltregion.org 

 





Lauren Smith, Program Director at BraveWorks | lauren@braveworks.org

Aliyah Bradley | aliyah@braveworks.org 


We are a non-profit that has been working in Charlotte for over 13 years. We teach women skills in jewelry production and other artisanal creations to provide supplemental income for these women, as well as an income stream for our organization.


The women served, called artisans, are referred by non-profit community partners as they seek to overcome situations such as human trafficking, abuse, addiction, incarceration, generational poverty, and ethnic persecution.


Once in our program, they create an Artisan Empowerment Plan that documents their physical, emotional, and spiritual growth dreams for the future. The plan breaks their dream down into achievable goals and begins with three basic work readiness milestones: Arriving to work on time, having a good attitude, and working diligently at assigned tasks. We then connect the artisans to employment opportunities and other resources in the local community as needed to reach milestones and accomplish goals around employment, education, housing, continued sobriety, financial literacy, ESL, supportive community, emotional health, and skill development.


We wanted to bring your attention to two of our programs:

  • ETCH (Earn, Train, Connect, Heal) Dilworth and East locationsThis 3-6 months training program is offered onWednesdays from 10am-2pm or Fridays from 10am-2pm to women overcoming trauma as well as refugees and immigrants. We utilize creativity in jewelry-making to elicit healing and transformation while teaching job-readiness skills, financial literacy, emotional health, and language development. A stipend is provided for attendance and participation. Childcare and lunch are also provided.

  • EMERGE (Economic Mobility in Experiential Training Resulting in Growth and Employment) This 13-week program is open to the entire community and trains clients in retail, inventory and other career development opportunities. Offered Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am-2pm, clients are trained in customer service, retail, POS, merchandising, order fulfillment, and personal development for the workplace. Upon graduation they are offered a pathway to employment with Lowe's or Harris Teeter. A stipend is provided for attendance and participation 


If you want to support our work in other ways, we invite you to shop at our Dilworth historic location which can also be reserved for events. 




FEEDING CHARLOTTE


Rich Armenia | rich@feedingcharlotte.org | (704)654-9667


We rescue surplus, freshly prepared meals to reduce food waste and feed the hungry.  Unfortunately, right now we have to turn down many food donors because we are so short of drivers! 


We NEED YOU to jump in! Sign up as a Food Rescue Driver, grab food runs whenever you’ve got a spare moment using our app, and have a BLAST saving food!  Spread the word—tell your friends to join the fun! We have needs from Charlotte, to Concord, to Fort Mill, to Gastonia and beyond. This is a great opportunity for senior citizens as well.


See our mission video for more information: https://youtu.be/vJkOsTd0bPQ?si=8SKIdH8QkqGtu4rT







Green Faith is a multifaith grassroots organization focused on Climate Justice. At a time when our political leaders are actively denying climate change, undoing protections for people and the planet, and threatening our democracy, it is time for people of faith to take bold, moral action. 


One important way we can respond is by decreasing the world’s dependence on the extraction and burning of fossil fuels and leading the way to an equitable transition to renewable forms of energy.  Solar energy is now the cleanest and cheapest way you can power your home or business. It’s affordable, reliable, and it’s good for your family’s health and their future. It’s the fastest-growing source of energy in the world.  


Powerful interests are doing their best to stop the energy transition at every turn. That’s why GreenFaith is encouraging people of faith everywhere to participate in Sun Day – a national mobilization, on the weekend of September 21, 2025, to celebrate the power of solar and wind energy and stand up to the wealthy and well-connected who are doing everything they can to stop this transition.


Green Faith has prepared a toolkit with detailed guidance on actions to spread the word and participate.  We hope you will use it to connect on social media, secure images for the event and more. 


Follow us on the socials to stay informed about our mobilization: Instagram, Facebook, X. 



Friday 6/18 from 9-2 at Greater Bethel AME Church


The Mobile Free Pharmacy provides individuals and families who are low-income with free over-the-counter medicine. NC MedAssist collaborates with community partners to organize free events throughout the state. Individuals receive items that include, but are not limited to pain relief, cold and cough medicine, allergy, digestive, vitamins, and even children’s medicines. The primary purpose of this event is to identify participants who may qualify for the free prescription pharmacy program. Please sign up to order in advance so we can be sure to have what you need.


REBUILDING TOGETHER of GREATER CHARLOTTE


Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte has a volunteer opportunity next Wed-Thurs. We’re providing facility repairs and improvements for Charlotte Bilingual Preschool - learn more and sign up here: https://rebuildingtogetherclt.my.salesforce-sites.com/rtsp__NP_PersonalSiteJobListing?jobId=a0TRn00000uNRNh&nMonthsToShow=12 




HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY UPDATES




Alan Luis | Coordinator of Supplies & Deliveries | (828) 808-7311

Angeli Sosa | Relief Grants & Funding | (954) 774-0467


Colaborativa La Milpa is a collaborative of grassroots organizations, based in the Emma community of Buncombe County, NC, that has come together to share resources in ways that allow everyone to have greater impact and sustainability.


You are invited to support our work in a number of ways:

  • Volunteer: To volunteer for La Milpa, please fill out this form. Once we have your information - and the information for any friends you may want to include - we will contact you about ways to sign up as a volunteer at the Market. 

  • Financial support: Money will always be a useful way to support us! The House of Mutual Aid is a member of the Collaboration La Milpa: https://www.colaborativalamilpa.org/donate. By supporting La Milpa, you are supporting our Mutual Aid program . You can donate online or we can find a time to meet in person. 

  • Food: The biggest needs we have are fresh foods, fruits and vegetables. Also meats and essentials for cooking including vegetable and canola oil, sugar, coffee, vinegar, salt, and maseca or cornmeal. Small packages are best as they can be distributed to more families. We are unable to repackage items so please do not donate large containers that will then have to be shared with only one family.

  • Household goods: We are looking for medications and cleaning supplies of all types, in containers appropriate for individual families.


The Free Market serves around 400 families a week so any connections to consistent donations would be so helpful! However, even a one time donation is so appreciated! 


We are able to receive truck loads with pallets as we have a forklift and loading dock. We can accept donations any days of the week except Tuesday and Saturday and we are located in the Emma neighborhood off of Patton Ave. With coordination, our team is also able to go and receive materials with trucks and a trailer. 



THE PRESBYTERY'S DISASTER RESPONSE TEAM NEEDS


The Disaster Relief Team Warehouse is working with a drop site in Clyde, NC providing hurricane relief. There is a continual need for paper products, non-perishable food and dog food. This site is aiding victims of the hurricane destruction that are still currently living in trailers and automobiles. Any donations of paper products, non-perishable food and/or dog food would be greatly appreciated. These donations can be made via Amazon, Chewy, Walmart or other sites and can be directly shipped to:

Camp Restore Hope and Blue Collar Relief

276 Chambers Mountain Road

Clyde, NC 28721



SURVIVOR ASSISTANCE: PRIVATE ROADS and BRIDGES


NC Emergency Management is accepting interest forms for assistance with private roads and bridges (PRB)

  • If you have a private road, culvert, pipe, or bridge that was damaged or destroyed following Tropical Storm Helene and you are located in an eligible county, please fill out the NC-PRB Interest Form.

  • Click HERE for more information or if you need assistance.



GENERAL INFORMATION




JOB OPPORTUNITY - FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH


Part time Administrative Assistant - Operations



VACCINES THROUGH VACCINES FOR CHILDREN PROGRAM


The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services launched a new interactive VFC provider map to help eligible North Carolina families more easily find free childhood vaccines in their area through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program. This searchable online map includes all VFC providers across North Carolina. The map is easily accessible through a new, user-friendly URL: VaccinesForKids.nc.gov. Available in Spanish at VacunasParaNinos.nc.gov


Key features of the new VFC provider map include:

  • Easy search by city or ZIP code

  • Direct links to local VFC providers 

  • Ability to sort by provider type

  • Availability in Spanish at VacunasParaNinos.nc.gov

As North Carolina families prepare for summer camps and school registration requirements, NCDHHS is reminding parents that free, age-appropriate childhood vaccines are available for eligible children and adolescents through VFC providers statewide.


 In addition to the map, families can:

  • Check eligibility for free vaccines

  • Access clear, up-to-date information on required and recommended vaccines

  • Find answers to common questions about vaccine safety and more


Visit VaccinesForKids.nc.gov to learn more and find local doctors’ offices and clinics that provide free childhood vaccines through the VFC program today.



JUNE Atrium Health CARE EVERYWHERE Calendar

Our Mobile Primary Care team is working hard to increase access to primary care for populations that have historically not felt they had access options.


Mobile Primary Care June Schedule Updates

We have updated our June calendar. Please see the attachment.  Due to staffing shortage, the North Unit sites will temporarily close. We will resume with our regular schedule once we receive appropriate coverage. 

 

Clinic Hours

North and South Mobile Unit Operation Hours - 9:30am - 4:30pm

West Mobile Unit Operation Hours - 8:30am - 3:30pm

 

We are sharing the location calendar with you in hopes that you can help us raise awareness of this option among potential patients. Please help us distribute to your teams and anyone we may have left off this list. You will note a scheduling phone number on the website.


 

Atrium mobile Care Everywhere is seeing patients ages 2 and up, walk-ins welcome, appointments  recommended. Please call 704-468-0135 to schedule an appointment.

We have bilingual staff or interpreters services for those who do not speak English. 

We have financial assistance and we can help you with the application.

  

********************************


La unidad móvil de medicina familiar Care Everywhere de Atrium Health está hoy aquí,  Ellos atienden a pacientes de 2 años en adelante, se recomienda que programe una cita con anticipación. Por favor llame al 704-468-0135. Contamos con personal bilingüe o intérpretes disponibles.

Tenemos asistencia financiera, te podemos ayudar con la aplicación.




LATIN AMERICAN COALITION 

We are several community organizations united to advocate for immigrant students and families.Join us at the upcoming CMS School Board meeting to show visible support for immigrant students and families. We are calling for:

  1. Mandatory trauma-informed training on immigration and resettlement for all teachers and staff.

  2. Educational tools and resources for families, with clear guidance for school staff to provide accurate, non-legal information and referrals.

  3. Expanded mental health services for students and their families.


Where: Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center

Date: Thursday, June 5

Time: 6:00 PM (arrive 20–30 minutes early to sit together and coordinate)


Let’s make our voices and presence count! 





The Power of us is a Free Community Cooperative Training to be held on June 18th. There is still room but the deadline for this FREE training is approaching quickly: June 9. If you are interested in joining us for "The Power of Us: Growing Cooperative Solutions that Last" please register here: https://forms.office.com/r/pU3YZEYJ5R.. You can also help promote the event by sharing the attached PDF or by liking and sharing our Facebook and Instagram posts. 




RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS 



Launched in early 2023, The Forum is a community hub for education, training, mentoring, and collaboration for non-profit professionals. Located conveniently on Hope Haven‘s campus, we are offering cost-effective training and continuing education from top educators and presenters open to the non-profit community 


We have several upcoming trainings that may be of interest:

  • June 20: Trauma Informed Care: 9am-12. Trauma affects us all. Learn new tools and skills to ensure that you are connecting in a trauma informed way. An August 8th training will include practical application of Trauma Informed Care for more practice.

  • June 24: Advanced Motivational Interviewing: 9am-4pm A full day focused on improving and practicing effective strategies to create positive outcomes through MI. Become eligible for the 9 month MI certificate course.

  • June 27: Compassion Satisfaction: Preventing Burn out, 9-12.Re-discover your passion and compassion-- assess your burn out potential while learning new tools and skills to create more joy and prevent compassion fatigue. An essential training for all human service workers at all levels!

Check out our


and registration. CEU's available for all classes



CELEBRATE Juneteenth AT THE TEA-BAR

Thursday, June 19th, 10 am - 7 pm

As we honor this sacred moment in history - come unplug, sip tea and support local businesses and artisans who are dedicated to holistic care and wellness. Vendor participation fee is $35. Email sherry@ienate.com for more information.




GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 



HURRICANE HELENE RELATED 


Truist Foundation Western NC Recovery and Resiliency Fund


The Truist Foundation is inviting organizations that fit the below criteria and need funding for work in Western North Carolina to fill out the interest form.To learn more about completing the form, click HERE.

Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis and may request additional information as needed.

Criteria:

  • 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscal sponsors and fiscal agents on behalf of non-501(c)(3) organizations

  • Based in North Carolina or demonstrated affiliation or partnership and ongoing work in North Carolina

  • Ability to provide due diligence documentation


Click HERE for more information.



LOCAL


North Mecklenburg Women's Club


The North Mecklenburg Women's Club announces an opportunity to apply for 2025-2026 charitable contributions. The NMWC solicits applications from programs and projects that serve women, children, and families in North Mecklenburg and the surrounding communities represented by our membership.

Applications Are Due July 15



REGIONAL

 


The 2025-26 North Carolina Black Alliance Environmental Justice Mini-Grant Cohort is open to organizations working on grassroots projects elevating environmental justice and environmental health.Eligible projects include, but are not limited to:

  • Community projects addressing needs and initiatives pertaining to environmental justice;

  • Access to care, mutual aid, resiliency and recovery; 

  • Education initiatives on environmental health are eligible; 

  • Documentaries about environmental justice and environmental health.


Apply by June 8, 2025


NATIONAL


External Grant Opportunities


FRI collects and shares a range of external grant and federal funding opportunities with their extensive network of frontline communities. Click HERE to view FRI’s grant resource list. This list is updated frequently, so please check back often for up-to-date information.


Organizations Addressing Mental Health Needs Funded


Application deadline: July 1, 2025

Grant amount: $10,000 to $30,000

Description: The Saks Fifth Avenue Foundation’s mission is to make mental health a priority in every community, especially those where support is most needed. The Foundation's Local Grant Program supports U.S.-based, local organizations serving the mental health of those in need. Support will be provided for ten organizations focused on increasing awareness and education, improving access to care, and building protective factors. The Foundation aims to fund organizations serving communities with unique mental health needs, including youth, women, communities of color, and the LGTBQ+ community. Applications are accepted online.


Grants Help Communities Turn Vacant Lots Into Gardens



Application deadline: June 16, 2025

Grant amount: Ten grantees will receive $20,000 each.

Description: The Lots of Compassion Grant program, an initiative of KidsGardening and Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day, provides support in the United States, including U.S. territories, to local leaders looking to transform vacant lots into gardens to help grow compassion in their community. Supported projects should work with or serve communities with a majority of individuals that are under-resourced, have fifteen or more people participate in the garden program, and use the funds to build a garden on a vacant lot.


Grants Build Capacity for Organizations Addressing Opioid Use Disorder


Application deadline: July 2, 2025

Grant amount: Up to $75,000 per year for up to two years

Description: The Foundation for Opioid Response Efforts (FORE) is accepting applications to support U.S. community-based organizations’ capacity to address opioid use disorder and overdose mortality in local communities. The Community-Driven Responses to Opioid Use Disorder and Overdose Mortality 2025 request for proposals will fund specific activities or projects designed to strengthen an organization’s operations, leadership, technology, programmatic, and administrative capacity. Requests may propose to enhance operational effectiveness, strengthen communication, strengthen and evaluate programming, foster collaborations, or include other activities. Nonprofit and fiscally sponsored community-based organizations are eligible to apply.


Prizes Recognize Food and Nutrition Initiatives for Youth



Application deadline: July 1, 2025

Grant amount: Two $100,000 prizes and four $25,000 prizes will be awarded.

Description: The Hunger to Health Collaboratory's 2025 Prizes for Innovationrecognize organizations working to drive systemic change in food and nutrition and advance health equity for youth in the U.S. Two $100,000 prizes will be awarded to organizations advancing health equity for youth through food and nutrition policy change. In collaboration with Newman’s Own Foundation, four $25,000 prizes will be awarded to organizations working in nutrition education and school food and Indigenous food justice for youth. Nonprofit programs and projects based in the United States and focused on youth up to age 18 that align with the prize categories are eligible.





PRAYER FOR LEADERS


So, let us each be tenders of light and keepers of one another. Let us take up the sacred work of repair.

Let us live as those who honor the sacred balance between earth and sky, self and community. We are born not just to exist, but to heal, rebuild, and dream anew.

May the One who first called light into being bless us with clarity, with courage, and with the peace that comes from wholeness, justice and love.

May our ancestors guide us, and may our inner light give us the courage to choose love in the face of hate – so we may all be vessels of healing, justice and bridge building.

Amen, Asé, Ameen, Aho, Shalom.


– Closing prayer at the 2025 MeckMIN Annual Awards Breakfast by the Rabbi Asher Knight and the Rev. Kyndra Frazier, MeckMIN Board Members


Next meeting – Two weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m. – We WILL meet June 19 but then we are skipping July 3. 




NEXT MEETING: Two weeks from today – Thursday at 11 a.m.




 

 

 


 
 
 

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