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March 26, 2026 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting

  • Writer: meckmin
    meckmin
  • Mar 12
  • 19 min read

Updated: Mar 27

Welcome to MeckMIN's Thursday Zoom Check-In Meetings


These meetings are open to anyone interested in supporting compassionate community response, especially in partnership with the most vulnerable among us. 


Meetings are held online every other Thursday from 11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Email LeDayne Polaski for Zoom access code. In addition, if you would like to receive notification when these minutes are posted, please email LeDayne and ask to be added to the Thursday meetings email list.



You can find the recording HERE


58 participants



OPENING REFLECTION


That’s all nonviolence is – organized love. ~ Joan Baez


MECKMIN UPDATES 

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


THURSDAY MEETINGS 

We are meeting in 2026:


  • Apr 9

  • Apr 23

  • May 7

  • May 21

  • No meetings in June 

  • July 16

  • July 30 


Sacred Systems: Cultivating Trauma-Informed Care Across Faith Traditions

Led by Rev. Kyndra Frazier, LMSW, M. Div, DODC Candidate  Saturday, April 25 | 9am-1PM | Caldwell Presbyterian Church | 1609 5th Street


In a time when difference can feel threatening and dialogue can quickly turn divisive, how do we remain grounded, courageous, and connected? 


If trauma disrupts belonging, then trauma-informed care becomes the condition that makes sacred encounter possible. Join us for an immersive, highly interactive training designed to strengthen our collective capacity to stay human together — especially across faith, culture, theology, and lived experience.


This experience will help you move from brace space to brave space — where nervous systems settle, differences are honored, and leadership becomes restorative rather than reactive.


In this training you will:

  • Deepen Self-Awareness

    • Understand how trauma lives in the body — and how it shapes communication, leadership, and spiritual community.

  • Strengthen Your Capacity for Dialogue

    • Learn practical tools to remain regulated in the midst of tension, identity, and difference.

  • Navigate Sacred Tension Wisely

    • Explore how to manage the “both/and” realities of justice and harmony, tradition and innovation, certainty and curiosity.

  • Build Trauma-Informed Communities

    • Discover how to cultivate structures that promote safety, dignity, transparency, and belonging — not just in theory, but in practice.

  • Leave With Tangible Practices

    • Walk away with tools you can immediately apply in your congregation, organization, or leadership context.


This training welcomes clergy, lay leaders, organizers, educators, and anyone committed to building spiritually grounded, emotionally intelligent communities. Together, we will strengthen our capacity to serve the common good through understanding, compassion, and justice.


Register today and help cultivate sacred systems in a divided world.







Building Bridges – Affiliate membership is a win/win!

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

 

Houses of faith can also become members and receive the same benefits. 



Building Bridges: Matching Gift — Every Gift Doubled

We’re in the final weeks of our Building Bridges Campaign to raise $35,000 for programming. Through March 31, every donation will be matched 100% by generous supporters, doubling your impact. We are 85.9% of the way toward our goal. We have $4,927.60 to go. If you can make a donation by March 31 to help, we’d be so grateful!


 

On May 7 at 7:30 AM, community leaders, faith partners, nonprofits, and civic stakeholders will gather for MeckMIN’s annual Community Leader Awards Breakfast at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church.


This is more than an event. It’s a visible demonstration that collaboration across faiths and communities makes our community stronger.Each year, over 400 attendees join us to:

  • Honor individuals advancing unity and justice

  • Celebrate meaningful partnerships

  • Strengthen relationships across lines that too often divide us

  • Invest in a more connected community Charlotte

  • Enjoy each other's company 


Why Sponsor?

Your sponsorship does three powerful things:

  1. Amplifies your leadership: Your organization is recognized as a visible supporter of interfaith collaboration and community cohesion.

  2. Strengthens trusted networks: This breakfast brings together decision-makers, faith leaders, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates in one room.

  3. Advances real impact: Proceeds directly support MeckMIN’s year-round work building bridges across faith communities and serving our most vulnerable neighbors.

 

Click HERE to see Sponsorship Opportunities



MECKMIN TALKS & TRAININGS:

MeckMIN is a rich resource for organizations, houses of faith and schools to bring in knowledgable and approachable people from different faiths and backgrounds. We also offer a number of training programs. Check out our webpage or download the flyer.


Conflict Transformation

• Curious Questions: A Tool for Conflict Transformation (45 to 60 minutes )

• How Do I Convince Them? Skills and Mindsets for Effective Conversations When We Disagree (45 to 60 minutes )

• Mainstreams and Margins: A Tool for Conflict Transformation (45 to 60 minutes )

• "A Quality of Relationship": A Theology of Transforming Conflict (30 minutes)

• Tools for Analyzing Conflict (45 to 60 minutes )

• What’s Your Conflict Style and Why Does It Matter? (45 to 60 minutes )

• Introduction to Conflict Transformation (3 to 4 hours)


Deeper Conversations

• 100 Word Autobiography: A Tool for Deeper Conversations (45 to 60 minutes )

• Curious Questions: A Tool for Deeper Conversations (45 to 60 minutes )

• Photo Language: An Interactive Tool for Deep Group Conversation (can be used for a variety of topics) (45 to 60 minutes)


Diversity and Pluralism

• Moving from Diversity to Pluralism (45 to 60 minutes )

• Interfaith Panel for the Workplace (45 to 60 minutes)

• Interfaith Panel for Schools (45 to 60 minutes)

• Young Adults Interfaith Panel (45 to 60 minutes)

All panels can be offered as part of an interactive workshop of 2-3 hours


Trauma

• Racism: Trauma and Resilience (3-4 hours)

• Trauma Awareness and Resilience: Breaking Cycles of Harm (3-4 hours)


Taking Action

• Activism 101: What’s my Role in Creating Change? (90-120 minutes)

• Social Change: Creating Movements that Create Change (90-120 minutes)


School Panels: 

For Teachers and Administrators:


For Students:


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. 



OTHER INTERFAITH OPPORTUNITIES 


Mindful Meditation Events

*Buddhist Meditation Half-Day Retreat  Saturday, March 28, 2pm - 5pm

The Oasis: “We Are Born For This” - a half-day Buddhist meditation retreat for uncertain and unraveling times. Come and experience Buddhist practices to awaken us to our shared calm, peace, and humanity. Experience for yourself why, despite feelings to the contrary, we are born for this. Retreat from 2pm - 5pm on Saturday, March 28, in the Oasis (Chaplains’ Office, 4th Floor, Union). Optional tea and conversation from 5pm - 6pm. Come for part or all. See you there!  



*Mindful Nature Experience Sunday, March 29, 3pm - 5pm, Erwin Lodge 

Feeling overwhelmed and disconnected? Spending time in nature through mindful activities such as deep listening, mindful walking, and gentle breathing can provide a space for reconnection and rejuvenation. Come to Erwin Lodge on Sunday, March 29, from 3pm - 5pm for a Mindful Nature Experience. No background necessary. Just a desire to spend some time in nature and reconnect with yourself and others! 


Note: There is limited parking at Erwin Lodge. Feel free to come directly to the Lodge or park on campus and walk to it. The address is 1345 Grey Rd, Davidson, NC 28036. Google Maps doesn’t show the road that leads to the Lodge, but there is indeed a road to it. Good luck! See you there!



Public Education Advocacy Day at the NC Legislature - April 21


People of Faith for Public Schools and Pastors for NC Children invite you to join us in Raleigh on April 21st for our Public Education Advocacy Day at the NC Legislature. This is a joint event with Every Child NC and Red Wine and Blue. We will gather at Edenton Street United Methodist Church at 9am. The event should conclude by 2pm. Edenton Street UMC is located at 228 W. Edenton Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. It's a short one block walk from the church to the NC General Assembly building. We will visit with legislators and hold a press conference where Every Child NC, one of our partner organizations, will call for fully funded and resourced public schools to support all of NC's 1.5 million school children. Faith leaders are encouraged to wear stoles, collars, and/or other appropriate clerical attire. 



More information and the schedule for the day is available at: https://pastorsforncchildren.org/2026/02/10/april-21-public-education-advocacy-day/ 

THE REV. SUZANNE PARKER MILLER

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR / FOUNDER

P.O. Box 37241 Raleigh, NC 27627

Office: 919-346-6114 | Director@PastorsForNCchildren.org

Personal: 919-815-7861 





PUBLIC HEALTH UPDATES

Free NCDHHS Measles Print Materials 

 We currently have free Measles print materials (Posters and Flyers) available to order. You can order them here: https://share.hsforms.com/1tjadZ5ufTqeM-Brx661mHw5bzii


There is an email / newsletter blurb below in English and Spanish that you can share with colleagues.


Order Free Measles Print Materials Today  

Measles is spreading in North Carolina. It’s dangerous—especially for infants and children. The MMR vaccine is the most effective way to prevent measles. The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing free, printed measles educational materials for Local Health Departments, medical providers, community organizations and schools across the state to distribute in their communities. Sign up today for these newly designed materials. Your order will include posters and flyers available in English, Spanish, Russian and Ukrainian. Order your materials by March 31, 2026, to receive materials in early April to distribute in your community.   

   

To order your materials, please fill out this print materials order form by March 31, 2026.   

 

Newsletter / Email Blurb (Spanish) 

Solicita materiales impresos gratuitos sobre el sarampión   


El sarampión se está propagando en Carolina del Norte. Es peligroso, especialmente para bebés y niños. La vacuna contra el sarampión, las paperas y la rubéola (MMR, por sus siglas en inglés) es la forma más efectiva de prevenir el sarampión. El Departamento de Salud y Servicios Humanos de Carolina del Norte está proporcionando materiales educativos impresos y gratuitos sobre el sarampión para que los departamentos de salud locales, proveedores médicos, organizaciones comunitarias y escuelas de todo el estado los distribuyan en sus comunidades. Regístrate hoy para recibir estos nuevos materiales.  Cada orden incluye carteles y volantes. Los materiales están disponibles en inglés, español, ucraniano y ruso.  

Solicita los materiales antes del 31 de marzo de 2026 para recibirlos a principios de abril y distribuir en tu comunidad.    

   

Para solicitar estos materiales, llena este formulario de pedido de materiales impresos antes del 31 de marzo de 2026.  


Kim Adamski

Social Impact Campaigns Implementation Director

 Neimand Collaborative 

Cell: 502-655-7588




MECKLENBURG COUNTY UPDATES


 

The Mecklenburg County Public Health Office of Violence Prevention invites you to the following learning opportunities. All of these are offered through South Piedmont AHEC and include continuing education credits.

 

2026 Child Abuse Prevention Symposium

The hybrid 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Symposium aims to elevate collaboration and multidisciplinary interactions among professionals dedicated to addressing child maltreatment in the Greater Charlotte region and neighboring counties. This symposium will enhance participants' professional skills and knowledge by providing the latest information on the prevention, recognition, and investigation of child abuse. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the psychological, cultural, and socioeconomic factors that contribute to child abuse, ensuring they are equipped with the most current and comprehensive insights in the field.

 

Date: Friday, April 10, 2026

Time: 8:30am – 3:00pm

Location: In-Person at South Piedmont AHEC, 5039 Airport Center Parkway or Virtual via Zoom

Fee: $40

For more information and to register: 2026 Child Abuse Prevention Symposium

 

The 20th Annual Youth Violence Prevention Conference: Overexposed & Unfiltered - Examining the Intersection Between Social Media and Violence

Today's youth are constantly bombarded by violent social media content, even when they are not looking for it. Messages range from graphic real-life shootings from far-off places, to menacing threats from right around the corner. These can be real sources of stress and anxiety for youth and ones that significantly shape their views on, and responses to, violence.This year's conference focuses on this intersection between social media and youth violence, helping conference participants to better appreciate the potential dangers of overexposure to violence social media. Through keynote addresses, panel discussions, and breakout sessions, educators, caregivers, professionals, and peers will acquire practical skills and strategies that can be immediately employed to help youth build resilience and successfully navigate not only social media, but the "real world" around them as well.

 

Date: Friday, April 24, 2026

Time: 8:00am – 3:30pm

Location: Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, 3400 Beatties Ford Road

Fee: $75

 


SAVE THE DATE! ReCAST II Third Annual Resilience Summit: Engaging Youth to Shape Stronger Futures

The ReCAST II Resilience Summit brings together youth, community leaders, educators, and system partners for a youth-centered convening focused on collective resilience.This summit will explore how authentic youth engagement, cross-sector collaboration, and strength-based strategies can reduce the impacts of stress, trauma, and community violence while fostering belonging, hope, and resilience.Through keynote presentations and interactive sessions, the summit will highlight:• The importance of youth voice in strengthening community resilience• Collective approaches that support families, schools, and communities• Healing centered practices that honor culture, identity, and lived experience• Practical strategies for engaging youth in shaping safer, healthier futures.

Date: Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm

Location: UNC Charlotte Cone Center

Fee: $25

Registration opening soon

 

ReCAST II Mental Health Training Opportunities

Join the ReCAST II Mecklenburg team for Child Adult Relationship Enhancement (CARE), FosterCARE, or Resilience & Thriving: The Secret Power of Stress workshops. All are in-person at South Piedmont AHEC, 5039 Airport Center Parkway unless otherwise indicated.

 

Multiple dates available:

Culture of CARE: April 17 or July 14 from 8:30am – 12:30pm

FosterCARE: May 5 from 8:30am – 12:30pm 

Resilience & Thriving: June 11 from 9:00am – 10:30am or August 13 (virtual) from 9:00am – 10:30am

Learn more and register here: AHEC Course Catalog



NONPROFIT UPDATES 

Transportation Question - An attendee asked for a resource for senior adults who need transportation support but don’t have Medicaid - If you have ideas, please email meckmin@meckmin.org 



A Binding Truth Screening at First Presbyterian


A BINDING TRUTH, April 12, 12–2 p.m., Fellowship Hall – Join us for a powerful documentary about two Myers Park High School students who uncovered a shocking surprise 40 years after high school involving their families and slave ownership. This story aired nationwide on PBS and tells the story of two men who embark on a journey of healing, restoration, and, eventually, brotherhood. The featured pair will be with us for a discussion following the film, and there will be free parking and a light lunch! Please Register: Sign Up




GUN SURRENDER EVENT

Blair Tucker

Myers Park Presbyterian Church is partnering again with RAWtools South to host an anonymous, drive-through firearm safe surrender event in May 2026.

We held our first event this past May and we learned a great deal and are excited to expand this effort into a broader, community-wide initiative. Our goal is to build meaningful relationships throughout Charlotte and to create a safe, welcoming space for anyone wishing to surrender firearms responsibly.


For context, RAWtools South works to “disarm hearts and forge peace” by turning guns into garden tools — transforming instruments of harm into tools for growth. Their mission aligns deeply with our shared commitment to community well-being and nonviolence.  www.rawtools.org


We’re reaching out to service and faith communities, as well as anti-violence groups to connect and listen, hoping to create meaningful partnerships to help the event grow. If you or anyone in your organization would be open to a brief phone call or in-person conversation, I’d love to share more about the event and hear your thoughts or suggestions. I’m also happy to visit different communities or groups to introduce the project and explore potential partnerships.  Your insights and collaboration would be invaluable!  


Thank you for considering, and I hope we’ll have the chance to connect soon. Please feel free to email me or call me any time.



Community Culinary School of Charlotte


Andy Albright, Development Lead with Community Culinary School of Charlotte (CCSC); andy@communityculinary.org>


The Community Culinary School of Charlotte (CCSC) is a nonprofit workforce development organization that provides culinary training and job placement for adults facing barriers to employment. Founded in 1997, CCSC has grown into a respected training program that equips individuals with the practical skills, discipline, and support needed to build stable, long-term careers in the food service industry. 


Mission: to transform lives through workforce training and employment pathways, with a particular focus on individuals experiencing challenges such as incarceration, homelessness, addiction, or limited access to education and job opportunities. At its heart, CCSC is about creating second chances—helping people move from instability to self-sufficiency through meaningful work. 


Students in the program receive hands-on culinary training in a professional kitchen, along with job readiness and life skills development, industry-recognized certifications, and real-world experience through the organization’s café and catering operations. The program is tuition-free and includes job placement support, while also emphasizing accountability, confidence, and personal growth so that graduates are prepared not only to secure employment but to sustain and advance in their careers. 


What sets us apart:

  • Holistic, wrap-around approach

  • Hands-on training from day 1

  • ServSafe® certification

  • Job readiness coaching

  • Career placement


A key part of sustaining this work is community engagement, and one of the most impactful ways to help is through referrals—whether by connecting potential students who could benefit from the program, introducing employers who are willing to hire graduates, or sharing the organization with individuals and groups who may support through volunteering, catering, or donations. 


Because many of those who could benefit most are not always connected to traditional pathways, word-of-mouth referrals play a critical role in extending CCSC’s reach and impact. We’re asking you to refer students to our program, hire our graduates, to offer financial support to further our work and spread the word.


I’d love to connect: andy@communityculinary.or

Community Culinary School of Charlotte

Phone: 704.375.4500

Cell: 330.807.0542

Visit: 9315 Monroe Rd Ste D, Charlotte, NC


Charlotte Center for Mindfulness


Charlotte Center for Mindfulness - Our mission is to create a warm and welcoming community, open to all, where mindfulness — with its guiding principles such as respect, compassion, non-judging and acceptance — forms the foundation of care for ourselves, for each other and for our world.


We call our happenings "offerings". Our offerings take place at Watershed Charlotte. We offer weekly meditation drop-ins on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday mornings; click here for more information. Some upcoming classes include a 4-week Intro to Mindfulness series and Relax and Be Aware, a 6-week exploration of Buddhist practice. 

We also offer sound baths, mindful drumming (drum circles), and our teachers offer Intro workshops in the community. You can check out ccmindful.org for more information. If you have any questions or thoughts, please email Lindsay and IV at info@ccmindful.org.


Our website - ccmindful.org



CATAWBA RIVERKEEPER: H. 369, the parking lot bill

Ryan Carter

Policy Director

(980) 297-2186 

My team is spearheading the efforts behind H. 369, the parking lot bill, and are gearing up for a final push in the NC Legislative Short Session at the end of April.


As the child of a church staffer, I remember how parking minimum restrictions were on ministry. I have recently learned about the "Yes In God's Backyard" movement and have learned about how parking minimums for houses of faith restrict their ability to build affordable housing on their property.


I wanted to see if you had any contacts in the "YIGBY" movement who might be willing to connect to learn more about our effort and possibly join us in Raleigh for a lobby day in support of the bill. We received a generous grant to host the gathering so we would cover the costs for participation. 


  • Parking- NC General. This is our standard handout for the bill.

  • Piedmont Promise H369 Overview. This is our whitepaper that provides narrative explanation of the bill.

  • Piedmont Promise H369 Text Analysis. This is the bill language with our annotations.



Ryan Carter

Policy Director

Catawba Riverkeeper® is a member of Waterkeeper Alliance, Inc.

Riverkeeper is a registered trademark of Riverkeeper, Inc., and is licensed for use herein.



Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte

Beth Morrison-North, MPA Cell (704) 898-5338


Community Dialogue April 8th

Rise to Rebuild has an upcoming event, a Community dialogue on the assertion that your genetic code may predict disease, but your zip code predicts your chances of surviving it. Wednesday, April 8 at The Dubois Center at UNC Charlotte Center City

320 East 9th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202


Home Maintenance Workshops - May, June July

Once you’re in a home, you may not know how to perform basic maintenance, which over time can lead to other health issues and the possible loss of the home. Rebuild and Reclaim offers home maintenance workshops coming up Saturday, May 16, June 20, and July 18.


Beth Morrison-North, MPA Pronouns: she, her, hers

Executive Director

Rebuilding Together of Greater Charlotte

9625 Southern Pine Blvd, Suite A | Charlotte, NC 28273 Office (704) 266-1195 | Cell (704) 898-5338 beth@rebuildingtogetherCLT.org | rebuildingtogetherCLT.org


Money Magnets Club Information

Blair Tucker, Money Magnets Club info@moneymagnetsclub.org Money Magnets Club is a Charlotte-based program that equips elementary school children and their families with financial literacy and entrepreneurial skills to help build generational wealth. Founded in 2019, it serves about 200 “kidpreneurs-in-training” each year through partnerships with schools and community organizations, using a two-generation approach that engages both kids and adults. Participants gain hands-on experience in entrepreneurship, receive exposure to real-world business concepts, and earn $25 in seed funding upon completing the program. By fostering confidence, creativity, and economic understanding, the program helps position young people as future economic drivers while strengthening the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. Community members can support this work by referring families, students, and partners who would benefit from or contribute to the program.


Inviting you to an event:

CAROLINA ASCENT FC NONPROFIT DAY SOCCER BENEFIT Saturday, April 11, 20266:45 PM  9:30 PM American Legion Memorial Stadium Charlotte, NC Register: https://www.moneymagnetsclub.org/events



Kaizen Foundation of NC 

Spring Financial Literacy Class Series

Veena Sehgal Veena@tkfnc.org

Kimberly Hansley, Kimberly@tkfnc.org


We wanted to personally invite you to join our upcoming Spring Financial Literacy Class Series. This new series is offered in partnership with Pinnacle Bank Monroe. 

Registration is now open, and there are currently only 5 spaces available. Additional spaces may open depending on overall enrollment, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible.


Program Details:

Online Information SessionThursday, April 2, 2026 6:00 PM Virtual


In-Person Class Sessions Location: Pinnacle Financial Partners 1700 Dickerson Blvd.Monroe, NC 28110 In Person Class Dates: Thursday, April 16, April 23, and April 30 Time: 6:00 PM


Website Registration Link: Eventbrite LinkProgram Video Overview


Share this opportunity with others who may benefit from strengthening their financial knowledge and improving their financial stability.


If you have any questions or would like assistance with registration, please feel free to reach out. We would truly value the opportunity to continue supporting your financial journey.


Thank you again for your previous participation and engagement



Financial LIteracy Series Tickets:


Fanatics x TKFNC Volunteer Sign Up: https://forms.gle/bpKrjP5fqLi2pweBA


Kimberly M. Hansley | Executive Director & Co-Founder

PO Box 79386 Charlotte, NC 28271

Office: (980)239-1871


 





UnitedHealthcare Community Plan




Please include UnitedHealthcare Community Plan, one of the State Standard Medicaid Plans, at the next meeting. I will be presenting briefly about our UHC plan and free benefits and opportunities for collaboration.

 

Rita M. Dominguez, MPH, CHES®

Bilingual Community Engagement Lead l North Carolina Health Plan

UnitedHealthcare Community & State l 3440 Toringdon Way I Suite 350 I Charlotte, NC. 28277

(office) 952-229-2178 l (M) 704-909-9479 |(email) Rita_Dominguez@uhc.com

 


Crisis Assistance Volunteer Opportunity 

On Monday, April 6, 2026, Crisis Assistance Ministry is launching volunteer shifts at our Donation Door:


Opportunity: Donation Door Attendant

Days: Every Monday beginning April 6th

Shifts Available:

  • Morning Shift: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM

  • Afternoon Shift: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Volunteers Needed: 2 per shift (4 total per Monday)


This is a brand-new extension of our services at Crisis Assistance Ministry, and we are actively looking for committed volunteers to help us launch this initiative strong. We are especially hoping to secure volunteers for April (Volunteer Appreciation Month) and May as we get this new Monday offering off the ground.


Volunteers will greet donors dropping off new or gently used clothing and household items, help unload donations from vehicles, provide tax receipts, and represent Crisis Assistance Ministry with warmth and gratitude. The donations collected go directly to stock our Free Store, which provides families in our community with essentials at no charge.


This is a meaningful, customer-facing opportunity for anyone looking to make a tangible difference right here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg County.


If anyone is interested or knows someone who would be a great fit, please have them reach out to us directly at volunteer@crisisassistance.org.


Thank you!Ashley MedfordDirector of Faith and Community Partnerships

Main: 704.371.3000Direct Dial: 704.227.2798



OUR DAILY BREAD & SOUP at the Galilee Center

The Galilee Center is piloting a Bread and Soup Ministry - OUR DAILY BREAD & SOUP - a Tuesday morning gathering where neighbors come together in our kitchen to learn, make, and share. Beginning March 31, kitchen sessions run each Tuesday from 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM. No experience required. Just a willingness to show up, roll up your sleeves, and be with community.


There is something quietly powerful about making food together. It is education and nourishment at once. It is confidence growing in real time. It is abundance made visible in flour, water, and warmth.


Join Us in the Kitchen

 Every Tuesday

 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM

 The Galilee Center Kitchen

 Questions? Email: EDGalileeEast@gmail.com



Please join us for an in-person Know Your Rights training designed for citizen allies and community members who want to support and stand in solidarity with immigrants.

Registration is required. Please register by Friday, April 24.


Wednesday, April 29 

10 AM to 12 PM

Galilee Flag Hall

FREE


This training will cover:

  • The fundamentals of immigration enforcement

  • What to do if someone you know is detained by federal immigration agents

  • How to respond if you witness an immigration raid

  • How citizen allies can safely and effectively provide support


If you participated in one of the KYR trainings last year, content has been updated to reflect current enforcement trends, including CBP presence. There will be ample time for questions and discussion.


The training will be led by Jamilah Espinosa, Esq., immigration attorney and founder of Espinosa Law. A proud native Charlottean, Jamilah currently serves as Chair of the Latin American Coalition and is on the board of Safe Alliance.


Questions? Email EDGalileeEast@gmail.com


WellCare (soon to be Carolina Complete Health on April 1) 

WellCare has free meeting space available at our welcome room at 1610 Ashley Road, Charlotte, NC 28208 next to the Food Lion.  I will be there all day tomorrow and Monday, covering for our wonderful office coordinator, Ms. Candace. For more information contact me at douglas.macomb@wellcare.com


Care Ring 






Botswana Benefit Concert




GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 

National

Improving Children’s Access to Healthy Food

Application deadline: April 28, 2026

Grant amount: Up to $100,000 over two years

Target population: Children

Description: The Newman’s Own Foundation’s Food Justice for Kids Prize supports organizations working to improve children’s access to healthy, culturally relevant food. Funding focuses on two areas: Indigenous Food Justice initiatives that restore Indigenous food systems and support access to traditional foods, and programs that strengthen nutrition education and healthy school meals. Grants support projects that expand children’s opportunities to grow, prepare, and access nutritious foods while advancing equitable food systems.


Grants for Organizations Serving Immigrant Communities

Application deadline: April 26, 2026

Grant amount: Up to $20,000

Target population: Immigrants

Description: The Ray Solem Foundation supports nonprofit organizations helping immigrants build stable and productive lives in the United States. Current funding priorities include programs serving immigrants who are survivors of human trafficking or domestic violence, and unaccompanied immigrant youth. Grants support the continuation of ongoing services, with priority given to organizations with annual incomes under $1 million.


Protection and Security Support for Frontline Organizers

Application deadline: April 23, 2026

Grant amount: Varies

Target population: Social justice community organizers

Description: Solidaire's Janisha R. Gabriel Movement Protection Fund moves resources rapidly to protect frontline organizers facing immediate security threats, while also investing in longer-term safety infrastructure. The Fund supports movements including climate justice, electoral justice, antiwar, immigrant justice, Indigenous sovereignty, racial justice, trans liberation, and workers' rights. Eligible funding needs include crisis response teams, digital security, legal defense, mass bailouts, mental health services, physical security measures, relocation, and safety training. 


New Collaborations on Climate Change and Human Health

Application deadline: April 23, 2026Grant amount: $2,500–$50,000Target population: General populationDescription: The Burroughs Wellcome Fund's Climate Change and Human Health Seed Grants encourage new collaborations between experts working to understand, communicate, and mitigate the effects of climate change on human health. Areas of interest include linking biomedical science to climate-focused thinking, healthcare delivery outside traditional systems, and outreach and education around climate and human health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits such as academic institutions, professional societies, and advocacy organizations. Proposals must establish new partnerships between institutions, and multi-institution collaborations are strongly encouraged.


Funding for Domestic Violence Shelters

Application deadline: April 30, 2026

Grant amount: $20,000

Target population: Women and children in shelters


Description: The Mary Kay Ash Foundation's Domestic Violence Shelter Grants support emergency shelters providing critical, life-saving services to women and children escaping abusive situations. Grants are awarded to shelters with a physical facility that deliver innovative and essential services. At least one grant is awarded per state



PRAYER FOR LEADERS 

If this world is to be healed through human efforts, I am convinced it will be by ordinary people whose love for life is even greater than their fear.

Joanna Macy




NEXT MEETING: Two weeks from today - Thursday at 11 AM  




GENERAL INFORMATION 

Chosen Leadership





 
 
 

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