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:
OPENING REFLECTION
Dorothy Day:
Love and ever more love is the only solution to every problem that comes up. If we love each other enough, we will bear with each other's faults and burdens. If we love enough, we are going to light a fire in the hearts of others. And it is love that will burn out the sonds and hatreds that sadden us.
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.
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.
WHO ARE WE AND WHAT WE DO
OUR 2024 CALENDAR
FAITH LEADER MEETING with MAYOR LYLES
Tuesday, March 19 | 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Union Seminary
Purpose: Recognizing the vital role of the clergy community in fostering community cohesion and support, the Mayor's Office, the City Manager's Office, and the Chief of Police are committed to enhancing engagement and collaboration with the clergy. The primary aim of this meeting is to address pertinent issues, gain an understanding of City programs, and determine the best ways the clergy community can support City initiatives.
Additionally, we aim to finalize the agenda for follow-up meetings, aligning with our shared commitment to sustained engagement, information sharing, and continual improvement, with active input from both the clergy and the community.
March Agenda Topics:
Fellowship: Networking
Update on Community Policing
Gun Violence prevention
Housing Trust Fund
Housing Assistance Update
Ensuring Clergy Safety During Community Events and Peacekeeping Efforts
Mayor's Race Initiative Update
The proposed agenda encompasses critical areas of discussion aimed at fostering collaboration, understanding, and support between the clergy community and the City. We believe that by addressing these topics, we can strengthen our partnership and better serve the needs of our community. We value your participation and input in this meeting. Sign up
OPEN TABLES at GALILEE MINISTRIES March 21
Join Us for the First Open Tables of 2024, March 21 | 6:30 PM | Galilee Ministries
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. Register HERE
2024 COMMUNITY LEADER AWARDS BREAKFAST
Awards Breakfast coming up: Nominations are IN, time to SPONSOR!!
May 2nd from 7:30 – 9 AM at Friendship Missionary Baptist
Presenting sponsor: $5000
Bridge Builder award sponsor: $3000
Community Leader Award sponsor: $3000
Beth Wells Interfaith Service Award sponsor: $3000
Sustaining Sponsorship: $1200
Table Sponsor: $600
Half Table Sponsor: $300
2024 Youth Events
Let us know who your youth leader is so we can loop them in and include your youth in these events. Ledayne@meckmin.org
MeckMIN + JustServe SERVICE PROJECT
Latin American Coalition/La Coalition Newcomers Resource Fair | April 13
Join us on Saturday, April 13 at the Latin American Coalition for a Newcomers Resource Fair. Looking for volunteers to help with food, medicine and clothes distribution and craft making with children. English and Spanish speaking volunteers are welcome. Families welcome with children old enough to help. Register HERE
1 SHIFT time is available:
2:00 - 4:00 PM
NONVIOLENT COMMUNICATION TRAINING
Sunday April 14 | 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. | Baha'í Center of Charlotte
Anyone interested in better communication, especially in the midst of disagreement and conflict, is invited to join us for this two-hour training. Save the date and watch for registration details soon.
Nonviolent Communication (NVC) is a form of compassionate communication that can help de-escalate and transform interpersonal, inter-group, workplace, and organizational conflicts. It is used worldwide by individuals, activists, educators, conflict specialists, diplomats, social workers, managers and others. Practicing NVC can enable us to understand ourselves, our feelings, and our needs more deeply—and open our hearts to better connect and collaborate with others. It creates a path for healing and reconciliation in many settings, including but not limited to intimate relationships, work settings, and academic settings. Participants explore empathy as a tool for transforming conflicts.
Register HERE
Sal Corbin will lead the workshop. He has worked for 15 years in academia as a Psychology Professor before transitioning to nonprofit work. He has done workforce development training and program management and is now a Training Coordinator for the Maryland Harm Reduction Institute with the Behavioral Health System of Baltimore, and Board Chair for the DC Peace Team. His vision is to help others build and maintain healthy relationships with conflict transformation as the primary focus. His extensive background in leadership facilitation supports his efforts to keep showing up and sharing. He holds degrees in Clinical (M.S.) and Educational (PhD) Psychology.
NEXT MECKMIN FAITH LEADER NETWORKING LUNCH
APRIL 18 | 11:30 AM | Union Presbyterian Seminary
REGISTER NOW for the next event which will be Thursday, April 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Union Seminary (5141 Sharon Rd Charlotte, NC 28210). We have a GREAT SPEAKER lined up who will be a perfect follow-up to Dr. Thumma's presentation. We all enjoyed SO MUCH the opportunity to come together - so this will be another great opportunity to gather together and to learn. More details soon -- we hope you'll put this on your calendar now.
MOVING MOUNTAINS IN A POST-PANDEMIC WORLD
Lesson in Demolition and Construction for Faith Leaders
In this season of change and uncertainty, communities of faith are facing unprecedented challenges. The call to question, reimagine and shift things long-believed to be foundational can be difficult. Bishop Rawls' work over the past 25 years has centered culture shifts in communities of faith and the broader community. She will be sharing some case studies and tools that can be considered when taking your work to the next level.
NEWSLETTER
If you are not yet receiving our regular email newsletter be sure and sign up here: https://www.meckmin.org/contact-us
THURSDAY MEETING MINUTES
If you are not getting the link to meeting minutes and want to sign up, just email meckmin@meckmin.org.
COMMUNITY HEALTH UPDATES
HEALTH DEPARTMENT UPDATE
-David Sweat | David.Sweat@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Covid-19 Response Unit Director
-slight improvement in Covid circulating
-still high but not as high as we were
-Centers for Disease Control recently revised all guidelines with a global guidance for all respiratory infections including Covid, flu and RSV: if you have a fever, stay home until you don’t have one for 24 hours WITHOUT taking fever-reducing medication – when have been fever-free for a day and go out, it’s still a good idea to do basic things to prevent spread like wear a mask, practice social distancing, etc.
-If you are over 65+ get a second booster even if you got one in the fall
-Only 21% of NC residents have gotten the booster
-Model getting the shots and letting people know you got it
- Talk about the ongoing risks of infection and the importance of vaccines and good health habits within your congregation or group
VIDA Pharmacy Vaccine Clinic
VIDA Pharmacy | (704) 837-4410 | myvidapharmacy.com
We wanted to share this amazing event where we've partnered with the City of Mecklenburg to offer free COVID vaccinations (for the uninsured and insured) at the Latino Community Credit Union on University Blvd.
If you or your organization may want to attend, please let us know and we can ensure we have enough COVID vaccinations to offer.
Please note that though the flyer mentions flu shots, only Covid vaccines are available.
Date: Friday, March 15, 2024
Time: 2:00 PM a 5:00 PM
Place: LCCU’s University Blvd
Branch: 8601 University City Blvd. Charlotte NC, 28213
Register with one of an LCCU representative or send an email to Charlotte3@latinoccu.org
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.
LIVING ARCHIVES EXHIBITS
Debbie Rubenstein | drubenstein@cmlibrary.org | 704-998-9579
Sarah Gherghel | sgherghel@cmlibrary.org
-a collective project containing oral stories of the pandemic
-aimed at collecting 200 stories ended up collecting 350 stories
The Living Archives has successfully collected nearly 350 stories of Mecklenburg residents persevering through the pandemic. We have created a video overview of the project. The stories were shared as oral histories, art, photography and written story. And now we want to share the stories back with the communities who trusted us.
So this Spring we are hosting 9 events in every corner of the county. Each event is a deeper dive into the exhibit which will be open and available to the public for a week or more at each location. April 11th at 11 am at Lions Services is the mural unveiling and May 16th at 6 pm at Discovery Place is the project celebration.
our YouTube channel. Thank you for all your support.
And a quick heads up for those on the call - the next event is this evening at JCSU from 5-7 with food from Chef Flii and a panel of storytellers and there is another event on Monday, March 18th at North County Regional Library from 5-7 with food and panelists. I am moderating tonight’s event so if you come, please say hello! https://cmlibrary.bibliocommons.com/v2/events?programs=5f32b49261100b2400f16069
COMMUNITY SHELTER OF UNION COUNTY
Jamie Hart | jamie@bravestep.org | (704) 361-5230, ext. 703
Survivor Outreach Coordinator
Brave Step | www.bravestep.org
Mission:
The Community Shelter of Union County provides Emergency Shelter, Food, and Rehousing. Our low-barrier services support equitable opportunities because safe, affordable housing and food security are basic human rights.
-Only full-service shelter in Union County
-Stability and human needs come first therefore do not test for drugs for assistance giving
Vision:
To end homelessness and hunger in our community.
3 Main Programs:
Emergency Shelter
Food
Rapid Rehousing
Emergency Shelter:
· 91 beds: 40 men’s, 20 women’s, 31 beds across 7 family rooms
· Average stay: 60 days
· While in emergency shelter, clients have access to 3 types of case management services: emergency case management, economic mobility and rapid rehousing.
Food:
· In our soup kitchen and dining hall, 3 meals a day/365 days a year to anyone in the community who is food insecure
· Meals to go for working clients
· Monthly drive through food pantry
· Twice monthly senior boxes
Rehousing:
· Second chance housing
· Assistance with move-in costs – provide up to 70% if the person can come up with the remaining 30%
· Post-housing case management
· 95% success rate, 5% recidivism rate
Brave Step:
Mission:
Brave Step empowers individuals who have been impacted by sexual violence. To shape a strong, supportive community, we:
· Provide personalized services that help adults impacted by sexual violence claim the life they deserve;
· Foster brave public conversations about sexual violence; and
· Cultivate courageous changemakers.
3 Main Programs:
· Adult Survivor Care – support group, empowerment programs, group therapy
· Loved Ones & Allies – psycho ed program that teaches the loved ones of people being impacted by sexual abuse
· Changemaker – provides resources that teach how we can create change (policy, advocacy, etc)
Adult Survivor Care:
· Peer-led support groups
· Individual counseling
· Empowerment programs- trauma-informed yoga, skill development, etc.
· Find Your Voice- healing through art, music, journaling, etc.
· Group therapy
Loved Ones:
Psychoeducation program:
· Teaches about the impact of sexual violence
· your role as an ally
· arm you with knowledge and skills
· offer support from others in similar experiences
Change Maker:
· Resources, training, education, virtual and in person workshops
· learn how to take brave steps within their life, family, community, workplace and beyond as it relates to sexual violence.
· Changemaker is for everyone – survivors, loved ones, policy educators, employers, and community leaders. All are impacted by sexual violence.
YOUR CULTURED CHEF
Gillian Howard | yourculturedchef@gmail.com
Culinary Arts Teaching Component that focuses on the holistic practices and benefits of food consumption. Within these targeted food insecure areas, Cultured Concepts will implement various programs that guide its inhabitants forward towards a more intentional and sustainable way of purchasing, preparing, and preserving sustenance.
● Junior Cultured Chefs (Non-profit)- In this 6-week, STEM forward culinary course, The Junior Cultured Chefs are introduced to their local food systems and the sustainable practices in which to foster, support and maintain access to them.They are introduced to kitchen etiquette and basic cooking skills including chopping, slicing, sauteeing, marinating, and baking. Field trips to various community gardens create space for exploration of vegetation and cultivation. Youth learn to complete the food chain cycle by composting fruits and vegetables in preparation for returning nourishment to the earth at their local garden plot(s).
•Each session, 20 school-aged children (7-17yrs) are invited to Dr. Ophelia-Garmon Brown Center to learn and create farm fresh snacks, salads, kid-friendly entrees and healthy desserts. Students come together to enjoy a family meal with their peers and debrief with leadership as their parents are invited to share in the harvest.
•In the Off-Season (Jan-June), 20 community children, new AND subscribed are invited to Charlotte Regional Farmers Market from 11-1a for a farm-to-table experience. Youth meet the growers and farmers on a scavenger hunt, collecting the ingredients for that day’s meal. The menus are culturally expansive, and each day Camp tours a country/region as it pertains to food and language.
MIS AMIGOS PROJECT
Marsha Kelly | marshakelly2003@yahoo.com
Suzanne Lamorey | suzlam@yahoo.com
For the past six years, the Mis Amigos Project has been walking alongside asylum-seeking families here in Charlotte. Whether it be welcoming families at the Greyhound station downtown which we did on a large scale in 2019, delivering food and diapers to their homes which we started at the onset of the pandemic in 2020, or even collaborating with the library to provide early literacy activities in Spanish which we have done recently in a neighborhood where many of clients live, we have strived to put our principles into actions in meeting some of the needs of these incredibly resilient families.
Much of our work is accomplished in collaboration with other groups but our Diaper Ministry/Distribution project is one we have started and that has been ongoing for 3 years now and continues to fulfil a significant need. We deliver diapers to over 20 different families every month; however, our cupboards are almost bare. As you probably know, buying diapers for infants and toddlers is very expensive and their affordability concerns us in terms of an unmet public health need. We would like to request financial support to continue to deliver diapers to our families in our efforts to welcome and support them here in Charlotte. Here is fascinating research regarding the importance of diapers:
We work closely with Compassion Closet who is partnered with the Charlotte Diaper Bank. While several of our clients overlap and Compassion Closet is able to provide diapers to them, there are many other families on our own list. We model our distributions after the Diaper Bank guidelines, providing 50 diapers per child up to size 5, and 35 in the larger sizes, plus wipes. The average cost per child is around $15-$20, and most families we serve have more than one child in diapers. Our monthly cost averages around $375, with a yearly total between $4500-$5000. We have found that Target Up & Up Brand diapers offer the best quality for the lowest price.
CAN YOU PLEASE HELP US BY DONATING MONEY FOR OUR DIAPER FUND?
A one-month supply [plus wipes] for one child [and many of our families have more than one in diapers] is about $15-$20 depending on size.
1. Donate via Compassion Closet [tax deductible. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE DONATION IS FOR MIS AMIGOS PROJECT]:
· PayPal: culturalcompassion@gmail.com
· Venmo: @CulturalCompassion
· Checks can be mailed to The Coalition for Cultural Compassion; PO Box 7455; Concord, NC 28027
2. MAIL/EMAIL: Please send Mis Amigos Project Target gift or checks in the name of Marsha Kelly, 2017 Meadowood Lane, Charlotte 28211 OR gift cards via email at marshakelly2003@yahoo.com
-This projects keeps evolving – a Librarian from Imagine On brought books, library cards to 11 families
-diaper pantry is almost empty
-model distribution through the Diaper bank
-limited to 25 babies per month delivered to the doors of mothers
Jaclyn John | jaclynjjohn@gmail.com
St. John's Episcopal Church will be hosting an Enneagram workshop on April 19/20 and we would love to invite the MeckMIN community. We are so excited to welcome trained facilitators Rob Field and Paula Benton from The Center for Spiritual Wisdom to lead this event! Friday will be a cocktail social to meet the presenters and get to know the participants. Saturday's workshop will run from 9:00 - 3:00 with lunch served.
Hello - my name is Jackie John and I am a lay leader at St. John’s Episcopal church here to invite you to an upcoming event we are hosting. On April 19th and 20th, we will be hosting an Enneagram workshop led by two trained facilitators from the Spiritual Wellness Center in Brevard, NC - their names are Rob Field and Paula Benton.
If you’ve not heard of the Enneagram - as a simple description, it is a personality test, much like the Myers Briggs, but also so much more. The wisdom of the Enneagram goes back thousands of years and is rooted in several wisdom traditions, including Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. It gained new popularity in the US in the 1960’s and has become a wonderful tool of spiritual direction. Today it is widely taught as a way of understanding personality, addiction, relationships, and vocation.
The Enneagram is a dynamic system. A “dynamic system” is one that recognizes that humans are far too complex and nuanced to fit easily into simple categories; it supports the evolving, maturing human journey.
The Enneagram is not a strict law or code. Its categories are not meant to bind or restrict you to a certain way of being and living. People who know the Enneagram in a superficial way think
it’s about putting people into boxes, but it actually works to free people from their self-created boxes.
Though the Enneagram is a powerful tool for self-discovery and spiritual transformation, it doesn’t insist on being the only tool. The Enneagram is most helpful when used in conjunction with other practices like study, meditation, spiritual direction, and life in community with others.
Also, it is not simply a personality typing system. Yes, there are tests and quizzes that help you identify your primary Enneagram type (“home number”), but that is often just the first step. This tool is meant to help you over a life-long journey.
While self-discovery is important, it is not the Enneagram’s final objective. The Enneagram’s purpose is to help us uncover the traps that keep us from living fully and freely as our True Self so that we will use our unique, authentic gifts for the good of others and the world.
I would love to have our friends and neighbors from MeckMIN join us for this upcoming event. It is open to the public and will be held in the parish hall of the church, which is located at the intersection of Fairview road and Carmel road. Friday night, April 19th will be a cocktail meet and greet orientation from 6-9 pm. Cheese and crackers, wine and non-alcoholic beverages will be served. Here we get to meet the presenters and the participants and get an introduction about the day ahead. Saturday, April 20th will be the meat of the workshop. The workshop will run from 9-3:00 with a light breakfast, and lunch served (by Charlotte Kitchen, which operates out of the Galilee center). The cost is $40.
If you are interested in learning more, you can contact me directly at jaclynjjohn@gmail.com, or check out the flyer in the MeckMIN newsletter, and in the minutes. Also, you can go to www.enneagraminstitute.com to learn more, and take the test if you'd like!
Thanks so much for your time and consideration.
TAI CHI at GALILEE
SUMMER EXPERIENCE AND RESOURCE FAIR ON SATURDAY, APRIL 6TH
Jennifer Rupp | Jennifer.Rupp@mecklenburgcountync.gov
Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services
Eleventh Annual Summer Experience Fair
What will your kids be doing this summer?
The Summer Experience Fair has something for everyone
• Summer Day Camp information for children and teens
• Free food and refreshments
• Representatives from Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation, YMCA, and other local low-cost camps
• Community and educational resources
• Parents/guardians can apply for DSS camp assistance (must show ID)
• Summer Job Information for teens
• Charlotte Fire Dept. fire truck on display for kids to explore
• Lots of fun activities…You don’t want to miss
• Triple P parenting education workshop—FREE OF CHARGE
When: Saturday, April 6, 2024
10 a.m. – 2 p.m. (drop in)
Where: Valerie C Woodard Center
3205 Freedom Dr. Entrance D, Charlotte, NC 28206
Call 980-314-6235 for more information.
We will be hosting a Summer Experience and Resource Fair on Saturday, April 6th from 10-2, and would like for you to pass the word to your communities. The fair will be open to the public and widely advertised. The location is the Valerie C. Woodard Conference Center at 3205 Freedom Dr., neighborhood D.
The primary goal of the fair is to connect children and teens to a meaningful summer experience but we would also like to connect them to the myriad of valuable resources that are available year round.
If you are interested in participating as a resource provider for children or teens please let me know and I will send you a registration form.
If you have or know of a summer camp that you would like to see represented, the camp MUST register with the county as a Vendor. Vendor Registration Packet.docx
SUGAR CREEK CHARTER SCHOOL
Eleanor Shell, CFRE | Shell.Eleanor@thesugarcreek.org
Director of Development and External Communications
-Looking for partners
PIEDMONT MUSIC THERAPY
Gretchen Benner | director@piedmontmusictherapy.com
-Piedmont Music Therapy is a local organization offering music therapy based services to children and adults in the greater Charlotte area. We recently partnered with a church to provide an accessible music program during their Lenten series. If you would like more information, our web address is: www.piedmontmusictherapy.com.
-inclusion of various ages connecting through music and the arts
THE CHAPLAINS' OFFICE & UNION BOARD The Mystical Arts of Tibet: Sand Mandala & Sacred Music Davidson College | March 19-23
Starting next Tuesday, Tibetan monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery will be in the Union in front of the fireplace creating a compassion Sand Mandala. The week will include a talk on compassion and universal kindness, a sacred music performance, and a Tibetan goods bazaar. This is an exciting and auspicious occasion and just a wonderful way to interact with and witness up close this sacred and meditative Tibetan ritual!
Schedule is as follows:
*Opening Ceremony - Tuesday, March 19, 11am, Union*Talk on Universal Kindness - Wednesday, March 20, 7pm, Sprinkle Room*Sacred Music Performance -
Thursday, March 21, 7pm, Tyler-Tallman Hall
*Closing Ceremony - Saturday, March 23, 2pm, Union
All these events are free and open to the public! The monks will be creating the Sand Mandala daily and welcome viewers to come, watch at any time, as well as participate in the creation of their own mandala next to the main mandala - we will have a public station setup!More details to come. Mark your calendars. Spread the word. See you at the opening ceremony!
MOORE'S SANCTUARY AME ZION CHURCH CEMETERY CLEAN UP THIS SATURDAY
Please come out this Saturday for another day of clean up, beatification, and fellowship at Moore’s Sanctuary AME Zion Church Cemetery.
NONPROFIT GRANTS NOW OPEN
Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation Opens Children, Youth and Young Adult Grants Cycle
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation – the grantmaking arm of Foundation For The Carolinas – recently opened its Children, Youth and Young Adult grants cycle. Applications will be accepted from eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations through Friday, April 12, at noon. The Foundation’s investment areas for the Children, Youth and Young Adult grant cycle originate from The Charlotte Mecklenburg Opportunity Task Force Report. This grant cycle is dedicated to fostering a landscape of economic opportunity for all young people in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina. Specific investment areas are outlined below and should be reflected in grant applications. Early
Childhood (Birth to Kindergarten)
A child’s earliest years have a profound and lasting impact on their school success, their career success, and their lives. The Foundation seeks proposals that will:
· Ensure all children in Mecklenburg County from birth to age five have access to safe and enriching quality early care and education.
· Strengthen the early care and education workforce to improve the quality and experiences of early care and education available to children ages birth to five.
· Support parents and other caregivers as a child’s first teacher in promoting positive early brain development, social and emotional health, and early literacy.
College and Career Readiness (Elementary School to Age 24)
Students need to be prepared for our rapidly changing workforce needs. The Foundation seeks proposals that will:
· Broaden the range of and access to high quality college and career pathways offered by K-12 and post-secondary institutions, ensuring all students have support for the full range of opportunities.
· Equip students and their parents with information and guidance to understand and navigate multiple college and career pathways, preparations, and processes.
· Galvanize community support to develop and implement a multi-faceted plan to increase paid work-based learning opportunities for students.
· Expand and strengthen support for first-generation and other low-socioeconomic status students in transitioning to and completing post-secondary education.
· Create more on-ramps to education, training, and employment for disconnected youth and young adults.
· Elevate and actively promote the critical importance of acquiring a post-secondary degree and/or industry certification to successfully compete in a changing, technologically advanced labor market.
To apply – or for complete criteria – please visit the online grants portal and select Charlotte Mecklenburg Community Foundation in the Grant Program Name field. Visit www.charmeck-cf.org for a complete list of grants. For more information about the Children, Youth and Young Adult Grants Program, contact Nicole Fote at nfote@fftc.org or 704.973.4559.
ARTS and CULTURE
Opportunity Fund
The City of Charlotte and the Arts and Culture Advisory Board are offering grants of up to $40,000 for one-year projects by local artists and arts and culture groups to support near-term, one-time projects and initiatives that align with the Charlotte Arts and Culture Plan. The Charlotte Arts and Culture Plan is available in both English and Spanish.
VIOLENCE PREVENTION
We are excited to extend an invitation to you for our upcoming PEACEKEEPERS Academy Cohort ll interest meeting this Friday, March 8th. Our goal is to provide valuable insights into the types of non-profit initiatives we are eager to fund and familiarize attendees with the Mecklenburg County process and procedures.
We will host two virtual meeting time options: 11:30 am or 2:00 pm. You only need to attend one session. We kindly ask that you RSVP here to let us know that you are coming. We will share our meeting link once you register to attend.
What is PEACEKEEPERS Academy?
Peacekeepers Academy (PA) an interactive learning series designed to build organizational resiliency for community-based organizations (CBOs) working to address community violence in Mecklenburg County. Over the course of 8 sessions, participants will receive grant funds along with education/technical assistance from experts focused on violence prevention, organizational efficiency, tracking and measuring success, scalability of services, and wholistic public health approaches to prevent and interrupt the cycle of violence. Each funded organization will be conducting initiatives that align with The Way Forward, Mecklenburg County Community Violence Strategic Plan.
Any questions can be directed to: Quaneka Edmonds Quaneka.Falls@mecklenburgcountync.gov
THE 2024 QUALITY OF LIFE GRANT APPLICATION IS NOW OPEN
Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat For Humanity of the Charlotte Region brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope!
To help build the capacity of our communities, Habitat partners with neighborhoods, organizations, and agencies by offering the Quality-of-Life (QOL) Grant to help improve the communities we serve.
The QOL grant can be used to support organizational/ programmatic needs or neighborhood projects and/or needs.
Applicants who live within Mecklenburg and Iredell County and service Habitat For Humanity families are encouraged to apply. The deadline for the grant is March 20, 2024. Grants are expected to be $500-$10,000. Applicants will receive notification of the grant decision by April 19, 2024.
If awarded the grant, the grantee agrees to attend the 2024 Affordable Housing Awareness Month Breakfast on May 23, 2024, to receive the grant.
To apply, please visit the following website or QR code:
CANOPY HOUSING FOUNDATION GRANTS
Stacy S. BaumSponsorship Coordinator | 28204704-940-3147 (o) / 704-808-0423 (m)
Canopy Housing Foundation | Canopy Realtor® Association
1120 Pearl Park Way, Suite 200 | Charlotte, NC
Thank you for the work that you do a daily basis to fulfill and address the local needs of our community. The Canopy Housing Foundation, the charitable arm of the Canopy Realtor® Association, is pleased to announce our timeline for our 2024 Community Grants and Youth Excellence in Service (Y.E.S.) Awards:
· March 1: Applications released to the public
· May 31: Deadline for submission of applications at 5 PM
· July 24: Funding announced through Grants Celebration Event
Our grants program provides restricted monetary support to nonprofit organizations in Mecklenburg and Iredell counties that address unmet housing needs. This year, grants will be awarded in amounts up to $5,000 (FOR EXCEPTIONAL APPLICATIONS ONLY), and cannot be used for operational, administrative, capital expenses or debt reduction. In 2023, the Foundation distributed community grants Mecklenburg and Iredell counties totaling $55,000, increasing this program’s total to $470,600 in grants since 2009.
Attached you will find additional criteria and information, as well as the application. All submissions are ranked according to the following attributes: community impact, project feasibility, fiscal strength and Realtor® support. All non-profit organizations within Mecklenburg and Iredell counties who are addressing unmet housing needs are eligible to apply; however, please be aware that this is a competitive grant process.
We are also currently accepting nominations for our 6th Annual Youth Excellence in Service (Y.E.S.) Award. This award was established to encourage youth to address a broad spectrum of needs in an effort to build a stronger community. This would be a wonderful opportunity for you to honor a young person involved with your organization. The nomination form and additional information on this award is also attached.
For additional information about the Canopy Housing Foundation or our grants process, as well as an online version of the application, please visit www.CanopyHousingFoundation.org.
Again, thank you again for your service to our community - we look forward to possibly receiving a grant application or Y.E.S. nomination from your organization or from another organization in which you are affiliated prior to our MAY 31th deadline.
RACIAL JUSTICE
THE NATHAN CUMMINGS FOUNDATION
Application deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until April 30, 2024.
Geographic scope: United States, including U.S. territories, with a particular interest in the U.S. South
Grant amount: $50,000 to $250,000 for grants and $200,000 to $500,000 for program-related investments
The Nathan Cummings Foundation (NCF) is a multigenerational family foundation working to help create a more just, vibrant, sustainable, and democratic society by supporting social change movements, organizations, and entrepreneurs. Support is provided in the United States, including U.S. territories, with particular interest in work focused on the U.S. South. NCF is currently accepting applications for grants and program-related investments that align with the following interconnected focus areas: racial justice, including work that fosters civic engagement, addresses the racial wealth gap, and combats racism and oppression; economic justice, including work that fosters systemic economic security, increases access to capital, and combats monopoly power; and environmental justice, including work that addresses environmental harms, creates inclusive participation in the green economy, and develops regenerative economic models.
OTHERS ON THE CALL (as time allows)
GENERAL INFORMATION
REMINDER: DHHS OFFERS RESOURCES TO HELP NONPROFITS PROVIDE OUTREACH ON MEDICAID EXPANSION
Medicaid expansion began in North Carolina in December. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), nearly 385,000 North Carolinians have enrolled in health care through Medicaid expansion in the first two months it's been available, with about 1,000 more people enrolling every day. DHHS estimates that more than 250,000 additional North Carolinians may be eligible for coverage. Almost all potential Medicaid expansion enrollees receive services from nonprofits, so it is important for nonprofit organizations to spread the word about Medicaid expansion eligibility and the application process.
The DHHS website includes basic information on eligibility for Medicaid coverage, details of costs and coverage, and free materials to help nonprofits provide clear and accurate information about Medicaid and Medicaid expansion to their clients and communities. Please share this information widely, especially with clients who may now be eligible to apply.
GUN VIOLENCE AWARENESS MONTH THIS JUNE
Join the Office of Violence Prevention of Mecklenburg County Public Health in bringing awareness to Gun Violence Awareness Month this June. We are inviting all interested houses of faith to participate in our Faith in Action Campaign! The Faith in Action Campaign will consist of getting houses of faith from all denominations to commit to at least one actionable activity/event in their community in the name of violence prevention. During this time, our office would like to highlight and display the great things houses of faith have come together to do and address such an important topic.
During Gun Violence Awareness month, we will also provide a list of activities happening around the County as well as provide topic-specific messaging that can be shared with your groups.
Please reach out to Dr. Chantel Lowery chantel.lowery@mecklenburgcountync.gov for more information.
MAKING RECOVERY MORE RESILIENT: A CONVERSATION ON MITIGATION
March 21, 2024 at 2:00 PM EDT
Join FEMA and the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships for a discussion on resources and approaches to prompt connections between leaders in hazard mitigation and in faith-based and religious communities. The webinar will include a multi-faith discussion based on themes from FEMA’s newest document Guide to Expanding Mitigation: Making the Connection to Faith-Based Partners. You can click here to register for the webinar.
This Guide to Expanding Mitigation is meant to prompt connections between leaders in hazard mitigation and in faith-based and religious communities.
It is for hazard mitigation and emergency management professionals who want to learn more about engaging faith-based organizations in hazard mitigation.
It is also for people leading and serving in religious organizations who want to learn more about how to help reduce risks and protect their communities.
The Guides to Expanding Mitigation are part of a series designed to highlight innovative and emerging partnerships for mitigation. The booklets show how communities can better support hazard mitigation projects and planning by engaging other sectors; supporting FEMA's goal of building a culture of preparedness, as part of the agency's strategic plan.
DRESS DRIVE
Reminder: DHHS Offers Resources to Help Nonprofits Provide Outreach on Medicaid Expansion
Medicaid expansion began in North Carolina in December. According to the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), nearly 349,000 North Carolinians have enrolled in health care through Medicaid expansion in the first two months it's been available, with about 1,000 more people enrolling every day. DHHS estimates that more than 250,000 additional North Carolinians may be eligible for coverage. Almost all potential Medicaid expansion enrollees receive services from nonprofits, so it is important for nonprofit organizations to spread the word about Medicaid expansion eligibility and the application process.
The DHHS website includes basic information on eligibility for Medicaid coverage, details of costs and coverage, and free materials to help nonprofits provide clear and accurate information about Medicaid and Medicaid expansion to their clients and communities. Please share this information widely, especially with clients who may now be eligible to apply.
2024 Election Tip of the Week: Check Your Voter Registration Before Election Day
Leading up to the 2024 primary election this winter and the general election this fall, the Center will offer a variety of tips for nonprofits about nonpartisan voter registration and voter education. Share these tips with your staff, board, and the people you serve.
The voter search page at the NC State Board of Elections is a must-click resource for every North Carolinian planning to vote in 2024. Enter your name, click “search”, and select the option for the one that looks like you based on full name, county, and ZIP code. Once there, check out the following information:
1. Your address. If you no longer live at the address where you are currently registered to vote, you’ll need to update your address to be eligible to vote in North Carolina if you plan to vote on Election Day. If you have moved within the same county, you can also update your registration with your new address during Early Voting today or tomorrow.
2. Your political affiliation. Most North Carolinians are registered as either “Unaffiliated” (36.68% of NC voters), Democrat (32.52% of NC voters), or Republican (30.01% of NC voters). If you are registered with a party (which also can include the Libertarian, Green, Constitution, and No Labels parties in addition to the two major parties), you can only receive that party’s ballot in the primary election. However, if you are registered as Unaffiliated, you can choose any party’s ballot in the primary election, so you have the opportunity to be strategic about choosing the ballot with the most options in the races that matter to you the most.
3. Your polling place. If you plan to vote on Election Day, then you need to vote at the specified polling place for your precinct.
4. Your sample ballots. North Carolina features long ballots in the 2024 election. To see your options for candidates for President, U.S. House of Representatives, NC Governor (plus nine Council of State positions), NC Senate, NC House of Representatives, judicial elections, and more, take a few minutes to review your sample ballot. And if you are registered as Unaffiliated, you can compare the sample ballots for the various parties to decide which one makes the most sense for you to use during the primary election.
Note: If you missed the previous 2024 Election Tips of the Week or want a refresher, (re)read them now: request an absentee ballot, get great (free) resources from You Can Vote, make a plan to vote early, advantages of being an unaffiliated voter, and bring your photo ID to vote.
CONTINUE SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT MEDICAID ENROLLMENT
As a faith leader, your influential role in our community is invaluable. We are asking you to continue to inform your communities on how to enroll for Medicaid! Help spread this information by:
· Including in your service: Share this update with your congregants during services.
· Adding this flyer to your church bulletins: Use the provided flyer for easy reference.
· Sharing online: Spread the news through your digital channels. Use this social media toolkit.
· Educating during community events: Share this information during food pantry distribution or when interacting with the larger community.
Your support is crucial in improving healthcare access. You can access all the materials necessary to share this information here. If you share these resources, please fill out this form so we can gather impact!
SPRING CLEANING? DECLUTTERING? DOWNSIZING?
Thanks to Christ Church for this handy list!
What you no longer need or want can do a world of good for someone else. Items should always be in working order and good condition. Remember, if you wouldn't give it to your mother-in-law, don't donate it – recycle or dispose of it properly.
Here are some places to take your donations. Please check the websites to verify what is accepted and what isn't and for the availability of having larger items picked up.
Furniture
Housewares
Books
· Julia's Cafe at Habitat ReStore
Clothing
· Goodwill
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
BLESSING
God, your verdict on my life is love.
If there is something terrible, awful I need to change,
you will nudge me, prompt me,
not in the voice of my worst critic.
You tell me as a friend.
You tell me what is and has ever been true.
It is gentle and complete,
yet breaks every chain.
Quiet my self-critical heart,
leave what reminders are there for my good,
and free me from all that makes me forget
the joy and freedom of having you as my only judge.
Kate Bowler