May 7, 2026 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting
- meckmin
- 2 hours ago
- 14 min read
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
38 participants
OPENING REFLECTION
"Inside the word “emergency” is “emerge”; from an emergency new things come forth. The old certainties are crumbling fast, but danger and possibility are sisters."
~ Rebecca Solnit
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:
May 21
No meetings in June
July 16
July 30
August 13
August 27
Sept 10
Sept 24
October 8
October 22
November 5
November 19
December 3
December 17
No meeting December 31
Calling All Artists!
Art nourishes the soul. Multiculturalism strengthens community. MeckMIN's Interfaith Friendsgiving unites through artistic expression, storytelling, music, dance, and shared traditions from around the world. This November, we're inviting artists of every background to help us do it again.
MECKMIN SCHOOL TRAININGS
MeckMIN (Mecklenburg Metropolitan Interfaith Network) promotes interfaith collaboration to foster understanding, compassion and justice. We envision a community that lives by the highest values and core virtues of its rich faith traditions and respects the dignity of every person.
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.
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 OPPORTUNITIES WITH MECKMIN PARTNERS
Faith Leader Sign On Letter
re: ICE Detention Center: Deadline - Friday, May 22
STATEMENT OF CONCERN ON ICE DETENTION CENTER AND OFFICE EXPANSION
As people of faith, we are compelled to voice our concern over the expansion of detention centers and offices by Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in North Carolina and elsewhere. We support the rights and dignity of our immigrant and refugee neighbors and recognize that all deserve to be treated with respect and fairness. We make this public witness out of our sacred duty to work to protect all people, our community, and our neighbors. We are taught:
• “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” Leviticus 19:33-34
• “Conquer anger through gentleness, unkindness through kindness, greed through generosity, and falsehood by truth. Be truthful; do not yield to anger. Give freely, even if you have but little.” – The Dhammapada
• “Serve God, and join not partners with Him; and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the needy, the near neighbor, the neighbor farther away, the companion by your side, the traveler, and those whom your right hands possess.” The Quran (Surat An-Nisa 4:36)
• “Blessed and happy is he that ariseth to promote the best interests of the peoples and kindreds of the earth… It is not for him to pride himself who loveth his own country, but rather for him who loveth the whole world. The earth is but one country, and mankind its citizens.” – Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, Lawh-i-Maqsúd
There is extensive evidence the conditions and operation of existing DHS detention centers are inhumane, violating standards of human decency. People are held without due process or access to legal support. People are subject to unsanitary conditions, inadequate/inedible food, violence, mistreatment and withholding of medical care. A vast expansion of this system can only magnify such conditions.
We call on our religious leaders, our political leaders, and all people to raise their voices in opposition to the inhumane and immoral treatment of our immigrant neighbors.
GUNS TO GARDENS DRIVE-THROUGH FIREARMS SAFE SURRENDER
Blair Tucker blairsmithtucker@gmail.com cell: 704-533-0897
On Saturday May 30, Myers Presbyterian Church, in partnership with RAWtools South, is sponsoring a drive-through, anonymous, and safe firearm disposal event - no need to leave your car. Our trained volunteers collect each firearm and dismantle it in real time. The parts are then transformed by a blacksmith into symbols of renewal and healing like garden tools, jewelry, and art. The drive through event will be from 10 AM to 1 PM at the MPPC Outreach Center.
A free, family-friendly blacksmith demonstration open to the public will be held on Sunday May 31 at 11:15 am at MPPC main campus. Watch or even participate in the transformation process, all while enjoying meaningful fellowship and connection with neighbors.
NONPROFIT UPDATES
Sanctuary Counseling Group
Good morning! I am the Operations Director, Kate Welsh, from Sanctuary Counseling Group. We are a nonprofit that offers discounted outpatient mental health care (in addition to accepting some medical insurance plans, including (4) NC Medicaid plans).
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! If you are looking for a meal and a simple way to support accessible mental health care in NC, please consider buying your meal from Shake Shack on May 7th @ the New Fashion Way location. Additionally, on May 14th, we will have another opportunity at Mod Pizza @ Old Sedaris Rd. Both are all day and just mention Sanctuary Counseling Group at the benefiting nonprofit! Great excuse to buy the family burgers or pizza on a Thursday night!
Last but not least, we are holding a Mental Health Mixer on May 21st at Middle James Brewery in Pineville 5-7pm. Free entry, complimentary light bites, $1 of each drink sold goes to Sanctuary's mission to make mental health care more accessible. Awesome raffle and silent auction items like Panther's tickets, (4) night stay at a Boone Vacation Home, Gift Cards, and Goodie Bags! Lots of opportunities to meet our team and connect with others who value mental health care access! See you there!
We are always looking for speaking events, partnerships, and chances to support! Kate Welsh kwelsh@scgnc.org, Executive Director Jay Cobb jcobb@scgnc.org
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Kate Welsh, M.S., LMSW (She/Her)
Operations Director
Sanctuary Counseling Group
email | kwelsh@scgnc.org
call/text | 704.731.5110
CLIMB (Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses) Connects Small Businesses with Free Legal Support
Casey Burke Casey.Burke@climbnc.org
Access to legal guidance can make the difference between a business succeeding or struggling — but for many small business owners, hiring an attorney is simply out of reach. That’s where CLIMB comes in.
Casey Burke, attorney and Executive Director of CLIMB (Charlotte Legal Initiative to Mobilize Businesses), shared how the nonprofit organization is helping Mecklenburg County entrepreneurs gain access to free, high-quality business legal services through partnerships with volunteer attorneys across Charlotte.
CLIMB operates similarly to a Legal Aid organization, but instead of handling issues like eviction defense or immigration, the organization focuses specifically on supporting small business owners and entrepreneurs. Their mission is rooted in helping under-resourced business owners — particularly those from historically marginalized communities — build sustainable businesses, create generational wealth, and strengthen neighborhoods.
“At the same time, Charlotte has thousands of highly skilled attorneys who want to give back through pro bono work,” Burke explained. “CLIMB was created to connect entrepreneurs who need legal help with lawyers who want to serve their communities.”
The organization works with a wide range of Mecklenburg County-based businesses, including food trucks, consultants, childcare providers, cleaning services, lawncare companies, tech startups, and home repair businesses. Income requirements apply for services.
CLIMB’s Three Core Programs
CLIMB supports entrepreneurs through three primary programs:
Educational WorkshopsCLIMB offers educational programming designed to help business owners better understand how legal structures and decisions can impact their businesses.
Their next educational session will be held on May 27 at 12:00 p.m. and will focus on “What Small Businesses Need to Know About Data Privacy.”
Monthly Small Business Legal Clinics
On the first Wednesday of every month, CLIMB hosts free virtual legal clinics from 12:00–1:00 p.m. on Zoom. During these clinics, entrepreneurs meet one-on-one with volunteer attorneys for individualized legal consultations.
These sessions are ideal for business owners who need answers to specific legal questions, help identifying legal priorities, or guidance on issues that can typically be addressed within an hour.
The next clinic will take place on June 3.
Direct Representation
For business owners facing more complex legal matters, CLIMB can connect clients with volunteer attorneys or law firms for extended pro bono representation.
Examples include reviewing or negotiating commercial leases, forming business entities, trademark support, employment concerns, and contract review.
Burke noted that this program gives low- to moderate-income entrepreneurs access to some of the region’s premier legal expertise at no cost.
“We’re supported by Charlotte’s largest law firms — many with hundreds or even thousands of attorneys and vast expertise,” Burke shared. “For our clients, that access can be a game changer.”
A Resource for the Community
CLIMB is looking to build partnerships and increase awareness throughout the community so more entrepreneurs know help is available.
Community members are encouraged to refer small business owners who may benefit from legal assistance or business guidance.
To learn more, apply for services, or register for upcoming programs, visit climbnc.org.
Burke also welcomed direct outreach from community partners and entrepreneurs interested in learning more about CLIMB’s services. climbnc.org
CHILDREN'S HOME SOCIETY OF NORTH CAROLINA
Darius Moore <DMoore@chsnc.org>
Darius Moore from Children's Home Society of North Carolina discussed their foster care and adoption services, highlighting their work with over 12,000 children in North Carolina's child welfare system and requesting partnerships to raise awareness about the need for foster families. If you would be willing to give CHSNC an opportunity to talk about the call to foster children in need, please reach out.
PROJECT OUTPOUT
704-275-5540
Project Outpour is a non-profit that offers free mobile showers and hygiene services to unhoused individuals in Charlotte. Project Outpour is seeking a new executive director, recruiting board members, and looking for volunteer groups and supply drives, particularly for summer projects. The service operates with two complete showers in a trailer, providing 20-minute sessions that include hygiene supplies and connecting participants with organizations to address broader needs like housing and mental health care.
Shower On,
Laura Gorecki
Project Outpour
Interim Executive Director
704-275-5540
‘35 OVER 35’ | INSTAGRANT NIGHT
Our next '35 Over 35' InstaGrant Night is Tuesday, May 19th.
Have a new idea, project, business, creative pursuit, or dream you’re finally ready to explore after 35? This event was built for you.
35 Over 35 InstaGrant Night is a community-funded instant grant program for adults 35 and older who are trying something new — presented in the style of an open mic night.
The idea behind the event is simple: many adults over 35 have the experience, transferable skills, and vision to pursue something meaningful, but often have less time, more responsibilities, and fewer accessible opportunities to get support. Organizers believe at least one pathway to funding should feel approachable and easy.
How It Works
Community members purchase tickets to attend the event, and ticket sales directly fund the grant awarded that evening.
Tickets are $10 minimum, with the option to contribute more to “the pot.”
If 70 tickets are sold, the winner receives a $700 grant on stage that night.
The more attendees and supporters, the larger the grant becomes.
Attendees do not have to be pitching an idea — or be 35+ — to attend and support the event.
Event Details
Tuesday, May 197:00–9:00 p.m.Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Location:CATCH (Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte)4128 South Blvd., Suite A3Charlotte, NC
The event is held monthly, with the next gathering scheduled for June 16 from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at CATCH.
Ways to Support
Community members can support the initiative by:
Purchasing a ticket and attending the event
Contributing additional funds to the grant pool
Sharing the opportunity with friends, colleagues, and community members who may have an idea they’ve been hesitant to pursue
Organizers encourage people not to “gatekeep” the opportunity — the larger the crowd, the larger the grant awarded.
Tickets and FAQs are available here: TICKETS
For more information, contact Genevieve Rose at:genevieve@planetpodge.studio
Instagram: @35over35grant
Thoroughly Enthused,
Genevieve Rose | World-Builder at Planet Podge
Planet Podge | Immersive World-Building Experience Studio
'Fantabulous, Fantabulous!' | Prom at The Moulin Rouge | June 30th, 2026
The Best Stories Aren't Just Watched - They're Lived.
Hues of You Camp 2026!
Hues of You Summer Camp is back in Davidson this summer. Two camps, two age groups, both through Davidson Parks & Rec. Led by Dr. Lucretia Carter Berry and Dr. Tehia Starker Glass, with artist Tiffany Trudewind.
Kids spend the week exploring identity and community through art, storytelling, read-alouds, games, culture-sharing, and line-dancing. They leave knowing who they are and curious about the people around them.
CAMP 1: Grades 2–4 June 22–26 | 9am–4pm Community School of Davidson, 565 Griffith St Register by June 15
CAMP 2 : Grades 5–8 June 29–July 3 | 9am–4pm Davidson Housing Coalition, 220 Sloan St A Register by June 22
Tuition assistance is available. No family should have to say no because of cost. Contact Amy Ray at connect@brownicity.com
The First In Families Summer Camp Scholarship Project also supports children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Encourage qualifying families to reach out directly. Email Keiba Young at fif@inreachnc.org
Chosen Leadership Academy Searching for Space for Mentoring, Tutoring, and Football Practice
Tyris Rorie <chosenlaorg@gmail.com>
Chosen Leadership Academy needs a room for Tuesdays 5:30-8pm mentoring reading tutoring and access to a grass field for football practice. Ideal location would be in University or West Charlotte location.
The families we serve—many facing real challenges—are not just participants, they are the heart of this ministry. Everything we do is rooted in serving them with integrity, purpose, and love. This work is bigger than sports; it’s about building character, providing opportunity, and creating a safe, supportive environment where every child can grow and believe in their future.
We remain committed, and we will continue to pour into our community with everything we have.
Tyris Rorie
704-776-1476
MEDASSIST MOBILE OTC MEDICINE GIVEAWAY ON FRIDAY IN GASTONIA
Please see attached flyers for free mental health screens at the NC MedAssist Free OTC store on Tuesday, 5/12/2026 in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month. Free grocery bags available for the first 50 participants that stop by to get screened!
Please pass this information along to the community. Let me know if you have any questions.
Janice Terry-Kidd
OTC Program Director
NC MedAssist | 4428 Taggart Creek Rd, Suite 101 | Charlotte, NC 28208
704.350.3579 (Direct) | 704.536.9865 (Fax)
THE COALITION FOR CULTURAL COMPASSION – Compassion Closet Needs
Compassion Closet is a free community program that provides gently used clothing, shoes, and small household goods as well as new essentials such as diapers and hygiene products to 60-75 families a month.
Our approach centers around the voiced needs of the client through our request form, currently offered in Spanish and English, for direct client requests. The form opens on the 1st and 15th of every month and remains open until we have received requests from 35 families. We open the form at 8am on the 1st of the month and 2pm on the 15th; typically within 30 minutes we are at capacity. The remainder of our requests come from our Community Partners.
Gently used, clean clothing for men, women, and children
NEW underwear
Gently used shoes - all sizes
Diapers - all sizes
Kitchenware
Cleaning Supplies
New hygiene products
Gently used linens & towels
Clean stuffed animals
Children’s books
Baby gear/accessories
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN STREAM CLEAN
Lucy Crain lcrain@firstpres-charlotte.org
See below this very fun event! It is a perfect thing for families with young children as all are welcome and there is a "safety patrol" of adults to help. Kids can splash in the creek (or not!), learn about God's creation, and have ice cream!
Join FPC Earth Care Committee for a stream clean on Sunday, May 17, from 2:00 - 3:00 pm, starting at Westfield Rd and Brandywine Rd (there is parking on Westfield), and cleaning just to Tyvola (right before the wastewater treatment plant). Come help us clean up God's creation alongside some friendly FPC faces! This event is fun for all ages, all supplies are provided, and there will be ice cream! It will be a great way to spend a beautiful Sunday afternoon. | Sign Up
Any way you can share with your families during this very busy month would be appreciated. Let me know if you have any questions!
PINEVILLE WORLD FEST
GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
Local
Speedway Children’s Charities - Charlotte Chapter Grants
Deadline: June 26th, 2026
Award Amount/Ceiling: Not Published
Description: Speedway Children’s Charities – Charlotte Chapter provides annual grants to nonprofit organizations serving children (18 and under) in the Charlotte Motor Speedway region of North Carolina and South Carolina. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating within designated counties and demonstrate direct benefit to children. Grants are awarded through an annual competitive cycle and are funded through chapter-level fundraising events
Funding consideration aligns with the following pillars:
Critical Needs: including victims of sex trafficking, homeless youth and families, orphans, the foster population, and food security
Medical: including illness, dental care, disabilities, and therapy services, and
Educational: including tutoring, literacy programs, and after-school programs. This opportunity is a strong fit for youth-serving nonprofits in the greater Charlotte area.
Regional
Local Grants Promote Mental, Nutritional, and Occupational Health
Application deadline: July 1, 2026
Grant amount: Up to $50,000
Geographic scope: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, North Carolina, Nevada, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia
Target population: Community members
Description: The Rosendin Foundation provides grants to nonprofits nationally, with an emphasis on communities where the company operates across fourteen states. Funding focuses on emotional health, nutritional health, including food security and food banks, and occupational health. Emergency grants are also available on an as-needed basis.
TD Charitable Foundation - Capacity Building Fund
Deadline: May 15, 2026
Award Amount/Ceiling: Up to $150,000
Description: The TD Charitable Foundation’s Capacity Building Fund offers Capacity Building Grants to strengthen nonprofit organizations through investments in tactics (strategy), talent (people), and tools (infrastructure/technology/evaluation). Eligible applicants include IRS 501(c)(3) organizations (or qualifying public school/government entities) located in a TD Bank, N.A. metro market area, with annual operating budgets of $2 million or less. Grant requests must be at least $25,000, and awards range up to $150,000. Applications are accepted twice per year according to TD’s funding calendar. https://www.td.com/us/en/about-us/funding-opportunities/non-profit
Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation - Grants
Deadline: Rolling
Award Amount/Ceiling: Not published
Description: The Mary Reynolds Babcock Foundation supports power building to advance racial equity and social and economic justice across an 11-state Southern footprint, including North Carolina. They invite proposals from nonprofits serving the South that have track records of helping people and places move out of poverty and achieve greater social and economic justice. Organizations may use funds for general operating support, project support, “glue” support for networks of grassroots and partner organizations, and organizational development needs. Prospective partners may submit an organizational summary at any point in the year, if work aligns and funding is available, MRBF may invite a full proposal and staff then bring
recommendations forward for board approval. https://mrbf.org/grants-info
Truist Foundation - Building career pathways to economic mobility
Deadline: July 31, 2026, November 30, 2026
Award Amount/Ceiling: Minimum grant is $15,000, Maximum not published
Description: The Truist Foundation invests in innovative nonprofits that work with adults and align with its key areas of focus: “building career pathways to economic mobility” and “strengthening small businesses”. The Truist Foundation supports needs that are sustainable and don’t commit funds to recurring expenditures such as funding for a new program launch, a curriculum to expand or strengthen a program, equipment to deliver a program, and capital needs. The application process is open through Truist’s online portal with three annual deadlines (March 31, July 31, Nov 30) and decisions are communicated roughly four months after each deadline. Truist requires applicants to be qualifying 501(c)(3)/509(a) organizations and notes it does not provide general operating support for this pillar. LEARN MORE
National
Grants for Systemic Social Justice Litigation
Application deadline: June 15, 2026
Grant amount: Varies
Target population: Underserved communities
Description: The Barbara McDowell Social Justice Center awards grants to organizations undertaking systemic social justice litigation across fifteen issue areas, including housing, healthcare, disability rights, environmental justice, immigration, voting rights, and Native American rights. Applications must be for a specific legal case or appeal, and grant funds may be used for attorney time and litigation expenses.
Foundation Invests in Climate Resiliency and Conservation
Application deadline: July 1, 2026
Grant amount: Varies
Target population: Community members and wildlife
Description: The Justin Brooks Fisher Foundation supports organizations and initiatives across the United States working to address the climate crisis. Funding priorities include conservation, environmental education, innovative strategies to slow climate change, and wildfire resiliency. Program support, operating support, and capital support are all available.
Empowering People with Physical Challenges and Veterans
Application deadline: June 12, 2026
Grant amount: Up to $20,000
Target population: Veterans and people with disabilities
Description: The Hanger Foundation supports nonprofits focused on empowering people with physical challenges in the United States through rehabilitation and support services, and athletic and social programs. Two grant programs are available: Empowerment Grants for organizations serving people with physical challenges, and Veteran Grants for organizations serving veterans, with special emphasis on individuals with limb loss or limb difference.
Solar Energy Funding for Nonprofits Across the United States
Application deadline: None
Grant amount: Up to $25,000
Target population: Nonprofits
Description: The Hammond Climate Solutions Foundation's Solar Moonshot Program provides grants to nonprofit organizations across the United States to help them transition to clean energy. Priority is given to solar projects with additional funding sources, projects located in Communities of Concern, and projects serving youth and schools.
PRAYER FOR LEADERS
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