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November 6, 2025 | Faith, Community and Non-Profit Leader Check-In Meeting

Welcome to MeckMIN's Thursday Zoom Check-In Meetings




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


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




Click HERE to Access Zoom Recording

73 participants




OPENING REFLECTION



We cannot seek achievement for ourselves and forget about progress and prosperity for our community... Our ambitions must be broad enough to include the aspirations and needs of others, for their sakes and for our own. 


– Cesar Chavez



1. MECKMIN UPDATES 




FALL CAMPAIGN


In order to keep doing that work we do, we need YOU. We need your presence, and we need your financial support.


We hope you’ll give generously to help create a community of care, connection and collaboration where everyone feels welcome, valued, and empowered to contribute their unique gifts.  


In a recent column of his newsletter The Charlotte Optimist, Michael Graff quoted the author E.B. White’s response to a man who’d written him a letter expressing despair over humanity.

 

White's reply:


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Wind the clock. Give today. Be a part of the positive contagion that brings hope to our community.


Please give as generously as you are able, using the donation link below:




PLEASE SAVE THE DATE AND SHARE THE WORD ABOUT FRIENDSGIVING 


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Do you like food? How about music? Did you know that Mecklenburg County hosts houses of worship for dozens of religions and is home to people from even more countries? In fact, approximately 17% of our neighbors were born outside the U.S. And many more have deep ties to cultures around the world. This year’s 50th anniversary Friendsgiving, hosted by MeckMIN, will celebrate our community’s embrace of friends from many walks of life. 


This year's event will include cultural art displays, an international buffet of treats from around the globe and prayers and performances from a variety of traditions. We are pairing this event with a food drive for our hungry neighbors. 


ALL AGES are included and there will be gatherings within the event for preschool and elementary children, middle and high school youth, and young adults. 


Preschool and elementary: Join in playful activities at supervised tables. Parents or children's leaders, please let us know that your children will come so no one misses out on the fun. Email meckmin@meckmin.org with the subject line Friendsgiving Children's Table. 


Youth (middle and high school): There will be a separate table where these younger folks can gather together. Last year's youth had a blast! Please RSVP to let us know your youth is attending by emailing meckmin@meckmin.org with the subject line Friendsgiving Youth Table.  


Young Adult Table (18-35): Want to meet some other young adults who also care deeply about community? Email mhustedt@nclutheran.org.  We are grateful to Mark Hustedt for his leadership in pulling this table together. 


We hope to see you there!!


Please share and invite your circle of friends!



INTERFAITH HARMONY MONTH - BUILDING BRIDGES IN A DIVIDED WORLD


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Since 1987, MeckMIN has been connecting people, faith groups, and organizations to create understanding and trust.

 

In February 2026, MeckMIN aims to help create opportunities for houses of faith, spiritual groups, and community organizations to connect peoples so we can better understand each other and serve side-by-side.

 

The initiative called Interfaith Harmony Month - Building Bridges in a Divided World aims to create a series of events across the month that promote the values of interfaith bridgebuilding by providing wonderfully diverse opportunities for our communities to get to know one another in engaging ways to help reduce prejudice and build empathy.

 

If your house of faith, group, or community organization would be interested in hosting an event, you might consider the ideas below, come up with your own idea, or invite people to a February event you've already planned that would be appropriate for a wide audience.

 

  • Service project

  • Prayer ceremony

  • Festival/Concert

  • Film screening

  • Religious Class

  • Spiritual site tour


Register HERE to host an event




OTHER PARTNER OPPORTUNITIES





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Thursday, November 13th from 9:30am-11:30am, Myers Park United Methodist Church 

Reneisha L. Black | reneisha.black@cms.k12.nc.us 

Damon Willis | Damon1.willis@cms.k12.nc.us, Director Engagement and Partnership Impact, 


The Multi-Faith Summit is designed to bring together local faith-based organizations and school leaders to build meaningful partnerships that directly support student achievement. The summit addresses key challenges such as academic learning gaps, unmet basic needs, and limited adult mentorship by aligning schools with committed community partners. They will highlight the Adopt-a-School model in which faith groups provide essential resources, and relational support throughout the school year. This collaboration strengthens both our schools and communities by expanding capacity, improving student outcomes, and creating a shared sense of responsibility for the success of every child. Breakfast will be served.




Nov 19-Dec 7 | Carolina Place Mall





The Light the World Giving Machine is a unique holiday initiative that invites the community to give in a simple yet meaningful way. This “vending machine for good” allows visitors to purchase real items—such as groceries, classroom supplies, baby care essentials, hygiene kits, and more—for individuals and families in need. One hundred percent of every donation goes directly to the participating charities to provide and deliver the selected items, with all administrative costs covered by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.


This year’s Charlotte Giving Machine features six nonprofits: Ada Jenkins Center, American Red Cross, Church World Service, Classroom Central, Common Heart, and 

MiraVia. Together, these organizations address a wide range of local and global needs—from hunger relief and disaster response to education, housing, and maternal support—creating opportunities for the community to come together and make a tangible difference this holiday season. 100% of the money donated goes to the charity.


Please join us at the Carolina Place Mall (on the first floor near Belk) from November 19th through December 7th to spark hope and spread joy this holiday season.  More details: hopp.bio/givingmachinecharlotte or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItJwN5AyWqg 


Our 2025 Charlotte feature video (9 min) is a wonderful introduction to share with individuals and groups.


There is also a 777 challenge for groups. If you input that code it will automatically donate to every single organization. The total cost for that gift is $1594. 



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


The views and opinions expressed below are those of the speakers/presenters and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the MeckMIN board or our member organizations. 



MECKLENBURG COUNTY UPDATES




Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits have paused indefinitely. In response, the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council in collaboration with the Mecklenburg County Public Health Department is offering a temporary SNAP incentive model at participating farmers markets during the month of November 2025. 


Starting Saturday, Nov 1, at participating farmers markets, present your EBT card at the welcome or SNAP table to receive $50 in SNAP tokens to shop with, free and clear.  


Receive Tokens at Participating Markets:

  • Charlotte Regional Farmers Market - Saturdays except 11/29 8am-1230pm

  • Davidson Farmers Market - Saturdays 9am-12pm

  • Matthews Community Farmers Market - Saturdays 8am-12pm

  • South End Farmers Market - Saturdays 8am-1pm

  • Uptown Farmers Market - Saturdays 8am-1230pm




RESILIENCE RISING SERIES: Sustaining a Community of Safety and Healing


Ebony Rao, M.A., Ed.M., LCMHCS, Sr. Health Program Manager

Public Health | Office of Violence Prevention & Resiliency in Communities After Stress & Trauma (OVP & ReCAST II), 704-534-3238 


ReCAST (Resiliency in Communities After Stress and Trauma) is happy to invite you to our second session of the Resilience Rising Series: Sustaining a Community of Safety and Healing.  This powerful conversation will explore how communities can move beyond crisis response to create sustainable systems of safety and healing. Through a dynamic panel discussion with local leaders, participants will gain practical strategies to foster resilience, promote mental well-being, and strengthen collaborative networks. This is a free, virtual session and offers 1 Continuing Education Credit through South Piedmont AHEC.



SUSTAINING A COMMUNITY OF SAFETY and HEALING

November 13, 2025 12:00-1:00 pm 


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Panelists include:

  • Kim Alexander from Our Daily Bread 

  • Arkevious Armstrong from Step Up to Leadership

  • Wendy Pascual, Pascuales Farm

  • Tamara Samuels, LCSW from Renewed Peace, LLC 





CITY OF CHARLOTTE



MLK EVENTS


Willie Ratchford | wratchford@charlottenc.gov | (O) 704-336-2195, (M) 704-726-3320


This is a friendly reminder that registration and nominations are open for the City of Charlotte’s 2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. weekend of events. We invite you to help us share these opportunities across your networks as we honor Dr. King’s legacy through celebration, reflection, and service.

 

2026 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

Join us for one of Charlotte’s most inspiring annual traditions celebrating unity, belonging, collaboration and community pride. Schools, organizations, performance groups, and community partners are invited to participate.

Event Details

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Medallion Award

The Medallion Award recognizes a local resident or organization that embodies Dr. King’s message of peace, unity, and compassion through acts of service, advocacy, and bridge-building across communities.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Growing the Dream Award

The Growing the Dream is a community-focused initiative that brings together residents, organizations, and city partners to highlight local stories, volunteerism, and youth engagement that advance Dr. King’s vision of justice and equality. This ongoing effort connects Charlotteans to opportunities for civic participation, collaboration, and reflection leading up to MLK Weekend and beyond.

 

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Emerging Youth Leader Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Emerging Youth Leader Award celebrates the next generation of leaders who demonstrate commitment to service, academic excellence, and community engagement in the spirit of Dr. King.

 

Please share these opportunities widely with your networks, schools, and community groups. Together, we can honor Dr. King’s legacy by inspiring service, celebrating unity, and uplifting every voice in our city.



ADA TRAININGS


Willie Ratchford | wratchford@charlottenc.gov | (O) 704-336-2195 | (M) 704-726-3320 

Executive Director Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations 

700 Parkwood Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205 | Suite 311 


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Charlotte-Mecklenburg Community Relations Department’s ADA and NDO teams are proud to offer Accommodating Disabilities for Businesses, a virtual training on your business's obligations and rights when serving customers with disabilities.

 

Register for the training and let the team know what you would like to learn: https://www.charlottenc.gov/Events-directory/Accommodating-Disabilities-for-Businesses-Training

 

Wednesday, November 12, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

 


NONPROFIT UPDATES 



IMMIGRATION WORKSHOPS

These are being hosted by a local partner organization. Email ledayne@meckmin.org if you’d like more information 


Program #1: Know Your Rights Workshop

Date: Friday, November 07

Time: 6:00-8:00 PM

Location: Attendees must RSVP to receive the location for this program

Details: This is a facilitated workshop in Spanish. Participants will learn what to do if ICE is at their door, if they get stopped by the police, if there is a raid at work, and what to do in other similar situations.  

 

Program #2: Citizenship & Power of Attorney Clinic

Date: Saturday, November 08

Time: Appointments available between 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

Location: Attendees must RSVP to receive the location for this program

Details: This is an appointment-based clinic where participants sign-up for a one-hour appointment to work in-person with a lawyer. There are two services provided and participants can access one or both services during their appointment.







Nourish Up

We are facing an unprecedented hunger emergency in Mecklenburg County and across

the nation due to the ongoing federal government shut down and the failure to fully fund

SNAP. In Mecklenburg County we have 140,000 SNAP recipients, plus countless others

who are struggling without any assistance.


Staff, volunteers, and donors have responded with extraordinary compassion and

unrelenting energy, packing and distributing food boxes at record speed.


The reality is stark. We cannot food box our way out of this disaster. Even with a

massive upcoming all day packing event in partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank

that will produce 10,000 nonperishable food boxes, the need far outpaces our capacity.

Our number one ask is contact your federal lawmakers today. Demand that they listen,

communicate, and negotiate for the good of the American people regardless of political

affiliation. Hunger does not discriminate and neither should compassion or leadership.


Even with the support we have gotten, the need is much greater than capacity. Please reach out to lawmakers to ask them to support restoring SNAP.  In order of importance:

  • Advocacy you can reach your lawmakers at (202) 224-3121  (House) or (202) 224-3121 (Senate)

  • Funds (donations leverage purchases from wholesalers to increase your impact)

  • Food Drives

  • Volunteers



Best links for Nourish Up:

 

Volunteer opportunities https://nourishup.org/volunteer/




LYDIA’S FOOD PANTRY at GALILEE: EMERGENCY NEED


Joanne Jenkins | joannej523@gmail.com 


Lydia’s pantry has run out of bags!! Please consider donating paper or recyclable grocery bags with handles. Bring them to 3601 Central Avenue.  Lydia’s is food on demand, no referral needed.




Don’t Overlook Laundry—Charlotte Families Need More Than Just Food


David Rebolloso |  david@cleanhealth.ngo |  980-229-3997

4554 N. Tryon St.,  Charlotte, NC 28213


As Charlotte’s nonprofit community mobilizes to meet urgent needs caused by the federal government shutdown, much of the focus is rightly on food and essential items. Farmers’ markets are stepping up. Local restaurants are feeding furloughed workers. Food pantries are working overtime.


But one vital need remains largely forgotten: laundry.

For families already on edge—especially those impacted by paused SNAP benefits or lost wages—clean clothes become yet another unaffordable expense. And while food nourishes the body, clean clothes restore dignity, health, and a sense of normalcy during uncertain times.


That’s where we come in. Operation Clean Health (OCH) is Charlotte’s new and only nonprofit dedicated solely to helping families, seniors, and displaced individuals through laundry assistance. With the communities help we provide preloaded laundry cards to create a community laundry fund, and offer free laundry events in partnership with local businesses and schools.


You can help us meet this moment.

  • If you do your laundry at North Tryon Laundromat, a portion of your payment supports our mission.

  • Or donate directly online: OperationCleanHealth.org


Let’s not forget: clean clothes are not a luxury. They’re a basic need—just like food.



SHARE CHARLOTTE


As Neighbors across Mecklenburg County face challenges due to the pause of SNAP benefits, local food pantries are seeing an increased need - and you’ve stepped up to help.


We’ve already seen the impact from photos of pantry shelves being restocked and bins overflowing with donations. It's a powerful and inspiring sign of what’s possible when our community comes together.


Community support will continue to be vital until the benefits return in full.


Whether you can donate nonperishable items, hygiene essentials, contribute funds, or lend a hand in person, every action makes a difference.





NEW BEGINNINGS COMMUNITY LIFE CENTER



They are providing grocery cards and more to support those on SNAP benefits. 



MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 


I'm stocking our Little Free Pantry now. It's along Central Ave. at 4012.  Project Outpour has folks here that are asking for food, so we are putting out all of our donations now.  There is an asset map that Charlotte East has put out where you can find all the Little Free Pantries/Food Banks in east Charlotte.




Jay Cobb | jcobb@scgnc.org 


Jay Cobb and 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 some NC Medicaid plans). We are always looking for speaking events, partnerships, and chances to support! Director of Operations and Development Kate Welsh kwelsh@scgnc.org Executive Director Jay Cobb jcobb@scgnc.org ww.scgnc.org



HARVEST RENEWAL COACHING OPPORTUNITIES


Autumn G. Weil, MSML, CFRE | agweil@hotmail.com | (828) 708-5480


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Autumn Weil is a nonprofit leader, facilitator, and coach with more than 20 years of experience strengthening mission-driven organizations. She served as an Executive Director and senior leader in the nonprofit sector for 15 years, guiding teams through growth, transition, and transformation and holds a Certified Fund Raising Executive and a master’s degree in Management and Leadership. 


There are a number of opportunities coming up to connect with her experience and wisdom. 




  • Individual coaching: She can help Executive Directors move from burnout to resilience, provides fractional fundraising & executive leadership for small nonprofits, and facilitates workshops and training. 




REFUGEE SUPPORT SERVICES: The return of the International Holiday Bazaar!


December 7, noon - 4 pm @ RSS, 3925 Willard Farrow Drive.


Melba Evans, Ministerial Coordinator, wedgewood.church@yahoo.com, Wedgewood: A Social Justice Community


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Join us at Refugee Support Services (3925 Willard Farrow Drive, Charlotte, NC 28215) on Saturday, December 7, from 12:00–4:00 PM for a joyful afternoon of global gifts, food, music, and community.


The International Holiday Bazaar has been nominated as Charlotte’s Best Event for a Good Cause 2025! We are seeking vendors to share and sell their unique creations. Participation is free, and tables are provided. We especially welcome musicians and food vendors to add to the festive atmosphere.


 Vendors from immigrant and refugee communities will retain 100% of their profits. Other vendors are encouraged to make a donation to Refugee Support Services to help fund refugee resettlement and community programs.


To reserve your table or learn more, please email Wedgewood.church@yahoo.com.


Please help us spread the word — the more diverse vendors we have, the more vibrant our marketplace will be! A flyer is attached for you to post and share widely.


Wedgewood is also still looking for partners in supporting the Catawba Nation Food Bank which was recently gutted by federal funding cuts. Contact Melba if you want to help. 



PROVIDING ELDERS ADDITIONAL SUSTENANCE


Austin Caton, MS; CDP; MHP, | acaton@centralina.org | cell: 704-348-2708,

Aging Program Coordinator | fax: 704-879-2398, www.centralina.org | www.centralinaaging.org 


Centralina has a new program called PEAS which stands for Providing Elders Additional Sustenance. The PEAS Program is a grant program through the next September. It provides monthly grocery or meal delivery via FedEx or UPS to eligible participants, helping ensure they receive nutritious food while promoting independence at home. Centralina is partnering with Moms Meals to provide meals or grocery delivery to eligible older adults.

 

Eligible clients will be able to choose between:

  • 10 meals per month OR

  • 1 box of groceries (shelf-stable or produce) a month

  • Or you can alternate between these

 

Who is Eligible?

Eligibility has been expanded. Adults aged 60 and over who reside in Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union County who have one or more of the following issues:

  • have memory loss or cognitive impairment that affects daily life.  They will do an assessment to do this

  • Are functionally impaired

  • Have three or more Activities of Daily Living impairments

  • Cognitively impaired with at least three instrumental ADL impairments.

 

If you serve older adults who meet these criteria and could benefit from this program, please encourage them or their caregiver to call 704-348-2708 to sign up. Your referrals play a crucial role in connecting older adults to this important service, helping to improve their quality of life and health outcomes.

 

Thank you for your partnership and dedication to serving our community’s older adults. Please reach out if you need more information or materials about the program.






Taryn Chase | 704.258.0408 | Taryn.Hofert@mcleodcenters.org 


Marketing & Communications Specialist

Their mission is to make healing and hope accessible to those struggling with Substance use disorders. 


They offer residential and outpatient treatment. Unlike more expensive programs, they take on patients regardless of financial situation. They offer medicaid assisted treatment among other types. 


We would love social media followers, volunteers and more.


There will be a new campaign to coincide with giving Tuesday called “Season of Semicolon”.  Reach out to Taryn to see how you can connect.





DIRECTOR of SMVF PROGRAMS 


Crystal Miller | crystal@govinst.org 


Service Member Veterans program. Government’s institute 9 non governmental non-profit. They help connect providers of substance abuse help with resources.  This program connects veterans with health and services. They are launching AskMeNC campaign. There is a 50+% benefits gap in NC – which means 56 percent of the veterans in NC are not accessing any benefits.  AskMe is helping health providers ask their patients whether they served in the military and then connect them with the services available in NC. We cannot connect veterans if we don’t know about them. There will be a printable QR code laden printout with lots of resources on it. Connecting veterans to their veterans service officer can open up LOTS of avenues of support. This supports veterans and their families and also supports houses of faith and nonprofits who can make their funding go further by accessing funds available to support their work with veterans. 







Garreth L. Douglas | tradestech21@gmail.com 

Executive Director, Office: (980) 289-9944, Cell:(240) 882-9208


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Trades Tech is your go-to service provider for expert carpentry, drywall, painting, and flooring solutions. Beyond our hands-on craftsmanship, we empower homeowners with DIY guidance to bring their home improvement visions to life. Committed to building stronger communities, we also offer specialized trade workshops for schools, community organizations, and aspiring professionals—equipping them with essential skills in both technical trades and workplace readiness. Whether you're looking for top-tier service or hands-on learning, Trades Tech is here to help you build, create, and grow.


Our mission is to provide services that promote dignity and self-worth; to help rebuild the lives of our young men and ladies. We have developed a business model from our professional backgrounds that will introduce participants to viable skills in the areas of 

  • Carpentry

  • Drywall

  • Painting 

  • Flooring


We have a total of 30 years of experience in these areas. We train folks during our hours.  Please reach out if you want to connect and learn more. 




RESOURCES FOR NONPROFITS



GoFundMe ISSIES APOLOGY for BETRAYING TRUST of NONPROFITS ACROSS THE COUNTRY – Published by the NC Center for Non-Profits October 24, 2025 


Recently, the crowdfunding platform GoFundMe created donation pages on its website for 1.4 million nonprofit organizations without their knowledge or consent. Nonprofits, including many organizations in North Carolina, expressed concerns that this action by GoFundMe violated the trust of many nonprofits, created confusion among donors, harmed nonprofits by establishing search engine optimization for GoFundMe’s nonprofit pages at the expense of nonprofits’ own websites, and threatened to give GoFundMe a large portion of donations to nonprofits through GoFundMe fees and “tips” (the default “tip” for GoFundMe was set at 16.5% of the donated amount). The Center also believes that GoFundMe likely infringed on the trademarks of many nonprofits and may have violated the state’s charitable solicitation licensing law by soliciting funds on behalf of North Carolina nonprofits without their signed written consent.  After significant advocacy by the National Council of Nonprofits, the Center, and many other nonprofits, GoFundMe issued an apology to nonprofits yesterday. In its apology, GoFundMe says that it will:

 

  1. Make nonprofit pages opt-in only moving forward.

  2. Remove nonprofit pages that have not been claimed and verified.

  3. Make search engine optimization opt-in rather than the default for nonprofit pages.

 

It is unclear how quickly GoFundMe plans to remove nonprofit pages that have not been claimed or verified or how GoFundMe plans to handle nonprofit pages that were claimed by individuals who aren’t actually associated with the nonprofit. In the meantime, nonprofits are encouraged to check the GoFundMe nonprofit pages to see whether one was created for your organization and to ensure that your page (if it exists) wasn’t claimed by someone who is not associated with your organization. GoFundMe also has posted instructions for how to claim and manage your nonprofit page. If your nonprofit (understandably) doesn’t trust GoFundMe, this resource from Whole Whale has a helpful synopsis of the GoFundMe nonprofit fiasco and steps nonprofits can take to safely remove their pages.  Thank you to the many nonprofits that reached out to the Center with concerns about this situation this week. 





EXTREME WEATHER RECOVERY UPDATES



SUPPORT WNC

We highly recommend this great resource from the Episcopal community in Western North Caroline with lots of suggestions of where to donate, volunteer, stay, eat, and shop as you support continued recovery efforts in WNC.  


VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN REBUILDS Disaster Grant Program


Eliza Edwards, Community Partnerships Director, Governor’s Recovery Office for Western North Carolina (GROW NC), Office of Governor Josh Stein, Eliza.edwards@nc.gov


NC Emergency Management is now accepting applications for the second round of its Volunteer Organizations Active in Rebuilds Disaster Grant Program. Eligible applicants are volunteer organizations that are actively involved in actual and ongoing repair and reconstruction projects for homeowners affected by Tropical Storm Helene in North Carolina. Initial funding for this notice is anticipated to be $16,000,000. There is no maximum grant request limit, funding will be allocated to maximize the potential capacity needed.

 

The deadline to apply is 5pm on December 11, 2025. Please share this with organizations in your communities that may be eligible to apply.

 

For more information and to apply: https://www.ncdps.gov/VOARDGrant



HELENE RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RAP) from Global Empowerment Mission


Helene Rental Assistance Program (RAP). The Rental Assistance Program (RAP) provides up to three months of rent support to individuals and families affected by Hurricane Helene. Assistance can help cover move-in costs for a new lease or support those behind on rent to avoid eviction. Click here to view the flyer and additional information.


We also provide support for local small businesses and artists in the Western North Carolina along with other phase 2 support. Please check our website for more details.



GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES 



Local


Grant Funding Focus - Monthly Emails 

A GREAT resource I was recently made aware of (thanks, Greg Jarrell!) – I HIGHLY recommend you subscribe!  Grant Funding Focus is a collaboration with Inclusive Data and Living Better Life where we have developed a curated collection of federal, state, and private grant funding opportunities that fall within our current areas of focus. 


Through this offering, we hope to enhance the capacity of the nonprofit sector to access resources and, with that, the opportunity to increase their impact on the health and well-being of communities across North Carolina. 


If you know anyone within your organization and your broader network who may be interested in receiving Grant Funding Focus on a monthly basis, please encourage them to subscribe.



Regional 


Improving Health and Family Well-Being in the Carolinas

Application deadline: December 15, 2025Grant amount: $5,000–$21,500,000Geographic scope: North Carolina and South CarolinaTarget population: Children, families, and vulnerable populationsDescription: The Duke Endowment supports organizations improving the well-being of people in North and South Carolina. Grants focus on health care, child and family well-being, higher education, and rural churches. Funding helps expand access to care for vulnerable populations, strengthen maternal, infant, and mental health, and build the healthcare workforce. Additional funds are available for programs that prevent child abuse, strengthen families, and help United Methodist churches in rural communities build leadership, reimagine spaces, and deepen their community impact.


National  


Grant Support for Childhood Food Access

Application deadline: NoneGrant amount: VariesTarget population: Children/youth and general communitiesDescription: Share Our Strength’s No Kid Hungry campaign funds schools and community organizations working to ensure children have consistent access to healthy meals. Current priorities include expanding participation in school breakfast and non-congregate summer meal programs. Funding is directed toward communities facing the highest barriers to food access, including those with high rates of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals and organizations led by people of color.

Grants Advance Healthcare and Family Well-Being

Application deadline: December 31, 2025Grant amount: $500–$30,000Target population: Communities, families, and underserved individuals Description: The Jay L. Smith Family Foundation funds U.S. nonprofits that strengthen families, advance healthcare, and support underserved communities. Grants focus on Alzheimer’s and cancer research, elderly care, suicide prevention, and family violence clinics. The Foundation places particular emphasis on improving care for individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and funding research for a cure.



GENERAL INFORMATION




WHAT'S YOUR JOB EVENT AT FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST


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CAREGIVER MENTAL WELLNESS SELF-CARE VIDEOS 





POINT IN TIME COUNT KICK OFF EVENT: COMMUNITY CONVERSATION


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AVAILABLE SPACE ON THE SPANISH and ENGLISH PARENT GROUPS MEETING AT THOMPSON


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Raquel Rivera | rarivera@thompsoncff.org | 704-654-7355

Bilingual Family Education Specialist


Free Dinner and Childcare are always provided and additional gift card incentives as well.

The groups are parent-led and cover a variety of topic like nutrition, finance, mental health, legal aid etc.

If you know of any clients that might be interested in these groups, please have them fill out his form and email it to me at rarivera@thompsoncff.org.



Spanish Group: Meets every Wednesday at 6pm via Zoom and once a month in person (location changes)

English Group: Meets every Thursday at 6pm at 769 N. Wendover Rd, Charlotte NC 28205





PRAYER FOR LEADERS



When joy fades and we return to the work, the fear of our current reality invades our senses - it can be easy to feel despair and isolation. But somewhere, someone is organizing. Somewhere, someone is anchoring their community in love. Somewhere, someone is refusing to let hate win. Somewhere, someone is dancing.

 

– Ashley Torres of the Revolutionary Love project 



NEXT MEETING: TWO weeks from today - Thursday at 11 a.m. 





 

 

 


 
 
 
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