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:
In this Issue:
Opening Reflection
“Remember that if you really want to motivate yourself, love is more powerful than fear.”
- Kristin Neff, Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
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.
We do not allow announcements from for-profit groups promoting their businesses or campaigning from political candidates. Beyond that, we don’t have rules for who can speak or what they can share as long as they support our commitments to respectful conversation and the dignity of all people.
Because we have a very wide array of beliefs and understandings within our membership and because we want to keep these meetings open as an open forum, we’re going to add this disclaimer to the minutes: "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."
SAVE The DATE: COMMUNITY-WIDE INTERFAITH THANKSGIVING SERVICE Tuesday, November 21 | 7 - 9 PM | Trinity Presbyterian Church
Please start sharing the flyer with your communities. It is a really lovely service
Join us for one of the highlights of the year -- the annual Community-wide Interfaith Thanksgiving service which will be hosted this year by Trinity Presbyterian Church.
*Please help us by sharing this link event with your Facebook contacts: https://fb.me/e/4JQwBEZT3
HOPE TANK TRUNK
Saturday, October 21 | 9:30 - 1:30 PM
Mark your calendars for MeckMIN/JustServe next service project on October 21st from 9:30 AM to 1:30 with the Hope Tank Truck (parking lot of the Southern Comfort Motel at 4419 Tuckaseegee Rd.).
The 3 areas of service include:
· Cleaning the shower area after each use
· Cleaning the laundry center
· Cleaning the supply table
The Hope Vibes Team will guide you through the process.
*Please help us by sharing this link event with your Facebook contacts: https://fb.me/e/QT2qP0O1
YOUTH EVENT - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 18
Middle and High School Youth (+ their incredible adults) are invited to join the MeckMIN Youth at the Yap Ye Iswa Festival held at the Catawba Cultural Center near Rock Hill, SC on Saturday, November 18. The festival is an annual celebration of Catawba culture and features food, art demonstrations, dancing, craft vendors, and much more.
We'll meet at Myers Park United Methodist Church (1501 Queens Rd.) at 10 a.m. and ride together to the festival. We'll return to the church at 3 p.m.
Bring money for lunch and extra if you'd like to buy something from the vendors.
Register HERE
*Please help us by sharing this link event with your Facebook contacts: https://fb.me/e/3NO1ODmiR
NEWSLETTER
If you are not yet receiving our regular email newsletter be sure and sign up here: https://www.meckmin.org/contact-us
COVID UPDATES
David Sweat, MPH | 980-314-9633
Director, COVID-19 Response Unit
Public Health | COVID-19 Response Unit
Mecklenburg County Government
FREE COVID TESTS: The federal government is offering free at-home Covid-19 tests. Get yours here.
· The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months old and older should receive the updated annual COVID vaccine this Fall. COVID vaccination will now be a routine annual vaccine recommended for all ages, similar to the recommendations for Flu vaccine.
· Organizations who need supplies of rapid COVID test kits should send their request to COVIDtests@mecknc.gov and either me or one of my staff will coordinate with you. In the email, please provide a name, address, email address and phone number for who we should coordinate with along with the number of test kits requested.
· COVID transmission levels are currently high and have been high in Mecklenburg County since the middle of August. We recommend anyone who is having symptoms take a rapid test, and isolate for 5 days if they test positive. We also recommend people seek a COVID vaccine as soon as possible, either from their health care provider, a local pharmacy, or the health department. More information on where to get vaccinated is on our website at Vaccination | COVID-19 Resources and Updates (mecknc.gov).
-Pandemic has now become endemic
-Currently we are experiencing HIGH levels of Covid transmission -Receiving requests for test kits & masks
-CDC is requesting everyone 6mos and older to get a vaccine -New vaccine for RSV recommended for 60 yrs and older can be scheduled along with the Flu shot all at once
Everyone 6-months and older should get the fall COVID-19 vaccine along with a flu shot. Because the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, the updated COVID-19 vaccine is designed to match the changed virus and help protect people from serious illness, hospitalization and death. The vaccine becomes available at a time when North Carolina is seeing an increase in COVID-19 infections according to the North Carolina Respiratory Virus Dashboard.
Vaccines reduce long COVID, particularly among those who stay up-to-date—so get your fall recommended COVID-19 vaccine and boost your protection. Health officials recommend everyone 6 months and older get their annual flu shot before the end of October. Flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spread in the fall and winter. Like COVID-19, these viruses make people sick and can lead to severe illness and even death, particularly in older adults, young children and those with underlying medical issues.
COVID-19 continues to be a very real risk for many people, and last fall, COVID-19, flu and RSV spread widely at the same time. Safe and effective vaccines are the best way to protect against these viruses. They are especially important for those at higher risk of complications — people 65 and older, children younger than 5, pregnant women and those with certain medical conditions, like asthma, diabetes and heart disease.
For people with health insurance, most plans will cover the COVID-19 vaccine at no cost. Children who are insured by Medicaid or are uninsured or underinsured can get vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program, which offers vaccines to eligible children through age 18. The state will also receive a limited supply of free vaccine for uninsured or underinsured adults through the federal Bridge Access Program. These vaccines will be distributed to safety net providers like Community Health Centers and local health departments and to pharmacies participating in the Bridge Access Program.
We need your help to make sure every North Carolinian has easy access to the information they need to protect themselves and others. Please share the resources below with the communities you serve:
· Press Release
· COVID-19 Website (English/Spanish)
· Flu Vaccine Finder (English/Spanish)
· Social Media (English/Spanish)
Fall Vaccines Info:
· Fall COVID-19 vaccine supplies will begin coming into the state at the end of this week, with more availability starting next week. Check your local health providers. Need help paying for a vaccine? Search vaccines.gov for locations that may provide them for free.
· For more information about COVID-19 vaccines, visit MySpot.nc.gov, call the CDC-INFO Contact Center at 800-CDC-INFO or visit ncdhhs.gov/LHD to contact a local health department. Read the CDC’s full statement here.
· Flu vaccines are often available at little to no cost at pharmacies, local health departments, doctor offices and other providers throughout the state. For more information on flu vaccines, visit flu.ncdhhs.gov.
· This year, for the first time, there is an RSV vaccine to protect people 60 years and older. There is also a new medication that can protect infants under 8 months and some older babies at increased risk of severe illness with RSV. People should talk to their doctors about whether RSV protection might be needed for them or their child.
Todas las personas de 6 meses en adelante deben recibir la vacuna de otoño contra el COVID-19 junto con la vacuna contra la gripe (influenza). Debido a que el virus del COVID-19 continúa evolucionando, la vacuna actualizada contra el COVID-19 está diseñada para adaptarse al virus y ayudar a proteger a las personas contra enfermedades graves, hospitalización y muerte. La vacuna está disponible en un momento en que Carolina del Norte está experimentando un aumento en las infecciones a causa del COVID-19, según información en el tablero de datos de virus respiratorios de Carolina del Norte.
Las vacunas reducen las probabilidades de sufrir los efectos del COVID prolongado, especialmente entre las personas que se mantienen al día con su vacunación, así que vacúnate contra el COVID-19 con la vacuna recomendada para este otoño y aumenta tu protección. Los uncionarios de salud recomiendan que todas las personas de 6 meses en adelante reciban la vacuna anual contra la gripe antes de finales de octubre. La gripe y el virus respiratorio sincitial (VRS) también se propagan durante el otoño e invierno. Al igual que el COVID-19, estos virus causan una infección respiratoria que puede provocar enfermedades graves e incluso la muerte, especialmente en adultos mayores, niños pequeños y personas con condiciones médicas subyacentes. El COVID-19 sigue siendo un riesgo muy real para muchas personas, y el otoño pasado, el COVID-19, la gripe y el VSR se propagaron ampliamente al mismo tiempo. Las vacunas seguras y efectivas ofrecen la mejor protección contra estos virus. Son especialmente importantes para aquellos con mayor riesgo de complicaciones: personas de 65 años más, niños menores de 5 años, mujeres embarazadas y aquellos con ciertas condiciones médicas, como asma, diabetes y enfermedades cardíacas. Para las personas con seguro médico, la mayoría de los planes cubrirán la vacuna contra el COVID-19 sin costo alguno. Los niños que tengan seguro médico a través de Medicaid o que no tienen seguro médico o tienen un seguro médico insuficiente pueden recibir las vacunas sin costo a través del programa Vacunas para Niños (VFC), que ofrece vacunas a niños elegibles hasta los 18 años. El estado también recibirá un suministro limitado de vacunas gratuitas para adultos sin seguro médico o con seguro médico insuficiente a través del programa federal Bridge Access. Estas vacunas se distribuirán a proveedores de la red de seguridad, como centros de salud comunitarios y departamentos de salud locales, y a farmacias que participan en el programa Bridge Access. Necesitamos tu ayuda para asegurarnos de que todos los habitantes de Carolina del Norte tengan fácil acceso a la información que necesitan para protegerse y proteger a los demás. Por favor comparte los recursos a continuación con tus comunidades: · Comunicado de prensa · Sitio web sobre el COVID-19 (inglés y español) · Buscador de vacunas contra la gripe (inglés y español) · Gráficos para compartir en redes sociales (inglés y español) Información sobre las vacunas de otoño: · El suministro de vacunas contra el COVID-19 comenzará a llegar al estado al final de esta semana, y habrá más disponibilidad la semana que viene. Revisa con tus proveedores de atención medica locales. ¿Necesitas ayuda para cubrir el costo de las vacunas? Busca lugares que puedan proporcionar vacunas gratuitas en vacunas.gov. · Para más información acerca de las vacunas contra el COVID-19, visita vacunate.nc.gov, llama al centro de contacto de los CDC al 800-CDC-INFO o isita ncdhhs.gov/LHD para comunicarte con un departamento de salud local. Lee la declaración completa de los CDC aquí. · Las vacunas contra la gripe suelen estar disponibles a bajo costo o sin costo alguno en farmacias, departamentos de salud locales, consultorios médicos y otros proveedores de salud en todo el estado. Para más información sobre las vacunas contra la gripe, visita vacunate.nc.gov/Gripe. · Este año, por primera vez, existe una vacuna contra el VSR para proteger a las personas de 60 años o más. También existe un nuevo medicamento que puede proteger a los bebés menores de 8 meses y a algunos bebés mayores con mayor riesgo de enfermarse gravemente a causa del VRS. Las personas deben hablar con sus médicos sobre si pudieran necesitar protección contra el VSR para ellos o sus hijos.
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.
RED CROSS NEED FOR VOLUNTEERS
Amy Korb | amy.korb@redcross.org | 704-221-8862 Senior Volunteer Recruitment Specialist | American Red Cross –Carolinas Region
With the increase in large-scale disasters across the country, the Red Cross needs volunteers who are willing to respond year-round to local disasters – and/or volunteers who can deploy outside our region to serve in hard-hit communities where the Red Cross is supporting disaster recovery efforts.
-Trying to educate the public on how to get involved when natural disasters happen
-We are experiencing double the disasters versus a decade ago
-We are 90% volunteer task force
-We have local opportunities as well as national
-Deployment is a two-week commitment
-We need long term volunteers as well as Spiritual care volunteers
-Experiencing a national blood shortage – if you can please consider making a donation
-Huge need for blood type O
-We offer free trainings: CPR, Children courses, Emergencies, etc.
-Smoke alarms available can be requested HERE
About Us
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization with a mission to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.
Announcements/Asks
BLOOD APPEAL
The American Red Cross is experiencing a national blood shortage. Fewer donors than needed gave this summer, drawing down the national blood supply and reducing distributions of some of the most needed blood types to hospitals. Hurricane Idalia further strained the blood supply with blood drive cancellations and reduced blood and platelet donations in affected areas.
Donors of all blood types are urgently needed, and there is an emergency need for platelet donors and type O blood donors to make an appointment to give now to ensure patients across the country continue to receive critical medical care.
Please spread the word. Donation appointments can be made by visiting www.RedCrossBlood.org or calling 1-800-RED-CROSS.
DISASTER RESPONSE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Natural disasters are happening more frequently. Severe weather is part of a worsening national trend. The Red Cross has responded to nearly twice as many large disaster across the county as it did a decade ago. Given the increase in frequency and intensity, we are looking for more local disaster relief volunteers. Volunteers make up 90% of the American Red cross workforce, helping to provide immediate support to neighboring communities and across the country.
RED CROSS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES*
In Disaster Cycle Services – Help your community prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. Volunteer needs include:
· Local Disaster Response volunteers assist individuals and families immediately after home fires or disasters. (In-person)
· National Disaster Response/Shelter volunteers provide support during large-scale disaster relief operations (regionally and nationally). (In-person)
· Recovery Client Care volunteers meet the disaster-caused needs of families with casework and long-term recovery planning (In-Person or Virtual)
· Disaster Spiritual Care volunteers assist disaster clients to utilize their own spiritual resources, values, and faith in the midst of a crisis, regardless of one’s faith tradition.
For more information on volunteering, contact Amy Korb at amy.korb@redcross.org or visit www.redcross.org/volunteertoday
RED CROSS RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO THE COMMUNITY| For more information on any of these services, contact amy.korb@redcross.org
PREPARENDESS TRAINING
Becoming “Red Cross Ready” for an emergency means following our simple steps in advance to ensure you can weather a crisis safely and comfortably. Being prepared may not prevent a disaster, but it will give you confidence to meet the challenge.
· 16 and older:
o Be Red Cross Ready
o Hands Only CPR
· Kindergarten – 2nd Grade: Prepare with Pedro
· 3rd – 5th grade: Pillowcase Project
HOME FIRE CAMPAIGN
The home fire campaign helps save lives by installing free smoke alarms in homes that don’t have them, and by educating people about home fire safety. If you cannot afford to purchase smoke alarms or are physically unable to install a smoke alarm, the Red Cross may be able to help. Smoke alarms can be requested here: https://www.redcross.org/local/north-carolina/about-us/our-work/home-fire-campaign/smoke-alarm-request.html.
PER SCHOLAS
Michael Terrell | mterrell@perscholas.org | 980-447-7042
Managing Director
-Non profit provides cost free access to career assistance services, technology, trainings
-3 years in operation, started in 2000
-12-15 week courses – life changing program
Most people who complete the program are able to increase their income from below living wage to a thriving wage -Goal: graduates thriving 2yrs after graduation
CHARLOTTE BILINGUAL PRESCHOOL
Katie Troy | katie.troy@bilingualpreschool.org | 610-787-0100
Advancement Associate | Charlotte Bilingual Preschool
My name is Katie Troy, and I work for Charlotte Bilingual Preschool, a non-profit organization in East Charlotte that offers a 5-star licensed, dual language early childhood education to Spanish-speaking children and families. We have a variety of family programs, including a Workforce Development Program for our families as well.
As the need for dual-language education is increasing rapidly, and we are quickly expanding to meet this need, I am hoping to further develop our partnerships with faith-based organizations in Charlotte.
-Almost 30% of school children identify as Latino -Only 14.7% of Hispanic students in CMS report as being "college & career ready" with only 70.8% graduating within four years last year -Volunteer opportunities available
-Rely on generosity of the community, you can make a donation here: https://bilingualpreschool.org
FAITH FUL RESPONSE TO GUN VIOLENCE | October 29 | Noon First Presbyterian Church | 200 West Trade Street, Charlotte NC 28202
Lucy Crain | lcrain@firstpres-charlotte.org | 704-927-0279
Associate Pastor of Outreach & Mission | First Presbyterian Church
For Christ in the Heart of Charlotte
-October 15, 22, 29, Nov 5: Sunday School Series
-October 26: Plowshares Book Club
-October 29: Panel Discussion, noon, free lunch | Register HERE -Gun violence is an epidemic
AN EVENING WITH ISABEL WILKERSON
October 26 | 7 pm | Sandra Levine Theatre
Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement
Isabel Wilkerson is a Pulitzer Prize winner and National Humanities Medal recipient, and the author of The New York Times best-selling books Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents and The armth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration. Her latest book, Caste, published in August 2020 to critical acclaim, with Dwight Garner of The New York Times calling it, “An instant American classic” and Oprah choosing it for her monthly book club pick. Picked as a Time’s 2020 must read book, it examines the unspoken caste system that has shaped America and shows how a hierarchy of social divisions still defines our lives today. Wilkerson brings the past’s complexities to vivid life through her passionate research and her profound gift for connecting with audiences of all backgrounds.
HOPE HAVEN
Phyllis Pickens | phy2pickens@hopehaveninc.org | 704-372-8809 x 277
Director of Enrichment
Hope Haven, Inc.
My name is Phyllis Pickens, Director of Enrichment at Hope Haven. Hope Haven is a Therapeutic Community that provides a foundation of recovery for individuals and families impacted by substance use disorder so they can build healthy, independent lives.
One of my responsibilities as the Director of Enrichment is to schedule activities for our residents, including motivational speakers, life skills workshops, religious services, seminars, yoga, art, music, and poetry, to provide a more holistic approach to their recovery process. If you, friends, family congregations, or a group you are afflicted with is interested in sharing your gifts and talents with our residents, please contact me to schedule a meeting.
-If you know someone who would like to share their hopes & passions with this group please contact Phyllis
-We need both long term and short term volunteers
MENTAL HEALTH SYMPOSIUM
October 14 | Noon
Lashanda Faye | lit9700@yahoo.com
Hello! I am Lashanda Faye with Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, Social Justice Ministry. We have several committees and I am the leader of the Health committee. I am overwhelmed with joy and appreciative for your attention to have a few moments to share Exciting news! We are setting up our 3rd annual Loving Me: Mind, Body, Soul A Mental Health Symposium. This event will be on Saturday, October 14th at 12 noon til 2 pm. Each year we get more and more excited about the partnerships and the relationships we are building. For this year’s events we have partnered with a new organization and look forward to their contributions in making this year’s symposium a success. Also…the event will be hybrid for the first time. We will be live on the FMBC campus and virtual. If you are new to the symposium, you will love this year’s guests and the information provided during this session. Our topics for this year are suicide, substance abuse, After effects of Covid and social media. Friendship Missionary Baptist church partners with our sister churches, Temple Beth El, St. Paul Missionary Baptist church and Antioch Missionary Baptist church and community organizations to bring you an awesome experience. We look forward to your participation. Get the word out and come join us in our 2023 Loving Me: Mind, Body, Soul A Mental Health Symposium!
Thank you again for allowing me to share this wonderful event with you. I have shared with LeDayne the flyer with in person details and the link to register for those who prefer virtual. Thank you so much!
Link to register for virtual: https://lovingme2023.eventbrite.com/
- Mental Health Symposium Sat Oct 14 noon – 2 pm
-Hybrid event
INTERFAITH MENTAL HEALTH INITIATIVE Wednesday, October 25, Matthews United Methodist Church
Rebecca Yates | byatescnm@gmail.com -GOAL: To bring together a collaborative of churches to talk about mental health -October 25 – Rev Jessica Stokes from Blue Cross Blue Shield and 5 churches from 5 different denominations will share their mental health ministries and discuss the role churches play in mental health ministry
SEED20 APPLICATIONS OPEN TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5
Laurie Grauer | lgrauer@svpcharlotte.org
Program Manager | Social Venture Partners Charlotte
PO Box 12712 Charlotte, NC 28220
-Offer grant opportunities, skill training on fundraising, marketing, etc.
-10 non profits take on stage for 2 mins to deliver their pitch for a chance of cash award prizes
-Sign up for our email list and follow our socials for SEED20 updates HERE
-October 10 Information seminar (zoom) LINK
BELOVED COMMUNITY CHARLOTTE & WEDGEWOOD COMMUNITY CHURCH LOOKING FOR NEW SPACE
Helms Jarrell | helmsjarrell.com | 704-654-7429
Co-Director of QC Family Tree
Artist, Communitarian, Cultural Organizer
Organizing Pastor of Beloved Community Charlotte
@belovedcommunityclt
Beloved Community Charlotte is meeting in a current space that we are so grateful for, but it may be time for us to find another spot more conducive to our needs beginning in 2024. Our current space is free and our budget is nil. That said, here’s what we need: 1 large room with nice light that fits 50, 1 large room that 10-12 kids can play in freely, moveable furniture, access to a bathroom, West Side or Center City preferred. We meet 2x a month except in December (4x) and passion week (1 extra time) on Sunday evenings. We are open to warehouses, greenhouses, churches, storefronts, school buildings, libraries... Anybody know of anything? If you have any leads, make some connections and see what’s possible. Maybe BCC could find a better suited home by the new year!
Elizabeth Schob | wedgewood.church@yahoo.com Wedgewood Community Church
Wedgewood Community Church : We would not need use until about March of 2024. Every Sunday from about 10 AM - 1PM. Rarely use any other time. We need a space about the size of a school classroom with bathroom access and preferably kitchen access when needed. A closet or space to store our podium and small tables that we use in each service if it must be shared.
UPCOMING EVENTS AT UNION SEMINARY
Erin Mills, MA, MACE | emills@upsem.edu | 704-609-3584 (c) Program Associate, Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation The Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation and Union Presbyterian Seminary are hosting the Seminary's new President, Dr. Jacqueline Lapsley for two events in October, "Confession, Repentance, and Restorative Justice: A Faith-based Perspective". We hope you can attend and would be grateful if you could spread the word within your congregation, organization, and community. Details are below and I have attached the mailer for this event. Thank you to Sharon Presbyterian Church for hosting our keynote on October 9th! Please let me know if you have any questions. Confession, Repentance, and Restorative Justice: A Faith-based Perspective
Conversations with Jacqueline Lapsley, President of Union Presbyterian Seminary
Monday, October 9, 2023 / 7 pm / Talk and Reception - Sharon Presbyterian Church, Charlotte, North Carolina
Tuesday, October 10, 2023 / 11:30 am / Luncheon and Discussion - Union Presbyterian Seminary, Charlotte campus
Please join us for two special events:
On Monday evening, Dr. Lapsley will discuss her work at Princeton Seminary where, in the aftermath of a “race audit,” she helped lead the institution to transform its commitments and curriculum to address a history of racial disparity.
On Tuesday, join Dr. Lapsley for lunch with local faith and community leaders to discuss the Bible, race, and the faith community’s work for reconciliation.
Both events are free; please register online so we have sufficient seating. Registration is required for the luncheon as seating is limited. Registration information can be found online: https://na.eventscloud.com/csjrfallseminar
Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation (CSJR) - Union Presbyterian Seminary www.upsem.edu/CSJR Follow us on Facebook and Instagram: @upsemcsjr
Reimagining America Project (RAP)
CENTER 360 NEEDS A 12 PASSENGER VAN TO TRANSPORT STUDENTS FOR AFTERSCHOOL PICKUP Monday -Thursday
Shonya Anderson, MSW | 704-802-9450
Executive Director | Center 360, Inc. | www.center360.org
I wanted to share with the group that we are in need of a 11-12 passenger van to pick up students after school and transport them to our free program at Amay James Recreation Center which is Monday through Thursday 3-6:30 PM. We also need transportation for occasional Friday or Saturday field trips. Transportation is the primary barrier to participation for 5th-8th grade students and parents we support. I know many church vans are underutilized during the week. Would you mind spreading the word? Our September Mission Moment is attached. It's a really good read and shines light on the work we do!
VOTE RIDERS IS HIRING
Pam Pierson | pam@voteriders.org | 704-641-4845
-Hiring a Charlotte organizer
-Find Job Description HERE
FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST - NON PARTISAN POLITICAL FORUMS OCTOBER 3 & 5 | 6 PM | 3400 Beatties Ford Rd, Charlotte 28216
Andrea Betaudier | abetaudier@friendshipcharlotte.org
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church
Register HERE
FRIENDSHIP MISSIONARY BAPTIST - LOVING ME
OCTOBER 14 | 12 PM | 3400 BEATTIES FORD RD, CHARLOTTE 28216
LATINO HERITAGE FESTIVAL
Saturday, October 28 | St. Andrew's United Methodist Church
Phyllis Lazenby | 704-756-3139
We are having a Latino Heritage Festival at St. Andrew’s UMC on October 28th. If anyone would like to have a table or booth you may text me at 704-756-3139
3. General Information
BLOCK LOVE: UP ALL NIGHT SLEEP OUT
October 7 - 8 | Uptown Charlotte
Deborah Woolard Phillips | team@blockloveclt.org Founder | #blockloveclt
Block Love Charlotte is hosting our Up All Night Sleep Out next weekend, October 7th - 8th in uptown Charlotte and we have a huge need for physical donations to prepare ahead of colder temperatures.
Up All Night with Block Love Charlotte! Help us collect physical donations ahead of cold temperatures. We need to fill our trailer with new blankets, tents, sleeping bags, tarps, flashlights, new underwear for men/women, soap, deodorant, lotion, Vaseline, winter hats, gloves, pop-top food can items, crackers, snack cookies, jeans, and hoodies.
FREE INFORMATION SESSIONS: CHARLOTTE'S NONDISCRIMINATION ORDINANCES & FAIR HOUSING
SATURDAY CONVERSATORY: WELL-BEING AND HEALTH OF THE LATINO COMMUNITY
Irlanda Ruiz | 984-920-8215
Vice-Chair ENLACE Board & NCCDD Hispanic Disability Advocate
Join us on October 21st, for our (free) SATURDAY CONVERSATORY: WELL-BEING AND HEALTH OF THE LATINO COMMUNITY at the Belmont Center (700 Parkwood Ave, Charlotte N.C.) from 9:00 -11:30 AM.
Through this conversation the community will have the opportunity to:
Learn about free or low-cost health initiatives available.
Identify healthy eating alternatives that won't break the bank.
Learn how to protect ourselves from the new variants of COVID-19.
Learn about services and resources available for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
If you need a reasonable accommodation, please call me at 984-920-8215.
*We would appreciate your help sharing the attached flyer and inviting people that could benefit of this event.
Register HERE
This event will be IN SPANISH
CONVERSATORIO SABATINO: BIENESTAR Y SALUD DE LA COMUNIDAD LATINA.
Este evento se llevara a cabo el 21 de octubre en el Belmont Center (700 Parkwood Ave, Charlotte N.C.) de 9:00 a.m.-11:30 a.m y es libre de costo.
Si necesita acomodo razonable para disfrutar del evento por favor comuníquese conmigo al 984-920-8215.
Agradeceremos su cooperación compartiendo el flyer que se incluye e invitando a las personas que podrían beneficiarse de este evento. Registrese AQUI A través de este conversatorio la comunidad tendrá la oportunidad de:
Conocer las iniciativas de salud comunitaria gratuitas o de bajo costo.
Identificar alternativas de alimentación saludable que no quiebren el bolsillo.
Aprender cómo protegerse de las nuevas vertientes del COVID-19.
Aprender sobre servicios y recursos disponibles para personas con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo.
Este evento será en español.
THE FUNDABLE PROJECT
Next Stage will celebrate its 10th birthday in 2024!
And to mark a decade of social impact work and partnerships, we want to give back to the community that has given so much to us. As a result, we’ve designed a grantmaking initiative like no other –The Fundable Project.
Fact: We Are Big Fans of Trust-Based Philanthropy
Given their relationships, knowledge and proximity to issues and constituents, nonprofits are able to build trust in their communities and among those they serve. We believe this makes them best equipped to determine how to make an impact with the resources entrusted to them.
Because we are big fans of trust-based philanthropy, we’ve partnered with the Charlotte Ledger to bring attention to the importance of trust in formulating social impact efforts.
The Fundable Project
To highlight just how much we believe in this approach, we designed The Fundable Project – a grant opportunity that will award $10,000 in cash support for a nonprofit need or opportunity that would typically struggle to receive investment in a traditional grantmaking process. Maybe it is so innovative, it is too ahead of the curve for more traditional sources of support. Or maybe it seems too frivolous to some or lacks data to back it up.
Or maybe it just isn’t all that flashy as an initiative, and yet you know it would significantly move the needle for your nonprofit’s work.
We want to know about it. We are using this process to increase awareness of the importance of trust-based philanthropy. While there can only be one recipient of the grant, we hope everyone will benefit from the advocacy the effort will produce.
What to Know
The Timeline
September 27 – Application opens at 6 am.
October 5 – Zoom Office Hours for applicant questions. Drop in anytime between 9 – 10:30 am.
October 20 – Any questions due to Next Stage by 5 pm. No questions regarding the application will be answered after this date.
October 27 – Application closes at 5 pm.
December 1 – Top 10 Finalists determined.
February 8, 2024 – The Fundable Project Celebration! The grant winner will be announced during a special event.
Eligibility
Organizations must have 501(c)3 status and be legally registered in Mecklenburg County. There are no restrictions on budget size or mission, but preference will be given to organizations with less than a $5 million annual operating budget. Total project budgets must be at least $10,000 and must take place between March 1, 2024 and February 28, 2025.
While the project may be challenged to receive investment through traditional channels, it still must be a purposeful use of funding, i.e. no setting fire to a pile of money.
The most compelling applications will demonstrate how the project advances the organization’s mission and/or vision.
Learn More HERE
EFFORTS INCREASING ACCESS TO HEALTHY FOODS FUNDED IN NORTH CAROLINA
Application deadline: October 27, 2023 Geographic scope: North Carolina Grant amount: Up to $100,000 per year for three years
Description: Through the Strengthening Community Capacity to Advocate for Healthy Food funding opportunity, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation seeks to support community-based organizations in North Carolina in expanding their ability to advocate for policy and systems change aimed at increasing access to healthy food for those most impacted by food insecurity. In total, $4.2 million will be allocated to support up to 14 organizations over three years to enhance their ability to affect the policy and systemic changes needed to address root causes of food insecurity for those most impacted in their communities. Eligible organizations must serve communities and populations impacted by high rates of food insecurity and lack of access to healthy food, have specific policy or systems change priorities to address food insecurity and break down barriers to healthy food, and be deeply connected to the community they serve.
GRANT OPPORTUNITY FOR TOBACCO & NICOTINE EDUCATION IN FAITH COMMUNITIES
Partners in Health and Wholeness is excited to offer mini-grants to North Carolina faith communities interested in working around tobacco and nicotine education. Tobacco use remains the number one preventable cause of death and disease in North Carolina and the United States. Your faith community can help reduce disease caused by tobacco and nicotine use. Apply now through November 30 and take the first step towards a healthier, safer future. The first step to apply for a mini-grant is to Join the PHW Collaborative.
For those seeking inspiration and insights, register for the upcoming webinar, "Tobacco & Nicotine Education" in the link below. Your community has the power to make a difference – join us in this crucial work.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION IS OCTOBER 31 at 5 pm. Late applications will not be accepted.
Thank you, in advance, for your interest in submitting a nomination. Please do share with others who might know someone, a project or an organization deserving of consideration. You are welcome to contact me for additional questions or concerns.
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF VOTER EDUCATION WEEK
Nonprofits are an important voice in promoting voter participation to “build a more inclusive and equitable democracy.” Voter Education Week – October 2-6 – is a great opportunity to help your community members know if there are elections in their county this fall, register to vote or update their voter registration information, find their polling place, understand what’s on their ballot, and make a plan to vote.
RECOGNIZE A COMMUNITY LEADER AT A PANTHER'S HOME GAME
“That Deserves a Crown” - where individuals can be nominated for the chance to be recognized at a home game for positively impacting the community! Each nominee will receive (2) lower-level tickets to one home game, including pre-game recognition on the videoboard and a social post highlighting their accomplishments and work in the community.
YOUTH AGES 16-24 CAN NOW APPLY FOR JOB & CAREER READINESS TRAINING
The City of Charlotte’s Youth Programs provides residents 16-24 years old with the opportunity to participate in career readiness training free of charge. This experience covers job readiness, interview preparation and essential skills. The Job & Career Readiness Training is offered to you during the school day or on the weekend, depending on what works best for your schedule. Your live training date will be communicated after the registration period ends. This training is the first required step an interested student must take in order to pursue Mayor’s Youth Employment Program (MYEP) eligibility.
To attend the Job & Career Readiness Training, students must:
Be 16 on or before April 15, 2024
Be enrolled as a current student in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools or reside in the city of Charlotte
Be available on the date that is specified for your school or the Saturday that works best for your schedule
For more information about in-school training, please get in touch with your Career Development Coordinator (CDC) at your school.
For more information about community (Saturday) training, call the MYEP at 704-336-5577
Trainings will begin October 9, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the Charlotte Convention Center & CPCC Central Campus. Business casual attire is required.
WERE YOUR EBT BENEFITS / FOOD STAMPS STOLEN FROM
OCT 1,2022 - AUG 25, 2023?
Were your EBT benefits/Food Stamps stolen from October 1st, 2022 through August 25th, 2023?
If you reported your stolen EBT or Food Stamp benefits during those dates to the EBT Call Center, you should have received a notice, a cover letter, and a blank affidavit. You must submit that affidavit by September 27, 2023 to DSS by mail, fax, in person, or over the phone. If you do not have the affidavit, copies can be found at the DSS office.
WHAT IS AN AFFIDAVIT?
An affidavit is a voluntary sworn statement made under oath, which will be used as verification that you are telling the truth regarding stolen EBT or Food Stamp benefits.
Did you discover the theft during October 01, 2022 – August 25, 2023 but did not report to the EBT call center?
You must also submit a signed affidavit by September 27, 2023. You can click on the links below to obtain the affidavit or visit your county DSS to request assistance. You must fill out, sign and submit the affidavit via
mail, fax, in person or over the phone.
· Click here for fillable affidavit in English.
· Click here for fillable affidavit in Spanish.
DID YOU DISCOVER THE THEFT FROM AUGUST 26, 2023 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2024?
You have 30 days to file an affidavit from the date of discovery. How do I file a claim? An affidavit will need to be filed out which you sign and submit via mail, fax, in person, or over the phone with a telephonic signature at DSS. North Carolina has 30 days to look over your affidavit and approve/deny. If the affidavit is denied you have the right to a hearing.
HOW MUCH WILL I GET BACK?
You may not get back all of the benefits that were stolen. The replacement benefit will be the lesser of the amount stolen from the household or the amount equal to two months of the monthly allotment of the household immediately prior to the date on which the benefits were stolen.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN I SUBMIT A CLAIM?
You can only ask for your benefits to be replaced two times in a federal fiscal year, which is October 1st – September 30th.
WHAT BENEFITS CAN BE REPLACED?
The following benefits can be replaced: regular Food and Nutrition Services, simplified nutritional assistance program (SNAP), Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP), and Emergency Allotments (EA).
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION MONTH
Rev. Dr. Que English Director, The Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships U.S. Dept. Health and Human Services @HHSPartnerships
September is National Suicide Prevention Month and I can’t think of a better moment to call all of us to that place of being willing to be vulnerable. While we may not be prepared to be vulnerable in front of a standing room only event like ours last week, each of us can consider opening ourselves up, in healthy and appropriate ways, to others and share what is going on in our lives. That support and feeling of connection is something we all need.
The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, providing prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Below you will see links to our videos developed and being developed with diverse communities to with the intent of increasing awareness about 988 including our newest video developed with the Hindu community.
Lastly, don’t miss our newest resource, HOPE: A Guide for Faith Leaders to Help Prevention Youth Suicide. This guide, which was graciously developed in partnership with the Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention, helps faith leaders know how to prevent and address youth suicide in their community.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE FAITH & BLUE WEEKEND October 6, 7, & 8
Our National Faith and Blue event is an organized effort to unite the faith community with its local law enforcement agencies to promote more unity in our communities. This effort is convened by Movement Forward Inc., and sponsored by the Motorola Solutions Foundation. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office has partnered with National Faith and Blue to carry on this effort to produce more unity in the community of Mecklenburg county.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE TRUNK OR TREAT Saturday, October 28
Join us on our Trunk or treat and our National Faith & Blue weekend events. The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office Community Engagement Team are partnering with community leaders and local nonprofit organizations to provide more opportunities for our community to join in with our officers & deputies in safe fellowship and fun. So save the dates and mark your calendars.
Our Trunk or Treat event will feature a haunted trail this year for our youth and adults. We are inviting you to come out and enjoy the candy and some scary fun. The time, date, address and location is on the fliers. Costumes are welcomed; please leave all dangerous weapons in your vehicles.
PRO SE ASYLUM EVENT
Friday, October 20
Alma Hernandez | 704-333-8099 x111
Legal Services Specialist | International House
1611 E. 7th Street Charlotte, NC 28204
Please share this opportunity with any folks that are in removal proceedings. It’s free to attend. For more details, please contact: infoijp@charlottelegaladvocacy.org
PRAYER FOR NONPROFIT LEADERS
“Patience is not a waiting passivity until someone else does something. Patience asks us to live the moment to the fullest, to be completely present to the moment, to taste the here and now, to be where we are. When we are impatient we try to get away from where we are. We behave as if the real thing will happen tomorrow, later and somewhere else. Let's be patient and trust that the treasure we look for is hidden in the ground on which we stand.”
-- Henri Nouwen
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