Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

On Juneteenth, equity, equality, and freedom

Juneteenth marks a celebration of freedom—at least in the legal sense of the word.  But it also evokes several bitter truths surrounding emancipation and its legacy. We see the ripples of that legacy here every day as we work to help our neighbors whose struggles are made more difficult by the social and systemic legacies of chattel slavery in the United States.
As we reflect on a historic moment in time, we can’t overlook the centuries of disenfranchisement that have followed legal emancipation and consider whether true freedom, equity, and equality have yet to arrive for many of our fellow citizens.

International Women’s Day

Observed worldwide as a celebration of “the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women,” International Women’s Day is also a global call to action for accelerating women’s equality. At Crisis Assistance Ministry, we see women’s extraordinary perseverance and potential every day. Hardworking women like Mariagrazia, who was sidelined by an accident but refused to give up, and Shavonna, whose tenacity and grace are a testament to her indomitable spirit.

Beyond the Poverty Rate: A More Nuanced Look at Financial Security in Mecklenburg County

You’ve probably heard the saying that numbers don’t lie. But when it comes to understanding poverty, the numbers certainly can be deceiving. Mecklenburg County’s Scorecard, based on data from 2019, paints an optimistic picture overall. On most measures, our community appears to be thriving. But when those numbers are broken down by race, a very different picture emerges.

Netflix Drama Shines Light on Poverty

“Maid” is a new drama on Netflix that portrays a domestic abuse survivor, Alex, and her two-year-old daughters attempt to flee an abusive relationship. The themes represented are themes we often see in our daily work with neighbors who turn to Crisis Assistance Ministry for help.

Image of stethoscope on neutral background

Poverty Awareness Helps Medical Providers See Beyond the Examining Room

This year, over 200 Atrium Health staff and medical students have participated in virtual poverty awareness experiences with Crisis Assistance Ministry. The sessions are part of an ongoing partnership between Atrium and Crisis Assistance Ministry that aims to sensitize healthcare providers to the challenges their patients may face outside the walls of the examining room.