Civic Engagement Program
In a vibrant city like Charlotte, it’s easy to overlook the fact that many are suffering amid affluence. Our Civic Engagement Program increases awareness of the complex issues facing more than 100,000 neighbors living in poverty.
Even families whose income is twice the Federal Poverty Level struggle to afford safe housing, reliable transportation, child care, utilities, food, and other necessities. An unexpected event such as an illness or job loss can send an accomplished person into a downward financial spiral.
More than 100,000 of our neighbors live in poverty.
Empowering Advocates
The Civic Engagement Program engages and empowers the community to be advocates for people facing poverty by:
- Increasing awareness of the complex issues that make it challenging for some neighbors to make ends meet
- Encouraging community dialogue and participation in removing barriers to financial security
- Changing attitudes and policies that create barriers to economic mobility
The most powerful advocates are customers themselves. We provide training to highly motivated individuals interested in sharing their story and effecting positive change for others living in poverty.
Poverty Simulations
Since 2008, Crisis Assistance Ministry has been the local lead facilitator of the Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS), a two-hour interactive, immersive experience designed to create awareness among participants of life at the bottom rung of the economic ladder. The simulation presents participants with real-life scenarios and challenges faced by people living in poverty and is immediately followed by a group debrief, during which participants reflect on the experience, discuss insights, and consider next steps.
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.
The Cycle of Poverty and Mental Illness
Defining the connection between poverty and mental illness is a chicken-and-egg scenario: does mental illness create an inability to overcome a state of poverty, or does poverty increase or perpetuate the occurrence of mental illness?
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Deborah: Growing Stronger As An Advocate
When we last looked in on Deborah, she was emerging from a time of crisis with a renewed sense of her purpose. Today, she’s thriving as a Customer Advocate sharing her story. And every time she does, she becomes a little bit stronger.
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Walk with a Family Facing Financial Crisis
Walk with a family facing financial crisis to learn how you help prevent homelessness and preserve dignity for hardworking neighbors right here in Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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National Voter Registration Day
Crisis Assistance Ministry teamed up with the League of Women Voters to observe National Voter Registration Day. Held on the fourth Tuesday of September each year, the day is designed to celebrate democracy and highlight the importance of voting.
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Transportation Equity: The Often-Forgotten Aspect of Poverty
When you think about poverty, transportation is probably not the first issue that comes to mind. But having a reliable and affordable means of getting around town is fundamental to accessing vital resources.
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Eviction: Know Your Rights
Being served with a summons to eviction court is panic inducing. If you or someone you know receives court papers like the one below, the best advice is to stay calm, learn the process, and know your rights.
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Food for Thought: How Recalculating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits Us All
Americans who struggle to afford healthy food for their families will soon receive a much-needed boost. In a historic move, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has recalculated how Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are determined. As a result, the average SNAP recipient will see an increase of $36.24 per person per month, beginning on October 1, 2021.
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