Facilitators: Barbara Day, Eric Locher
Subject: A Tour of Charlotte Ministries
CRISIS ASSISTANCE MINISTRY FACILITIES TOUR AND VISIT This ministry serves the low-income citizens of Mecklenburg County who are facing financial emergencies and are struggling to meet life's basic needs. Learn about Partners in Prevention, a partnership with others in Christ's Church faith community' a new model of prevention aimed at helping families on the brink of eviction.
URBAN MINISTRY CENTER VISIT An interfaith organization seeking to serve those facing homelessness through services including counseling, immediate assistance (i.e., free lunch 365 days per year, shower and laundry facilities, mail drop), empowering ministries, study/education and advocacy, this ministry is a resource for homeless neighbors in the community.
ROOM IN THE INN Churches throughout the city partner to provide hospitality, food and a temporary "home" to 12 homeless "neighbors" screened through the Urban Ministry Center each night December through March. Our Smart Network members will experience Room in the Inn at Christ Church, dining with neighbors.
RAMADA ROAD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VISIT Located just four miles and yet a world away from Christ Church, more than 80 percent of the children who attend this school live in poverty. Christ Church's goal is to envelop Ramada Road, and its people, with the love Christ taught us to give. Volunteer needs range from pencils and pats on the back to a single major project or long-term, weekly commitment to a particular child, classroom or family. Christ Church has underwritten the salary of an on-site "Communities in School" coordinator to manage the avalanche of support necessary to provide each student the shining possibility of a worthy future. Our network members will meet with this coordinator, the school principal and Christ Church members who were instrumental in getting the programs started at Ranea Road; we will hear about the opportunities, challenges and success stories.