Your Impact

FFC Staff and Board members are grateful to everyone that has made our work possible over the past year.  Because of you, local families felt the impact of our programming in big ways!  Every one of our program graduates made significant forward progress on their mobility goals, helping propel them into long-term stability and families were able to complete the following goals:

• 93 families were matched with a Family Liaison mentor

• 46 educational workshops were offered to participants

• 181 Essential Baskets of cleaning supplies and toiletries were distributed to families

• 231 backpacks of school supplies were provided to children

• 2,225 holiday gifts to families

• $205,000 in financial assistance provided

• 295 goals achieved by Family Partners including:

  • 31 participants obtained new jobs or got a promotion

  • 13 families moved into stable housing

  • 12 participants opened a savings account

  • 18 participants paid off debt and/or improved their credit score

  • 30 participants created budgets

  • 27 participants enrolled in or completed courses to advance their education (college courses, training programs, or certifications)

As an organization, we were able to provide support and resources like essentials baskets filled with toiletries and home goods, grocery gift cards to alleviate the stress of food insecurity, help navigating housing resources, and much more. And, as a result of the support our staff and volunteers provide, 100% of graduates stated that their knowledge of and ability to access services and resources improved.

 

We are so grateful for another successful year of programming and will provide you with more details in our Annual Report which will be released later this year. 

 

But, the work is not done.

 

We are getting an average of 3 calls a day from people seeking support that we are not able to help.  In order to grow to serve over 100 families this year, we need more resources.  If you are already giving to our mission, thank you.  If you want to contribute any amount use the link below or reply to this email to connect directly with me.  I would love to talk to you about our giving options.

 

Thank you,

Carrie Christian

Executive Director

New Alumni Association Kicked Off!

We are pleased to introduce our inaugural Alumni Association
Board Members (pictured above left to right):

Elaine Brown - President

Erica Walker - Vice President

Barbara Wennersten - Community Service Chair
Katrina Guiles - Secretary

Alumni of our Family Success Program nominated participants to hold office in the Alumni Association this spring and after the nominees campaigned and the group voted, the women listed above were sworn in and officially started their term.

 

Together, they will plan meaningful activities and get-togethers for the Alumni of our Family Success Program, giving them the opportunity to gather and continue supporting each other and FFC.  Additionally, the President will serve on our FFC Board of Directors and the group will act in an advisory role to ensure we are providing the best support possible to families in our community!

Be Part Of The Solution,
Be A Volunteer Mentor!

"There are so many things that I love about being a Family Liaison, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be that I love building relationships with families who are in the storm... Seeing her growth and success has been amazing to me and I look forward to our friendship continuing after she graduates!"

- Courtney Brown, Family Liaison (pictured below, left)

 There are hundreds of families in our area who are ready to break the cycle of poverty, but are unsure where to turn or how to start. Become a Family Liaison mentor with Families Forward Charlotte, and help a family experiencing poverty as they work towards long-term stability!

 

Sign up to attend one of our informational sessions and begin your journey of helping a family move FORWARD.

 

Our next training dates will be Friday, September 27th and Saturday, October 5th. We can't wait to see you!

Volunteer Spotlight

Jamie Rockhold is a volunteer who learned about our organization through Chosen City Church and joined our Family Success Program as a Family Liaison this spring. In just three months she and her Family Partner have created a budget, made a plan to save money, and secured permanent housing. They've had tough conversations that have allowed their relationship to develop organically and ultimately have created a deep sense of interconnectedness. Jamie is a firm believer in investing her time into building meaningful connections and enjoys the sense of fulfillment that it brings into her life. 

 

Jamie shared with us, "Mine and LaTonya's partnership/friendship has blossomed into a trusting and reciprocal dynamic. We've been able to collaborate together to ensure she is achieving her goals within the time periods she sets. We, too, have built a friendship that has continued to grow and develop throughout this experience. Truly Blessed to be her Family Liaison. Her drive and commitment have encouraged me to be everything I strive to be."

Starting the school year off right!

Families Forward Charlotte is proud to recognize the incredible generosity and dedication of local individuals and community groups who have come together to support our mission of empowering families toward economic mobility. These groups have collectively packed and donated 280 bookbags filled with essential school supplies, ensuring that students in need have the tools they require to succeed in the upcoming school year.

 

The organizations recognized for their outstanding contributions include:
Atrium Air Mobile Medicine
Atrium OB Anesthesia
Burn Bootcamp South Park
CarMax South Blvd

Deloitte
Elevation Church
Global Endowment Management, LP
Martello RE
The Francis Apartments
Winston & Strawn, LLP

 

Thank you for your support this school year!

Did You Know?

August is "Make A Will" month! 

 

Over 60% of people do not have a Will or Trust set up, leaving your assets in limbo. Your proactive planning can ensure your intentions are fulfilled.  You can preserve your passions, protect your loved ones, and empower the causes you cherish through the execution of a will. 

We hope you will consider leaving a lasting legacy by including Families Forward Charlotte in your plans so that together we can create a brighter future for Charlotte families.  Reach out to Carrie Christian, carrie@familiesforwardclt.org or click the link below to learn more.

Welcome!

We are thrilled to have Dr. Carrie Graham joining our Families Forward Charlotte board as an At-Large member! 

 

Dr. Graham started her career on the high-stress sidelines of Division 1 Athletics as a healthcare provider delivering thorough evaluations and effective solutions that last. This is the foundation of her current role as Founder/CEO & Consultant of COG Learning & Solutions, LLC.

Dr. Graham's vision is to provide an effective and efficient strategic plan for learning and talent development professionals to achieve their outcomes, including KPIs. This ensures their calm, confidence, and courage to do things differently.

 

Dr. Graham figured out what it takes to achieve her vision of empowering others, enabling her to see unlimited possibilities, feel expansive, and embolden all voices, particularly Families Forward Charlotte stakeholders. In her free time, Dr. Graham is a foodie who loves to travel with her husband.