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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Jim Middleswarth: “Just a Regular Guy” with an Extraordinary Heart

Every month, accountant Jim Middleswarth dutifully pays his power, water, and gas bills. That's not too surprising. But what he does next might be. Not too long after he joined one of the big firms right out of college, James was transferred from Philadelphia to Charlotte in the 1970s. Eventually, he ventured out into his own practice where he continues to serve individuals and small businesses.

January 8, 2019

Every month, accountant Jim Middleswarth dutifully pays his power, water, and gas bills.  That’s not too surprising. But what he does next might be. 

Not too long after he joined one of the big firms right out of college, James was transferred from Philadelphia to Charlotte in the 1970s. Eventually, he ventured out into his own practice where he continues to serve individuals and small businesses. 

He raised two children who filled his office with little momentos of their lives. A tiny clay “Top Cat” has served as a paperweight since his now middle-aged daughter brought it along on an office visit at the age of five. He got involved in church and community and quietly began to support causes that made sense to him. Crisis Assistance Ministry was one of them. He heard the stories of people helped here and, he says, he knew it would help people directly. 

But, James says, the 2008 economic downturn caused him to think about his contribution in a new context. Over the years, he says he learned from experience that “stuff happens” and very few people are able to save anything to fall back on when it does. 

“I’m just a regular guy, but when I thought about it I realized: Have I ever been hungry and not been able to do something about it? No. Have I ever been shivering cold and not been able to turn on the heat and get warm? No. Have I ever had to wonder where I would sleep at night? No.” 

“Of course I have felt hunger, cold, heat, but I’ve always had a way to address those things. So I decided this was what I could do to help.” 

After he pays his own utility bills, James matches his total utility costs with one more check to help families at risk of losing essentials like water, heating, and cooling. 

At first, he says, he thought he would just do it while the recession lasted. “But, there are still so many people who can use the help. I know where it’s going and I trust how it will be used,” James says. “So, as long as I am able to keep giving, I will.” 

It’s an extraordinary gift that has helped countless families get through challenging times.  

On their behalf, thank you, James. 

Filed Under: Donor Stories Tagged With: Donor Stories, Gift, Utilities

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    Charlotte, NC 28206
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🎓🎓🎓Look CLOSELY at this video. You'll see a group, but each extraordinary individual within it carries a story of resilience that knows no bounds. As we congratulate our newest customer advocate class, we're also honoring their unique experiences and eagerly anticipate their advocacy moving forward. Collectively, their stories powerfully illustrate the challenges many families navigate when seeking help during a crisis.

This year, as we mark our 50th Anniversary, our Customer Advocate's #LivedExperiences are only a few of #50StoriesofCrisisAssistance Ministry we're sharing— demonstrating stories of resilience and the support that helps individuals regain stability.

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Happy Independence Day as we celebrate freedom in all its forms— including the freedom to pursue housing and financial stability! We cheer on all those working hard to build a secure future for themselves and their families. #FinancialFreedom #IndependenceDay

Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed on July 4th. We will resume normal business hours on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

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Inspired! Last week, the Middle School Ministry from Thomas Road Baptist Church (Lynchburg, VA) @ThomasRoad traveled over 200 miles to serve our Mecklenburg County neighbors.

Despite the heat, these young people delivered 150 snack packs and cold water and meticulously stocked the Free Store with dignity. 

There's always a place for volunteer groups here. Head over to our link in bio to sign up.

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"It could have been way worse... I was on the emergence of a deployment and I couldn't get any help here from family and friends."

George, an active service member, courageously shares his #LivedExperience of facing a financial crisis while deployed. He found a lifeline at Crisis Assistance Ministry, securing vital rental and utility assistance. Since 1975, we have been here lifting up our neighbors so that no one has to face financial hardship alone.

For 50 years, neighbors like George have found what they needed at Crisis Assistance Ministry to achieve financial stability. His is just one of #50StoriesofCrisisAssistance Ministry we're sharing in recognition of #50yearsofhopeCLT.

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🚨ATTENTION: A new bill in Congress, H.R. 1, proposes significant cuts to vital safety-net programs for Mecklenburg County families. This could impact food security, healthcare, and energy assistance for our most vulnerable neighbors.

At Crisis Assistance Ministry, we believe everyone deserves basic dignity. Learn why these potential changes matter to our community and how it may affect you.

➡️ Tap the link in bio for full details.

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Full circle moments! ✨ In our 50th Anniversary year, we were so honored to welcome students from @queensuniv, carrying forward a legacy started by our founder, Queens alumna Caroline Love Myers!

This amazing group spent their afternoon meticulously stocking our Free Store and processing incoming donations – turning generous gifts into dignified essentials for families in crisis.

These students reminded us that these shelves stay full because of YOU, our incredible material goods donors! Your contributions directly empower families. Want to keep this legacy of compassion thriving? Learn how to donate goods: Link in Bio!

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🥵 We are feeling the Charlotte heat! For many neighbors, staying cool isn't just about comfort—it's critical. Extreme heat disproportionately impacts lower-income communities due to factors like urban heat islands and historical disinvestment.

Here at Crisis Assistance Ministry, the community comes together to help households pay their utilities, ensuring families can have air conditioning or running fans during these sweltering days. You can be the neighbor to help keep the electricity on! Link in bio to learn more and give.

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Twenty-five years of heart. 25 years of steadfast leadership. ✨ We're honoring our CEO, Carol Hardison, for a quarter-century of dedicated service to Crisis Assistance Ministry and our neighbors. It's remarkable, especially considering she's only the second CEO in our 50-year journey!

Want to help us celebrate this amazing milestone? Flood our comments with a "Happy Anniversary Carol!" 👇Don't forget to tag her @carolinthehouse
#HappyAnniversaryCarol #Leadership #CommunityHero #CrisisAssistanceMinistry #Charlotte

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Meck County and the City of Charlotte have opened cooling stations across the area, including:
•	Day Service Centers
•	Recreation & Senior Centers
•	Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries
•	Spraygrounds, Pools & Beaches!

PLUS, CATS (@ridecats) is offering FREE transportation to cooling stations.

This is critical for a variety of populations, including those experiencing homelessness, seniors, and families struggling with utility costs. Access to cool spaces and resources like fans (available from Mecklenburg County DSS for eligible residents!) can literally be life-saving.

KNOW THE SIGNS: Heat illness is preventable! Drink water, limit activity, and seek cool spaces. Spread the word! Visit @mecklenburgcounty for more details.

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