Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

Carol Hardison Headshot Outside Crisis Assistance Ministry Building
By Carol Hardison
Chief Executive Officer

As we celebrate Do Good Week here in Charlotte, I am reminded of the extraordinary ways you #DoGoodCLT here every day of the year.

Speaking to a group of corporate executives recently, we asked who had volunteered at Crisis Assistance Ministry before. The question helps gauge a group’s knowledge of the agency. Every single one of them raised their hand. These were individuals with demanding jobs. Yet, all of them, at some point, had taken a couple of hours out of their busy day to provide a meal to customers waiting in the lobby; to sort and inspect donations of clothing and household goods; or to help load and unload furniture for a family leaving homelessness. Wow!

Over the last five years alone, volunteers have given almost 250,000 hours here in support of people with urgent financial needs. It’s a gift that exceeds $1 million in value annually.

In addition to the roles I already mentioned, still more volunteers provide administrative support, check out customers who are shopping free-of-charge for essential items, and build furniture for families in need. Kids as young as five-years-old can even give back at Crisis Assistance Ministry. ­Whatever your skill and passion, we find a way to leverage it for the benefit of the community.

Each year, we honor special individuals whose contributions to the families served here go above and beyond. The award is named after ­Shirley Henry, Crisis Assistance Ministry’s first volunteer. In 1975, Ms. Henry helped recruit volunteers and organized the first volunteer training sessions. That same year, she became the second staff member, yet her heart and soul continued to thrive through her love of volunteer service on behalf of the agency. Our most recent Shirley Henry Award recipients Chris Watson and Nancy Sipe continue her legacy as they give back to the community they love.

Chris Watson, left, Paula Spencely, staffer Yolanda Lee, and Mardi McMackin work together to serve North Mecklenburg.

During National Volunteer Week, and throughout the year, we are grateful for the many caring individuals and groups who perform one-quarter of the work here at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Your time and talent are helping to prevent homelessness and preserve dignity for low-income neighbors like Jeff, Joy, Angel, and Michael.

Thank you!