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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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How Struggling on the Economic Margins Affects Mental Health

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental health condition each year. For families living below the federal poverty line, mental illness is even more prevalent and pernicious.

May 28, 2019

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and every day at Crisis Assistance Ministry, we see how struggling on the economic margins affects mental health. 

Poverty Impacts Mental Health

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, nearly one in five adults in the United States experiences a mental health condition each year.   For families living below the federal poverty line, mental illness is even more prevalent and pernicious.  In a research brief entitled “Mental Health and Poverty”, the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University found that not only are lower-income people more likely to experience poor mental health, including higher levels of severe mental illness and suicidal thoughts, but also less likely to receive the necessary treatment.

Additionally, the McSilver Institute’s review of recent research shows a bidirectional relationship between poverty and mental health in that “poverty may exacerbate mental illness and mental illness may lead to poverty.” 

Childhood Poverty Can Permanently Affect Future Health

For children living in poverty, the mental health connection is even more complicated and potentially devastating.  Much attention has been paid to toxic stress and Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs), especially the ways trauma can alter a child’s physical and mental health, limiting opportunities for self-actualization.  A recent article in the North Carolina Medical Journal, “Poverty as an Adverse Childhood Experience”, argues that “policy investments promoting family financial health are imperative to protect child well-being and North Carolina’s future prosperity.”

Gone are the days of defining health as simply a body without disease.  Today we recognize that physical, emotional, social, environmental, educational, economic, and mental factors all play a role in our ability to reach optimal health and full potential.

Help is Available

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, contact local lead agency Mental Health America of Central Carolinas or call them at (704) 365-3454.  You may also want to check out their 10 Tools to Live Your Life Well, which includes great information for managing mental health and self-care. 

Filed Under: Advocacy Tagged With: Adverse Childhood Events, Mental Health, Mental Health America of Central Carolinas, Mental Health Month, National Alliance on Mental Illness, toxic stress

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Preventing homelessness.
Preserving dignity.
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  • Main Office:
    500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
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As we take time out this Memorial Day weekend to remember those who sacrificed on our behalf, Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed to all customers, staff, donors, and volunteers on Monday, May 29, 2023. Typical business hours will resume on Tuesday, May 30.

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This family of five signed up to provide snacks for families who seek assistance here because "everyone could contribute." 17 year old Lydia wrote messages, 13 year old Spencer washed apples, Mom packed crackers, Dad packed cookies, and 6-month-old Isaiah cheered everyone on.
With summer ahead, there will be even more need for snack packs to share with the families served here. You can find this and other volunteer opportunities on our website.

#volunteers

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Should North Carolina Implement Child Tax Credits?
Expanded federal child tax credits were a lifeline for many families during the pandemic. But those expansions have expired and aren't likely to be renewed at the federal level. North Carolina could implement its own credit to help families struggling to make ends meet. 
You can learn more about the benefits and decide what you think at the link in bio. #NCChildTaxCredit #FightPoverty #PreserveDignity

crisisassistmin

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Thank you for a fabulous National Volunteer Week! You inspire us every day with your commitment to help all of our neighbors achieve financial stability.

crisisassistmin

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As expanded Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program benefits end, hunger-fighting groups expect a surge in demand at food banks and warn that SNAP recipients may fall back into poverty. Some studies estimated that the Emergency Allotments during the pandemic reduced child poverty by 14% in 2021. This week we ask who will suffer now that these benefits have expired in North Carolina and all remaining states? (Read more through link in bio)

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Meet Ed Holland, a grandfather who gives back consistently and finds hope in helping others who are experiencing a financial crisis. In less than two minutes, hear his hopeful outlook, what fuels his community involvement, and his invitation to join the Challenge going on right now to help more families who visit Crisis Assistance Ministry for help. #DoGoodCLT #DoubleYourImpact

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Yesterday was a great day to celebrate #volunteers with so many great groups "in the house!" First up:  two sets of high schoolers from opposite sides of the Atlantic. 
📷 1 & 2:  Teens from West Charlotte HS who serve consistently, always getting stuff done in our warehouse.
📷 3:  High school students from all the way in France via Charlotte Latin School who also spent time preparing donated goods for Free Store shoppers.
We ♥️ our teen volunteers who bring so much energy to their visits here.

crisisassistmin

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Shout out to every neighbor who showed up and shared their time to help other neighbors get through a financial crisis and rebuild stability.
#volunteers #thankyou #DoGoodCLT #fightpoverty #NationalVolunteerWeek

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Crisis Assistance Ministry is excited to announce that local Charlotte leaders are coming together to help YOU double your impact this Spring.  Thanks to the generosity of Howard and Julie Levine - Howard R. Levine Foundation; Anna & Ed McMahan; and Kasey & Stuart Proffitt every contribution (up to $500K) will be matched now through May 31.
Will YOU rise to the challenge with a gift to help provide more individuals and families meet their basic needs, develop the tools to overcome financial adversity, and chart a path beyond the crisis toward financial security?

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