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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Sandra and Reuben Are Reaching for Stability

When Sandra and Reuben first met their Economic Mobility caseworker, they were at their wit's end. They were about to lose their electricity and water. They didn't know how they would afford his medical supplies. Their finances were, Sandra admits, “overwhelming.” But your generous support is helping them reach for stability again.

April 2, 2020

When Sandra and Reuben first met their Economic Mobility caseworker, they were at their wit’s end. They were about to lose their electricity and water. They didn’t know how they would afford his medical supplies. Their finances were, Sandra admits, “overwhelming.”

A lifetime on her own

Having lived her first 60+ years as a single woman working in the insurance industry, money wasn’t something she really thought about.

“It was just something that came in and went out,” says Sandra. She wasn’t rich, but she didn’t really have to struggle either. She bought a house, had nice clothes, and lived within her means — for the most part. “I thought budgets were something for other people,” she adds.

When retirement came, she didn’t think too much about the impact of a fixed income, the loss of employer-provided healthcare, and all the things that can accompany aging. Instead, she threw herself into her church and started volunteering at the Men’s Shelter.

Enter Reuben

Then, she met Reuben. His life had been very different from her own —often a hand-to-mouth existence that left no room for financial education or planning ahead. Still, having spent her whole life alone, their unlikely romance seemed “heaven-sent.” In 2013, they married and began a life together.

Things were good at first. But, with no experience budgeting and few tools to talk about money together, they weren’t equipped to manage an onslaught of injuries, diagnoses, and related costs. Debt piled up. Bills fell behind. Things just kept getting worse. By the time they sought help through Crisis Assistance Ministry, her house was in jeopardy too.

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

Thanks to your support, a trained caseworker was able to stop the disconnections and keep their power and water flowing. Next, Sandra, Reuben, and their caseworker Randee began to dig into the reality of their finances over the course of several meetings.

“Just putting it all down on paper was eye-opening,” says Sandra. “It really helps to have someone to talk everything through with. Randee listens, makes suggestions, and helps us come up with a plan. Then we can work on it together at home.“

Now, Reuben and Sandra are talking about money, planning their budget, even couponing, as a team. Reuben is making Native American jewelry that honors his heritage while he awaits approval for disability benefits. Over a few months time, they have gone from an urgent crisis to staying current on their bills. They are making hard choices, living within their means, and rebuilding their credit.

“It was hard for me to ask for help because I was used to being the helper,” says Sandra. “But I don’t think we could do this without the things we’ve learned here.“

Moving forward together

There are still struggles. Without health insurance, the cost of Reuben’s diabetic supplies and other medical needs are daunting. Sandra has fallen a few times and required treatment. But, they are moving forward together thanks, in part, to the strategies and knowledge they gained through the Economic Mobility Program.

Your support made their hard work possible. Because of you, Reuben and Sandra remain safely housed and are now reaching for economic stability — even in this time of uncertainty.

DOUBLE YOUR IMPACT

You can be the helper in the lives of our neighbors in need by making a gift today. Your gift will matched up to $250,000 by a generous group of individuals now through April 30.

Filed Under: Campaign, Customer Stories Tagged With: #Challenge2020, #DoubleYourImpact, #MakeYourMatch, Customer, Economic Mobility, Financial Assistance, Health

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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Preventing homelessness.
Preserving dignity.
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  • (704) 371-3001
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  • Main Office:
    500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
  • Tax ID
    EIN 56-1416719

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Recent Photos

crisisassistmin

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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

crisisassistmin

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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)

crisisassistmin

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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

crisisassistmin

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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

crisisassistmin

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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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