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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Midori is Grateful to Give Back

As Midori joined fellow Elevation Outreach volunteers at Crisis Assistance Ministry last week, she quickly earned the title of "Chief Encourager." As she began to greet people in cars arriving for curbside assistance, she saw herself in every harried face.

August 5, 2020

As Midori joined fellow Elevation Outreach volunteers at Crisis Assistance Ministry last week, she quickly earned the title of “Chief Encourager.” As she began to greet people in cars arriving for curbside assistance, she saw herself in every harried face.

“It was very humbling to be on the giving end, because once upon a time, I was there,” she says. “I know how scary it is to have nowhere to go. And Crisis Assistance was there for me.”

MAKE A GIFT

You see, Midori knows what it feels like to receive an eviction notice. Back in 2001, she was right out of college with a job she loved. Then 9/11 happened. She was laid off and soon faced eviction from her first solo apartment.

She says that’s when she learned two important lessons: “Never be ashamed to ask for help,” and, “You have to be resourceful with what you have.”

When she visited Crisis Assistance Ministry, she says, “I met with the lady who told me there was nothing to be ashamed of. Then she explained exactly how it works and what to expect and she prepared me. That’s how I got through it. I slept in my car for 3 days, but she gave me the help I needed to get back in my apartment.”

After that, Midori says, there were some highs and some lows. She found a new job and was able to sustain herself. She had to apply those lessons again, and learn some new ones, as she fled domestic violence.

Over time, she began to share the lessons that have carried her forward through a lot of change. As a counselor for people in recovery, as an account specialist for a communications company, and as a volunteer through Elevation Outreach, she says the lessons are still the same.

MAKE A GIFT

“Ask for help, don’t discount the resources you have, don’t discount your own value,” she recounts. “Don’t count yourself out. You are your own best asset. Don’t feel like a failure for acknowledging your reality. The only failure is when you don’t try. If you start with being honest with yourself, you can get through anything.”

Volunteers wearing face coverings interact with individuals in cars lined up for services.
Photo courtesy of Lindsay Kappius, @Kappiusphotography

Today, Midori is stably employed and pursuing an MBA focusing on Human Resources Leadership.

“I want to help survivors of trauma transcend back into the workforce and learn how to thrive again,” she explains. “When you’re in survival mode, it’s no different from any other PTSD. You have to learn to look beyond that tunnel.”

She sees helping others as the solution to many of the troubles she sees around her.

“In order for us all to thrive together, we are all responsible for the upkeep of our community,” she says. “We’re a growing city, but we have homeless camps too. There’s obviously an inequity — a disparity that needs a light shined on it. Crisis Assistance has always been that beacon of light to let us know we still have work to do. But also that beacon of hope, and hope is so important in getting through a crisis.”

MAKE A GIFT

Because of generous donors like you, Midori is able to look back with gratitude on the lessons she learned in her own moment of crisis. Even better, she’s able to provide encouragement to families seeking assistance now.

“I just want them to know, I’ve been there,” she says. “I tell them, ‘It’s okay. Don’t be embarrassed. You can get through this. It just might not feel like it right now.'”

Your gift today will help hundreds of families a week avoid eviction or loss of utilities so they can move forward as Midori did nearly two decades ago.

MAKE A GIFT

Filed Under: Campaign, Customer Stories, Volunteer Stories Tagged With: #NonEvent2020, #PreserveDignity, #PreventHomelessness, #StayHomeAndGive, Curbside Assistance, Customer, Elevation Church, Volunteer

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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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🎉Today is Giving Tuesday, a global celebration of generosity and kindness. Join us in making a difference by donating items that directly help those in need. 

👕🧣🎒From clothing to household goods, your contributions will have a tangible impact on many lives. 

Let's make this Giving Tuesday a day of extraordinary kindness and giving. Share, participate, and be a part of this global movement of generosity!

Check out our Wish Lists!

https://crisisassistance.org/donate/donate-clothing-household-goods/ 
https://crisisassistance.org/donate/donate-via-amazon-wishlist/

crisisassistmin

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Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed Thanksgiving weekend beginning Thursday, November 23. All areas will be closed to customers, donors, staff, and community members on Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.  Typical business hours resume on Monday, November 27.
ONE MORE THING: We are so grateful for you and the role you play in creating a community that lifts up struggling neighbors. Here's to a holiday filled with as much hope, warmth, and light as you have provided others! 
https://crisisassistance.org/2023/11/22/thanksgiving-and-the-spirit-of-community/

crisisassistmin

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It turned out to be an IDEAL morning for hot beverages and pastries. @oakstreethealth  sponsored this visit from @jesskakesllc's Sweet Truck, providing hot coffee, hot chocolate, and assorted pastries (free of charge) to families seeking assistance here @CrisisAssistMin today.  #Volunteers from Oak Street and the @MecklenburgCounty Attorney's office helped out in sometimes pouring rain to be sure everyone was warm and well-nourished. SO #THANKFUL every day for the support of our business community as we work together to stabilize Charlotte-Mecklenburg families.

crisisassistmin

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We are ALWAYS #thankful for corporate #volunteers like this team from @ally! They helped stock the store with clothing, shoes, warm weather gear, and other household items offered at no cost to shoppers from Mecklenburg County homes. With the help of folks like this, an average of 80 families daily find the essentials they need to meet their basic needs and rebuild financial stability for the future. THANK YOU!

crisisassistmin

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Heading into this week of #thankfulness, what would it be like at your house without warmth, without light,  without the joy that comes from celebrating gratitude and hopefulness in a safe home?
What do we really mean when we ask you to Give Hope, Warmth, & Light to area families? 
It means lifting up neighbors like this mom of three, who is SO grateful to be in stable housing, to be rebuilding her family's stability, and to regain hope for a brighter future for her little ones. It means coming together as a community to share resources and encouragement with hardworking neighbors who need a little help to get through a financial crisis and move back toward self-sufficiency.
Learn more about their story, and how you can help this season, on our website or the bio link.

crisisassistmin

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Great day at Calvary Cares with @wearecalvaryclt!  By coming together as a community, we helped stabilize families and provide them with the support they need to be self-sufficient.

crisisassistmin

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Stop by Community Impact Day at @wearecalvaryclt on Kilborne Dr between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to get connected! We will be there with partners with clothing, information, and resources to stabilize families who are struggling to make ends meet and maintain housing.

crisisassistmin

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We had an amazing weekend with Covenant Impacts! These dedicated #volunteers from @covenantpresbyclt worked so hard tidying up the store, inspecting and hanging donated clothing, unpacking and preparing a large shipment of retail donations, and efficiently completing so many tasks. As a result, 80 families per day will now have access to the essential resources they need to stabilize their families, keep their children warm, and meet their basic needs throughout the week. #CovenantImpacts 
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 #stabilizefamilies #preventhomelessness #preservedignity #crisisassistanceministry #freestore

crisisassistmin

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As the winter holidays approach, let's not forget our neighbors for whom this season brings financial stress. ✨ Your generous support can bring hope, warmth, & light to struggling neighbors AND help you celebrate your loved ones this season.
💌 Each card extends a hand to those in need while spreading warmth and igniting hope. #HopeWarmthLight
{Pathway to order in the usual place 😎 }

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