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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Red Ventures Invests in Neighbors’ Potential

On a warm morning in May, a (small but mighty) team from Red Ventures arrived with 100 sausage biscuits, juice, water, and willing hearts.

May 19, 2022

It’s a warm morning in May as the (small but mighty) team from Red Ventures arrives with 100 sausage biscuits, juice, water, willing hearts, and inquisitive minds. They’ve come not only to serve but to learn.

Katie, pictured left, and her teammates finished setting up these “takeaway” refreshments just before customers began to arrive seeking assistance.

Before the lobby opens, they quickly set up a refreshment station where families can take along a little nourishment to fuel the rest of their day after dropping off applications for emergency financial assistance.

Next, they head over to the Free Store to stock the racks with donated clothing and household goods for the moms, dads, veterans, college students, seniors, and other struggling neighbors who will shop by appointment for essentials—all free of charge.

Katie O’Donovan and
teammates stock the store
before it opens for the day.

According to team lead Katie O’Donovan, “Building Credit is a group of passionate employees within the Red Ventures financial services team that seeks to build awareness of the broad spectrum of financial realities in our country. We wanted to volunteer at Crisis Assistance Ministry to grow a deeper connection to the neighbors it benefits — many of whom have been historically underserved by our industry — in hopes of embedding that empathy into our everyday work.”

One group heads into the warehouse to prepare more items for the store. And another trio picks up power tools and gets to work assembling dressers destined for the Furniture & Appliance Store. There, individuals and families overcoming homelessness or other financial crisis are referred by local Partner Agencies for the essentials to make a house a home.

“The most memorable part of my experience was talking with Cary, our volunteer coordinator, about her journey from being in the same shoes as many current Crisis Assistance Ministry customers to a 7-year career there. Cary’s experience when she first connected with the organization brought to life the everyday decisions our neighbors are faced with,” adds Katie, who herself lives nearby.

“Investing in people’s potential is at the heart of Red Ventures’ social impact efforts and we love to see success stories of that approach being applied in other organizations.”

Before their shift ends, the team is already planning their return in June to build kitchen tables and chairs.

Want to get involved?

Volunteer opportunities for teens, adults, and groups of all types are available throughout the year.

Filed Under: Volunteer Stories Tagged With: #RVGivesBack, Corporate Volunteers, Free Store, Furniture & Appliance Store, Katie O'Donovan, Red Ventures, Volunteers

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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

Open
Summer Ahead! 😎 
As schools wrap up for the summer, Charlotte families look ahead to how they will keep their children occupied and cared for all summer long.
What are some of your "close to home" plans for the summer?
🏊‍♀️ ☀️ ⛲

crisisassistmin

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It's Intern Season!
Last week, our civic engagement team met with @CovenantPresbyCLT interns kicking off their summer of service. These young adults took part in a poverty simulation activity and talked about real life issues facing the families served at Crisis Assistance Ministry.

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.

crisisassistmin

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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.

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