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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

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  • (704) 371-3001
  • 500-A Spratt St.
    Charlotte, NC 28206
  • Tax ID:
    EIN 56-1416719
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crisisassistmin

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🎓🎓🎓Look CLOSELY at this video. You'll see a group, but each extraordinary individual within it carries a story of resilience that knows no bounds. As we congratulate our newest customer advocate class, we're also honoring their unique experiences and eagerly anticipate their advocacy moving forward. Collectively, their stories powerfully illustrate the challenges many families navigate when seeking help during a crisis.

This year, as we mark our 50th Anniversary, our Customer Advocate's #LivedExperiences are only a few of #50StoriesofCrisisAssistance Ministry we're sharing— demonstrating stories of resilience and the support that helps individuals regain stability.

crisisassistmin

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Happy Independence Day as we celebrate freedom in all its forms— including the freedom to pursue housing and financial stability! We cheer on all those working hard to build a secure future for themselves and their families. #FinancialFreedom #IndependenceDay

Crisis Assistance Ministry will be closed on July 4th. We will resume normal business hours on Saturday, July 5, 2025.

crisisassistmin

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Inspired! Last week, the Middle School Ministry from Thomas Road Baptist Church (Lynchburg, VA) @ThomasRoad traveled over 200 miles to serve our Mecklenburg County neighbors.

Despite the heat, these young people delivered 150 snack packs and cold water and meticulously stocked the Free Store with dignity. 

There's always a place for volunteer groups here. Head over to our link in bio to sign up.

crisisassistmin

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"It could have been way worse... I was on the emergence of a deployment and I couldn't get any help here from family and friends."

George, an active service member, courageously shares his #LivedExperience of facing a financial crisis while deployed. He found a lifeline at Crisis Assistance Ministry, securing vital rental and utility assistance. Since 1975, we have been here lifting up our neighbors so that no one has to face financial hardship alone.

For 50 years, neighbors like George have found what they needed at Crisis Assistance Ministry to achieve financial stability. His is just one of #50StoriesofCrisisAssistance Ministry we're sharing in recognition of #50yearsofhopeCLT.

crisisassistmin

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🚨ATTENTION: A new bill in Congress, H.R. 1, proposes significant cuts to vital safety-net programs for Mecklenburg County families. This could impact food security, healthcare, and energy assistance for our most vulnerable neighbors.

At Crisis Assistance Ministry, we believe everyone deserves basic dignity. Learn why these potential changes matter to our community and how it may affect you.

➡️ Tap the link in bio for full details.

crisisassistmin

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Full circle moments! ✨ In our 50th Anniversary year, we were so honored to welcome students from @queensuniv, carrying forward a legacy started by our founder, Queens alumna Caroline Love Myers!

This amazing group spent their afternoon meticulously stocking our Free Store and processing incoming donations – turning generous gifts into dignified essentials for families in crisis.

These students reminded us that these shelves stay full because of YOU, our incredible material goods donors! Your contributions directly empower families. Want to keep this legacy of compassion thriving? Learn how to donate goods: Link in Bio!

crisisassistmin

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🥵 We are feeling the Charlotte heat! For many neighbors, staying cool isn't just about comfort—it's critical. Extreme heat disproportionately impacts lower-income communities due to factors like urban heat islands and historical disinvestment.

Here at Crisis Assistance Ministry, the community comes together to help households pay their utilities, ensuring families can have air conditioning or running fans during these sweltering days. You can be the neighbor to help keep the electricity on! Link in bio to learn more and give.

crisisassistmin

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Twenty-five years of heart. 25 years of steadfast leadership. ✨ We're honoring our CEO, Carol Hardison, for a quarter-century of dedicated service to Crisis Assistance Ministry and our neighbors. It's remarkable, especially considering she's only the second CEO in our 50-year journey!

Want to help us celebrate this amazing milestone? Flood our comments with a "Happy Anniversary Carol!" 👇Don't forget to tag her @carolinthehouse
#HappyAnniversaryCarol #Leadership #CommunityHero #CrisisAssistanceMinistry #Charlotte

crisisassistmin

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Meck County and the City of Charlotte have opened cooling stations across the area, including:
•	Day Service Centers
•	Recreation & Senior Centers
•	Charlotte Mecklenburg Libraries
•	Spraygrounds, Pools & Beaches!

PLUS, CATS (@ridecats) is offering FREE transportation to cooling stations.

This is critical for a variety of populations, including those experiencing homelessness, seniors, and families struggling with utility costs. Access to cool spaces and resources like fans (available from Mecklenburg County DSS for eligible residents!) can literally be life-saving.

KNOW THE SIGNS: Heat illness is preventable! Drink water, limit activity, and seek cool spaces. Spread the word! Visit @mecklenburgcounty for more details.

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