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Crisis Assistance Ministry

Crisis Assistance Ministry

Charlotte, NC

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Look to the Helpers

Nearly every day, neighbors come through our doors hoping for help during a crisis. And nearly all the time, there are helpers here to comfort them and connect them to the resources they need to get through the day and move past their crisis toward a brighter future. In addition to staff, there are hundreds of individual helpers who volunteer to keep donated items flowing into the Free Store, to make sure paperwork is complete and ready for financial assistance caseworkers, to receive clothing and household donations at the drive-thru, or to provide snacks for families as they await services.

May 24, 2023

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”

― Fred Rogers, long-time host of Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood

It’s become a bit of a cliche over the past few years. During every traumatic event, in every crisis, in moments of distress, you’ll hear Mr. Rogers’ infamous quote.

But, even if it is overused, the saying proves to be true over and over here at Crisis Assistance Ministry.

Nearly every day, neighbors come through our doors hoping for help during a crisis. They need coats for the children, shoes for their new job, an emergency rent or utility payment, or perhaps they need a bit of coaching to get back on the path to financial stability. Sometimes, they don’t have time to eat before they arrive, and sometimes the cupboard is bare even if there is time.

And nearly all the time, there are helpers here to comfort them and connect them to the resources they need to get through the day and move past their crisis toward a brighter future. Many of the people they talk with are staffers who are committed to Crisis Assistance Ministry’s mission. But, behind the scenes, there are hundreds of individual helpers who volunteer to keep donated items flowing into the Free Store, to make sure paperwork is complete and ready for financial assistance caseworkers, to receive clothing and household donations at the drive-thru, or to provide snacks for families as they await services.

Sharon Towers Feeds Customers

Every other week, Carmen Murphy loads up bottled water and chips packed by residents at Sharon Towers where she works as their Community Outreach Coordinator. She swings by a fast food restaurant and picks up a standard order: 75+ sausage biscuits. Then she heads to Crisis Assistance Ministry to drop off the bounty. These packs will be distributed to families who visit for financial assistance or to shop, free of charge, for essentials.

Why? “We believe in the mission,” she offers. “The cost of living in Charlotte continues to grow and wages aren’t matching that growth. People have to work multiple jobs to be able to pay their bills. The need is still here. People need help to stay in their homes and keep going.”

Snack ministry opportunities are available a few days each week for volunteers to purchase, assemble, and drop off snack packs for the families served here.

Kelvin Glee Shares Smiles

Seven years ago, Charlottean Kelvin Glee sought out a place where his donations of clothing and household goods would not be resold. He wanted somewhere that would offer items directly to community members in need. He found Crisis Assistance Ministry.

He says once he saw what the organization did, he knew he wanted to do more than just donate. Since then, he’s volunteered almost every Saturday. These days you will find him at the donation drive-thru, where he greets each donor with a smile and offers to help them unload clothing, shoes, linens, and other donations headed for Crisis Assistance Ministry’s Free Store.

“I like being there, talking to the people who come to donate, and spending time with the staff,” he says. “I like being a blessing to someone else rather than just working all the time.” It’s a perfect fit for the Senior Manager at a medical coding consulting firm.

Volunteers age 18+ are needed to fill the role of Donation Door Attendant anytime the donation door is open, Tuesday through Saturday.

Bank of America Teams Build Community

When it comes to team-building, Bank of America employees have plenty of options. But one of their favorites is to spend time volunteering at Crisis Assistance Ministry. Several times a month, these teams help stock the store, inspect and prepare donated items, hang clothing, and perform a multitude of tasks in the organization’s donation warehouse. It’s a great way to build team camaraderie while supporting the community.

Each week more than 100 volunteers may help out in the Free Store Production warehouse or the Free Store itself. Their time and enthusiasm make it possible for more than 80 families a day to shop, free of charge, for essentials like school uniforms, seasonal clothing, shoes, towels, sheets, and other household goods.

Will You Join the Helpers?

Volunteers are an essential part of fulfilling the mission of Crisis Assistance Ministry. Roles are available for individuals and groups ages 11 and up. Many require no minimum commitment or prior training, and some can be performed remotely at an offsite location.

It’s easy to find a spot to “pitch in” with a variety of opportunities including weekend shifts. Just visit our volunteer portal to get started.

Find Your Volunteer Opportunity
Sometimes teams even get a little “silly” during their time volunteering in the Free Store Production Warehouse.

Filed Under: Volunteer Stories Tagged With: Carmen Murphy, Duke Energy, Kelvin Glee, Sharon Towers, Teen Volunteers, 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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We are deeply grateful that so many in our community turn to Crisis Assistance Ministry during times of hardship. It’s a privilege to be a trusted helping hand, and we couldn’t do it without the incredible generosity of our donors who have stood with us for years. If you’re a new supporter, please start with any gift amount you feel comfortable with and watch your dollars go even farther! Today, every gift made will be matched dollar for dollar. That means your $10 donation becomes $20, doubling the impact for our neighbors in need. Thank you for partnering with us to ensure vital assistance reaches those who need it most. View story for direct link.

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Days like this highlight the vital role #volunteers play in Mecklenburg County. Shoutout to the team from Fifth Third Bank who absolutely ROCKED THE HOUSE at Crisis Assistance Ministry on Fifth Third Day! 🙌 They spent the day hanging clothing and inspecting donations, making a real difference for Charlotte-Mecklenburg neighbors.
For those who don't know, Fifth Third Day is all about giving back to the communities they serve, and this year, they aim to provide millions of meals and support across their footprint. Their volunteer efforts here are a powerful example of that commitment!

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What a happy accident. @kwballantyne and @Southpark both signed up to spend #RedDay here and didn’t even know it! They had such a great time serving the community listening to great music and banding together to get the Free Store in tip-top shape. 
Keller Williams was so enthusiastic about helping community members overcome long-term financial instability for their families, they stayed an extra hour before their lunch and had another crew from Southpark serve at 1pm! 👏🏽

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You know how it is – life gets busy, but when something good comes along, you pay attention. Well, guess what? Myers Park United Methodist Church just jumped into our Challenge! 🙌 Their support, along with Christ Church, Covenant Presbyterian Church, First Presbyterian Church, and Myers Park Presbyterian Church is seriously boosting this thing we’re all making happen together.
 
Now, if you’ve been meaning to get involved but haven’t yet, or maybe you donated a while back? 🤔 Good news! This wave of generosity means your gifts will now be doubled through June 1st! Consider it a little nudge – a chance to double your dollars and make a real difference for folks right here in our community.

And hey, if you’re new to the party and looking for a way to actually see your money doing good? 🌱 This is it. Every donation until June 1st gets matched. Let’s not let this momentum fade – we hope to finish strong, like we always do. 💪 Head over to the usual place to make a direct donation.

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To the mothers who face the toughest battles and still rise to provide for their children: Your strength is our inspiration. ❤️ Meet Natasha, a mother of three who found support through Crisis Assistance Ministry and our Financial Empowerment program. Her journey of perseverance is a powerful reminder of a mother's unconditional love.

Happy Mother's Day to all the resilient mothers out there! Let's show them some love today. Double-tap if you agree! 👇

#HappyMothersDay #Resilience #MothersLove #FinancialEmpowerment #CrisisAssistanceMinistry #Inspiration #NeverGiveUp

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Just a little love going to Eastway Middle School! 🥰 Thanks to the community’s generous donations through our Partner Agency Shopping Service, we helped create 105 gift baskets for their amazing teachers’ appreciation event. Your donations provided the materials, directly showing the power of your giving in our community, especially for our educators.

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This is what it looks like when you leave it all on the field! 📢 What more can we say? @davidsonwildcat just showed what it means to play for something bigger than yourselves! They ran a full press on a month-long donation drive across their campus, and collected a truckload of items for neighbors who shop here, free of charge, for essentials. Shout-out to @c_kochera and the Davidson Student Athlete Advisory Committee. Let's take this energy and continue to champion our customers with the dignity they deserve! 💪 #CrisisAssisMin #DavidsonCollegeAthletics #GoCats #AthleticsDoneRight

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Imagine the excitement of finding your dream prom dress! 🥰 Thanks to an amazing collaboration between Crisis Assistance Ministry, #AtriumHealth, and other generous organizations, local teens received stunning prom dresses, jewelry, makeup, and even empowering workshops on safety and beauty! It was a day filled with excitement and confidence. Thank you to everyone who made these dreams a reality! #AtriumHealth #CharMeckSchools #CMS #PromSeason #SeniorProm #JuniorProm

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This week, we're showering our incredible educators with appreciation! 🎉 From classroom teachers to supportive parents, dedicated bus drivers, caring counselors, and everyone in between. Thank you for inspiring, guiding, and shaping the future. We "apple-solutely" value all you do! ❤️ #EducationAppreciation #ThankATeacher #TeacherAppreciationWeek

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