The Crier by Christopher Smith

The Magazine of the Junior League of Charlotte Fall 2009

Impacts of the Great Recession Keeping Kids in Motion Big Shot Saturdays Kids HealthLink Meet the Board of Directors New Faces of Homelessness 10 Seasonal Things JLC Membership Poll Get Out & Volunteer

A s h o r t d r i v e n e v e r t o o k y o u s o f a r a w a y.

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The Crier Staff 2009-2010

JLC Board of Directors 2009-2010

JLC Management Team 2009-2010

Editor Ieva M. Augstums

President Kelley Cobb

President-Elect Elizabeth Kovacs

Assistant Editor Kim F. Grant

President-Elect Elizabeth Kovacs

Sustaining Advisor Mary Tinkey

Photo Manager Tara Neltner

Chief Financial Officer Amanda Williamson

JLC Secretary Christy Horwitz

Production Coordinator Jennifer Bryant

VP Finance Rosalie Fink

Nominating Vice Chair Tiffany Johannes

Ad Sales Manager Dianne Campbell

Board of Director’s Secretary Lori Mountcastle

Human Resource Manager Amie Hutchison

Reporters Elizabeth Boyd, Cara Catalfumo, Drew Haid, Patricia Magee, Eve Olsen, Anne Ranson, Nicole VandenBosch

Focus Advisory Chair Sheri Joseph

Communications Manager Dawn Freeland

Governance Chair Valerie Patterson

Community Impact Manager Katie Zeok

Utilities Chair Alicia Morris

Education & Training Manager Ellen Smith

Sustaining Advisor Velva Woollen

Fund Development Manager Ashley Carlson

Members-at-Large Michlene Daoud, Neel Horne, Carin Ross Johnson, Andrea Powell, Beverly Shull, Whitni Wilson-Wertz

Finance Manager Mary Katherine Bridgers

Photographers Allison Barry, Jamie Doehne, Blair Harrison, Angella Hawkins, Carrie Dale Purnell Copy Editors Leslie Adams, DeAnna Wallace 1332 Maryland Avenue Charlotte, NC 28209 Telephone (704) 375-5993 Facsimile (704) 375-9730 Web site: www.jlcharlotte.org

Nominating Chair Alyson Bailey

On The Cover: “My Place” provides summer recreational and educational activities for 50 of Charlotte’s 3,000 homeless children. “My Place” is offered through A Child’s Place which serves homeless children in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and their families.

Risk Management Janet Higley

The Crier is published four times annually by the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. No reproductions in any form are allowed without written permission.

To advertise in The CRIER, please call the Junior League of Charlotte at (704) 375-5993 or email jlcrier@yahoo.com Designed and published by Tathwell Printing Co. Inc. © 2009 (704) 357-6002 • www.tathwell.com

PHOTO BY TARA NELTNER

You are invited to our

ADMISSIONS OPEN HOUSE TK and Kindergarten Thursday, October 8, 2009 - 7 p.m. TK and K through Grade 12 Thursday, October 22, 2009 - 9:30 a.m.

RSVP to the Admissions Office: 704.846.7207

…where teaching is valued and lear ning is celebrated 9502 Providence Road Charlotte, NC 28277 704.846.1100 www.charlottelatin.org Financial assistance is available. Please inquire about the Malone Scholarship for gifted students in 7th - 12th grades.

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

President’s Letter

I begin another year as a member of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC), I can’t help but reflect on all of the planning that goes into making a year successful for our members and our community. There are publication deadlines, committee meetings, community events, fundraisers, luncheons, and trainings. While all that may sound complicated, it really isn’t when you consider that it was all carefully planned. There were those who held these roles before us and have prepared us with the requirements needed for getting the job done. However, even though you can plan for what’s to come, there is always the unforeseen, or curveball, if you will. Last year at this time, our economy went sour. Everyone in our community has had to adjust. Nonprofits have been among the hardest hit.

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.

So, what has this “curveball” taught us about our organization? Our community? It has let us know that JLC leaders have been good stewards of our membership and our resources. It has let us know that despite corporate job losses within our membership, our members are volunteering in full force. It has let us know that our community partners need our dollars and volunteers more than ever.

Mission Statement The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, to developing the potential of women, and to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. Reaching Out Statement The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. and The Association of Junior Leagues International, Inc. reach out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism.

I encourage you to read this issue with thoughtfulness as it is a glimpse into our community from the JLC’s perspective. Our Healthy Child Initiative, focusing on the mental, physical and dental needs of children, has become an integral part of our community. Kids HealthLink, Kids In Motion, Keeping Kids in Motion and Kids in the Kitchen continue to be driving forces to meet the growing healthcare needs of children in the Charlotte community. Our members are on the front lines helping families get immunizations, educating them on where to find resources, promoting healthy lifestyles by encouraging smarter food choices and playing outside. Our new WearHouse location on Pecan Avenue has shown steady traffic and sales during this difficult time as shoppers continue to look for bargains. Check it out. I guarantee you won’t be disappointed! All of our new Board of Directors are very accomplished in their professional lives. In this issue you’ll learn more about their dedication to providing a strategic vision moving forward through this difficult learning experience. You should be proud they are a part of the JLC leadership. And, as always, our mission remains the constant guiding force for us and the decisions we must make.

THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE, INC. IS AN ORGANIZATION OF WOMEN COMMITTED TO PROMOTING VOLUNTARISM, TO DEVELOPING THE POTENTIAL OF WOMEN AND TO IMPROVING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH EFFECTIVE ACTION AND LEADERSHIP OF TRAINED VOLUNTEERS. ITS PURPOSE IS EXCLUSIVELY EDUCATIONAL AND CHARITABLE.

Sincerely,

Kelley Cobb JLC President, 2009-2010

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

I want what’s best for my son. I watch what he eats, who he hangs out with and how he’s doing in school. And if he becomes ill, I know where he’s going: Levine Children’s Hospital. Where dozens of world class specialists in over 30 specialty areas provide the most advanced pediatric care in our region. It’s my child. I have a voice.

Editor’s Letter

As a community, we have pulled together. A year ago, our nation appeared to be on the verge of collapse, as the financial industry started to unravel, unemployment increased and fears grew about the ensuing recession. For us living in Charlotte – a city often called Wall Street South – the economic downturn hit closer to home than many would like to admit. While things may have improved for some, they haven't for all. And some experts say it's going to get worse before it gets better. Maybe so, but the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) continues reaching out and helping families in need, whether it's by offering free immunizations to school children, providing guidance for maintaining a healthy lifestyle or a unique place to shop for those gently used goods. But like other charitable organizations in town, we are not immune. We too, have experienced less monetary giving, adjustments to volunteer commitments and staff reductions.

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.

But we are not giving up.

Vision Statement The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. will be a leading force in improving the lives of children and families in the community. Diversity Statement The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. will maximize its potential and enhance its effectiveness by integrating diversity into every aspect of its organization.

Earlier this year our membership completed a Communication Survey, which evaluated the ways the League reaches out to its members and the Charlotte community. The responses about The CRIER were overwhelming – more than 75 percent of you read the magazine within five days of receiving it; enjoy the subject matter; and believe the articles are newsworthy and helpful. But I want to correct one misnomer. While The CRIER does receive support from the JLC, it is a self-sustaining publication with financial support coming from ad sales (and let's hope that continues). So, because of the economic downturn, you will notice a thinner magazine in the months to come. But no worries. The CRIER will continue to spotlight noteworthy news and the exciting events and happenings in the League, and in the community. In fact, articles will focus on the local impact of the economy. We plan on telling you what the League is doing to help Charlotte residents, our membership and our stewardship, all while making sure our mission of promoting voluntarism and the development of women never gets neglected. So when you’re done flipping through these pages, it will be your decision to carry on that mission. I am very excited about the year ahead. It will be tough. But it will also show us how we will persevere and remain strong for generations after us. Sincerely,

Ieva M. Augstums 2009-2010 JLC CRIER Editor 6

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Fall

Volume 83 • Issue 1 2009

Crier League Highlight

Contents

League Highlight Impacts of the Great Recession

Volunteer Highlight

Volunteer Highlight Keeping Kids in Motion

Leadership Spotlight

10 11

Passing the Gavel More than Colleagues

Why New President Each Year In the Business of Building Civic Leaders

Events and Happenings

12 13

Big Shot Saturdays A Commitment to Charlotte’s Children

Kids HealthLink

A New location for the WearHouse

The WearHouse fits right in at its new spot

Sustainers

JLC’s Sustainers Still Involved and Charging Forward

Candid Camera

JLC Members Caught on Camera

Meet the…

Board of Directors Leading the JLC to Make a Difference

Mission in Action

Big Plans for the Family Resource Center

The FRC has many new ideas for helping the community

Meeting a Community Need

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

4 President’s Letter 6 Editor’s Letter 30 Index To Advertisers JLC Community Impact

Economic Impact on Charlotte Agencies

New Faces of Homelessness

Supply and Demand: Why it doesn’t work that way for non profits.

Community Spotlight

Comings and Goings

27 28 28

Comings and Goings 10 Seasonal Things

Celebrate Fall Get Your Kids in the Kitchen

JLC Membership Poll You Spoke - We Listened!

Get Out and Volunteer

Volunteers Walk the Walk! Strut Your Stuff for a Worthy Cause

LeagueHighlight The

downturn in the economy has affected all sectors of business, and nonprofits have been particularly hard hit. The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is no exception and has experienced its share of challenges in the past year. A recent letter from JLC Board of Directors to JLC leaders began, “With almost 85 years behind us, the JLC remains sound and strong, but like most nonprofits locally and around the country, we have had to take recent action to keep the JLC on solid financial ground. With an increase in support expenses without a corresponding increase in revenue, we had to make some difficult choices.” This set the tone to begin communication of a number of budget cuts identified during the 2009-2010 budget review of General and Administrative expenses. Most significantly and personally felt, an across-the-board salary cut for JLC staff and the elimination of a JLC staff position, an action never before taken. As a function of both fewer staff hours and in an effort to reduce utility expenses, the JLC building is no longer open on Fridays.

The JLC Board of Directors (BOD), on which both the chief financial officer and Finance Committee chair sit, has all eyes on the JLC budget. JLC President Kelley Cobb, who leads the BOD explains: “We are managing, almost scrutinizing our investments very carefully. That includes not only our actual long term investments but our operational spending across the board. Do we really need to attend a governing session in Raleigh? Do we need to risk spending money on a fundraiser if it might not break even? These 8

BY EVE OLSEN

DESPITE THE FINANCIAL CHALLENGES OF 2008-2009, THE JLC DID RECEIVE SEVERAL SIGNIFICANT CONTRIBUTIONS AND PARTICIPATED IN SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISERS THANKS TO OUR VALUED COMMUNITY PARTNERS.

2008-2009 $35000 Unrestricted

$30000 $25000

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Designation: Membership Designation: Big Shot Meetings Saturdays Designation: Designation: JLC Sign KidsHealthLink

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Another expense category cut in 2009 is printing costs. By transitioning the NewsRelease and membership directory to electronic delivery, the JLC will save approximately $10,500 annually. In September, the JLC website will transition to Digital Cheetah which will not only reduce paper expenses, but also allows the JLC to be “greener,” which is a priority for JLC members. While The CRIER covers the expenses of publishing and printing through ad sales, anticipated declines in ad revenue necessitated a 30 percent reduction in the publication’s size. Expense reductions were necessary as a direct result of decreased income from various sources, including the cancellation of “Charlotte Shops” last fall and “Cheers for Children” which fell short of attendance goals. While the JLC has financial reserves, a continued trend of lost revenue from fundraisers ultimately translates to fewer dollars which can be committed to support the Healthy Child Initiative.

Impacts of the Great Recession

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questions are uncomfortable but necessary.” The Fund Development Council is brainstorming a variety of fundraising options for the upcoming year, which JLC President Elect Elizabeth Kovacs describes as “appealing and affordable for all of our members.” Additionally the League is taking an innovative approach to pursue sponsorships from outside business and foundation sources, rather than focusing on a single capital campaign targeted primarily at JLC members. There will be six sponsorship giving levels, each with specific benefits that JLC leaders hope will clearly demonstrate the value to businesses and corporations of partnering with the JLC. JLC members and the community should be reassured by the recent actions of the JLC Board of Directors in response to and in preparation for tough economic times. Despite the necessary budget changes, the focus of the JLC remains the same as stated by the BOD in closing its letter to JLC leaders regarding those recent changes: “We remain committed to keeping JLC a strong and healthy organization able to serve its mission: promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.” The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Volunteer Highlight

Keeping Kids in Motion BY KATHERINE BLAIR HARRISON

Children having fun and learning the benefits of exercise at Keeping Kids In Motion. PHOTO BY KARA CULPEPPER

Every

Spring, the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) hosts Kids in Motion, an outdoor festival featuring everything kids (and parents) love. This year, JLC took that idea a step further with Keeping Kids in Motion.

“Keeping Kids in Motion directly supports the JLC’s Healthy Child Initiative by providing the Charlotte community with four different themed events which emphasize healthy movement and nutrition practices for children of all ages,” says Kara Culpepper, Chair of KKIM. The placement is sponsored by some of Charlotte’s most active community partners, including Coca-Cola, Harris Teeter and Presbyterian Hospital, and promotes healthy movement through a series of unique exercises.

their wholesome alternatives. These events remind children and adults in the Charlotte community that exercise is fun and overall health can be achieved one step at a time. “Keeping Kids in Motion strengthens the commitment of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. to the Healthy Child Initiative, but it also reinforces our mission and allows our membership to improve the Charlotte community through voluntarism,” says Culpepper. “Radio and television advertising is also helping our presence and recognition in the community. Keeping Kids in Motion will ideally remain a viable resource for health and wellness information for many years to come.”

Each event emphasizes activities, such as: Zumba, yoga, orienteering, fitness hikes, and even an old-fashioned field day, where the kids learn about friendly competition through potato sack races and tug of war! Each week, participating children ages 5 to 12 wear pedometers to track the number of steps they take while exercising and over four weeks, they totaled more than 800,000 steps. In addition to exercise techniques, children also learn the importance of healthy nutrition through weekly demonstrations about sugary snacks and

JLC Volunteers ready themselves for a fun filled day at Keeping Kids In Motion. PHOTO BY KARA CULPEPPER

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Keeping Kids in Motion participants warm up before activities start. PHOTO BY KARA CULPEPPER

2010 KEEPING KIDS IN MOTION EVENTS WILL BEGIN IN THE SPRING FOR MORE INFORMATION LOOK FOR FUTURE ARTICLES IN THE CRIER OR VISIT WWW.JLCHARLOTTE.ORG 9

Passing Gavel the

More than Colleagues BY ANNE HOBBS RANSON

Kudos

to the Nominating Committee of the Kelley Cobb, Elizabeth Kovacs Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC)! & Katherine Fuller – JLC’s Whether membership realizes it or not, for many current, future and past presidents – at the consecutive years now, the slate of officers 2009 AJLI Conference. Nominating has put forward has not just consisted of PHOTO BY ELIZABETH KOVACS simply outstanding individuals, but represents a group of women who compliment one another and therefore can work together in the best interest of the JLC. President-Elect Elizabeth Kovacs no longer takes this fact for granted. She believes the JLC is so well governed for two reasons. One, its leadership roles are clearly defined and, two, the past and current presidents and president-elects get along so well, “… we all Past President genuinely respect and Katherine Fuller value each other. says. She knows how important such support can be and President There’s nothing phony and that it goes both ways. “Kelley has been Kelley Cobb as the about it,” she says. fantastic! She has included me on everything, and has gavel is passed. PHOTO BY shared with me her lessons learned. I am very ALLISON BARRY JLC President Kelley appreciative to Kelley for her guidance and especially Cobb chairs the Board for her friendship,” Kovacs says. of Directors (BOD) which oversees longCobb knows just how full-time Kovacs job will prove term strategic to be. She describes the present-elect position as that planning. Her sights of a chief operating officer. “It is the hardest job you will are set on guiding the JLC into the future. Kovacs oversees ever have and has an extreme learning curve,” Cobb says. the Management Team which manages JLC’s day-to-day operations. Her focus is 2009-2010 and all the present The communication between Cobb and Kovacs is critical. League year encompasses: placements, projects, As president-elect, Cobb talked with 2008-2009 JLC fundraisers, etc. She also sits on the BOD and the Finance President Katherine Fuller three to four times a week Committee. Most other Junior Leagues have their Board when not seeing her on JLC business and still cannot let handling both long and short-term planning. Cobb says her go. Today they talk twice a week on average. Fuller she “cannot imagine switching hats like that.” Not only and all JLC Presidents before her, are “advisors without would that be an overwhelming task, but it could very well the title.” Twan Ellison, 2007-2008 JLC President, and place strain on the working relationships of its members. Fuller have been great resources for Cobb and Kovacs. The council system of the JLC (and only five other Leagues They undertand the challenges and rewards of leading a in the Association of Junior League International’s affiliated group. They understand also that you cannot serve organizations) guarantees both operations and relationwithout a “buddy and a confidant” by your side, as Cobb ships are at their best. describes Kovacs. Beyond the role defined in the by-laws, Kovacs views herself as Cobb’s apprentice. “I am learning from her this year and am here to support her. That’s a big part of my role as president-elect, to support the president,” Kovacs 10

Understanding. Something that happens when mere colleagues become friends. Members of the JLC should rest assured that friends Kelley Cobb and Elizabeth Kovacs know how to get the job done… and still have some fun. The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

New President

Why EachYear? In the Business of

Building Civic Leaders

According

to Anne Tishkoff, Consulting Liaison at the Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. (AJLI), “The League is in the business of building civic leaders.” One does not have to look far, but rather near for confirmation of this fact. Many past presidents of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) have gone on to leadership roles and board positions within the community. The two year commitment as president-elect and then president allows members to gain the skills and confidence necessary to continue making an impact long after their term in the JLC comes to an end. Due to the term’s duration, more women are presented with the opportunity to lead in the League than in similar organizations. The downside: yearly change can lead to lack of continuity.

BY ANNE HOBBS RANSON

four pilot cities presented their memberships with the fact that, while the current model is and has been working, “tomorrow’s Junior Leagues need new models for governance and strategic leadership; models that enable leagues to set powerful, long-term results.” Their pioneer efforts will more than likely result in a recommendation to all Junior Leagues to lengthen board terms in order to stay focused on the future. Current JLC President Kelley Cobb believes that such a recommendation, if made, must be weighed with certain factors in mind. If the presidential term became two years, then the president-elect would also serve two years. The overwhelming nature of the president-elect’s job would, in Cobb’s opinion, almost guarantee “burn out” before reaching the presidency. The JLC wants women to step forward and embrace leadership opportunities, not to run and hide from them. The results of the governance pilot, while still years away, will certainly make for some lively discussion.

It is this very issue, among others having to do with governance practices, that the AJLI is currently examining. While a handful of Junior Leagues across the country have recognized a specific need and lengthened the term of the president to two years (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, and St. Louis for example) the majority still have a one-year term in the bylaws, including all North Carolina Junior Leagues. A three-to-five year governance pilot to look at longer terms was launched by AJLI in 2007. Four Leagues were tapped to participate: Boise, Idaho; Cleveland; England; and Philadelphia. The pilot is an indirect result of a member survey conducted by AJLI to determine what makes for a satisfactory League experience. Some of the top answers – participating in a well-run League, doing meaningful It’s more than a vacation. It’s a break from the ordinary. work within the community, expanding And just what you need. Plan your next visit to North personal development and growth, and Carolina’s magical island getaway. And see just how developing leadership skills; clarified the Wright some time here can feel. AJLI’s belief that Boards of Directors WrightsvilleBeachInfo.com U 1-800-650-8921 must be able to lead strategically. The

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The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Big Shot

Saturdays A Commitment to Charlotte’s Children BY ELIZABETH BOYD

The

anticipation of the needle is always worse than the reality. Think of Curious George in Curious George Goes to the Hospital, the beloved book by Margret and H.A. Rey. George screams before the needle reaches his arm, then hardly flinches when the actual injection takes place. So it is for most shots, including the many immunizations received in childhood to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. While children may dread the thought of the needle, these immunizations are a part of life that the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) believes every child should have the opportunity to receive. This belief led the League to become involved in the Big Shot Saturdays program 10 years ago. Big Shot Saturdays, through a partnership between the JLC, the Mecklenburg County Health Department and the Leon Levine Foundation, provides free immunizations to school age children on four Saturdays near the beginning of the school year. These events are held at the Billingsley Road and Beatties Ford Road offices of the Health Department as well as in coordination with Kids HealthLink, a JLC event that provides medical and dental screenings to Charlotte area children free of charge. The Big Shots program has made a tremendous impact in our community. In 2008 alone, 493 children received 907 shots. Each year the shots are administered at no cost to families and ensure that children meet a state requirement for all school-age children to have their immunizations up to date prior to the 30th school day. By holding the events on Saturdays, the League and the Health Department hope to reach families who struggle to visit doctors’ offices or the Health Department during the traditional work week. JLC volunteers are instrumental in making Big Shot Saturdays a success. League members organize and publicize the events, and they also dedicate four of their Saturdays in late August and early September to the actual event. During a Big Shot Saturdays event, League volunteers assist nurses, help families complete necessary 12

H'Trinh Siu puts on a smile as she recieves her shot from the very gentle nurse. PHOTO BY CARRIE AVERA PURNELL

paperwork and entertain children awaiting their shots. Children’s videos are played, coloring books are available and volunteers from the JLC’s Partnership for Dental Health teach children about the importance of dental hygiene.

2009 Healthlink and Big Shot Saturdays began this year with a bang at the Briarwood Elementry School in Charlotte. PHOTO BY CARRIE AVERA PURNELL

When asked about the impact that Big Shot Saturdays has on the families who attend the events, 2008 Chair Lise Hinton said, “Many families rely on these events to get their children the required vaccines so the children can stay in school.” Hinton went on to talk about the impact the event has had on her family. “Working with the medical staff at the Mecklenburg County Health Department taught me a lot more about public health,” she says. “I was unaware that there had been such an increase in the occurrence of whooping cough that the Centers for Disease Control and the Mecklenburg County Health Department were recommending a booster shot for all parents of children ages five and under. As the mother of a newborn and three-year-old, I was thankful to our partners for bringing this to my attention.” Big Shot Saturdays makes a tremendous difference for many families each year, including the families of League volunteers. Although Big Shot Saturdays has been part of the JLC’s program for many more years than the Healthy Child Initiative, the JLC’s current five-year focus aimed at improving the physical, mental and dental health of children in the Charlotte area, it is clearly aligned with the goals of this initiative. The JLC and the Health Department continue to work together to improve our community, leaving a legacy of wellness by reaching so many children through this critical program. The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Kids

HealthLink

Immunizations,

well check-ups, routine dental care and vision screenings are as much a part of childhood as skinned knees and learning to ride a bicycle for most children. For some, however, this type of care is anything but routine. These are the children that the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) aims to reach with Kids HealthLink, an annual event in partnership with Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and Speedway Children’s Charities, that offers medical services to children who would not otherwise receive them. The goal is to ensure that all children have access to medical screenings so that they enter classrooms across the city each fall ready to learn.

With balloon in hand, this young girl jumped into the dentist chair to receive a detal check-up at Kids HealthLink. PHOTO BY CARRIE AVERA PURNELL

Kids HealthLink became a JLC program in 2006, shortly after the League adopted the Healthy Child Initiative (HCI), a fiveyear focus intended to improve the physical, mental and dental health of children in the Charlotte area. The League recognized the need for free, accessible medical screenings in the community, and the event was born. Kids HealthLink is held on a Saturday near the start of school. This year actually boasts two events: one just before the school year begins and an additional date later in September. Alicia Stewart, 2009 Kids HealthLink Chair says, “Our goal is to help prevent or dramatically decrease the suspension of students who would otherwise not receive their assessments and immunizations by the school system’s deadline.” If last year’s event provides any indication, Kids HealthLink does just that. Last fall’s event served children from more than 80 schools, providing 142 medical screenings, 111 dental screenings, 166 The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Meeting a Community Need BY ELIZABETH BOYD

vision screenings and gave 191 children 343 shots through the Big Shot Saturdays program. What a difference a day can make! But for Kids HealthLink committee members, it is much more than a day’s work. Planning begins in March for the fall event. Promotional materials are created and distributed to get the word out to those most in need of the services provided, radio spots are aired and fliers are posted throughout targeted neighborhoods. The greatest challenge for the League is recruiting the approximately 75 doctors, nurses, translators and other volunteers who share their time and talents to make the event a success. While doctors, nurses and translators ensure that the physical and dental needs of the children are met, other volunteers work to make sure that a visit to Kids HealthLink is a fun-filled experience. The Charlotte Fire Department brings a truck to the site, and characters such as Sir Purr, the Chick-fil-A cow, the Mecklenburg County Parks & Recreation mascot (Ray) and clowns amuse those who visit the event. Crafts, coloring activities and snacks also help to entertain attendees. In addition, the August Kids HealthLink event featured a national spokesman for Kids in the Kitchen. Children left the event with a positive perception of medical check-ups, an important goal in and of itself. Kids HealthLink continues to evolve to meet the needs of children throughout Charlotte. The event is consistent with the JLC’s mission “to improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.” The JLC identified a pressing need when it began the HCI and has worked tirelessly to meet that need. League volunteers plan, coordinate, organize and serve in order to reach as many children as possible. The results of their labor are clearly seen when families leave Kids HealthLink each fall with several critical items checked off their back to school “to do” lists. 13

A Trendy,

New Location for

the WearHouse

The JLC’s WearHouse fits right in at its cool, new spot BY NICOLE HARGROVE VANDENBOSCH

The

Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) WearHouse is moved and settled in its new location in the bustling Plaza Midwood neighborhood, and the reception has been fantastic. Regular customers have followed the popular store in its move, and first-time customers have stumbled upon the new, more-visible location. “This is my first time in this location,” says customer Reginald Powe. “Wow, it’s huge! I like the layout more than the old store, and the bargains are still phenomenal for men’s shoes, trousers and designer shirts.” Shoppers have taken note of both the increased parking availability and the store’s better lighting. Neighbors in the area are also very happy with having the JLC WearHouse as the new tenant at 1117 Pecan Ave. Chantilly neighborhood resident Melanie Coyne says, “It’s a huge improvement over the old paint store that was there. I think it is a very positive addition to the area, and one that makes a lot of sense given the proximity to other clothing resale venues like the Salvation Army and the cluster of vintage stores between Pecan and Plaza along Central.”

WEARHOUSE 2.0: LET’S GET DIGITAL! The Wearhouse Marketing team has been hard at work to better no-cost digital channels to further promote our number one fundraiser! • Under construction! A Craiglist Showcase of our splendid selection of area rugs. • Search Engine Optimization which increases the likelihood of JLC Wearhouse popping to the top of online searches for consignment and thrift shops in Charlotte. Plaza Midwood resident Katie Short is also very pleased with the new location. “I love that the WearHouse has moved over to Pecan. It's much more convenient and is a good addition to the neighborhood. I found a great pearl and crystal vintage, costume necklace. I wear it all the time and always get compliments. You just never know what you'll find in there,” she says.

The new JLC WearHouse is near the corner of Pecan and Central avenues, in the heart of the Plaza Midwood neighborhood. PHOTO BY JAMIE DOEHNE

The new brighter look of the JLC WearHouse. PHOTO BY JAMIE DOEHNE

NEW FOR FALL! Designer Shoes Designer Halloween Items Oct. 17 - Pink for the Cure Crawl - 20 percent off everything pink in the store Fall Hours: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Neighbor Emily Zarbatany is equally thrilled. “I live right around the corner from the new store and am very happy they chose that location. I do feel it is an improvement to that area of the neighborhood and hope other commercial improvements there will follow,” she says. “I have been in several times, and my favorite find so far has been the children’s books. I like the visibility and accessibility of the new store and especially the easy parking.” The Plaza Midwood retail district has long been a popular destination for trendy fashion seekers in Charlotte. Boutique shops, consignment houses and thrift stores in a pedestrian-friendly setting make this location one of the premier spots to go to if you need that certain something to complete an outfit, a wardrobe or put the finishing touch on a room in your home. The presence of many popular and reasonable restaurants can help round out a small bargain hunting and shopping trip into a mini-excursion.

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

JLC’s

Sustainers

Still involved and charging forward BY DEANNA WALLACE

The

Sustainer Membership of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) is a dynamic group of women ages 35 to 101. The group includes former JLC Presidents, Board of Directors (BOD) and leaders in our community. Best of all, these women are still heavily involved in the JLC. Active JLC members may become PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUZY GARVEY sustainers after 10 years of service in any Junior League in the country or following 5 years of service having reached the age of 40. They are more or less considered ‘alumnae,’ not actively involved in a JLC volunteer placement, but still making valuable contributions to the organization. Suzy Garvey and Twan Ellison at a recent Sustainer event.

the best of both worlds with a great deal of flexibility,” says Garvey. This year Active JLC Member Twan Ellison who is herself a former JLC President and former Education and Training Manager, is working closely with Garvey to plan a number of activities for fall, winter and spring. “We are planning quarterly dinners at local restaurants, quarterly book clubs, mini-classes covering many personal development topics as well as quick learn-and-go sessions,” says Ellison. “We are also planning one day volunteer projects for fall and spring. These new events will be offered along with current Sustainer events including bridge, investment club, the Sustainer luncheon and Sustainer cocktail party. “ The JLC realizes the value of Sustainers’ experience in the day-to-day and strategic operations of the League. Both the governing bodies of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC), the Management Team and BOD, have a Sustaining Advisor who serves a one year term. The “Sustainer” name makes perfect sense when you realize all these women do to support the JLC, long after their “Active” service is complete.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CHARLOTTE Sustainer Purpose Statement • To promote voluntarism and encourage continued involvement in the community and the JLC. • To demonstrate the effectiveness of trained volunteers. • To provide fellowship and educational opportunities to enhance membership satisfaction and personal growth. • To serve as a valuable resource and mentor, providing historical perspective, community experience, and support for League programs and projects.

“The best part about becoming a Sustainer is being able to continue to support this wonderful organization without the time commitment,” says Suzy Garvey, President of the Sustainer members. “By not having a placement, Sustainers have the time to take skills learned from the JLC out into the community. The League trains you to go out in the community to become community leaders, board members, executive directors and can lead to paying jobs.” Garvey goes on to say that JLC Sustainers don't ever stop volunteering; they just use their skills to benefit other organizations. Sustainers also have the opportunity to be as active or inactive as their lifestyle permits. Sustainers can still attend general membership meetings, volunteer with JLC projects, attend JLC fundraisers and participate in JLC sponsored activities. “It really is The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

President-Elect Elizabeth Kovacs and Provisional Michele Hawkins both received their Master of Social Work degrees at UNCC on May 8. PHOTO BY ELIZABETH KOVACS

JLC Actives Emily Hansen and Ieva Augstums show off their race bling from the Rock N Roll Seattle Marathon.

Line of shoppers at the WearHouse enjoy the Fall Open House and sale prices. PHOTO BY IEVA M. AUGSTUMS

PHOTO BY IEVA M AUGSTUMS

JLC Big Shot Saturday committee members break for a photo while at the event on Aug. 22. PHOTO BY KATIE ZEOK

JLC Actives Felisha Davis and Beth Bechhold help a participant at Keeping Kids in Motion. PHOTO BY KARA CULPEPPER

WearHouse Committee Vice Chair Melissa Murphy offers refreshments to shoppers at the Fall Open House. PHOTO BY IEVA M. AUGSTUMS

JLC actives, Katie Boyd, Payton Woodward, Nancy Tedder, and Leslie Esposito, began their Saturday bright and early at Kids HealthLink volunteering at this important event. PHOTO BY CARRIE AVERA PURNELL

Charlotte residents, and sisters, Susan Marie and Linda Kerley join JLC Active Rebecca Garrett at the WearHouse to help support the JLC and the community (right to left). PHOTO BY IEVA M. AUGSTUMS

The Board of Directors held their first meeting of the year at the Family Resource Center. PHOTO BY TARA NELTNER

If you have photos that you would like to see in this space, please email them to jlcrier@yahoo.com JLC active Season Windt escorts Rufus, the Charlotte Bobcats mascot, who served as an extra treat for the children at Kids HealthLink. PHOTO BY CARRIE AVERA PURNELL

Track and Field Day begins with registration at Keeping Kids In Motion. PHOTO BY KARA CULPEPPER

Meet the

Board of Directors PHOTO BY TARA NELTNER

Leading the JLC to Make a Difference in the Community

Committed.

Diverse. Sharp. Energetic. Talented. Passionate. Dynamic. Relentless. Focused. Smart. Connected. Accomplished. These are some of the words used by the Board of Directors (BOD) of the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) to describe themselves. The intensity portrayed in these self-descriptions speaks volumes about the group of women tasked with leading the JLC this year. Taking a look at what these women bring to the table and what they plan to do with their experience makes one optimistic for where the JLC is headed. When President Kelley Cobb completes her service to the BOD this year, she says she wants to “look back and know we served our community well; made a difference.” Despite these difficult economic times, the JLC appears poised to tackle the challenges facing the Charlotte community, and the BOD is confident and ready to lead the way. Serving in the Trenches in the Community The various backgrounds of the women serving on the BOD provide proof that these women are entrenched throughout the community and have direct visibility into the needs facing the Charlotte area. Neel Horne, Memberat-Large, is a small business owner who owns a general contracting company with her husband. Some members are employed by non-profits, such as Andrea Powell, 18

BY TRICIA WILSON MAGEE

Member-at-Large, who works in the marketing department of Hospice & Palliative Care Charlotte Region. Others work in the financial sector, including Chief Financial Officer Amanda Rinker Williamson, who works in corporate finance at Wells Fargo, and Member-at-Large Carin Ross Johnson, who is employed as a project manager, Senior Vice President at Bank of America. Representing another area hit hard by the economy, Alicia Morris, the Utilities Chair, is currently unemployed and unabashedly seeking employment by letting people know she is engaged in a job search. Garnering from their experience in both public and private sector jobs, the BOD is well-equipped to work toward implementing solutions to challenges facing the Charlotte community. Meeting the Needs of the Community When asked to identify the biggest needs in the community, members of the BOD point to two key areas: health care and non profit organizations. Sheri Joseph, Focus Advisory Chair, summarizes the concern of many BOD members. “With the current economy and the financial state of many area non-profits, we see more children needing quality healthcare because parents and caregivers are struggling economically,” Joseph says.

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Powell states, “Given the economy, it is even more important that we provide any kind of support for health care for children that we can.” Powell believes that keeping the Healthy Child Initiative and ensuring the JLC supports placements that provide care for children are two ways the JLC and BOD can help meet such a need. Horne echoes this sentiment. “Health care issues will continue to be a concern in our community. The JLC’s Healthy Child Initiative (HCI) has helped the community in the areas of mental, dental and physical well-being,” Horne says. Specifically, Michlene Daoud, Member-at-Large, points to the JLC Puppet Theater and the JLC Family Resource Center at Levine Children’s Hospital, two JLC programs that provide education to promote a healthy lifestyle and eating habits for area youth. In addition to health care issues facing the city, the BOD has also identified Charlotte area nonprofits as an area needing assistance from the JLC. Cobb summarizes: “You can read a story in the paper every day about how other charities’ donations are down. It makes it harder and harder for them to serve those in need when they themselves are in need as well.” “Many of our communities’ nonprofit agencies are suffering as a result of the global economy and local issues,” says Elizabeth Kovacs, President-Elect. “This has left many vulnerable populations with less access to services. Fortunately, the JLC is on solid footing, and we are able to help our partner agencies with our volunteers and financial support in order to meet the community’s needs.” Morris is proud of the fact that so far, the downturn has not affected the JLC’s community budgets or the number of volunteers currently serving in community placements. “In fact,” according to Morris, “this year we are adding three community projects.” Williamson agrees. “I feel it is important to provide the community, through our placements, the support it needs. While this may not always be monetary, we have many other resources that we can give,” she says. In fact, the JLC never “gives away money without a volunteer attached to it,” explains Cobb, noting that this year, the BOD “plans on providing our community with more than $75,000 and 395 volunteers.” The BOD members seem to agree that supporting non profits financially and with volunteers are the best ways the JLC can make a difference in the community. In order to best accomplish this, Lori Mountcastle, BOD Secretary, The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

believes “the JLC and BOD can help by continuing to develop and train volunteers, retain our existing volunteers and provide them with continuing education and training, and stay focused on the strategic plan in order to maximize the effectiveness of the entire League.” Meeting the Needs of the JLC The JLC is not immune to the problems caused by the downturn in the economy. Several BOD members have identified membership and funding as two significant areas which will challenge the JLC this year. Member-atLarge Carin Ross Johnson recognizes the challenge of retaining membership will be more difficult in light of these tough economic times. Valerie Patterson, Chair of the Governance Committee, believes that the BOD, the Management Team, and other committees should be forward-thinking, encourage inclusion and continue to offer diverse opportunities and activities for members, including new partnerships for placements, small group membership meetings, and the offerings of professional and personal development sessions. Powell and Mountcastle both hope to engage the membership more in order to improve meetings and events. In an effort to strengthen communication among membership, the BOD is very excited about the implementation of Digital Cheetah technology. The BOD anticipates that Digital Cheetah will not only help streamline the administrative side of the JLC (for example, members can sign up for WearHouse hours via the Internet), but will also help JLC members stay connected.

Looking Forward The reasons for joining the BOD demonstrate the members’ acknowledgement of the challenges before them: • Kelley Cobb’s favorite thing about being part of the JLC is “We help build women who build communities.” • Carin Ross Johnson, has a passion for leadership and service.

community. According to Joseph, that is precisely the role of the BOD, “always looking forward so that any planning we do is strategic.” Morris perfectly summarizes the continuing goal of the BOD: “The Board oversees the finances and direction of the League, so we have our ears to the ground and our eyes on the horizon.”

• Andrea Powell joined the BOD to “see change in action in an organization of extremely talented women.” • Whitni Wilson-Wertz, Member-at-Large and past Levine Team Area Chair, is looking forward to working alongside a group of women committed to improving the Charlotte community. She plans to take advantage of “the opportunity to continue to impact health initiatives for children during a time that our community so desperately needs it.”

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• Michlene Daoud joined the BOD to learn more about where the JLC plans to be in the long term and to be a part of facilitating those plans. • Lori Mountcastle, Alicia Morris, and Valerie Patterson all joined to be more involved in the JLC’s strategic planning efforts and to help ensure goals are met, even in difficult economic times. • Amanda Rinker Williamson says, “These are tough financial times for the JLC and its members. I hope to be able to guide the JLC through these times. The JLC is prepared for the year ahead. I plan on preparing us to finish weathering this storm.” Arguably the most daunting task facing the BOD this year is a decision regarding whether to continue the HCI or move on to address other community needs. The JLC evaluates and shifts focus every five years in order to meet the changing needs of the Charlotte community. With the final years of HCI approaching, the BOD will recommend whether to adopt a new focus on schedule or continue with HCI due to the increased healthcare demands of the community. With research and input from the community, the BOD will make a strategic recommendation of how to best meet community demands for the next five years. There is some satisfaction taken in the success of HCI, which addresses the urgent and growing healthcare needs of the Charlotte 20

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The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

BigPlans for

The FRC has many new and exciting ideas for helping the community BY NICOLE HARGROVE VANDENBOSCH

the Family Resource Center

The

Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) has been very active in raising both money and awareness for the Family Resource Center (FRC) at Levine Children’s Hospital. There is, however, still so much more to accomplish as the FRC remains largely unknown in the Charlotte community. The primary users of the Center are patients of the hospital and physician offices who regularly call to get information for their patients. While the FRC still remains largely underutilized by the community as a whole, it has a dramatic impact for the people who do use it. The Center is a key player in changing a child’s prognosis due to the wealth of information and research available to families and medical providers.

JLC volunteers meet for Family Resource Center orientation at the Levine Children's Hospital. PHOTO BY ALLISON BARRY

To increase awareness of this amazing community resource the FRC and JLC are teaming up and spreading the word about what an awesome resource it is to have here in the Charlotte community. The efforts include: • Getting information about the FRC in area publications; • Continuing to hold and sponsor committee meetings and tours at the FRC; • Utilizing the network of Public Libraries by informing librarians about the FRC so that they know to refer people who seek the information it provides; • Taking part in unique community projects such as health fairs and events with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools; • Increasing publicity for The Speakers Bureau Series that is held at the FRC: free and open to the public with upcoming topics such as juvenile diabetes and Halloween safety tips. If you are interested in becoming more involved with the FRC there are a few new programs that welcome public participation. The Book Cart program accepts drop off donations of children’s books at the JLC Building at 1332 Maryland Ave. The books are used in the FRC and favorites can be taken home by the children following their hospital stay. Right now the biggest need is for Spanish language books. The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

In addition to books, the FRC is always in need of magazines and toiletries. Magazines for adults and children will have a sticker placed on them that says “Courtesy of The Junior League of Charlotte and the Family Resource Center” and will be distributed throughout the hospital. Toiletries are needed for parents who stay with their children at Levine Children’s Hospital and didn’t Bringing smiles to children with the bring proper supplies with Family Resource Center book cart. them, specifically travel size PHOTO BY ALLISON BARRY shampoo, conditioner, soap, mouthwash, toothpaste, toothbrushes. These items may also be donated at the Junior League building. With a successful year behind them and many new projects in the works, the Family Resource Center at the Levine Children’s Hospital will continue to help provide information and resources to people in need throughout the Charlotte community. 21

Economic

Supply and Demand: Why it doesn’t work that way for non-profits.

Impacton Charlotte Agencies

Supply

and demand. Any Economics major will tell you that this principle will prevail in a market economy. When demand for a good or service increases, the system will respond by supplying more product. Unfortunately this principle primarily applies when someone is able to pay for the product in demand, not for charitable services provided based on need. Organizations that serve the neediest members of our Charlotte community are learning the hard way that certain economic theories don’t apply to them. The Cause: The “supply” issues started last summer when gas prices soared. People began tightening their belts, deciding what they could do without and what could be trimmed first from their budgets. Then came October 2008 when it seemed the entire national and global financial system might collapse. Maybe a salary was lost, or an anticipated bonus did not arrive, maybe it was simply the fear of the unknown economic dangers ahead inspired by opening a 401(k) statement. Whatever the reason, charitable giving habits changed. It happened in homes large and small, with incomes and budgets large and small. Some prioritized and cut back on the number of organizations they contributed to, others still gave to the same number of organizations but gave less to each, and households that were hit the hardest by the tough economy cut out charitable giving altogether.

BY KIM F. GRANT

that no one could be trusted. Anger and distrust layered on top of personal financial concerns was a toxic mix for non-profit organizations which rely heavily on private donations. The impacts were felt immediately. In the fourth quarter of 2008, many organizations fell short of the gifts which had been pledged to them earlier in the year. Some were able to make a final push to reach their annual goals and began resetting expectations for 2009. A recent Guidestar study reports that nationally 35 percent of non profits experienced a 2008 decrease in giving, compared with 19 percent in the prior year. July 1, 2009, was the date many in the Charlotte Community referred to as “The Cliff” (as in the jumping or falling off point). With a possible reduction of as much as $20 million in monies available to agencies supported through the United Way of the Carolinas and the Arts and Science Council, many Charlotte area programs are facing huge funding shortfalls and/ or elimination. The United Way of the Carolinas which is a major funding source for community agencies serving Anson, Cabarrus,

The Icing on the Cake: The very public scandal at the United Way of the Carolinas which came to a boiling point last fall in the midst of the economic meltdown certainly didn’t help. On top of having their own personal money troubles, people began to wonder if the organizations they entrusted with their hard earned dollars to make our community better were being good stewards of the monies they contributed or just padding their own pockets. With new local scrutiny on the public sector and non-profits it seemed

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Mecklenburg and Union counties as well as the Lake Norman area has announced that it will have 35 percent fewer dollars to distribute, even after significantly reducing operating expenses including a 40 percent staff reduction. The Department of Social Services, a publicly funded source of aid to those needy in the Charlotte community, also faces significant budget cuts which will drive even more individuals and families in need to the doors of nonprofit organizations. Sustainer Martha Jane Poisson

Then we have demand issues, which began around is answering Charlotte’s call the same time the supply concerns started heating up. to become more involved in the community. That’s the funny thing about supply and demand in PHOTO PROVIDED BY the non-profit equation. In a down economy they MARTHA JANE POISSON move against each other instead of together like it says in your economics text book. The very same factors which caused individuals to restrict their volunteers, Poisson knows her limitations. “My heart is charitable giving were bringing more people to the probably with young children, families and the elderly - I doorsteps of said agencies who were increasingly strapped have a lot of patience with them,” she says for resources. Companies were downsizing which meant people were suddenly without a job, health care insurance On a larger scale, organized groups of concerned citizens or a home. These folks found their way to the doors of are answering the call as well. Foundation for the community agencies who offer the services they could no Carolinas, which is among the top 10 foundations in the longer afford themselves. While some families were country in terms of assets and giving, has held special affected less severely by the economic downturn (maybe brainstorming meetings to come up with ways to meet the they didn’t lose an income, just a bonus) they may have unprecedented needs of our community. Several local cut back on other services like their lawn service, housekeeping or started eating out less. This in turn meant media organizations have partnered to create an online resource, “Charlotte Mission Possible,” to inform that someone else down the line lost income or worse, Charlotteans about the needs of the community and their job, and also found their way to one of these empower them to become active in creating and executing community agencies. solutions to help meet those needs. The Charlotte Observer, WCNC, WFAE, La Noticia, CLT Blog, Davidsonnews.net, and What Now? QcityMetro.com are all partners in this venture to bring We have less money going to fewer agencies which now attention and inspire action on this important community have greater demand for their services. What now? issue. Visit www.charlotte.com/possible for more information and to get involved. Concerned citizens in Charlotte have heard the rallying cry. Individuals who cannot make a financial contribution are The JLC has an important role to play during this stepping up their voluntarism to make an impact. JLC challenging economy. The League is uniquely positioned to Sustainer Martha Jane Poisson was active in the JLC for 20 serve the growing healthcare needs of children in our years and has a successful career in commercial interior design. But, now she says “no one is buying anything right community. Due to the increased number of children now, especially furniture. As a commission sales person this without medical insurance, we anticipate this year’s Big Shot Saturdays and Kids HealthLink events to be even economy hit me pretty hard and I’m not having the more effective in serving the healthcare needs of children financial success I used to. My career has come to an in Charlotte. abrupt halt. I’m just thinking maybe this is the time to think about my next career. I’m considering that it might THE NUMBERS BEHIND THE NEED be in the volunteer world.” (source: Charlotte Observer June 24, 2009)

While Poisson knows that jobs in non-profit are some of the hardest hit right now, she is taking advantage of the added free time she has to become more involved in the community, starting with her church. This fall she will participate in the WISH Program and “adopt” a family who is homeless or on the brink of homelessness to empower them to step out of the cycle of poverty. WISH teams develop a long term relationship with these families and individuals (minimum of one year). Like all good The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Unemployment Rate: Doubled since January 2007 and is still rising County Residents without Health Insurance: Increased 31 percent percent since 2006 Homeless Citizens: 6,000 homeless is a 22 percent spike since January 2008 Demand for Food Stamps: 39 percent increase since July 2007 23

CommunitySpotlight

New Faces of Homelessness BY KIM F. GRANT

“Homeless”

generally conjures a particular image. It’s the disheveled guy sleeping under a newspaper on the park bench. It’s the old woman dressed in too many layers pushing a grocery cart which contains all her worldly belongings. It’s the person on the street asking for spare change. While those images certainly describe some who are homeless, increasingly the faces of the homeless in the Charlotte community look much more like our neighbors and our own children. The Charlotte Observer reports that there are 6,000 homeless individuals in Charlotte, a 22 percent increase over the prior year. Charlotte based A Child’s Place (ACP), a nonprofit collaborating with the Charlotte community and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS) to serve homeless children and their families estimates that half of those counted in Charlotte’s homeless are children. These numbers are believed to be understated. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (part of the No Child Left Behind Act) defines homeless children and youth as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” This includes situations in which a family is doubling up in a home or apartment with other family and friends or living in pay-by-the-week or monthly hotels. In more dire situations, entire families may live out of their automobile or in a homeless shelter. The harsh economy has driven many Charlotte families unexpectedly into these circumstances. Whether they were in over their heads on a mortgage or lost some or all of their income, many families who a year ago may have been considered middle-class and stable are finding a new and unexpected description for themselves: homeless. When a family loses their home they lose much more than a roof over their head. There is a loss of community and normalcy. It is difficult for every member of the family, but adults are more likely to be able to rationalize the situation as temporary and may be working through solutions to get the family through difficult times. Children are particularly vulnerable and may not have the capacity to understand that the move into cramped, unfamiliar quarters is temporary. Imagine a child who is living out of a car being asked by his teacher to draw a picture of where he lives. The simple task becomes an insurmountable challenge. Embarrassment, depression and anger can lead to school avoidance. The short-and long-term effects of school absence can be devastating physically, mentally and emotionally. During this trying transitional period a child most needs the consistency 24

Homeless children attending “My Place” summer program offered by A Child’s Place enjoy reading during lunch. PHOTO BY TARA NELTNER

of school and that is where organizations like A Child’s Place begin their work.

A child who is homeless is: • Likely to fall 2-3 grades behind in school • Twice as likely to be sick • Three times more likely to suffer from anxiety or other mental health issues

There are many factors to a child’s academic success, the first of which is actually showing up for school. Beyond that ACP works with the child, the school and the family to ensure that the child is well-nourished, has clothing and hygiene products, access to medical, dental and counseling services, and of course a safe environment where they can be with their family and get the rest they need for a productive day at school. Ensuring appropriate housing for the child means providing a roof for the entire family. The ultimate goal is to provide the parents access to the right kinds of resources that can set them on a path to self-sufficiency.

Annabelle Suddreth, Executive Director of A Child’s Place, describes the ACP clientele as “the working poor who are living only one to two paychecks ahead. Then something happens- something simple. Someone dies or loses a job and the result is an 8-year old kid put into a situation that nobody chose.” The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Most of the families don’t have insurance but also don’t qualify for Medicaid. Suddreth notes that the Kids HealthLink and Big Shot Saturdays events offered by the JLC “come at an excellent time for our families.” As in past years, ACP will continue to refer clientele to these events. Suddreth also notes a shift in the needs of ACP families to the most basic of necessities: food. When she and her staff noted last fall that increasingly parents were unable to feed their families, they referred them to resources like Second Harvest and Loaves and Fishes. Realizing that some families had fully utilized those resources up to the limits imposed by those organizations, ACP began their own pantry in October 2008 which provided a week’s worth of food to ACP families during the critical Thanksgiving, Christmas and Spring Breaks, which were long stretches when children relying on school breakfast and lunch programs would otherwise have gone hungry. “We’ve never seen that need before. What we [ACP] do really well is watch out for these homeless kids. Opening a food pantry wasn’t on a strategic plan. We just did it because it was the right thing to do,” says Suddreth.

A Child's Place volunteer Nicole Murch receives thanks for the surprise pizza party she provided. PHOTO BY TARA NELTNER

Providing food for homeless families was not the only higher call ACP received. In early November they were approached with a proposition to use Hall House, a Charlotte Housing Authority midrise building on North Tryon Street which had been recently vacated and was set for sale, to provide winter shelter to the unprecedented number of homeless families in Charlotte. Just six weeks later a plan was in place and $750,000 had been raised. In partnership with Charlotte Housing Authority, Department of Social Services, Salvation Army, and Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, A Child’s Place assisted 69 homeless families who moved into Hall House in late January 2009. More than 1,000 volunteers painted and cleaned Hall House facilities which were not intended to be re-inhabited. It was a moving experience both for those who pitched in and the families in need. When the Hall House families learned about the many people who made this temporary home possible Suddreth recalls, “It was the first time they were aware that people really cared about them. Many of them wept. For some kids it was the first time they had their own bed. It was a bright spot for these families.” The volunteers who contributed to the success of the Hall House project realized that what had happened to these families could happen to anyone. The Hall House project has since been vacated with 75 percent of the families placed in permanent housing that is subsidized for one year. These families are tracked by A Child’s Place and are well on their way to self-sufficiency. The remaining 25 percent continue to rely on some

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form of assistance for temporary housing. Suddreth has been profoundly touched by the outpouring of support from the Charlotte community. “It warms my heart so much even as my heart is breaking for these families. Somehow the needs have been met.” The increase in demand for services for homeless children in Charlotte is staggering. A Child’s Place served 480 children during the 2006-2007 school year, 1,372 children the following year and 1,500 in 2008-2009. Because of the nature of their collaboration with CMS, ACP services are limited during the summer months. “My Place” is an 8 week program in which 50 CMS rising 1st-6th graders can participate during the summer. In its fourth year, “My Place” provides a fun and educational environment for children whose families do not have stable housing while their parents work or look for work and make other strides towards becoming more self-sufficient. What about the other 1,450 children? A Child’s Place tracks them over the summer and will begin services again in the fall when school begins for those who need still them. Organizations like ACP rely almost exclusively on donations from individuals and volunteers to help homeless children and their families in Charlotte. To learn more or to donate your time, money or basic supplies such as snacks, school supplies, hygiene items, and clothing visit A Child’s Place at www.achildsplace.org Down and Out in Charlotte: The Marcos Story If you happened to be watching ABC’s Good Morning America one Saturday morning in June, you might have been surprised to see the familiar landscape in a feature on Charlotte residents in the ongoing series “The New Normal.” The series focuses on the very personal impact of The Great Recession. The Good Morning America piece featured several newly homeless families including the Marcos*, a family of four new to the Charlotte Community. The Marcos’ story begins with hope for a better life with higher and more secure income. Before moving to Charlotte the family lived in New Jersey where both parents held full time jobs but even with two incomes had struggled to make ends meet. When Mrs. Marcos lost her job the family decided it was time for a change. After finding a job in Charlotte she and her husband relocated with their two sons, ages 2 and 5. But that job didn’t work out and the job her husband secured did not pay enough to meet their basic expenses. Because they were living paycheck to paycheck the Marcos’ had not been able to save money prior to their move and so they had nothing to fall back on. Unable to afford or establish housing without a source of income, the Marcos’ moved in with family members already living here. This put 10 people into a three bedroom apartment, an arrangement which was challenging for both families. That is where A Child’s Place stepped in, providing an apartment rent free for six months. This alternative to a shelter allows families to maintain their dignity and provides

a traditional home environment while parents establish employment and save money for permanent housing. Now the Marcos’ have decided to move back to New Jersey where they will temporarily live with family, hopeful that at least Mr. Marcos can return to his higher paying job. The Marcos’ thought the move to Charlotte would improve life for their family, not put them at greater financial risk, leaving them homeless. Increasingly, that is the face of homelessness in Charlotte and in America. People and families who happened on hard times, didn’t have enough savings and just needed a little help to get by for a short period of time. *the family’s name has been changed to protect their privacy

WANT TO HELP? HERE’S WHAT IS NEEDED Snacks, because a child cannot concentrate and learn on an empty stomach. (must be commercially packaged in individual servings to meet CMS guidelines)

100% Juice boxes • Small Water Bottles • Fruit Cups Raisins • Breakfast Bars • Crackers • Pretzels Applesauce • Granola Bars • Yogurt Snacks Goldfish Crackers • Individual Cereal Boxes School Supplies, because a child cannot do their work without the proper supplies. Combination locks for lockers • Notebook Paper Glue Sticks • Protractors • Pencils and Pens Liquid Soap • Erasers • Rulers • Dictionaries Hand Sanitizer • Graph Paper • Scissors Mead Composition Notebooks • Bookbags (all grades) Folders • Crayons • Binders (1 inch) • Pencil Boxes Facial Tissues • Markers Clothing, because a child needs to be properly dressed for school and uniforms can be expensive. Category Pants, shorts and shirts Uniforms* Underwear Bras Socks T-shirts

Boys’ sizes 4T to adult 4T-18 4T-30 N/A All sizes All sizes

Girls’ sizes 4T to adult 4T-18 4T-16 All sizes All sizes All sizes

*Especially khaki or navy pants and white collared shirts for schools with a uniform policy

Hygiene Items, because poor hygiene is an embarrassing distraction and can lead to other social issues. Soap • Deodorant • Toothbrush • Toothpaste Kleenex Tissues • Shampoo • Hair Brushes • Combs Hair accessories • Hair care products (special need for African American) Donations to A Child’s Place may be made from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday at 601 E. 5th St., Suite 130, Charlotte, NC 28202.

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

and

Comings Goings Charlotte Shout, the month-long celebration of arts, kicks off the first week of September and encompasses many events all over town for the entire month. One of these events is the Festival in the Park which is designed to promote and stimulate interest in the arts by providing the opportunity for people of all ages to see, hear, and learn from more than 150 artisans who actively demonstrate and display their art. About 1,000 entertainers provide free, ongoing performances at the main band shell and many stages surrounding it. Thursday, Sept. 24 - Sunday, Sept. 27, 2009 at Freedom Park.

CHAR LOTTE SHOUT

Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m. Bring your friends and family and picnic blankets to Symphony Park and enjoy a day on the lawn listening to some of your favorite tunes, while you enjoy tasting hundreds of your favorite wines from North Carolina. Or maybe you enjoy great food and the gourmet lifestyle... then you’ll really enjoy strolling the exhibits or taking in one of the wine and food seminars. It all awaits you at Great Grapes! Enjoy hundreds of wines, more than 50 exhibits with thousands of your fellow wine lovers!

GREAT GRAPES

The Annual Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace is a great place to visit on a Saturday or Sunday from Oct. 10 to Nov. 22. The Festival features a medieval amusement park, a 10-stage theatre, a 20 acre circus, arts and crafts fair, a jousting tournament and a feast! Fun for the whole family!

RENNAI SSANCE FESTIVAL

HALLO WEEN

Halloween can be a lot of fun for kids of all ages and Charlotte has plenty of locations to pick pumpkins, take hayrides and enjoy the fall season. Check out The Farm at Hodge’s Dairy in northern Mecklenberg County. It offers an experience like no other; it gives you a taste of farm life like it was 100 years ago.

AW! SHU CKS

10 Seasonal Things September 18, 2009 to December 15, 2009 BY EVE OLSEN

Aw Shucks! Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in Monroe, N.C., opens Sept. 18 to Nov. 22. Step back in time at the Old Fashioned General Store, enjoy a hayride, or visit the pumpkin patch.

THANKSGI VING DAY PARADE

The 62nd annual Carolinas Thanksgiving Day Parade is one of the largest gatherings of Carolinians that takes place during the year. This year it’s scheduled for Nov. 26 on Tryon Street in Center City Charlotte. Definitely not an event to be missed!

NAS CAR

Junior Leaguer’s start your engines and head out on Oct. 17, to Lowe’s Motor Speedway in Concord for the NASCAR Banking 500 only from Bank of America. It’s also the ONLY Saturday night race in the chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup Championship!

THE MILE STONES WALK

Nov. 7 at Freedom Park- Come join The MileStones Walk for Childhood Cancer which is an annual fundraising event benefiting Cure Search and the National Childhood Cancer Foundation with proceeds going to pediatric cancer research.

CAROL INA PA NTHERS

Make sure to check out our Carolina Panther’s at the Bank of America Stadium. When the Panther’s are at home, it’s a hot ticket to score!

Come by and hear live jazz every third Thursday of the month and enjoy snacks and stunning craft objects during special late hours at the Mint Museum of Craft + Design. Listen, look, mingle, snack and shop!

MINT MUSEUM OF CRAFT + DESIGN

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.” -- Aesop

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

Celebrate Fall

while Standing Behind the AJLI Get Your Kids in the Kitchen With Healthy Apple Recipes

Last

year The Association of Junior Leagues International Inc. (AJLI) was awarded the highest honor given an association, the Summit Award, by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE). The award recognizes the successful implementation of a vital community-based program. The AJLI’s Kids in the Kitchen program, carried out by more than 240 Junior Leagues (including the Junior League of Charlotte, Inc.), addresses the urgent issues surrounding childhood obesity and poor nutrition. Children and their families are invited to free, local events and hands-on activities to learn about healthy eating habits. Such opportunities for education are not limited to the cities in which Kids in the Kitchen is being implemented. Any one can enter the website www.kidsinthekitchen.ajli.com, and league members can login using their AJLI member number. Both recipes and activities are easy to access. Twelve other “apple” recipes like the one below popped up on a single search! The AJLI has also partnered with Favorite Recipes Press to create an activity-filled cookbook Junior Leagues In the Kitchen with Kids: Everyday Recipes and Activities for Healthy Living (ISBN-10: 0871978415). The recipes are all kid friendly and the ingredients, along with the healthy eating tips inserted throughout, reinforce the Kids in the Kitchen overall initiative.

JLC Membership Poll

So pick a bushel or two of apples this fall and gather the kids in the kitchen. The results will be delicious!

APPLE CRISP Prep time: 50 minutes Difficulty: Easy 4 cups sliced tart apples, pared 3 /4 cup brown sugar 1 /2 cup all purpose flour 1 /2 cup dry oatmeal 3 /4 teaspoon nutmeg 1 /3 cup margarine, softened 1 /2 teaspoon vanilla extract Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Grease square pan. Place apple slices in pan. Mix remaining ingredients thoroughly. Sprinkle mixed ingredients over apples. Bake 30 minutes or until apples are tender and topping is golden brown. Serve warm. Nutrition information: Calories: 263 Fat: 10.8g Saturated fat: 1.8g Carbohydrates: 40.6g

Members read JLC publications shortly after receiving them • 55 percent of respondents read the new online version of the NewsRelease • 68 percent of respondents read the JLC Happenings within 12 hours and a total of 91 percent read it within 2 days • 30 percent of respondents read The CRIER within 48 hours, with a total of 76 percent of respondents reading it within 3-5 days. Only 3 percent of respondents do not read The CRIER at all. Members are pleased with the quality of JLC publications (Newsworthiness, Timeliness, Subject Matter, Format and Design)

• 80 percent+ of respondents gave both The CRIER and the JLC Happenings quality ratings of a 4 or a 5 (with 5 being “Excellent”)

Protein: 2.5g Fiber: 2.8g Sodium: 127mg Sugar: 25.3g

Original recipe from Stacey C. Jackson, Junior League of Colorado Springs.

You Spoke - We Listened!

The Junior League of Charlotte, Inc. (JLC) Communications Survey, which was recently sent online to all JLC members, was met with a great response. Feedback from JLC members is critical to ensuring that communications align with how JLC members prefer to receive information. Here is what we learned:

BY ANNE HOBBS RANSON

BY TRICIA WILSON MAGEE

JLC Members are cost and environmentally conscious as it relates to JLC publications • 57 percent of respondents are extremely satisfied with receiving fewer printed publications from JLC, in an effort to “Go Green” • 77 percent of respondents prefer to receive information from and about the JLC in an email • 92 percent of respondents are not willing to pay for a printed version of the NewsRelease when there is no charge for the electronic delivery 318 Members responded to the survey • 30 percent Sustainers • 37 percent Active (3 years or more) • 31 percent Active (1-3 years) • 2 percent Provisionals • 66 percent percent of respondents are on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social networking sites Look for more membership surveys and be heard!

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

WALK THE WALK!

Fall is a perfect time to get outside and strut your stuff for a worthy cause in or around Charlotte. Don’t feel like walking? Don’t discount the opportunity to give back. There are plenty of volunteer opportunities to support those who do.

WALK FROM OBESITY SEPTEMBER 26, 2009

GET OUT & VOLUNTEER

Volunteers

Location: Concord Mills – Entry #2, Books-A-Million 8111 Concord Mills Blvd. Concord, N.C. 28027 Presented by: Dr. Roc Bauman and CMC NorthEast Event Coordinator: Sue Rutland – sue.rutland@carolinashealthcare.org Registration forms available on-line at www.walkfromobesity.com

WALK NOW FOR AUTISM

AVON WALK FOR BREAST CANCER

OCTOBER 10, 2009

OCTOBER 24-25, 2009

Location: Lowes Motor Speedway Concord, N.C. Presented by: Autism Speaks Event Coordinator: Michelle P. Preslar, Executive Director- Greater Charlotte

Location: Charlotte, N.C. Route & Milage: Frazier Park to Park Road Park and Back! 26.2 miles, Saturday / 13.1 miles, Sunday Presented by: The Avon Foundation Request Volunteer Information: volunteer.charlotte@avonwalk.org Register to walk: http://walk.avonfoundation.org

Learn more & register at www.walknowforautism.org/carolinas

MILESTONES WALK FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER NOVEMBER 7, 2009 Location: Freedom Park 2435 Cumberland Ave. Charlotte, N.C. 28203 Presented by: CureSearch, National Childhood Cancer Foundation Learn more & register: www.milestoneswalk.org

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

IndexTo Advertisers

To advertise in The Crier, please call (704) 375-5993 or email jlcrier@yahoo.com.

Alliance Benefit Group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Levine Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hospital . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

British American School of Charlotte . . . . . . . . . . . . .25

Morrison Smith Jewelers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19

Charlotte Country Day School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Old World Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Charlotte Latin School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Pinehurst Resort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

DKF Photo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Portraits, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Jami Masters School of Dance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Rags Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30

Junior League WearHouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

Tathwell Printing

Leon Loard Portraits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .31

Wrightsville Beach . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

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800.242.0707

The Junior League of Charlotte - Making a Difference Since 1926

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