The Relatives’ Family Update – March 2020

Please ensure you scroll down to read all of the recent stories in this month’s newsletter. If you would like to be added to our email distribution please email your information to development@therelatives.org.

Dear Relatives,

During this unprecedented time in our community regarding the COVID-19 (novel Coronavirus) pandemic, we want to update you on how The Relatives is responding to this crisis. Most importantly, we want to assure you that the safety and stability of our youth and young adults are, and will always be, our top priorities.

The Relatives, like so many other organizations, is actively making daily decisions to prioritize the health and safety of our youth, staff, and supporters.

Given the current state and local guidelines for COVID-19, we have temporarily suspended all visitors and on-site volunteers to our programs. This DOES NOT include clients. Our main purpose is to provide a safe haven for youth and young adults in crisis and we remain open for those in our community who have nowhere else to go. We are working with our youth and staff to promote cleanliness and hygenic practices, and we continue to be a place of refuge for our kids.

Responding to crisis is our mission. We are fortunate to have partners in government and county officials and other local nonprofits to efficiently coordinate all of our efforts. As needs arise, we will keep you informed of how you can support us through all of our social media channels.

In the meantime, the Foundation For The Carolinas and the United Way of Central Carolinas have set up a COVID-19 Response Fund. As for all businesses, this is an uncertain time for nonprofits as well. This fund is a way you can support local nonprofits who are assisting families affected by this crisis. Or you may wish to make a gift directly to The Relatives or another nonprofit close to your heart. Another way to help our kids is to provide anything from our needs list.

Right now, our community is experiencing what our kids face daily – the unknown. Our goal from the beginning has been for each youth and young adult to grasp and embrace their place in the larger world as a contributing member of the greater society. Ultimately, it has been through your generous support that young people in crisis can becoming thriving adults with the capacity for a healthy, fulfilling life. Thank you for your past efforts to create an empowered future. Now is the time for us all to come together and have a stake in what our future looks like.

Trish Hobson
Executive Director

Robert’s Walk – Cancelled

In accordance with the advisory to avoid groups larger than 10 or more, we have made the difficult decision to cancel Robert’s Walk on Sat., March 21. We are still celebrating National Safe Place Week this week (see more info below), and hope you can join us in the comfort of your own home!

We look forward to seeing you at Robert’s Walk next year on Sat., March 20!

Celebrate National Safe Place Week

This week is National Safe Place Week and what better time to be grateful for safe havens for those experiencing crisis.

The Relatives is the designated Safe Place provider for Mecklenburg county. We have created a local network of businesses, churches, schools, transportation services, and community locations that are willing to post Safe Place signs and identify themselves as a place for youth in crisis to get help.

You can learn more about Safe Place by watching our interview with WBTV here!

Stock Our Pantry

Our supporters never cease to amaze us – even in these uncertain times. We are so fortunate to have had donors step up and commit to lunches and dinners for our youth crisis center through drop-offs and donations of restaurant gift cards.

It’s still imperative that we keep our pantry well stocked. Please refer to our Needs page as we’ll keep that updated with immediate needs. You can also check out our SHARE Charlotte profile to sign up for future volunteer opportunities once they’re available.

Donate From Your Couch

With COVID-19 putting pressure on everyone, donations will matter more than ever before.

Click here to make your virtual gift and help us continue to provide the services our youth in crisis desperately need. While non-essential staff are working from home in hopes of flattening the curve, we are still checking our mailbox and will deposit any physical gifts we receive. You can mail a check to:

The Relatives
119 E. 8th St.
Charlotte, NC 28202

If you have any questions about your support, please email April Vahey at avahey@therelatives.org.