The Relatives’ Family Update – May 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.
Meet Faith.
Faith went through life relying on herself to get through tough times. But when she realized she was responsible for more than just her own well-being, she knew she needed to reach out and lean on someone during her time of crisis.
Your support empowered Faith to find a safe place to move forward.
Faith had been striving for a safe place ever since she came to The Relatives. Faith’s mother died when she was young and, as a result, she had to figure a lot out on her own. After time, she found The Relatives and, while we stood by her along her journey, Faith was starting to see some light at the end of her tunnel. Just when Faith was beginning to find stability, she became pregnant. On top of this, she began experiencing escalating incidences of domestic violence. After becoming a mother, she knew she needed a better life for her family.
Faith experienced first-hand what it was like to go through life without the support of her mom and she didn’t want the same for her baby. She found the courage to get out of her situation, but that also meant that she was homeless. After all Faith had worked for, she felt lost and hopeless. She was able to stay in various shelters, but was running out of time. With the weight of our current crisis on top of what she was already going through, Faith was finding it difficult to believe in the promise of tomorrow.
Through your support, we were able to move Faith out of her crisis and provide housing for her and her daughter. She found a safe place to call home earlier this month through our housing program and she is empowered to keep her family safe during this uncertain time. Not only has her basic need of housing been met, but Faith now has the key to provide a better tomorrow for her daughter.
Because you are a Relative, more young adults like Faith have the resources they need for a bright future.
Donor Spotlight: Charlotte Wine + Food
As COVID-19 stay-at-home orders were implemented, Charlotte Wine + Food had to cancel their annual Grand Tasting, which brings in operating dollars for charity partners, including The Relatives. On top of this, supported charities expressed that their served populations were facing meal shortages, and restaurant partners were being forced to halt dine-in operations and drastically reduce their staff.
To help address these needs, CW+F organized a special meal program to deliver meals to the populations served by each of their charity partners for the month of April. The program has created an avenue for CW+F to continue supporting both their impacted restaurant partners and charity partners, particularly during this difficult time. CW+F has provided nearly 80 meals and 500 to-go containers for our youth and young adults, helping us assist those in need.
We are so grateful to CW+F for being quick on their feet and finding impactful ways to Be A Relative in our community!
Dancing with the Stars – The Results Are In!
On March 7, six Charlotte community and corporate leaders took over the Knight Theater stage and raised funds for Charlotte Ballet and six local charitable organizations, one being The Relatives.
Jennifer Doyle danced on our behalf and was able to raise just under $110,000 for our kids!
We are so grateful to Jennifer and to all those at Charlotte Ballet that made this gift possible.
Smile While You Shop
Most of our shopping has moved from in-store experiences to on-line. Don’t forget that you can make a difference while you shop! Simply shop using this link and AmazonSmile donates to The Relatives.
And while you’re on Amazon, check out our needs list for items we need to support our youth and young adults!
Host A Virtual Workshop
As we are still unable to accept on-site volunteers, we are embracing technology and finding ways you can be a Relative virtually! With Zoom or other apps, you can teach an important life skill (or hobby) to the young adults we continue to serve. You can also turn the workshop into a Lunch & Learn by having a meal delivered!
Reach out to Christina Nunez for more information.