The Relatives Family Update
Please ensure you scroll down to read all of the recent stories in this newsletter.
My name is Debbie Rose and I, along with my mother Lynn Rose, own L&D Flowers of Elegance in Charlotte with over 35 years of experience.
August is National Black Business Month and, as a local business owner, I want to tell you why I believe in giving back to our community and helping serve those who need assistance.
My mother and I often find ourselves involved in our customers’ lives. As florists, we’re here to help people celebrate and honor their loved ones. Sometimes, a simple order for a bouquet or floral arrangement can become a counseling session! Whether it’s a happy occasion or a difficult situation, everyone needs someone that will listen and to talk to.
That’s why I view L&D as more than your everyday florist and one of the reasons our family-owned business is passionate about supporting The Relatives.
When a young person has no one to turn to and no place to go, The Relatives steps-in. I’ve seen, firsthand, how youth and young adults can come to The Relatives, be treated as family, feel loved, and be supported.
I am proud to walk alongside The Relatives and feel fortunate that L&D Flowers of Elegance can actively contribute to the community we’ve been blessed to serve.
I am grateful you are a Relative, too! Thank you for letting vulnerable young people know help is available and they’re not alone.
Debbie Rose
L&D Flowers of Elegance
It Is Eazy Bein’ Cheezy at The Relatives
Get ready to make a difference this September by sharing meals that matter!
Whether it’s homemade, delivered, or following our recipe (you bring the can-do attitude, we’ll provide the rest), your culinary kindness can nourish our youth and create lasting memories—join us and be part of the recipe for success!
To view additional needs and special opportunities please visit our volunteer event calendar.
Rinse, Repeat, Be a Relative
Saichelle McNeill started The Washroom Laundry Service in 2016 and describes owning her local, mobile dry cleaning and laundry service as a “rollercoaster ride you may get ejected from. Sometimes you move so fast it’s scary and you’re not sure when it’s going to stop.”
While Saichelle recognizes the cyclical nature of owning a small business, one thing remains constant: Saichelle’s monthly support of The Relatives as a Hope Builder.
“I believe in planting seeds for a tree I may never be able to enjoy the shade of,” says Saichelle, “The Relatives is an amazing organization because it helps kids who can’t always help themselves. We all need the support of others to grow.”
The Relatives mission is especially close to Saichelle’s heart because of The Washroom Laundry Service’s employees: “When you support small, local businesses you are supporting some of the same individuals who are served by organizations like The Relatives.”
Heart and Soul to Spare
For 26 years, Mert’s Heart and Soul has been an acclaimed staple of Charlotte’s restaurant scene. Just as beloved for their shrimp and grits, salmon cakes, and award-winning macaroni and cheese, as they are for their generous support of the local community.
Mert’s owner, James Bazzelle, says being a business owner is hard work but also give you the freedom and ability to positively influence peoples’ lives. “It’s hard knowing any decision you make can have a negative outcome,” shares James, “but the fun part is making the right decision and seeing the beneficial impact it has on employees, customers, and the community.”
One of the beneficial impacts Mert’s Heart and Soul has in the Charlotte community, is their long-time support of The Relatives. Mert’s regularly donates meals to both the Youth Crisis Center and the On Ramp Resource Center.
James says he feels blessed Mert’s is able to support The Relatives: “Our community’s youth face a great deal or pressure, especially young people who are dealing with disadvantages. I feel fortunate to help and influence future generations.”
Make a Plan. Leave a Legacy.
August is National Make A Will Month, a perfect time to consider including The Relatives in your estate planning.
Making a legacy gift through your estate is one of the most effective ways to ensure that we can carry on our shared vision of being a Relative to the vulnerable youth and young adults in our community, by enabling them to achieve independence through comprehensive services tailored to their individualized needs, in a space where they feel loved, supported, and accepted as their authentic selves.
For more information on making a planned gift, please contact Caitlin E. Donley, CFRE, Director of Development, at 704-501-8253 or cdonley@therelatives.org or visit 1974 Society – The Relatives.
Support Businesses Supporting Our Youth
The Relatives is grateful for our wonderful community partners. If you are interested in learning more about the local businesses featured in this month’s newsletter, please see below:
L&D Flowers of Elegance
L&D specializes in a variety of floral arrangements for weddings, funerals, corporate events as well as, sentimental or “just because” gifts. Local delivery is available.
https://www.ldflowerscharlotte.com/
Mert’s Heart & Soul
Mert’s, located at 214 N College St in Uptown Charlotte, serves classic, award-winning, Southern soul food dishes.
The Washroom Laundry
The Washroom Laundry Service is a certified minority-owned business providing full-service residential and commercial laundry delivery, dry cleaning, and linen services to Charlotte and surrounding areas.
