Families Forward Charlotte

At Families Forward Charlotte, we are all about breaking down barriers and building up futures! Today, we would like to share Shawna's journey with FFC. Two years ago, Shawna made a brave decision: it was time to invest in herself. As a single mother who had her first child at sixteen, she had spent her life putting her children first. But with her youngest child nearing high school graduation, Shawna knew it was her time. She set out to achieve a goal she had long set aside—earning her high school diploma. The road wasn’t easy, but Shawna refused to give up. “Life happens, but I kept going,” she said. “Now, almost two years later, I’ve graduated. I feel so good about that.” Despite this success, Shawna knew there was more she wanted to accomplish. Joining Families Forward Charlotte (FFC) a few months ago became the turning point she needed. The encouragement and accountability offered by her Family Liaison mentor helped her to realize even bigger dreams. “My mentor is amazing. She’s like one of my newest best friends. She has helped me set goals, stay focused, and finish school. I couldn’t have done it without her.” As she looks ahead, Shawna is focusing on long-term dreams: traveling with her sister, exploring new career opportunities, and even downsizing to a smaller home while passing her current house on to her children. “I’m the project now,” she said with pride. “It’s time to start living life and accomplishing more goals.” #FamiliesForwardCLT #BreakingBarriers #BuildingFutures

We are #hiring for a Director of Advancement to join the Families Forward Charlotte team! As we grow to meet increasing community needs, we are seeking a strategic leader to guide our advancement efforts. Interested or know someone who may be a good fit? Comment below or check out the job posting for details. #Nonprofitjobs #CharlotteNC #Advancement #Fundraising

Last week, our team met with Anne Marie Forbes, a consultant specializing in nonprofit management and leadership, culture development, and fundraising. Prior to the meeting, our team all took the CliftonStrengths finder assessment, and Anne-Marie helped us understand our top five strengths and how to use them to strengthen our culture and enhance our ability to work as a team. Thank you, Anne-Marie, for sharing your time and expertise!

Thank you to RSM US LLP for collecting donations for essentials baskets for Families Forward Charlotte. We are honored to be one of three organizations that RSM is supporting through its "Power of Love initiative." As a part of this initiative, our FFC Board Treasurer, Jason Reinfried, CPA, invited Families Forward Charlotte to host a Lunch and Learn, where our Executive Director, Carrie Christian, shared our mission with the group. At the end of the month, they brought all their donations to our Program Center and packed 14 essentials baskets that will be distributed to our families this winter. Thank you, RSM, for your support!

Thank you, Charlotte City Club, for packing Weekend Food Packs! Our Weekend Food Pack program supplies healthy meals and snacks for children in food-insecure households at our partner Title 1 elementary schools. These packs bridge the gap between Friday and Monday, when these children lack access to the free breakfast and lunch provided by their school. Thank you for your partnership and support!

Thank you, Junior League of Charlotte (JLC), for continuing to support the families in our Family Success Program. In addition to hosting essentials drives, JLC members volunteer at our educational workshops, providing child watch support and being "homework helpers" to the older children. Earlier this month, they provided a healthy eating activity from MyPlate.gov to discuss the importance of certain foods/food groups. Thank you for your incredible partnership and support!

Families Forward Charlotte Board President Telitha Hight and At-Large member Dr. Carrie Graham, PhD had a great time?at the Engaging Board Members in Fundraising Event sponsored by Social Venture Partners Charlotte (SVP). Thank you, SVP, for your continued support of non-profits in our community.

Each month community partners join our Family Success Program participants at our educational workshops to share their knowledge and resources. This valuable learning time is an opportunity to strengthen skills and utilize tools to support them on their journey toward economic mobility. To kick off August, our FFC Program Team led a workshop reviewing program expectations, goal setting, and planning ahead vs. operating in crisis. Next, Tamara Davis-Jack from Positivity has Purpose introduced the idea of positive thinking and how it can enhance resilience, improve well-being, and foster growth. In early September, Griffin Gervais, founder of Come Home, talked about emotional intelligence and how your goals impact who you are becoming. Lastly, Bank of America reviewed budgeting, savings, understanding your paycheck, and basic information regarding fraud protection. Thank you all!

Last call for Family Liaisons! Being a Family Liaison is a unique volunteer opportunity that allows community members to connect with and mentor a parent/caregiver working towards economic mobility. Together, the pair sets mobility goals, works on an action plan, navigates challenges, and celebrates successes. Join us for an interest meeting and learn all about this meaningful and impactful opportunity! https://lnkd.in/gK-3VfWa

Thank you Aprio for once again partnering with Families Forward Charlotte and providing support for our Family Success Program! We are excited to grow this program and reach more families in need around the Charlotte area.