MDC

MDC is proud to announce the retirement of Ralph Gildehaus, Senior Director of Economic Security and Mobility, after 16 years of exceptional leadership. Ralph has been instrumental in advancing economic security and equity across the Southern U.S. Through his visionary work, Ralph has driven initiatives that have improved financial stability for countless families. In his new role as Senior Fellow, Ralph will continue contributing to MDC's mission by supporting the launch of the Family Economic Success Institute. This new initiative will focus on increasing access to essential benefits and services for low-income families, building on Ralph's legacy of creating lasting, systemic change. Key milestones from Ralph's tenure include: 1. Establishing impactful partnerships such as the North Carolina Navigator Consortium. 2. Spearheading Financial Access Initiatives that provided over $1 billion in tax credits and benefits. 3. Leading successful policy changes, including the creation of a state income tax direct file option in NC. 4. Advocating for veterans through the NC VetsCorps Project. John Simpkins, MDC President, and CEO, commended Ralph’s extraordinary leadership: "Ralph’s work has fundamentally shaped MDC’s success and left a lasting impact on our communities." As Ralph transitions into this next phase, we look forward to seeing how his work will continue to inspire and support families across the South. Please join us in congratulating Ralph and welcoming Jenna Bryant as the new Senior Director. ?? For more: https://lnkd.in/eJGcv4Wz ??: Courtesy of the Institute for Emerging Issues at NC State University

Child care is essential - not just for families, but for the health of our entire economy. Despite the invaluable services they offer, child-care providers often face low wages, a lack of benefits, and systemic underinvestment. Many struggle to make ends meet, while parents continue to face high costs and limited options. As MDC's Emily Beaver and Kristin Feierabend outline in "Still Undervalued and Underfunded: The Invisible Child Care Workforce," it's time we recognize and invest in the people who teach and care for the next generation. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/eFVx75TE #ChildCare #EarlyChildhoodEducation #EconomicDevelopment #Equity #Workforce #SupportChildCare

You're Invited! The NC Student Debt Relief Coalition is partnering with the Student Borrower Protection Center and the Center for Responsible Lending to discuss strategies and solutions to address our state's growing student debt crisis. ??? When: January 16, 2025 ?? Time: 2-4 PM EST ?? Where: MDC Learning Center, 307 W Main Street, Durham, NC 27701 Join us as we bring together key stakeholders, policymakers, and advocates to explore impactful solutions and elevate the voices of students burdened by debt. Don't miss this opportunity to collaborate and make a difference! ?? RSVP Today: https://ow.ly/N1ZI50U99L4

?? Hurricane Helene Recovery: Key Resources and Deadlines You Need to Know ?? If you or your community have been affected by Hurricane Helene, there are critical resources and assistance available to support your recovery: 1?? FEMA Individual Assistance – The new application deadline is January 7! Homeowners and renters affected by the storm are encouraged to apply for FEMA assistance to see if they qualify for support with damage or displacement. Don't wait—apply before the deadline! 2?? FEMA Rental Assistance – If your home was damaged, FEMA provides grants for temporary housing while you rebuild. Options include rental homes, apartments, hotels, RVs, and more. Apply now for assistance and get the temporary housing you need during recovery. 3?? Support for Houses of Worship & Nonprofits – FEMA Public Assistance is also available to certain private nonprofits and Houses of Worship affected by the storm. If you’re part of a faith-based or nonprofit organization, check your eligibility for disaster recovery funding. 4?? Disability Support Resources—NCDHHS has released a new workbook to support recovery for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). The resource is available in English and Spanish and is designed to help individuals and their care partners understand the recovery process with clear visuals and easy-to-read content. Additionally, Legal Aid of NC, Pisgah Legal, and Emergency Legal Responders are offering free legal support for FEMA applications, appeals, and fraud prevention. ? Take action today to ensure you're accessing all available recovery resources. For more information, visit the NC Justice Center and NCDHHS websites, and share these critical updates with your community. ??https://lnkd.in/edviqCW #HurricaneHelene #FEMA #DisasterRelief #RentalAssistance #PublicAssistance #LegalAid #RecoverySupport #CommunityOutreach #NCDHHS #NCJusticeCenter #HurricaneRecovery

?? Important Update for NC Residents ?? The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services has extended the application period for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (D-SNAP) benefits by one day for residents of Alexander, Buncombe, Haywood, Macon, and McDowell counties. ?? New Deadline: Friday, Oct. 25, 2024, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. (TODAY) ?? Who is eligible? Individuals who experienced losses due to Hurricane Helene, have proof of identity and residency, and meet certain income criteria. As of now, over 105,000 individuals have been approved for D-SNAP benefits, providing crucial support as communities recover from the impact of Hurricane Helene. If you pre-registered but couldn't complete your application, DSS officials will reach out to you by Nov. 1. Let’s ensure that no one is left behind as we work towards recovery and rebuilding. For more details, visit ePASS.nc.gov. ???Please share???

We had a fantastic time leading a session on School-Based Mental Health Programs at MDC's State of the South! Georgia Appleseed’s Mary Kathryn Velazquez facilitated a powerful discussion on expanding access to school-based mental health services, including telehealth options, to support both students and teachers. The session highlighted the urgent need for solutions to address healthcare workforce shortages and how increased telehealth services can benefit rural and underserved areas. Attendees engaged in meaningful conversations about reducing the administrative strain on schools and the importance of policy changes to help schools better serve their students. We also focused on the critical role schools play in supporting student well-being, especially in addressing challenges like suicidal ideation, family integration, and the barriers to care for ESOL students. We’re grateful for the robust dialogue and all the connections made! Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this vital conversation. Let’s keep the momentum going to improve student well-being across Georgia! #StateoftheSouth #YouthMentalHealth #SchoolBasedPrograms #SchoolBasedBehavioralHealth #MentalHealth #Telehealth #AdvocacyForAll #StudentWellBeing #GeorgiaAppleseed

We are heartbroken to learn of the tragic ferry dock collapse on Georgia’s Sapelo Island this past weekend, where the Gullah-Geechee community gathered for their annual fall celebration. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives, the individuals who were critically injured, and the entire Sapelo Island community, which has been shaken by this devastating event. MDC has long-standing connections to the Gullah-Geechee community, both personal and professional. Many of us have had the honor of working alongside Gullah-Geechee leaders and organizations to preserve their rich cultural heritage and elevate community concerns. Reflecting on this tragedy, MDC President and CEO John Simpkins shared: “As the descendant of Gullah-Geechee South Carolinians, this devastating loss strikes deeply. We mourn with the Gullah-Geechee community and know that they will honor the memory of those lost by continuing to display their characteristic strength, solidarity, and resilience.” Please join us in holding the Gullah-Geechee community in your thoughts during this difficult time. We stand ready to support our friends and partners in their ongoing journey of healing and recovery in any way we can. Learn more about the dock collapse here: https://lnkd.in/gqFiuXqf

Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts and experience. MDC

“Once you’ve seen one rural community,” says Brandy Bynum Dawson, “you have seen one rural community.” Accordingly, she knows that the best way to create thriving communities is through community-led solutions. Promoting rural prosperity is Bynum Dawson’s job, and her calling. As a native of rural North Carolina, she has a deep appreciation for the richness of rural life in the American South. And as a Senior Program Director at?MDC—a 13-state nonprofit with more than half a century of experience uniting and supporting southerners—she’s a leader who helps communities find ways to overcome entrenched inequities like disinvestment, extractive economies, restricted access to education and healthcare, and other limits on economic opportunity.? Bynum Dawson is also a member of the?Rural Action Roundtable on Equity?of The Aspen Institute’s?Community Strategies Group. She took time from her packed schedule—and a regional disaster—to share insights on her work, her home, and the deep connection between the two. Read the full interview here... https://lnkd.in/eszaaYFM?

In light of Hurricane Helene, the North Carolina Inclusive Disaster Recovery Network and the NC Housing Coalition are urging Gov. Roy Cooper and Chief Justice Paul Newby to implement a 90-day pause on evictions in affected counties. This is essential to help families regain stability and navigate the challenges brought on by the disaster. Read more about the economic impacts of Hurricane Helene and disaster recovery efforts here: https://lnkd.in/ebjxXuAk ??: NC Newsline/Courtesy of the Western North Carolina Tenants Network