DifferenceMakers CLT is a dynamic initiative within Communities In Schools (CIS) that seeks to empower the voices of our youth, create opportunities for economic mobility, and develop an intergenerational network of support. The effort breaks down barriers and builds bridges across differences. Despite school closings and uncertainty related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the CIS team made great strides in developing a framework to promote youth leadership, advocacy, and mobilization by equipping a diverse cohort of 40 rising student and community leaders. Through monthly leadership development programming, 20 high school students and 20 community leaders used their social capital to help increase economic mobility for residents across Charlotte. DifferenceMakers CLT participants are learning about creating “movements” and how to be “difference makers” in our local community and the world. Learn More
September 19, 2020, was an amazing day for participants in the Difference Makers CLT program. A virtual event described how local and national history inspired leaders in the Charlotte community to step up, speak out in the fight for change, and promote social justice. Our student leaders came fully prepared to engage and enthusiastically participate. Attendees were also eager to interact with and learn from the impressive guests, including local heroes Harvey Gantt and Dorothy Counts Scoggins, education reformers James E. Ford and Pamela Grundy, diversity and inclusion expert Dr. Joseph Allen, CMS graduate and student activist Kayden Hunt, and Dr. Marian Yates, longtime CMS teacher and principal and currently VP of School Relations and Risk Management with CIS. Student leaders also are working virtually to develop a presentation on Education Reform, Homelessness, or Racial Equality. This social justice project explores how Charlotte student leaders currently see the community versus what they envision. The goal is to facilitate a dialogue about strengths and gaps, and ways to effect positive change. Learn More
Central Piedmont provides a real-world, affordable, hands-on education that will transform students, change their lives, and impact communities. A $1 million grant over 3 years funds 75 students to participate in the Gambrell Opportunity Scholars Program. The program provides post-secondary education and career-focused training opportunities to first-generation college students. The scholarship covers not only tuition, books and fees for two years to earn an associate degree, in addition, the scholarship provides each recipient with a laptop computer, participation in the Summer Bridge Program, transportation and food vouchers, and academic counselor-career coaching.
An additional $875,000 grant over 5 years provides 13,500 Google Chromebook laptop computers and computer skills training to first-time, full-time students attending Central Piedmont. This revolutionary project was the first in the nation and provides a model for assessing the impact of access to technology for students.
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Vision to Learn provides glasses to students to see the board, read a book, study math and participate in class. About one in five children need glasses. A $300,000 grant over 3 years will provide 3,000 eye exams and glasses to students in need in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, free of charge through a mobile clinic.
Florence Crittenton Services of North Carolina provides comprehensive health, education and social services for at-risk or pregnant adolescents. A $1MM gift over 3 years will improve and sustain the facilities and provide program services.
The YMCA puts Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy minds, bodies and spirits for people of all ages. A $500,000 gift over two years helps provide a path for at-risk teens to receive help in their journey to success and productivity through the YMCA’s Year of Opportunity. Working with CMPD and other partners, a year-round system of support, mentorship and opportunity was created.
Queens University provides transformative educational experiences that nurture intellectual curiosity, promote global understanding, encourage ethical living and prepare individuals for purposeful and fulfilling lives. A $10MM gift over five years was given for the establishment of the Sarah Belk Gambrell Center for the Arts and Civic Engagement, a renovation project of a 50-year-old building dedicated to arts, creativity and community. The Foundation honored its founder through the naming of this new center.
Camp Blue Skies provides overnight camp for adults with development disabilities including Down syndrome, Autism, Williams syndrome, and other cognitive disabilities. Their focus on health and nutrition, exercise and life skills education is provided with the intention that these participants can return home to live more independently and lead fulfilling and productive lives. A $1MM gift over 5 years will ensure the unique camp experience will continue and grow.
For more than a century, YWCA Central Carolinas has stood at the forefront of social change, justice and economic empowerment in Greater Charlotte. The Gambrell Foundation provided a $225,000 grant over 3 years to fund a Community Engagement Manager. This person works tirelessly on projects that aim to eliminate racism, empower women and promote peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. The YWCA is focused on ensuring they are a beacon of hope for equity and transformation in the face of racism and misogyny.
United Neighborhoods is a comprehensive, multi-year initiative that will lay the foundation for greater economic mobility for residents of Charlotte’s most under-resourced neighborhoods. Through two local community “quarterback” organizations – Crossroads Corporation for Affordable Housing and Community Development are supporting Grier Heights, and Renaissance West Community Initiative supporting Renaissance West. A $500,000 grant over 5 years will ensure stability in funding for years to come.
The Gambrell Foundation made a $3 million grant to our local YWCA to transform the front lawn of its 10-acre property into 104 affordable housing units. Households earning 30% to 60% of area median income (which is between $25,050 and $50,100 for a family of four) will be eligible to live in these units. This is just one solution to help address to Charlotte’s affordable housing crisis.
As YWCA Central Carolinas CEO Kirsten Sikkelee explains, “In recent years, it’s become more and more challenging for individuals to find affordable housing. People are moving outside of the city, and they are commuting from far away. They should be able to live in Charlotte if they work in Charlotte.” Learn More
