Travel + Food
Travel + Food
Social Issues
Social Issues
Serving soldiers
Serving soldiers
Since launching in February 2021, 29 veterans have participated in HopeWay’s Veterans Program. About half of referrals to this new program are made by Veterans Affairs. Many are U.S. Army and U.S. Marines veterans, though there’s been representation from every branch of the military. PHOTO: Courtesy of HopeWay
PFLAG Opens Doors and Hearts
PFLAG Opens Doors and Hearts
PFLAG Charlotte, founded in 1987, is a nonprofit focused on advocating, educating and supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people, their parents, families and allies. The Charlotte chapter is part of PFLAG National, the first and largest organization of its kind. PHOTO: Crista Eve Photography
National nonprofit supports the LGBQT+ community
National nonprofit supports the LGBQT+ community
Jeanne Manford founded PFLAG, a nonprofit organization supporting LGBTQ+ issues, after marching with her son in the Christopher Street Liberation Day March in New York City. She made her own sign that said, “Parents of gays unite in support for our children.” PHOTO: Courtesy of Gizella Czene
A master plan for multiplying wealth
A master plan for multiplying wealth
California native Gary Acosta is determined to triple Hispanic wealth over 10 years. As the co-founder and CEO of the National Association of Hispanic
Real Estate Professionals, Acosta was inspired to
take action in 2012 when the Pew Hispanic Center
reported a loss of 66% in net worth for Hispanics during the Great Recession, 2005 through 2009.
Kidz That Care
Kidz That Care
Several years ago, Maia Campbell, now 15, and her three younger siblings observed their mother volunteering in the community. They became interested in helping too. Yet, they quickly realized service opportunities for kids are limited, usually because of minimum age requirements. PHOTO: Kidz That Care
First-generation farmers promote fresh food
First-generation farmers promote fresh food
The 2017 U.S. Department of Agriculture census counted about 46,000 farms in North Carolina, of which about 75% are not owned by families with long-term access to land and equipment. PHOTO: Devin McAllister
The Gift of Greenwood
The Gift of Greenwood
In 1998, Marjorie Knight Crane ’90 fell in love with a Charleston low country-style home in South Charlotte before ever stepping inside. “I saw the deer, and I said, ‘sold,’ ” recalled Marjorie. “I hadn’t even seen the house.”
Changing Lives while Honoring a Legacy
Changing Lives while Honoring a Legacy
When Patsy Jo Guyer ’61 accepted a scholarship to attend Queens College in 1959, she set in motion a series of events that would lead to a lifelong friendship, in addition to a scholarship named in her honor.
Catalysts for change: It takes a village
Catalysts for change: It takes a village
A stay in an orphanage on a family mission trip to Mexico in 2013 prompted Costco member Chrystal Smith of Austin, Texas, and her husband Nick, to think about fostering a child. Although they had three sons of their own, they fostered an 8-month-old girl a year later. PHOTO: Joy Prouty
Charlotte music therapy patients connect with feelings through songs and instruments
Charlotte music therapy patients connect with feelings through songs and instruments
It isn’t unusual for Joan Kleinmann to ask group members in her music therapy sessions to rewrite lyrics or share a meaningful song. She’s a board certified music therapist with HopeWay, a nonprofit mental health treatment facility in Charlotte.
Discover good works in the Upstate
Discover good works in the Upstate
Listen to the news and you might think the world is ending. It's hard to find the positive when everything appears dramatic and traumatic. But look around Upstate SC and discover the good. There are nonprofit organizations operating working... PHOTO: Paige Ramsey Photography
Mint Museum exhibit examines complexities of border walls around the world
Mint Museum exhibit examines complexities of border walls around the world
Fences and borders are not a national phenomenon.
“(They’re) a human response to anxiety and perceived threats,” said Jen Sudul Edwards, the chief curator and curator of contemporary art at the Mint Museum in Charlotte. PHOTO: SHAN Wallace
Housing First once drew doubts, but it's hard to argue with results
Housing First once drew doubts, but it's hard to argue with results
Stacy Smith* is a 35-year-old Charlottean. She was at the top of her class when she received her GED through a joint Charlotte Area Fund and CPCC program.
Mental Health First Aid
Mental Health First Aid
Sneeze or cough, and a friend or family member responds with the offer of a tissue, throat lozenge or even the suggestion to see a doctor. Most people know how to extend help when a loved one has a physical ailment. And when the...
How a cancer diagnosis at age 26 inspired one woman to leave the corporate world behind
How a cancer diagnosis at age 26 inspired one woman to leave the corporate world behind
Brooke Thomas was diagnosed with stage-three melanoma when she was 26 years old and pregnant with her first daughter.
How do you define ‘American’? Watch these and that may change
How do you define ‘American’? Watch these and that may change
Moises Serrano says the first thing people tell him, after watching the film about his journey, is always the same: “I didn’t know.” Serrano, raised in Yadkin County, tells his story in “Forbidden: Undocumented and Queer in Rural America.”
Fishing with Heroes
Fishing with Heroes
Until last year, John Boye, 69, hadn’t used a fishing pole since he was 18 years old. These days, he keeps a pole in his car and uses it any chance he gets. Boye served in the U.S. Army with the 23rd Infantry for three months during the Vietnam War. One day in August 1970, he and a point man were leading the troops down a trail near a small village.
Welcoming Community
Welcoming Community
Ballantyne is a diverse and vibrant community made up of individuals and families enjoying local activities, schools and shops. One such resident, Mariam, 19, graduated from Ardrey Kell High School and now at-tends Central Piedmont Community College. Like any teen, she feels the pressure from her parents to choose a major.
The Inspiration Challenge: We asked 4 people to take their role models to coffee
The Inspiration Challenge: We asked 4 people to take their role models to coffee
Mind the gaps
Mind the gaps
Ordinary Folks Are Helping Those Who Fall Through the Cracks of Charlotte's Mental Health System
Addicted to acting
Addicted to acting
Lindsey Whitus is not your typical high school sophomore. At 15 years old, she is kicking ass and winning awards for it.