Tracy Johnson & Charlotte Area Fund Honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Tracy L. Johnson, our Front Office Specialist, shares how the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. impacts our lives each and every day in our video below (scroll down the page to view the video if needed).
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(Click the arrow in the center of the frame below to start watching the video.)
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Like, share, subscribe for more inspiring stories. For more about CAF, visit www.charlotteareafund.org.
Community Action: Charlotte’s Story of Strength, Hope, and Economic Empowerment
During this season of hope and peace, we pause to reflect on what strengthens a community and inspires us to care for one another. We see it when neighbors lift one another up, when families feel supported, and when individuals are given the dignity and opportunity to build better lives.
That is the heart of Community Action — and here in Charlotte, its impact is visible every day.
A Story of Determination
Sha’Brittany, a young single mother, earned her CNA I certification through Charlotte Area Fund’s Workforce Development Program and is now pursuing a nursing degree. Inspired by her mother’s health challenges, she is determined to help others heal with compassion and skill.
Her journey reflects what our Financial Success Coaches foster daily: confidence, possibility, and bold visions for families.
Real Outcomes for Charlotte Families
In the past year alone, Charlotte Area Fund assisted:
65 families in securing new employment
27 families in obtaining better-paying jobs
143 people completing job training or education
231 individuals receiving education support
2,757 Charlotteans connecting to community services through responsive referrals
These numbers represent more than services — they represent economic empowerment. Families are moving from surviving to thriving, building wealth, and creating futures where children see possibility instead of limitation.
Partnerships That Multiply Impact
Charlotte’s progress is strengthened through a strategic partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) Financial Opportunity Center (FOC).
FOCs integrate three critical services under one roof:
Employment services to help residents secure and advance in jobs
Financial coaching to build credit, reduce debt, and grow savings
Income supports to connect families with benefits and resources that stabilize households
This integrated approach ensures families don’t just find jobs — they build long-term financial health. Nationally, FOC participants have seen measurable gains: higher incomes, improved credit scores, reduced debt, and increased savings. Locally, immigrant families, single parents, and working-class residents benefit from this model, stabilizing their finances and contributing to Charlotte’s economic vitality.
Accountability and Efficiency
Community Action Agencies serve millions of Americans each year. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) makes this possible. CSBG resources are:
Locally directed — decisions made by communities, not Washington
Efficient — at least 90% of funds go directly to local agencies
These investments pay dividends far beyond the initial cost. When a resident secures a living-wage job or completes training, the entire community benefits. That’s true ROI.
Why Advocacy for CSBG Funding Matters
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) — the nation’s only federal investment dedicated to addressing the root causes of economic hardship — faces the threat of elimination.
Without CSBG, programs like Charlotte Area Fund would lose the backbone of their funding, jeopardizing workforce training, financial coaching, and emergency assistance that thousands of families rely on.
And Charlotte is not alone. Supporting CSBG helps all 33 Community Action Agencies across North Carolina strive. Together, these agencies deliver job training, housing stabilization, financial coaching, and emergency services that empower families statewide to move from crisis to stability and from stability to prosperity.
This is why advocacy matters now more than ever. Protecting CSBG means protecting families, protecting dignity, and protecting opportunity — not just in Charlotte, but across every community in our state.
Choosing Hope Together
As we move through the holidays, let’s uplift the story that often goes untold:
Neighbors helping neighbors
Immigrant families building futures through opportunity
Local programs delivering real results
Strategic partnerships empowering families to thrive
When we invest locally, families thrive. When we strengthen Community Action, Charlotte grows stronger. And when we advocate for CSBG funding statewide, we ensure that hope is not seasonal — it becomes the foundation of North Carolina’s strength.
This is the story of Charlotte — and the story of what’s possible when we believe in our community and fight for the resources that sustain it.
Nicholas V. Wharton, President & CEO Charlotte Area Fund, Inc. Mecklenburg County’s Community Action Agency
The Case for Community Action Agencies: Why Local Matters More Than Ever
Across America, quiet heroes are at work every day — not in Washington, not in big boardrooms, but in neighborhoods, churches, and small community centers.
They are called Community Action Agencies (CAAs), and their mission is simple but powerful: to help people and communities rise out of poverty and thrive.
But what makes their work so special — and so essential — in today’s world?
1. Poverty Isn’t Just About Money — It’s About Opportunity
Studies show that where you live can affect your chances of success more than almost anything else — even your effort or education.
The U.S. has one of the lowest rates of economic mobility among developed countries. That means it’s harder to “move up” in the U.S. if you start poor. (source: The Pew Charitable Trust)
CAAs focus on changing that by working at the local level — where the problems (and the solutions) really live.
“If you want to change the world, start with your zip code.” (Unknown)
2. National Vision, Local Action
Every CAA is different — because every community is different.
One may focus on helping seniors stay in their homes. Another might train people for clean energy jobs or connect families to childcare.
Together, the nation’s 1,000+ CAAs form a powerful network reaching 99% of U.S. counties.
Mecklenburg County’s Community Action Agency, Charlotte Area Fund, partners with:
Thousands of people gain new jobs and higher incomes, including hundreds of individuals in Charlotte.
And these numbers don’t just represent “help.”
They represent momentum — people moving forward, families becoming stable, and communities becoming stronger.
5. They’re a Smart Investment
For every $1 invested through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) — the main funding source for CAAs — local communities see a return of more than $7 in social and economic impact.
That’s one of the highest returns of any federal program.
Think about it:
Families stay in homes instead of becoming unhoused.
Workers get trained for higher-paying jobs.
Seniors and children stay healthy and independent.
Those savings ripple through the economy — reducing healthcare costs, boosting productivity, and strengthening neighborhoods.
In Charlotte, that investment multiplies when combined with county and corporate partners like:
Truist, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America, who support financial literacy and volunteer initiatives.
The Park Church and C.W. Williams Health Center, who extend community outreach and health access.
6. They’re Not Charity. They’re Change.
Community Action isn’t a handout — it’s a hand-up.
It’s built on partnership, empowerment, and accountability.
CAAs help people set goals, build plans, and achieve independence — not just survive another month.
That’s the difference between a safety net and a springboard.
7. The Future Depends on What We Do Together
Currently, many Community Action Agencies like Charlotte Area Fund face funding uncertainty due to federal delays and budget debates.
Yet our work has never been more urgent.
If we want stronger schools, safer neighborhoods, and more stable families —
we must protect and invest in the infrastructure that makes it possible:
Community Action.
Because this isn’t just their story — it’s everyone’s.
When we invest in Community Action, we invest in each other.
When we advocate for programs like CSBG, we stand up for the families, seniors, veterans, and workers who make our cities and towns thrive.
When we come together, local action becomes national strength.
In Summary
Here’s why Community Action Agencies matter:
They fight poverty locally and effectively.
They connect short-term help to long-term solutions.
They multiply every dollar of investment many times over.
Remind your elected leaders that local action changes lives.
Because when communities act — people rise.
Charlotte’s inspiring journey from last place in economic mobility to a rising city of opportunity sets the stage for a landmark gathering of Community Action leaders.
Charlotte, NC – September 4, 2025 – The Southeastern Association of Community Action Agencies (SEACAA) will convene its 2025 Annual Conference in Charlotte, North Carolina, October 14–17, with Charlotte Area Fund (CAF) proudly serving as host. This premier gathering will bring together leaders, advocates, and practitioners from across the Southeast dedicated to advancing economic mobility, equity, and opportunity for individuals and families in need.
Collectively, SEACAA’s member agencies serve more than 15 million people annually across the Southeast through vital programs that strengthen communities—ranging from workforce development and financial empowerment to housing assistance, health initiatives, and early childhood education.
The SEACAA Annual Conference represents eight states and 181 agencies. Executive directors, board members, business managers, project managers, and team members attend from across the southeast region to learn more about creating and operating high-quality community action agencies.
“Charlotte Area Fund is honored to host this important conference at such a pivotal time,” said Nick Wharton, President & CEO of Charlotte Area Fund. “Community Action Agencies are the backbone of opportunity in the Southeast. By standing together, sharing solutions, and strengthening partnerships, we ensure that millions of people have access to the resources they need to move from poverty to prosperity.”
This year’s conference theme, “Resilient in Action: Strengthening Communities, Empowering People,” will highlight innovative approaches to poverty reduction, celebrate successful community partnerships, and address pressing challenges facing Community Action Agencies. Attendees will engage in workshops, panels, and networking sessions designed to equip agencies with new tools to expand impact.
“We are thrilled to bring the SEACAA Annual Conference to Charlotte this year and are deeply grateful to Charlotte Area Fund for serving as our host agency,” shared James Williams, President of the Board of Directors, SEACAA.
“Charlotte’s story of resilience and its commitment to advancing economic mobility reflect the very heart of Community Action. Together, we look forward to equipping our member agencies with new tools, strengthening partnerships, and amplifying the impact of the 181 agencies we represent across the Southeast.”
As Charlotte continues to tackle long-standing challenges around economic mobility—once ranked last among the nation’s 50 largest cities just a decade ago and now rising to 38th—the SEACAA Conference provides a vital platform to showcase innovative solutions and the transformative work of organizations like Charlotte Area Fund, which has been empowering Mecklenburg County residents for more than 60 years.
Commissioner Mark Jerrell will welcome SEACAA attendees, sharing: “As we gather with leaders from across the Southeast, I am inspired by the opportunity to highlight Charlotte’s commitment to equity, economic mobility, and community empowerment. I look forward to helping kick off this important event and celebrating the impact of Community Action in changing lives.”
Call to Action
Community Action relies on the support of public officials, business leaders, and concerned citizens. Now more than ever, we call on policymakers, funders, and community partners to advocate for and invest in the programs that fuel self-sufficiency and strengthen families.
For more information about the SEACAA Annual Conference and to learn how you can support the work of Charlotte Area Fund, please visit www.charlotteareafund.org or www.seacaa.org. Download this press release here.
Media Contact: DeAnne Wingate | Charlotte Area Fund | 312.399.3211
The Quiet Engine Behind America’s Fight Against Poverty Is Under Threat
There’s a quiet but powerful engine that’s been empowering millions of Americans to climb out of poverty, gain meaningful work, build stronger families, and strengthen the economy.
It’s called the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), the primary federal funding stream for Charlotte Area Fund— and it’s currently on the chopping block.
In the ‘big beautiful bill’, the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)—the core funding source for 1,000 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) operating in 95% of U.S. counties¹—would be eliminated. This would devastate the national network of programs that CAAs support, especially those serving low-income families and seniors.
Community Action Agencies are the connective tissue in a national network of vital services for low-income families and seniors, including Head Start, the Weatherization Assistance Program, and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
Community Action Agencies – Promote self-sufficiency by helping individuals and families become economically secure and invest in their future.
Head Start – Fosters healthy early childhood development and school readiness.
Weatherization Assistance Program – Helps families reduce energy costs through HVAC improvements and essential home repairs.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – Assists seniors and vulnerable households with heating and utility expenses.
If the budget is indeed eliminated, programs like ours at Charlotte Area Fund (CAF) in Mecklenburg County and 32 other agencies across North Carolina would be crippled. The infrastructure supporting the working poor — the people who make this country function — would vanish.
And yet, most people are unaware this is happening.
What CSBG Actually Does
CSBG isn’t a handout. It’s a smart, flexible funding source that allows agencies like ours to design local solutions to local poverty — like high-demand career pathway training, education, food nutrition, childcare, financial education, emergency assistance, transportation, and housing support.
At Charlotte Area Fund, CSBG enabled us to:
● Direct $1.9 million CARES emergency assistance to families devastated by COVID
● Build MT25:40 Mobile Vehicle to provide the county’s unhoused with showers and washed clothing
● Launch CAF Financial Opportunity Center® in partnership with LISC Charlotte, helping families build income, reduce debt, and improve credit.
● Provide career pathway training in high-demand industries, helping participants gain living wage careers with real benefits.
● Deliver wraparound support that addresses barriers to success — including child care access, transportation, nutrition, and emergency financial assistance.
● Maximize every dollar received by effectively leveraging state, federal, and private resources to build sustained strategic partnerships with local nonprofits, businesses, and public agencies.
These efforts don’t just make people feel better — they sustain families and the economy!
In 2023 alone, CAF helped over 900 Mecklenburg County residents take critical steps toward economic stability. Over 70% of clients who completed workforce training found employment within 90 days.²
Why CSBG Matters Now More Than Ever
In a post-pandemic world marked by skyrocketing rents, rising childcare costs, and shrinking safety nets, CSBG is more essential than ever.
● Mecklenburg County ranks 38th out of 50 large cities in the U.S. for upward economic mobility for children born into poverty.³
● One in five children in Charlotte lives below the federal poverty line.⁴
● Nationwide, nearly 8 million people working full-time still fall below the poverty threshold.⁵
Eliminating CSBG now isn’t just ill-timed — it’s dangerous.
It would gut the very infrastructure needed to support working families, train future employees, and reduce intergenerational poverty. And once it’s gone, it won’t be easy to rebuild.
All of this underscores how fortunate we are that leaders from both parties recognize the vital role Community Action Agencies play and the impact of our programs.
We Need Your Voice
I share this from a place of conviction, not fear. We’ve seen what’s possible when we invest in people — and we know what we stand to lose if we don’t.
● Contact your representatives in Congress and urge them to protect Community Action Agencies (CSBG), Head Start, the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in the federal budget.
● Talk to local leaders, business owners, and community influencers about what’s at stake.
● Share stories, statistics, and personal experiences that show how Community Action Agencies make a difference.
● Use your platform — no matter how big or small — to shine a light on the funding that fuels real transformation.
Let’s make sure America’s most economically marginalized have a fair chance at life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
– Nick Wharton President & CEO Charlotte Area Fund www.charlotteareafund.org
Charlotte Area Fund’s Strategic Partnership with The Park Church and Truist Bank funded the MT25:40 Multipurpose Mobile Vehicle to provide clean clothing and showers to Mecklenburg County’s 3,100 unhoused citizens.
MT25:40 was deployed after Hurricane Helene’s devastating flooding in Forest City, NC, as a resource for those affected by the hurricane.
CAF MT2540 Info – 20250308_115435•375KB
CAF Staff at Blue Ridge Huricane Helene Support Day March 8 2025
Click the arrow in the center of the video frame(s) below to start watching.
This 3-month HVAC Training features instruction and hands-on experience needed to be ready for Universal 608 EPA Certification and immediate entry-level employment. HVAC graduates can look forward to careers in many areas of the HVAC profession with an annual estimated average income of $45,000.
Dates: September 22, 2025 to December 11, 2025 | Monday through Thursday from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
This is a hybrid training course with the students meeting in-person and online.
This opportunity brought to you by Charlotte Area Fund is more than just a class – it’s a stepping stone to a rewarding career in a rapidly growing market. In just 3 months, you’ll gain the hands-on experience and knowledge needed for EPA certification and immediate entry-level employment. As the demand for skilled HVAC technicians continues to rise, so does the potential for a prosperous career with substantial income opportunities.
For over 65 years, Charlotte Area Fund has been providing resources for people to build thriving lives for their families. We’re committed to equipping you with the skills you need to join the growing HVAC industry and secure a prosperous future. Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future and build a thriving life for your family.
The knowledge you gain with Charlotte Area Fund programs can open doors to endless possibilities. Start by applying here:www.charlotteareafund.org/apply/
Charlotte Area Fund opened its new headquarters facility off North Wendover Road in east Charlotte and celebrated its open house on Friday, February 28, 2025. View the feature story that aired with WCNC-TV (Charlotte’s NBC Affiliate). We appreciate the recognition that families are thriving through our assistance and with the support of our partners.
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Click the play button above to start the video.
• • •
For over 65 years, Charlotte Area Fund (CAF) has been providing resources for people to build thriving lives for their families. We’re committed to equipping you with the skills you need to join the growing HVAC industry and secure a prosperous future. Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future and build a thriving life for your family.
The knowledge you gain with Charlotte Area Fund programs can open doors to endless possibilities. Start by applying here:www.charlotteareafund.org/apply/
The Charlotte Area Fund, Inc. (CAF) proudly hosted its Fall 2024 graduation ceremony. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all our graduates for their dedication and hard work.
We also salute the families and support teams who contributed to this significant milestone. Your collective efforts have made this day possible.
On behalf of the entire CAF family, we are honored to have been part of your journey. We eagerly anticipate hearing about the many successes that lie ahead in your future.
We have imagery to share of the event’s page HERE.
View our feature story that first aired with WCNC-TV (Charlotte’s NBC Affiliate) on October 17, 2024. We appreciate the recognition that families are thriving through our assistance.
Slide
Click the play button above to start the video.
• • •
For over 65 years, Charlotte Area Fund (CAF) has been providing resources for people to build thriving lives for their families. We’re committed to equipping you with the skills you need to join the growing HVAC industry and secure a prosperous future. Don’t miss this chance to invest in your future and build a thriving life for your family.
The knowledge you gain with Charlotte Area Fund programs can open doors to endless possibilities. Start by applying here:www.charlotteareafund.org/apply/
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