Ashley Williams-Hatcher & Charlotte Area Fund Honor Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ashley Williams-Hatcher, our Director of Programs, 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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Like, share, subscribe for more inspiring stories. For more about CAF, visit www.charlotteareafund.org.
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.
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/
