Invitation to Celebrate Common Heart’s Getting Ahead and ESIP Graduates

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Greetings Neighbors Partners and Friends, 

We are excited to invite you to join us in celebrating the accomplishments of our latest Getting Ahead and ESIP (Economic Saving Incentive Program) graduates. This special event recognizes the hard work, dedication, and growth of individuals who have committed themselves to building a stronger future for themselves and their families.

Your partnership and support play an important role in making programs like Getting Ahead and ESIP possible, and we would be honored to have you celebrate alongside us.

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, June 16th 2026
Time: 6:15pm
Location: Siler Presbyterian Church 6301 Weddington Rd, Matthews, NC 28104

During the celebration, graduates will share parts of their journey, reflect on what they have learned, and be recognized for completing the program. Dinner and refreshments will be provided.

We hope you can join us as we celebrate resilience, achievement, and the next steps toward stability and success.

Please RSVP HERE by June 10th 2026  

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to our community. We look forward to celebrating with you.

Best,

Detrina Little
Economic Empowerment Director
economicempowerment@commonheart.org
704-870-0012
Common Heart

Ask the AI: Where can children under 14 volunteer?

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I asked the Phils List AI: Where can children under 14 volunteer? The answer: For children under the age of 14 looking to volunteer in Union County, there are several wonderful organizations that welcome younger helpers, often alongside a parent or as part of a family group.

Here are five excellent resources for younger children to get involved in community service:

1. Bright Blessings

This organization is a top choice for families because it explicitly mobilizes community volunteers of all ages. Their mission is to bring joy and hope to homeless and impoverished children through various projects. Younger children can participate in age-appropriate tasks either on-site at their Matthews location or through projects that can be completed from your own home.

  • Location: 1150 Crews Road, Suite C, Matthews, NC 28105
  • Phone: 704-846-2329
  • Direct Link: BrightBlessingsUSA.org

2. Common Heart

Common Heart is a grassroots organization focused on eradicating food insecurity. They offer various volunteer roles, and their “Cupboard Ally” program—which involves delivering groceries to local families—is an activity where children can easily assist a parent or guardian. They also host the “Great Turkey Countdown” before Thanksgiving, which is a great seasonal family volunteer event.

  • Location: 116 Business Park Drive, Indian Trail, NC 28079
  • Phone: 704-218-9060
  • Direct Link: CommonHeart.org

3. Union County Library – Children’s Programs

While the Teen Advisory Group is for older kids, the library system is a great place for younger children to volunteer for local community initiatives like the “Kindness Project“. Younger volunteers can often help with organizing books or assisting with special events for younger children under staff supervision.

  • Location: Main branch at 316 E. Windsor St., Monroe, NC 28112
  • Phone: 704-283-8184
  • Direct Link: uclnc.org

4. Humane Society of Union County

For children who love animals, the Humane Society offers unique ways to help. While direct animal handling may have age restrictions, younger children can contribute by making pet toys or treat bags at home to donate to the shelter. This is a fantastic way for kids to use their creativity to support local animals.

  • Location: 4015 Waxhaw Hwy., Monroe, NC 28112
  • Phone: 704-283-9126
  • Direct Link: HSUC.org

5. Operation Reach-Out

This ministry focuses on helping people in financial crisis and relies heavily on community donations. Younger children can lead or participate in non-perishable food drives at their school or church to benefit “Joseph’s Pantry”. They can also help their families sort and prepare items for the “Finders Keepers” resale store.

Direct Link: OperationReachOut.org

Location: 1308 Miller St., Monroe, NC

Phone: 704-289-4237

Ask the AI: Where can I find affordable, walkable housing?

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I asked the Phils List AI: Where can I find affordable, walkable housing? The answer:

Finding affordable and accessible housing in Union County involves several specialized agencies that focus on rental assistance, homeownership, and support for specific populations. While “walkability” is not explicitly indexed, many of these resources are concentrated in downtown Monroe, which serves as a central hub for services and public transportation.

Here are the top five resources for finding affordable housing in the area:

1. Monroe Housing Authority (MHA)

The Monroe Housing Authority is the primary resource for quality affordable rental housing in Monroe and Union County. They manage 206 public housing units and administer 318 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, serving low-income families, seniors, and residents with disabilities. Their main office is located at 504 Hough Street, Monroe, NC 28112, placing it within the city’s urban core.

2. Monroe-Union County Community Development Corporation (MUCCDC)

Founded in 1989, this non-profit agency is dedicated to helping Union County residents gain access to decent jobs and affordable housing. They specifically offer opportunities for low-income families to transition into homeownership and achieve economic self-sufficiency. They are located at 349 Franklin St., Monroe, NC 28111.

3. The Arc of North Carolina Housing

The Arc owns and manages affordable housing properties across the state specifically for adults (heads of household) with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) or severe/persistent mental illness (SPMI). They have developed over 342 residences, including apartments, duplexes, and group homes designed to provide greater independence than traditional institutional settings.

4. Union-Anson County Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian non-profit that builds and sells homes to lower-income families in Union and Anson counties. In addition to new home construction, they are sometimes able to assist with urgent home repairs to help residents stay in their existing homes safely.

5. North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)

This state-level agency provides a wide range of support for both renters and potential homebuyers. They offer low-cost mortgages and down payment assistance, finance the development of affordable apartments, and provide foreclosure prevention counseling. They also administer rental assistance contracts, including Section 8 and the Transitions to Community Living Voucher.

Additional Tips for Walkability: If walkability is a high priority, you may want to focus your search near downtown Monroe, as this area is frequently highlighted for its concentration of services, shops, and community centers like the Phil Bazemore Active Adult Center. You can also contact Union County Transportation at 704-292-2511 to see whether your potential housing location is served by local transit routes.

A Sample Union County Foster Youth Independence Blueprint

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Based on the known resources available in Union County, NC, the Phil’s List AI for Union County NC Resource Questions recommends for a high school graduate aging out of foster care in Union County, the next 30 days are critical for transitioning to independent living. This plan focuses on immediate safety, securing long-term resources, and establishing a path to employment.

30-Day Transition Plan

Days 1–7: Immediate Stabilization and Benefits

  • Secure Independent Living Support: Contact the Union County Department of Social Services (DSS). Division of Adoption and Foster Care, Child Welfare. Alisa Etters is the current Program Manager, Adoption and Foster Care. Phone: 704-296-4300 The division provides provides services for aging out fosters which are specifically designed to help youth transition out of the system.
  • Arrange Emergency Housing: If a permanent residence is not secured, contact the Community Shelter of Union County for temporary shelter and rehousing assistance.
  • Apply for Essential Benefits: Use the ePASS portal or visit DSS to apply for Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) and Medicaid to ensure immediate healthcare and food security.

Days 8–15: Career Readiness and Technology

  • Visit NCWorks Career Center: Head to the office at 1125 Skyway Drive
    Monroe, NC 28110 (Phone: 980-397-6400) to begin career exploration, create a professional resume, and access job training programs or look online at https://monroeworks.org/job-seekers/.
  • Apply for Work First: Request Work First Cash Assistance through DSS. This program provides short-term training and support to help young adults move toward self-sufficiency.
  • Secure a Computer: To aid in job searches and future education, apply for a low-cost laptop through E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide). Students with economic need are eligible for subsidized devices.

Days 16–22: Long-Term Housing and Financial Literacy

  • Seek Affordable Housing: Apply with the Monroe Housing Authority for Public Housing or Section 8 vouchers. Management of these units is local to Union County.
  • Connect with MUCCDC: Reach out to the Monroe-Union County Community Development Corporation for help gaining access to affordable housing and learning financial management skills.
  • Enroll in “Getting Ahead“: Join Common Heart’s economic empowerment program to learn how to build resources and move out of the instability of poverty.

Days 23–30: Vocational Training and Stability

  • Utilize Goodwill Services: Beyond their retail stores, Goodwill Industries offers free career training in trades like construction and professional skill-building workshops.
  • Explore Vocational Education: Contact South Piedmont Community College (SPCC) for training classes specifically for the unemployed or underemployed to gain job-ready skills.
  • Ensure Identification is Ready: Apply for a replacement Social Security card if necessary, as a physical card is required for employment and most government services.

Top 5 Relevant Resources

1. Union County Department of Social Services (DSS)

  • Focus: Foster transition and essential benefits.
  • Services: This is the primary agency for “Independent Living Services for Foster Children.” They also process applications for Medicaid and Food and Nutrition Services (FNS).
  • Contact: 2330 Concord Avenue, Monroe, NC 28110; 704-296-4300.

2. Community Shelter of Union County

  • Focus: Emergency housing and food.
  • Services: Provides emergency shelter and three prepared meals a day in their dining hall for those in need. Their “Home Again” program can assist with furnishings once permanent housing is found.
  • Contact: 160 Meadow St, Monroe, NC 28110; 704-289-5300.

3. NCWorks Career Center – Union County

  • Focus: Employment and workforce readiness.
  • Services: A one-stop resource for job seekers to receive career counseling, assistance with resume building, and connections to local employers.
  • Contact: 1125 Skyway Drive, Monroe, NC 28110; 980-397-6400.

4. Common Heart

  • Focus: Food stability and economic empowerment.
  • Services: Operates traditional and mobile food pantries. Their “Getting Ahead” program focuses on building the eleven essential resources needed to move from poverty to stability.
  • Contact: 116 Business Park Drive, Indian Trail, NC 28079; 704-218-9060.

5. Monroe Housing Authority (MHA)

Contact: 504 Hough Street, Monroe, NC 28112; 704-289-2514.

Focus: Affordable rental housing.

Services: Manages Public Housing units and administers Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers for low-income residents in Monroe and Union County.

Navigating Government Benefits in the United States

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Navigating Government Benefits in the United States

This is an experimental interactive notebook designed to provide answers about government benefits such as SSI, SSDI, Medicare and Medicaid by referring to trustworthy sources. The beauty of Google LM is that it provides links to the actual source used to answer your question, so you can double-check that the answer was correct. You will need to have a Google account in order to access it.

Sample question and answer:

Q. What changed in 2024?

A. The most significant change in 2024 mentioned in the sources is a major policy shift regarding how food assistance affects Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. Additionally, the sources provide specific 2024 rates for income exclusions and savings account limits.

Removal of Food from ISM Calculations

Effective September 30, 2024, food is no longer included in In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) calculations. Previously, the receipt of free food from someone inside or outside your household was counted as unearned income and could reduce your monthly SSI payment.

Under the new rules:

  • The value of food provided by others no longer reduces your SSI payment.
  • Social Security will not reduce payments if others in your household provide all your meals, or if people outside your household pay for your food.
  • Shelter expenses (such as rent, mortgage, and utilities) still count toward ISM and can still result in a reduction of benefits. In 2024, this reduction for receiving in-kind support and maintenance could be as much as $334.33.

2024 Financial Limits and Exclusions

The sources also specify the following rates that were in effect during 2024:

  • Student Earned Income Exclusion: For students under age 22, the 2024 exclusion was $2,290 per month, up to a maximum of $9,230.
  • ABLE Account Contribution Limits:
    • The standard annual gift tax exclusion limit for ABLE account contributions was $18,000 in 2024.
    • Working beneficiaries could contribute an additional amount based on the 2023 Federal Poverty Level, which for 2024 was $ 14,580 in the continental U.S.,∗∗$ 18,210 in Alaska, and $16,770 in Hawaii.
  • Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA): The increase in SSI benefits for 2025 was determined by the change in the Consumer Price Index from the third quarter of 2023 to the third quarter of 2024.