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Ada Jenkins Center Spring 2026 E-News
Community updates, upcoming events, and ways to support neighbors this spring.
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Spring 2026 E-News
Community updates, events, and ways to support our neighbors
Spring is a season of growth, and that’s exactly what we see every day at Ada Jenkins Center. Neighbors working toward stability. Volunteers showing up with generosity and care. Community partners helping expand what’s possible.

In this edition, we’re sharing ways to get involved, upcoming events, and stories from the people who help make this work possible.
Volunteer Spotlight
Jim Phillips: 20 Years of Service
Jim Phillips
When Jim Phillips began volunteering at Ada Jenkins Center in 2006, he thought he might help with a few computer projects. Nearly twenty years later, he’s still here—and still solving problems.

After retiring from a long career as a chemist, Jim started volunteering to refurbish donated computers so families could have access to technology. Over time, as the Center’s technology needs changed, Jim’s role shifted as well.

Today, you’ll often find him in the mornings helping staff troubleshoot computers, maintain equipment, and keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

Jim has volunteered under four Executive Directors and seen Ada Jenkins Center grow alongside the community it serves. Through it all, he says he’s still learning—and that’s part of what keeps him coming back.
Welcome to the Team
Haleigh Gilman
Haleigh Gilman
Volunteer & Communications Coordinator
Haleigh joined the Ada Jenkins Center team in January. She moved to Charlotte in 2020 and is proud to be originally from Appalachia.

She’s excited to collaborate with neighbors across North Mecklenburg and help connect more volunteers with meaningful opportunities to serve.

Outside of work, Haleigh enjoys antiques, estate sales, and collecting vinyl records.
Ro’Shaun McClendon
Ro’Shaun McClendon
Street Outreach Coordinator
Ro’Shaun joined the Ada Jenkins outreach team in February and brings nearly six years of nonprofit and community advocacy experience.

In his role, he works with neighbors experiencing housing instability and helps connect them with housing resources and essential support services.

Originally from Gastonia, Ro’Shaun enjoys volunteering at his church and working on creative projects like customizing clothing.
Ada Jenkins Center Spring Events including Golfing for Good, Music for Good, March Madness Watch Party, Stride for Service 5K and Sip & Shop
There are many ways to support Ada Jenkins Center this spring—whether you enjoy walking, sports, shopping, or live music.
Stride for Service Virtual 5K
March 15 – March 22
Walk or run 3.1 miles anytime during the event week while supporting Ada Jenkins Center.

March Madness Watch Party
March 21 & 22 | Jack’s Corner Tap, Cornelius
Enjoy NCAA Tournament action while supporting Ada Jenkins Center through raffles and community fun.

Sip & Shop at J. McLaughlin
March 27 | 12 PM – 4 PM | Davidson
Enjoy light refreshments and shop the latest spring styles. Ten percent of purchases during the event will benefit Ada Jenkins Center.

Golfing for Good
April 20 | Mooresville Golf Club
Spend the day on the course while supporting Ada Jenkins Center.

Music for Good
May 21 | Doors Open at 6 PM
Join us for an unforgettable evening of live music featuring Blessid Union of Souls.
Can’t make it to an event but want to help? Check out our Amazon Event Needs List and help us raise thousands of dollars to support our neighbors in need!
Community Highlights
Learning Together: The State of Education in North Mecklenburg Summit
On March 3, educators, nonprofit leaders, community partners, and residents gathered at Ada Jenkins Center for the Learning Together summit. The event created space for meaningful conversations about the challenges and opportunities facing students and families in our community.
Participants shared ideas, experiences, and insights that will help guide future collaboration across North Mecklenburg. Ada Jenkins Center will continue working with community partners to build on the momentum created during this gathering.
Learning Together Summit participants Learning Together Summit community gathering
Community Resources
Free Tax Prep Meck
Ada Jenkins Center partners with Free Tax Prep Meck to help neighbors access free tax preparation services during tax season.
Tax-A-Thon Events
Two special Tax-A-Thon events will help residents prepare prior-year tax returns (2023–2025). Service is first-come, first-served.
March 14 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont
5301 Wilkinson Blvd
Charlotte, NC
April 11 | 10 AM – 3 PM
Ascend Nonprofit Solutions
601 E. 5th Street
Charlotte, NC
What to bring: Social Security cards, photo ID, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms.
Free Tax Prep Locations (2026 Season)
Ada Jenkins Center — Saturdays through April 15 | 10 AM – 3 PM | Walk-ins March & April | Open 3 PM – 8 PM on April 15
Huntersville Library — Saturdays through April 11 | 10 AM – 3 PM | Walk-ins only
West Boulevard Library — Saturdays through March 28 | 10 AM – 3 PM | Appointments required
Allegra Westbrooks Library — Saturdays through March 28 | 10 AM – 3 PM | Walk-ins only
Sugar Creek Library — Saturdays through March 28 | 10 AM – 3 PM | Walk-ins only
Chosen City Church — Saturdays through March 28 | 10 AM – 3 PM | Appointments in February, walk-ins in March
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are essential to the work happening at Ada Jenkins Center. See below for current opportunities*:
LEARN Works Afterschool Volunteers
March 9 – March 12
Drop-in volunteers are needed at both Ada Jenkins Center and Huntersville Elementary.
Spring Campus Clean-Up — March 21 | 9 AM – 12 PM
Help refresh the Ada Jenkins Center campus for the season.
Camp LEARN Works
Volunteer registration opens May 1 for our summer academic enrichment program.
Fuel for LEARN Works
Families and community groups can collect snacks and help pack them for students.
* Sign-up in Bloomerang Volunteer here.
Current Needs at Ada Jenkins Center
LEARN Works Snack Donations
Nutri-Grain bars, nut-free granola bars, mini chocolate chip muffins, Goldfish crackers, Rice Krispies treats, pretzel twists, Cheez-It crackers, animal cookies, veggie straws, Mini Oreos, individual chip bags, mini brownies, Ritz crackers, vanilla wafers, fruit snacks, graham crackers, Jello cups, Pirate’s Booty popcorn, applesauce pouches, and Pringles Minis.
Food Pantry Priority Needs
Canned pears (100% fruit juice), canned pineapple (100% fruit juice), fruit cocktail, dried fruits, fruit cups, canned corn, canned carrots, canned peas, pickles, olives, canned black beans, shampoo, body wash, and feminine hygiene pads.
Donations are accepted Tuesday – Thursday, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM.
Questions? Contact Rebecca Esque.
Looking Ahead
• Mobile Food Share + Markets
• North Meck Connect Partners Meeting — May 20
• Juneteenth Celebration — June 19
Ways to Support Ada Jenkins Center
Volunteer your time • Donate food or essential supplies • Become a monthly donor • Ask your employer about matching gifts • Join the Neighborhood Business Network • Include Ada Jenkins Center in your estate plans