Financial Assistance Provides Relief

I want to extend my deepest gratitude for assisting me with my rent for the month of March. I am truly grateful—beyond what words can fully express. Your support gave me the ability to breathe a little easier during an incredibly difficult time.

After becoming unemployed and having my unemployment assistance come to an end, your help came as a much-needed sigh of relief. It reminded me that even in moments of uncertainty, there is still kindness and compassion in the community.

I’m especially thankful for the programs your organization offers to those facing hardships. I am praying that the necessary funding continues to flow so you can keep being a lifeline for others, just as you have been for me.

My personal goal is to one day be in a position where I can contribute and give back to the very mission that supported me.

With sincere appreciation,

~ Susan L.
*name changed to protect client privacy

Volunteer Spotlight

If you searched the words “dedicated”, “funny”, “interesting”, or “caring” in the dictionary, you would find a photo of Cathy Bentz in the description. Ms. Cathy has volunteered at the Ada Jenkins Center for many years in various roles, but first got her start during Covid when she answered the call to serve as a Community Resource Information volunteer. She faithfully served in that role for several years providing information about our programs and other area services to people who reached out to us with questions. Cathy rarely took a break from the role and would even respond to the emails and texts during vacations and appointments. Her dedication to that role, the center, and the community as a whole are inspiring. Cathy Bentz totally rocks!!!! They don’t make them any better than her.

Tani'a

 A Growing Need – by Owen Arnett

I’ve lived in the Lake Norman area for three years now, and I’ve consistently heard about the Nourish Up Food Pantry at the Ada Jenkins Center, either from my church’s weekly food collections or from my kid’s school collection drives. I’ve driven by, I’ve donated items, but I’d never stepped foot inside the Food Pantry, never wondered about the impact of my donations or how I might be able to do more. I assumed two things about such an affluent area as Davidson: that the Center receives more than enough donations and that few people actually need to use the Food Pantry’s resources. However, I was mistaken on both counts.

Last year, the Nourish Up Food Pantry at the Ada Jenkins Center served over 6,000 clients, which is over 2,000 more clients than in 2023 and over 4,000 more clients than before the COVID pandemic. Each client is allotted 20-25 pounds of food per family member per weekly visit. The need is growing rapidly, making it challenging to keep up with the high demand. The Food Pantry sees clients from all walks of life. Some have seasonal jobs and need the Pantry to bridge the gap in the off season. Some have an injury or illness and need help until they can get back to work. Some are new moms who need help ensuring they and their newborns are getting adequate nutrition. Some walk to the Pantry because they have no other means of transportation, and some drive up in luxury SUVs but with no money in their pockets because they are fleeing a dangerous situation. No matter the reason clients come to the Food Pantry, they will be met with assistance, support and neighborly love, never judgment.

I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the community’s need and the incredible efforts of the Nourish Up Food Pantry’s staff and volunteers in addressing it. After touring the Food Pantry, I no longer have a vague notion of the work being done there. I’ve witnessed the donated items lining the shelves, some well-stocked and others in need of more donations. I’ve seen the clients waiting for a chance to use one of their 12 allotted shopping trips for the year at the Food Pantry. I’ve seen the volunteers dropping off donations and the employees checking fridge temperatures. The Nourish Up Food Pantry at the Ada Jenkins Center is a vital part of our community, and the need continues to grow. If you need help, the Food Pantry is there for you, but if you don’t need their services, please consider supporting the Food Pantry with donations.

By the Numbers

Our most recent program year ended June 30. Between July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024:

  • 169 households received critical financial assistance totaling more than $340,000.
  • 2,232 people received groceries through our Nourish Up food pantry.
  • 442 clients entered our Economic Mobility program, receiving tenancy education, connections with area housing, budget assistance, employment and training resources, and more.
  • 56 people experiencing homelessness were connected with critical services.
  • 59 students participated in our LEARN Works afterschool academic program and/or Camp LEARN Works summer program, and received backpacks full of donated school supplies.
  • 575 volunteers contributed 8,664 hours to help tutor our students, beautify the campus, make food deliveries, and so much more.

During the Spring 2024 tax season, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helped 561 neighbors file 489 Federal and 458 North Carolina tax returns, with an average refund amount of $951–and saving them a combined $131,220 in tax preparation fees.