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Summer 2025
Newsletter
Big News: Community Link’s Asset Building & Tax Prep Programs Coming to AJC!
Community Link in Charlotte, a non-profit that has helped clients obtain and sustain safe, decent, and affordable housing, has announced the transfer of its asset building and free tax preparation programs to the Ada Jenkins Center. With the transfer of these programs, Community Link will discontinue operations as an independent non-profit effective June 20, 2025. These programs are expected to resume by late summer under the new structure at AJC.
“These proven programs from Community Link have helped thousands of people over the years,” says Harold Rice, Jr., CEO of The Ada Jenkins Center. “We’re excited that we can expand the breadth and depth of our offerings to build economic stability in our region.”
The Asset Building Program, soon to be offered by The Ada Jenkins Center, will include monthly educational workshops, opportunities to access down payment assistance, and custom one-on-one counseling for each client’s homebuying journey. Topics at the workshops, to be held in Charlotte and Davidson, will include credit repair, maximizing your tax return, budgeting and estate planning.
The Free Tax Prep CLT program, to be renamed Free Tax Prep Meck, prepares tax returns for free for low-to-moderate income households. The Ada Jenkins Center will also assume Community Link’s role as coordinator of free tax prep services throughout multiple sites in Mecklenburg County, joined by community non-profit partners.
Community Link CEO Tameka Gunn will become the chief program officer at The Ada Jenkins Center. “In The Ada Jenkins Center, we found a perfect match to carry on our work,” she says. “The Ada Jenkins Center respects our history while bringing additional resources to continue the momentum.”
Marsha Clark, program manager of Asset Building Services at Community Link, will continue in a similar role at The Ada Jenkins Center, with plans for additional former employees of Community Link’s homeownership team to join at a later date.
Please continue to check back to this page and the AJC website for updates regarding the resuming of these programs and additional important details. You may also follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram, and LinkedIn for news and updates.
Please direct all media inquiries to 704-896-0471 ext. 150.
AJC Housing Program Finds Early 2025 Success
We’re excited to share that the Economic Mobility team has been able to secure apartments for four out of nine unsheltered families in the rapid rehousing program so far this year. These families were all either living on the streets or in their vehicles. All of the families had income, but it was not sufficient for the cost of housing. Also, many had barriers such as low credit scores, owing rent and/or utility arrears or old felony records that continue to affect their ability to be approved for housing.
Economic Mobility case managers work with these clients to help them pay off rent and utility arrears. Case managers also help by advocating for those with criminal records that were over seven years old. A housing subsidy is being paid for these four families for the duration of 3 to 6 months to assist them in getting back on their feet. All four families are in housing that they should be able to afford on their own, once the subsidy ends, making this an opportunity for a long-term success. There are five more families that case managers are working with to find affordable housing.
The Economic Mobility team continues to bring in new clients to the rapid rehousing program, once they are determined to be eligible.
Cooking Up New Skills
Ralph Gettings, a longtime Cornelius resident, is a multifaceted individual. He’s a Vietnam veteran, a dog lover, a self-declared bachelor, a fly fisherman, a father, a contra dancer, and a fiddle music enthusiast. However, until recently, he didn’t consider himself a cook.
A few years ago, Ralph suffered kidney damage, a side effect of the medication he received during surgery. His doctor advised him to increase his fish intake to support his kidneys. Ralph grew up in the Midwest, where fish had never been a regular part of his diet. Moreover, he typically spent no more than 10 minutes making a meal for himself, so preparing a fish dish from scratch was outside his comfort zone. But when Ralph’s church advertised the Ada Jenkins Center’s Healthy Initiatives Cooking Classes, he decided to give them a try, hoping to learn how to cook fish at home.
Volunteer Chef Anne Eley led the weekly classes, demonstrating how to cook specific recipes and emphasizing the importance of flavor and healthy preparation. After each class, students received a copy of the recipe and all the necessary ingredients to recreate the dish at home. Ralph not only learned how to cook fish (he believes baking it is the best way), but he also transformed his approach to home cooking. He’s tripled his time spent in the kitchen, eats healthier, and now enjoys adding herbs and spices to everything he eats. Ralph even discovered the purpose of the zester that had been sitting untouched in his kitchen for years and loves to add lime zest to anything from cheesecake to a baked potato.
While learning to cook was challenging, Ralph, with the support of the Healthy Initiatives Cooking Classes, embraced the joy of trying something new. In addition to his fish dishes, he has now added meatloaf and shrimp and grits to his repertoire. Ralph shares his culinary creations with his friends, who are impressed by his newfound skills. Even his dog has benefited from his new talents and is eagerly anticipating the next time Ralph makes cheesecake.
By the Numbers
NEW VITA Results: This year we served 424 households and helped them get over $395,000 in federal tax refunds. People served through VITA saved an estimated $250 on tax preparation using our free service. In total, the savings were over $115,000. Special thanks to our amazing volunteers who contributed 668 hours of servicein the program.
With seven more sites next tax season, we will have an even bigger impact!
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.