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Tresa’s story

A single mom and grandmother, Tresa lives in Huntersville with her 16-year-old daughter and 7-year-grandson. Her 24-year-old son contributes when he can. Tresa is permanently disabled and unable to work full-time, yet she gives back by volunteering when she can at the food bank at a local church.

This summer, Tresa’s family encountered a “perfect storm” of setbacks: a water pipe burst, requiring major repairs in their house; their clothes dryer stopped working; and Tresa’s car needed hundreds of dollars in maintenance. She paid what she could, but fell two months behind on her mortgage. Ada Jenkins Center’s Critical Assistance Program helped her avoid foreclosure.

“It’s services like this that help the community in unforeseen circumstances and situations,” Tresa says. “Words can not express the impact you made for my family.”

Your support has helped thousands of people like Tresa (*name changed for privacy) navigate our current climate of economic uncertainty, rising prices, and skyrocketing rent. One in every 20 people in our area lives below the Federal Poverty Level. You are offering them hope for brighter days ahead.

As we approach the holidays, we ask that you again consider sharing your generosity with families like Tresa’s.

Twice the gift!

Check out this heartwarming idea from our friends at Kendra Scott. Not only did they donate a portion of their Giving Tuesday (and Wednesday!) sales to the Ada Jenkins Center, they are hosting a “Kendra Gives Back” holiday event to benefit the Center. On Friday, December 8, Kendra Scott in Birkdale Village will donate 20% of sales between 4:00-6:00pm. Heartwarming bonus: the store is offering two special edition “Ada Jenkins Center” items – a pendant necklace and a cuff bracelet – reminiscent of the Center’s red doors. Can’t join us in person, but still want to be part of this holiday event? Shop Kendra Scott online on December 8-9 with the code GIVEBACK-FMDDP to ensure your gift delights your special someone AND benefits the Ada Jenkins Center.

Service Updates

Our current program year started June 30. Since then,

  • We have responded to 311 e-mails, calls, or texts seeking information about financial assistance or other family needs
  • 1,723 people have obtained groceries through our Loaves and Fishes food pantry
  • 54 families have received emergency financial assistance, preventing client evictions, foreclosures and disconnections
  • 68 people have participated in our Economic Mobility program, receiving tenancy education, connections with area housing, budget assistance, employment and training opportunities, and more
  • 87 people experiencing homelessness have been connected with emergency supplies and services
  • 52 students have been enrolled in our LEARN Works after-school academic program
  • 211 volunteers have contributed 2,370 hours to help tutor our students, restock and organize the food pantry, manage our Open Gym hours, prepare our campus for our 25th anniversary weekend, and so much more

Thanks to you, we are able to live our mission every day: We exist to help people create lasting solutions for economic stability.