Pride Magazine - 2022 November/December "Living" Issue

Equity FOR ALL

At Atrium Health, we believe a diverse workforce makes us better – and helps us deliver better care to the diverse communities we serve. By creating an environment where differences are valued and inclusion is a way of life, we are able to deliver care that is truly – FOR ALL.

This is what transformative equity looks like.

A purpose for all people.

At the core of our purpose—to build better lives and communities—are the values that guide us to be intentional about diversity, equity, and inclusion. We do the work every day to diversify our leadership, empower all teammates, and fight for the opportunities we all deserve. Because we believe a culture where we can live and contribute our authentic selves is a stronger one.

Truist.com

Truist Bank, Member FDIC. © 2022 Truist Financial Corporation. Truist, the Truist logo and Truist Purple are service marks of Truist Financial Corporation.

Table

contents

Bank of America Special Section

On the Cover

Heroes When We Recycle

Charlotte’s African-American Magazine

CEO/Publisher

Dee Dixon

Editor

Alicia Benjamin

Copy Editor

Sonja Whitemon

Lead Writer Angela Lindsay

Creative Director

Larry Preslar

Design & Production

SPARK Publications www.SPARKpublications.com

Distribution

©Watch Dog Entertainment® LLC Digital Content Distribution

Account Executive

Nikelle Fesperman

Public Relations

Nepherterra Estrada

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Letters to the Editor

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Pride

All rights reserved. Copying or reproduction, in part or in whole, is strictly prohibited.

Pride Magazine reserves the right to deny any advertisement, listing or feature that does not meet Pride Magazine standards or that is outside the scope or mission of our magazine. Pride Magazine assumes no responsibility for information, products, services, or statements made by advertisers or editorial

Pride

By Dee Dixon

Talkin’ Bout Living Rooms!

Ourfeature on living rooms in this issue is quite interesting to me. So much so, I want to chime in and talk about mine. Listen, I grew up in a house where you DID NOT EAT OR DRINK in the living room — EVER. In my younger days, we had a very small house with a small space for the living room. We did not waddle around in that living, for sure. There was no den either, so where did we watch TV? — In the dining room. The TV was placed in a corner of the dining room so that we wouldn’t “mess up” the living room. Later on, we had a den plus a living room, which was complete with French provincial furniture. And guess what? My Mom didn’t layer this fancy furniture with that hot, heavy turbo plastic either. She knew we were too terrified to even THINK about messing up that living room.

Today I have a tri-level home built in the 1970’s. In it, I have three spaces to sit in: a living room near the front entrance, a den and an allpurpose room, both on the second level. Let me explain. Unlike my mother’s living room, mine is quite informal. It’s where I have some treasured pieces from my international travels and Na Na

Dixon’s (my grandmother’s) old-timey radio. I love this room because it’s cozy, quiet and a great place to relax and reflect. None-the-less, just like my mom, one cannot eat or drink in my living room — EVER. Now, one can eat in the den with care of course, because I have special treasures in there as well. Coasters are required and cleanup immediate. My all-purpose room is a different story altogether. There’s a lot of junk in there, making it ideal for small children and grown men-boys who cannot eat popcorn without half of it falling to the floor before entering the mouth. I’m okay with “mess” in my all-purpose room. Dogs are allowed in there too, so long as they are trained.

Check out my spaces below and if you ever come to visit, I’ll decide which living area best suits you.

Live well!

Dee’s all-purpose room — anything goes.

Dee’s informal living room — no eating or drinking, ever!

Dee’s den — limited eating or drinking allowed.

Fiction, Poetry, Great Storytelling and More to Read this Fall

By Angela Haigler

“The Last Dreamwalker” by Rita Woods

In her second novel, Rita Woods explores family traditions involving messages from the past and connections to the present and the future. Things begin to get clearer for Layla when her mother dies. She can then begin healing the rift that had torn the family apart before her mother’s death. The nightmares she had suppressed her whole life take on a new meaning when she realizes the dreams are her gift. “The Last Dreamwalker” is a beautiful journey of spirits and spirituality, messages and meaning, family and fortress.

“Will Do Magic for Small Change” by Andrea Hairston

Andrea Hairston is a wellawarded Afro futurist speculative fiction writer. Intertwining worlds and alternate history with haints and hood doo, “Will Do Magic for Small Change” continues where her novel “Redwood and Wildfire” left off. Now the pair’s granddaughter, Cinnamon is front and center. She had hoped to make a living like her revered grandparents but finds her height and weight limiting. Also limiting are family secrets nobody is willing to reveal. Lovers of the futurist genre will not be disappointed.

“Divine Blue Light (for John Coltrane): Pocket Poets Series No. 63”

by Will Alexander

Prepare to be wowed by the poetic stylings of Will Alexander. Divine Blue Light is anchored by three major works: the opening, “Condoned to Disappearance,” a meditation on the exploits of Portuguese modernist Fernando Pessoa; the closing, “Imprecation as Mirage,” a poem channeling an Indonesian man; and the title poem, an anthemic ode to the jazz saxophonist John Coltrane. A fierce poet with a boatload of awards, his work is a force that demands to be read and understood.

Middle-grade Reader

“The Door of No Return” by Kwame Alexander

“I Wish My Dad: The Power of Vulnerable Conversations Between Fathers and Sons” by Romal Tune

Being open to vulnerable conversations may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the stereotypes attributed to men. That’s what Romal Tune is hoping to change. Through his new book, “I Wish My Dad,” he wants to encourage fathers and sons to have those tough conversations that can lead to greater understanding and improved father/son relationships. Seventeen men of diverse ages, ethnicities and socioeconomic backgrounds shared their stories of challenges and care. Through their eyes and through the eyes of his own son, Jordan, Tune offers strategies and prompts that can lead to transformed relationships.

Kwame Alexander tackles the tough topic of slavery in today’s fraught landscape of childhood education. In this book, the first of a three-part series, Alexander takes us to a Ghanaian village where we find Kofi and his family and friends happily thriving. When deadly events cause villagers to turn on their neighbors, Kofi’s young life abruptly changes as he heads through “The Door of No Return” and across the expansive sea. Alexander takes care to make sure the blame for Kofi’s fate is shared equally among a variety of characters. And though the subject is serious, it is middle-grade reader-appropriate thanks to Alexander’s skilled storytelling. P

Photo: Pari Dukovic

By Shavonda Bean

Executive Functioning Teaching Children to Manage Their Lives and Emotions

Directing ourselves, our children and teens toward productivity, responsibility, good citizenship, goal accomplishment and, ultimately, some version of success is often what we strive for. The fulfillment of these large and small successes comes much easier for some than others.

In my practice, parents are often concerned about their child’s preparedness for the future, management of responsibilities, control and regulation of behaviors and emotions. Children begin to experience emotional distress, anxiety or hopelessness once overwhelmed with keeping up.

These challenges can occur for several reasons. One of the most common contributors can be weaknesses in executive functioning skills. This is an umbrella term used to describe a wide range of skill sets necessary to manage our lives, emotions and behaviors — much like an executive manages a business. Examples include mental flexibility, sustained attention, working memory, task initiation, inhibition, self-monitoring, planning, prioritizing, organizing, time management, emotional and behavioral regulation. Metacognition is achieved when one can manage and attain a level of self-reflection and regulation. Executive functioning is linked to the frontal lobe of the brain–the last area to develop prenatally and not fully mature until early 20’s.

We often underestimate the complexity of these skills. Unlike the natural process when toddlers learn to walk, executive skills need to be developed and taught gradually. It begins in infancy when caregivers create environments of interest, model behaviors and engage in play. Children as young as five further develop these abilities through minor responsibilities, learning to wait and follow instructions. Teens and adults learn to better adapt to challenges and manage significant responsibilities and relationships. When these skills are absent or underdeveloped, it can create a high level of stress for

all involved and can create a barrier to managing life and attaining goals. Improving executive functioning skills will help children and adults become more capable and confident, empowered, independent and ultimately closer to that vision of accomplishment. Here’s how you start:

• Practice Building Working Memory: Have you noticed your child frequently having difficulty summarizing information, remembering more than one direction at a time or forgetting what they’ve read in an earlier paragraph? Working Memory is the ability to keep information in your active memory while performing a task or solving a problem. This complex storage process in the brain helps sustain attention, retain information and improves efficiency.

Young children can play matching games to build working memory. Use picture schedules for morning or bedtime routines. Attach new information to previously learned information, rehearse, use lists, visualize information, develop short, simple routines or practice mental math problem solving. Improved working memory means better reading comprehension, task completion, sustained attention and the ability to see a task through to completion.

• Manage Expectations: Better understand your child’s EF skill strengths

and weaknesses. Several formal tests and interviews are used by professional psychologists or EF coaches to assess these skills. None of us is great at everything. Understanding and building on strengths is a great place to start.

• Empower: Look for opportunities to act as a coach to assist your child or teen rather than using discipline or punishment for shortcomings. Practice using positive language when describing your child’s needs or challenges. See these as growth opportunities.

• Ask for Help: Parents, coaches, teachers, siblings, employers and others can play an instrumental role in shaping these skills. When you’ve done all you can, do not hesitate to seek professional help. There are many therapists, psychologist and executive function coaches who can help you and/or your child develop and improve systems and strategies. Your child’s school counselor can also implement supports when EF weaknesses are related to AttentionDeficit/Hyperactivity Disorder or learning disabilities, as they often are. Reach out for help. It takes a village. P

Shavonda Bean is a licensed psychological associate and owner of Essential Assessments & Behavioral Health. Visit Essentialhealthnc.com for more information.

Special Pet Edition

By Ryan Kouame

We’re featuring these furry friends available for adoption at the Humane Society of Charlotte in this issue. The adoption process at the Humane Society of Charlotte is easy all you’ll need is a love for animals, a valid form of identification and a valid form of payment. Adoption fees range based on age, size and breed. Active military service members, veterans and their families, and seniors 65 and over get 10 percent off all adoptions and services. Here are a few cuties who are up for adoption:

AUGUST RUSH

August Rush is a friendly 3-yearold domestic shorthair mix that loves being around people. She’s very affectionate with visitors and always scrubs against them for chin rubs. August Rush has tested positive for Feline Leukemia Virus which means that she may be more susceptible to diseases that a healthier cat can fight off. The shelter isn’t sure how long she’s had the virus so she should be kept indoors, receive regular check-ups, and retested around six months.

ZION

Zion is an 8-year-old male Terrier/American pit bull mix and the biggest goofball you’ll ever meet. He’s a sweet, happy-golucky gentleman who shows his affection through hugs and kisses. Zion is house-trained and came from a home where he previously lived with cats.

Fall in love at HSC

ENVY

Envy is a 2-year-old pit bull with piercing blue eyes that will make your heart melt when you look into them. She’s loving to every person she encounters and truly has a zest for life. Envy loves to run around, romp, wrestle, and interact with other dogs, but has a very high-contact play style that some dogs may not like. She has been diagnosed with a heart condition that will need regular, lifelong treatment to keep her healthy.

THE DUKE

The Duke is truly special, handsome, and royal. He is a 7-year-old domestic longhair mix who enjoys doing his own thing. The Duke is your guy if you’re looking for a sassy, chill guy to hang out with. He loves having plenty of room and isn’t the biggest fan of other animals. He doesn’t care for grooming despite his regal nature but will adjust if you take your time with him.

Stop by the Humane Society of Charlotte (HSC) animal shelter, 1348 Parker Drive in Charlotte. Visit humanesocietyofcharlotte.org to learn more or call the HSC adoption center at 704-377-0534. If the pets listed above have found their new homes by the time you call to inquire about their availability, the Humane Society of Charlotte has many more pet friends who would love to join your loving family.

Learn

About

Senior

Now is the time to begin your real estate career.

Start and enhance your real estate career under our canopy.

Canopy Real Estate Institute, formerly Mingle School of Real Estate, has grown into more than a school. We’re a real estate institute providing all the coverage you need for your career development and professional growth.

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Isn’t the best time to continue building your legacy right now?

Through our Community Homeownership Commitment,1 we’ve helped over 34,000 people and families get an affordable loan to buy a home. Here’s how it can help you secure your family’s future:

Down payment help up to $10,000 or 3% of the purchase price, whichever is less. Product availability and income restrictions apply.2

Closing costs help up to $7,500 as a

Down payment as low as 3% down. Income limits apply.4

Learn more at bankofamerica.com/homeowner

credit.3

What would you like the power to do? ®

Down Payment program is available with one mortgage product. Program funds can be applied toward down payment only. Borrowers cannot receive program funds as cash back in excess of earnest money deposits. Down Payment Grant program may be considered taxable income, a 1099-MISC will be issued, consult with your tax advisor. May be combined with other offers. The Bank of America Down Payment Grant program may only be applied once to an eligible mortgage/property, regardless of the number of applicants. Homebuyer education is required.

3. Additional information about the America’s Home Grant program: The America’s Home Grant program is a lender credit. Program funds can only be used for nonrecurring closing costs including title insurance, recording fees, and in certain situations, discount points may be used to lower the interest rate. The grant cannot be applied toward down payment, prepaid items or recurring costs, such as property taxes and insurance. Borrowers cannot receive program funds as cash back.

4. Maximum income and loan amount limits apply. Fixed-rate mortgages (no cash out refinances), primary residences only. Certain property types are ineligible. Maximum loan-to-value (“LTV”) is 97%, and maximum combined LTV is 105%. For LTV >95%, any secondary financing must be from an approved Community Second Program. Homebuyer education may be required. Other restrictions apply. Credit and collateral are subject to approval. Terms and conditions apply. This is not a commitment to lend. Programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change without notice. Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

2022 Bank of America Corporation. America’s Home Grant, Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment, Bank of America and the Bank of America logo are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation. MAP4697912 | AD-06-22-0482.B | 06/2022

The Key to Homeownership: Your Financial Journey from Savings to Sold

1

2start your banking journey establish & build credit

The key to your journey toward homeownership – whatever your timeline – is making early, consistent and informed decisions starting with your first banking experience and continuing as you learn to budget, save and build a solid credit history, all of which will set you up for success. Refine your spending patterns to strengthen your credit score.

Learn to manage your everyday finances with a bank account and debit card. Find an option that:

• Keeps you informed and helps you manage the funds you have available

• Provides digital visibility of your banking activity

Open a savings account and make regular or automated deposits to see your funds grow over time. Savings accounts typically earn interest and can help you grow your balance.

Remember: It’s important to practice responsible credit behavior, like making payments on time and being careful to not overspend. Consider if you have the money to cover the cost before using your credit card or taking out a loan with monthly payments

The Bank of America® Secured Card is a simple and convenient credit card that is offered with a security deposit as low as $300.

improve your financial health

While homeownership may feel far away, it’s never too early to start thinking about your next savings goal. Be consistent with good financial best practices to help stabilize your finances overtime prior to starting the homebuying process.

Plan, Budget, Save

• Define, prioritize and make progress toward your financial goals with Life Plan®, a digital experience that helps you set and track near- and long-term goals based on your life priorities, and better understand and act on steps toward achieving them.

Prioritize Paying Down Debt

• Reducing your debt-to-income ratio (how much you owe compared to your income) makes you a more attractive borrower.

• Bank of America’s Better Money Habits (www.bettermoneyhabits.bankofamerica.com) videos and checklists can help you build financial acumen so you can manage more complex financial needs over time.

plan your homebuying timeline

Understand how homeownership fits into your larger financial plan.

• Would you need to adjust your monthly budget to buy a home?

• Would owning allow you to maintain your other savings goals?

• Would you be able to cover potential home repairs, property taxes, and homeowner’s insurance?

• Take advantage of educational tools, like Bank of America's First-Time Homebuyer Online Edu-Series™ (www.bankofamerica.com/ homebuyer), to help demystify homebuying finances.

• Use an online affordability calculator to estimate how much a manageable monthly mortgage payment might be.

5

research home loans and down payment assistance options

Know that you may have options to help overcome the upfront costs of homeownership. Bank of America offers:

• Low down payment mortgages: Competitive, fixed-rate mortgages with down payments as low as 3%, requiring lower-cost mortgage insurance.

• Grant programs: When combined, the Down Payment Grant and America’s Home Grant® give eligible borrowers up to $17,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance – no repayment necessary.

Did You Know?

You may not need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. In fact, the median down payment for first-time homebuyers is 6%. (National Association of Realtors), April 2020 Downpayment Expectations & Hurdles to Homeownership survey.

apply for prequalification and preapproval

Determine how much you can afford before starting to shop for a home. Depending on your home purchase timeline, you have two options to consider before making an offer on a home.

Prequalification

• You’ll provide basic financial information, and your lender will help you understand what your loan program and borrowing amount might be. Depending on the results, you might decide to move forward with preapproval or decide to take more time to save.

Note: Keep in mind that prequalification is neither preapproval nor a commitment to lend; you must submit additional information for review and approval.

Preapproval

SOLD

• In this step, a lender will examine your credit and other expenses to determine what you can borrow. Securing preapproval can set you apart from other buyers.

Note: Final loan approval is subject to satisfactory appraisal and title review and no change in borrower credit and financial condition.

begin your home search with confidence sold

Now comes the fun part – searching for your dream home! The Bank of America Real Estate Center® (www.realestatecenter.bankofamerica.com) identifies properties that may be eligible for down payment and closing cost grants, making it easy to browse for a home that fits within your means.

This material is provided for your convenience and information only. Bank of America assumes no liability for loss or damage as a result of your reliance on information in this publication. Our goal is for the content of this publication to be accurate as of the date this issue was printed. However, due to rapid changes occurring in the programs, products, and services offered within the home financing industry, we do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. Bank of America, N.A. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender

© 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Charlotte Is Your Home. It’s Ours, Too.

By Kathy Cummings, Senior Vice President, Homeownership Solutions & Affordable Housing Programs

At Bank of America, our investment in communities extends beyond the locations of our financial centers. We’re committed to strengthening our communities because they’re our communities too. Whether it’s supporting local non-profits that help to make an impact or responsibly lending to small businesses that keep our economy running, we’re committed and take pride in keeping our community healthy, stronger and connected.

country. For example, together with Ally Financial and Barings, we’re investing over $70 million to fund affordable housing for families around Charlotte.

Accelerating access to capital for minority and women-led businesses

Investments help Black/African American, Hispanic-Latino, Asian, Native American, women and other historically disadvantaged entrepreneurs start and grow their businesses. As such, the private sector has a responsibility to provide the expertise, resources and capital necessary for entrepreneurs in the community to achieve their financial goals. In Charlotte, our new Small Business Down Payment Grant Program will extend credit to historically disadvantaged small business borrowers and provide support to make purchasing commercial real estate more affordable.

Meeting the next generation of change-makers

Through paid internships with local non-profits, including DreamKey Partners in Charlotte, our Student Leaders® program provides community-minded young students with the opportunity to serve, inspire and hopefully change the world. We’re helping prepare students of diverse backgrounds to be successful in the workforce as they gain practical work and life experience.

Boosting the fight against hunger in Charlotte

We aim to help increase financial resilience and economic mobility, working to meet our clients’ and neighbors’ unique needs by connecting them to jobs and access to core banking products, services, loans, technology and capital to help our communities thrive. We call it the power of every connection.

In Charlotte, we’re dedicating resources to revitalize our communities and to address the issues that employees and clients alike say matter most:

Investing in affordable housing solutions

Low housing supply has squeezed many would-be homebuyers out of the market – a concerning trend because homeownership provides owners and their families with assets that can build generational wealth. The cost of housing is a challenge around the U.S., including Charlotte, and we’ve been on the forefront of finding sustainable solutions. We’re connected locally to public and private partnerships in areas across the

We’re committed to supporting our employees’ health and safety and to addressing our local communities’ most critical needs. For every Bank of America employee that received a Covid-19 booster shot, we donated $100 to local hungerrelief organizations. Through this effort, our team in Charlotte presented Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina and Loaves & Fishes with checks totaling more than $1.2 million.

Bank of America has long been committed to supporting individuals and businesses in historically disadvantaged communities, and our commitment continues today. Through loans, philanthropic contributions and more, we take pride in investing in the institutions, individuals and programs that help make our headquarter city of Charlotte stronger. P

Gershwins®’

AND BESS® by George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward and

More Relentless Than Cancer

When single mother Toniy Shears was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017, she initially had to put her medical assistant studies on hold. She has been in remission since 2018 and today she’s on track to receive her CNA degree.

Expect experts who explore all treatment options. Expect personal support through treatment and recovery. Expect the world-class cancer care you deserve. Expect Remarkable.

An exterior view of the new Humane Society of Charlotte facility, 1348 Parker Drive in Charlotte.

Humane Society of Charlotte Opens New Facility

With updated resources and expansion, the organization’s ability to ensure the wellbeing of pets is strengthened.

By Sasha Manley Photos courtesy of the Humane Society of Charlotte

Where in Charlotte can you bring your laptop to get some work done, grab some coffee and hang out with adorable, adoptable cats? Answer: the Cat Café in the Humane Society of Charlotte’s new state-of-the-art facility on Parker Drive in Charlotte.

For over 40 years, the Humane Society of Charlotte (HSC) has played a vital role in caring for area cats and dogs. Over the summer, they moved into a new 26,000-square-foot building less than a mile from its previous location on Toomey Avenue.

The non-profit organization was outgrowing its old space and unable to make the necessary upgrades to expand, said Meg Doherty, HSC Marketing and Communications Manager. So they decided to move. Now located at 1348 Parker Drive, this new resource center gives the organization more opportunities to continue its mission of serving pets and pet owners. “We are very focused on the human-animal bond and making sure that we foster that connection,” Doherty said.

“The space is very open, airy and bright,” Doherty said during a WBTV interview on the QC Morning show in August.

“They’re just in a great spot with lots of great enrichment activities. We have great volunteers who come and walk our dogs every day. It’s been awesome to see the community descend on our new location.”

After a successful 5-year campaign, the HSC raised $15 million in community donations. Unlike the previous location, the new resource center has triple the space. The building only takes up a portion of the pristine 17 acres with open land for future expansion.

The new HSC facility includes lots of amenities that are functional and fun.

Adoption Success

Eevee was adopted in August and her new parent expressed how happy Eevee made them: “I love her with my whole heart and am so happy I found her.”

Retail store and Cat Café

This area includes a retail and refreshment area. Visitors can find items for their cats and dogs including treats, toys and outfits for pets. The café is also where guests can whip out their laptop, do some remote work while sipping on a latte and hanging out with furry, friendly and adoptable cats.

Education Court

This spacious room has a classroom setup and provides instructions to adult and children on how to train their pets, and other resource opportunities.

Wellness Clinic

HSC's previous health space was operating out of a small room. Now in a larger building with increased capacity, there are multiple exam rooms to spay and neuter pets. Other medical services include rabies and leukemia vaccines, canine heartworm tests, microchips and more.

The Cat Adoption and Dog Adoption areas of the new HSC facility

Adoption Success

There are also isolation and intensive care unit rooms. Here HSC staff can watch animals that may come in sick or need specific medical attention.

Cat and dog adoption areas

These two wings feature comfortable climate-controlled areas for the animals. The dog kennels are large enough to accommodate big or small doggies. The cat area can house about 12 cats per room and features an indoor and outdoor “catio,” with fun toys, a cat tree and a swing. Doherty describes it as an optimal area. She said, “We wanted it to be an enriching space for the animals while they are spending time with us and they can free roam.”

The center encourages everyone to come and hang out. Colorful and modern seating and gathering spots throughout the facility provide animal lovers and pet advocates with a welcoming atmosphere.

Lists and descriptions of the adoptable cats and dogs are available for guests to see. This fall, the center plans to open a public park to extend its outdoor space for dogs.

Programs and training

One of the major reasons HSC created the news facility was to enhance community engagement. Besides services for cats and dogs, projects for the public are ongoing. For example, the educational space will hold summer camps for 3rd, 4th and 5th graders, host wellness sessions such as cat yoga, and collaborate with area groups and foundations for instruction.

A free literacy buddy program is also underway. Children have an open invitation to read to the fun kittens and playful pups. It gives the animals opportunities for human interaction and helps readers advance their skills.

Did you know retractable leashes aren’t good for your pet?

Here’s why:

• Retractable leashes lack control and can extend too much

• They can become jammed and unreliable during an emergency, such as a challenging interaction with another animal .

• Mechanical leashes can jerk, causing injury to your pet’s back and neck

Humane alternatives

• Four to six feet walking leashes

• Additionally, flat collars are recommended with a D-ring to attach ID tags

• Harnesses are also a better and more comfortable option .

Adoption Success

Doherty said the importance of the move goes back to the neighborhood. “Just being able to open our arms to the community and bring them in different ways that we haven’t been able to in the past is the big focus of the building,” she said.

Finding your new petand clinic services

There are plenty of cats and dogs looking for a new home. The online adoption database updates every 30 minutes with available animals. It also walks you through the five-step adoption process. People interested in adopting HSC pets must be 18 years old and have valid identification.

What to expect during the adoption phase:

• All pets are spayed/neutered.

• Initial wellness checks and mandatory vaccines are provided through the clinic.

• Although the clinic is available for all pets in the community, after adoption, HSC recommends that pet owners have a

primary veterinarian for yearly checkups and specialized care.

Visit the website for an extended list of wellness services and pricing and to make an appointment.

Ways to support HSC

So much work goes into taking care of community pets. The center is always looking for volunteers to help with daily duties. HSC also has an Amazon wishlist. Some items needed are animal care products, food, supplies, treats and toys. Monetary donations also help keep the facility running.

Not ready for adoption? There are opportunities to foster too. Fostering gives the pets more chances to get accustomed to in-home living and helps those needing a slower transition.

Having a pet can boost mental health and create meaningful bonds. Visit humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/ for all the ways you can be a part of the Humane Society of Charlotte family. P

Adeline with her new mom

A lucky cat and his new mom

Adoption Success Harlow with his new mom

Andrey Eremin / Shutterstock.com

Life in the Living Room the Heart of the Home

By Angela Lindsay

The living room is like the heart of the home — a symbol of love. The first room people often see when they enter a house — it’s usually decorated with things the owner loves the most such as paintings, pictures, mementos and other sentimental items. “As the receiving room for visitors, it sets the mood of the home and reflects the personality of its owners. It is also the space where family members spend time together to relax, share stories and create memories,” according to the SubNet Construction Blog.

The first evidence of humans decorating the interiors of their homes comes from ancient Egypt, but the concept of a living room from the Western perspective dates to the Renaissance period — specifically the 15th and 16th centuries.

Until the late 19th century, the front parlor was the room in the house used for formal social events, including where the recent deceased were laid out before their funeral. By the mid-20th century, living rooms became a place in the home where family members, and sometimes

friends, go to relax and socialize.

Jump to the late 20th century to today — families use their living rooms to relax, eat and view shows on TVs or other electronic devices. Within different parts of the world, living rooms are designed differently and are evolving, but all share the same purpose — to gather users in a comfortable space. We spoke with three different Charlotte-area residents to find out why they chose their particular living room designs.

The Porter living room

“I come from the traditional Black family where there was a living room you didn’t sit in and a family room where you could relax,” said Cheron Porter, senior vice president of public relations at INLIVIAN. “I remember only going into the living room for special occasions like Christmas. My grandmother, God rest her soul, only had one living room, but never ever had a couch without plastic on it.”

The Porter living rooms

Porter has three living rooms with artwork and pictures of her family occupying prominent positions throughout. The art reminds her of her worldwide travels, she said, while the family pictures remind her of “the great love in [her] life.” The main living room is the first room people enter from her front door.

“I have an open floor plan on the first level of my home, so two of my living rooms connect but have different vibes,” she explained. “The main living room was designed to be relaxing and reflective of my personality.”

This room is filled with décor such as African masks, a signed piece by Charles Bibbs, called “Autumn,” statues from Thailand, books celebrating African American culture, a Howard Miller Chaplin Floor Clock finished in Black Coffee and family photos. There is a “structured but comfortable” grey couch with bright orange pillows she describes as her “energy all day.” In the more muted second living room is a light grey settee and ottoman with silver, blue and white pillows. Bright red flowers provide a pop of color with a clay vase from Wassi Art in tropical colors. There are more family pictures, and soapstone African eggs featured on a woven platter complete the look.

“The second living room faces my kitchen island, so it’s the perfect place for family and friends to enjoy beverages and listen to music while I cook. It’s more intimate,” Porter said.

The third living room is a family room in the basement which is also filled with family pictures and African American art as well as Italian leather reclining chairs and a couch. “It serves as the overflow and can double as my in-house gym when need be.”

The Benjamin living room

Striking color and design is also a theme in the family home of Dr. Shanna G. Benjamin, professor of African American Studies at Wake Forest University, where the living room has been transformed into a library.

“The room is bold in color and design. When I sit in the space, it feels like it has a personality all its own. That’s what makes it special to me,” she shared.

To transform the space, Benjamin had built-in structures constructed to store papers, games, a printer and a collection

of books. She said the living room serves as a “distraction-free zone for reading, talking and the like.” Benjamin was inspired by interior designer Nicole White to paint the walls, molding and ceiling in

the Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue shade. The room features a hardwood floor, antique gold hardware and lighting, and rotating club chairs in a silvery powder blue fabric. The white and black drapes mimic the lines and dots of African mud cloth fabric with windows that look out onto the front of her house.

“I certainly see formal living spaces falling out of vogue primarily because they end up being underutilized. That said, individual taste is key, and if someone wants a formal living room, I can think of plenty of reasons why they should have it!” she said. “After being inside for almost two years, I think folks want adaptable spaces that can be transformed to suit them and how they live their lives.”

Porter agreed: “I don’t like a home that you can’t be comfortable in. I don’t think I ever need to be formal at home.”

She comes from a family of beautiful homemakers, she said, with a mother and aunt who love designing rooms, furniture shopping and watching HGTV.

The Benjamin living room

“When I bought my home, I brought the living room set from my previous home to the new one. I thought it was nice. They waited about 72 hours to tell me to move everything to my family room downstairs and buy a whole new set. They had already designed it, found the furniture on sale, and weighed in on everything from curtains to area rugs, to color,” Porter said. “They had a say in everything, but I did get the help of an interior designer to give it an elevated feel with different textures. Now I just start with them before I buy anything!”

The Evans living room

LaToya Evans comes from a family where living rooms are for sitting and entertaining formal guests, and dens are more for family time. Her family was also big on throwing Christmas parties, holding prayer meetings and family gatherings, so having well designed functional and private spaces is important to her.

When Evans, principal and chief

communications officer of The LEPR Agency, initially laid eyes on what would become her South Charlotte home, she was “blown away by how regal the home looked,” but knew it still needed to be updated, she said. So, the house underwent a six-figure renovation and redesign.

“When it came to design, I knew that I needed something really out of the box that I wouldn’t necessarily come up with by myself,” Evans said. “I also knew I wanted a space that was ideal for family and also entertaining. I immediately envisioned Christmas dinners and political fundraisers. Fortunately, the space came together exactly like that with plenty of conversation spaces, ample bar displays and places for eating, whether formal or casual.”

The living room is located just through the foyer and reflects a concept the interior

designers called, “Hollywood Regency.” It incorporates influences from the U.S. and Europe, including a combination of custom furniture and vintage pieces from New York. The living room also encompasses many smaller, unique touches like little busts and a golden dog.

“This living room is special because, while it’s mine, it is perfect for entertaining whether you’re having close friends over or those you just met. It has the personality but doesn’t feel like you’re sitting in someone’s private bedroom.”

A lot of life happens in the living room. So, no matter how you define it, it’s more than just a place to sit — it remains the central part that holds any home together P

LaToya Evans

The Evans living room

Our diversity is our strength

Every day

and live our lives side by side. Our individual experiences come together to

more about the world around us, and ourselves as well.

where

live and work.

How Rising Costs Are Impacting Underserved Charlotte Residents

By Valerie Hubbard

The annual inflation rate in the United States accelerated to 8.6 percent in May — the highest since December 1981, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — causing steadily rising prices for basic living essentials including food, housing, utilities, transportation, fuel, family health care and more.

Friendship Trays, Charlotte’s primary Meals on Wheels program, delivers nutritional, prepared meals (nine diet types) daily to those who can’t cook for themselves, particularly seniors and homebound people,” explained Tina Postel, CEO of the combined organization.

Through its network of food pantries, LFFT provides a week’s worth of wholesome groceries for clients referred by social service agencies to determine how much food is needed at distributions.

They also have self-register community mobile and mini food pantries, plus pop-up food shares to quickly distribute perishable products for any struggling Mecklenburg County resident. These don’t all supply a week of groceries, but they save households from going hungry.

Consequently, thousands of Charlotte residents are struggling economically, and many are experiencing food insecurity — they don’t have reliable access to enough affordable, nutritious food due to limited money or other resources.

Thankfully, Charlotte’s Loaves & Fishes emergency food pantries started in 1975 and Friendship Trays Meals on Wheels in 1976. Together their mission was to alleviate food insecurity in Mecklenburg County. Last year, the two organizations merged and officially became: Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, Inc. (LFFT)— a network of food pantries, home groceries, meal deliveries and hope.

“Loaves & Fishes is the groceries, food pantries side of the operation and

“We serve many individuals who are gainfully employed,” Postel said, “but their incomes do not cover all their expenses, especially with continually rising costs. Plus, about 46 percent of those we serve are seniors on limited, fixed incomes, and 5 percent are children.

“Since inflation began, we’ve seen an 80 percent annual increase in the number of people needing our help,” said Postel.

“For example, in May 2022, the number of people we served at our full-size pantries — this includes a week's worth of nutritionally balanced groceries including fruit, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy products for every individual in the household — was 7,382, compared to 4,097 people in May 2021. And I don’t see [the situation] getting better,” she said.

4,097

7,382

The number of people who received a week’s worth of nutritionally balanced groceries in May 2021

The number of people who received a week’s worth of nutritionally balanced groceries in May 2022

A Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays employee is loading a week’s worth of groceries in a person’s car at a food pantry distribution event.

Photo by Kappius Photography

Tina Postel, CEO of Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays preparing boxes of food at a pop-up food share event.

“This is partially due to the increased cost of housing here in Mecklenburg County, increased cost of gasoline for vehicles and rising costs of groceries,” she added. “Plus, the ongoing shortage of workers in Social Service agencies, like the [Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program], who are behind in processing applications for grocery vouchers, so people need our services more.”

LFFT is also feeling the steep rise in the cost of buying groceries to distribute, especially meat. “This year alone, we’ve seen a 72 percent increase in the price of ground turkey. It jumped from $1.65 a pound to $2.84 a pound,” Postel said. “And we’re buying meat and food by pallets, so that’s very costly.” Still, in the first half of this year alone, they served 48,324 people.

“But we couldn’t do it without donations and support from our numerous community partners, including Second Harvest Food Bank, which supplies over 35 percent of the food we distribute,” said Postel. They also receive donations from Mecklenburg County Council, Boy Scouts of America, religious organizations and LFFT’s more than 400 annual food drives, she added.

Left: Cars line up to receive food and supplies at the “Big Pop-Up” event.

Postel, also a recipient of governmentprovided food assistance when she was growing up, said, “Anyone needing our help, don’t be ashamed to contact us. Just call 704-523-4333 or visit www.loavesandfishes.org.”

Besides food assistance, many Charlotte residents who are struggling economically may need housing, educational, work development or other self-sustaining support.

The Charlotte Area Fund (CAF), a private non-profit corporation and Mecklenburg County’s designated Community Action Agency that was founded in 1963 as a poverty-fighting organization, also helps people experiencing poverty and works to help them become self-sufficient. When the Economic Opportunity Act was passed in 1964, Community Action Agencies were formed to fight the federal “War on Poverty” at local levels. CAF was then selected to serve as the Community Action Agency (CAA) in Mecklenburg County.

Since then, CAF has partnered with neighborhood communities, other nonprofits and for-profit local and national organizations to help Mecklenburg County residents acquire the resources and support they need to get out of poverty.

Nicholas Wharton, CAF president and CEO, has been with the organization since 2019. Before that, he was the chair of North Carolina’s 34 total CAAs, which receives federal funding through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and has approximately 1,000 cohorts nationwide.

“Our CAF programs are designed to reduce poverty through education, workforce development, food/nutrition and skill development,” Wharton explained. “By working in collaboration with our cohorts and local community partners, we offer two types of services to impact the lives of low wealth people.

“We provide direct services, such as our workforce development training. Plus, we provide wrap-around support for families—including child care during training, transportation, and housing, food and nutritional support, while they’re learning to achieve self-sufficiency,” he said.

CAF also offers work development training and education in trades, including HVAC, fiber optics, IT, trucking/CDL, entry-level health care and more, he added. “Because of inflation, this year at our recent graduation, we gave each family a $400 grocery voucher and $50 gasoline cards. Plus, we’ve been giving out gas cards all year,” said Wharton.

“And, throughout the covid-19 pandemic, we provided rent/mortgage and utilities support to help struggling families stay in their homes,” he added.

Earlier this year, Wharton briefly spoke at The Park Church’s kickoff dedication and open house celebration of their fully equipped shower, laundry and restroom mobile bus to aid the homeless, which CAF will support.

“Last year, we also partnered with The Park Church and 100 other organizations, including IKEA, one of our largest for-profit corporate sponsors, for our “Big Pop Up” distribution. We filled over 900 people’s car trunks with food, water, personal protective equipment, diapers and other household goods," Wharton said.

“We launched a covid awareness media campaign [this year] with C.W. Williams, a Federally Qualified Community Health Center. It’s to remind people, who are most vulnerable, especially those over 60, to stay covid safe and protected,” Wharton said. “We even created a slogan: ‘Good Health Is Wealth.’”

This fall, CAF will continue to enhance their workforce development training, help people retain housing and do all they can to help people rise out of poverty, he added.

“Since 1963, throughout the covid-19 pandemic and even the inflation crisis, CAF has always been here providing direct, wraparound services for anyone struggling in Charlotte during some of their greatest times of need,” said Wharton. Visit: www.charlotteareafund.org. P

Above: Nicholas Wharton, President and CEO of the Charlotte Area Fund (left), and Bishop Claude R. Alexander of the Park Church in Charlotte serve at the “Big Pop-Up” distribution.

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Area Colleges Focus on Keeping Students Healthy

By Cheryl Clemmons

Today’s college students face pressing physical and mental health issues, and student health centers locally and nationally are now expanding to offer more inclusive services.

According to national student health organizations such as the American College Health Association and the Southern College Health Association, students need access to on-campus services that include mental health counseling, virtual appointments, and pharmacy services to deal with important issues including depression, stress, fear of mass shootings and inflation, all of which are prevalent today.

Johnson C. Smith University

In August, Atrium Health committed $3 million to Johnson C. Smith University as part of the Charlotte Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative to upgrade the campus student health center which provides care for its more than 1,000 students as well as faculty and staff. New features include access to electronic medical records, health literacy, chronic condition management, connections to off-site advanced care, and the information required to navigate the complexities of the health care system.

“Here at Atrium Health, we fundamentally believe that health, education and access to opportunity are the essential building blocks of a bright future for our community,” said Eugene A. Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health. “That’s why we are proud to partner with JCSU to provide top-notch health care to the university’s students, faculty, and staff, as well as invest in a talent pipeline to educate and train students who dream of becoming health care professionals.”

The Atrium Health collaboration is expected to improve access to on-campus health care providers, lab services, chronic

condition management, and other services for students, faculty, and staff. Another goal is to enhance health literacy on campus, especially for those students who are living independently for the first time.

“We are so grateful for this generous gift and ongoing support of Atrium Health,” said Clarence D. Armbrister, Johnson C. Smith University president. “Our students depend on the JCSU Health Center for a variety of their health and wellness needs, and they

“Here at Atrium Health, we fundamentally believe that health, education and access to opportunity are the essential building blocks of a bright future for our community.”

—Eugene A. Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health

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will continue to receive the same excellent service. Because of this partnership, our faculty and staff will now be able to receive limited services at the center,” he said.

“Atrium Health is investing in a series of enhancements to the facility, including the introduction of electronic medical records –rather than paper – and easy connectivity to advanced care, when needed. All of this is at no cost to the university, helping us keep

tuition more affordable for our students.” he added.

The health center is staffed by a nurse practitioner, registered nurse, certified medical assistant, dedicated client lead and center operations manager. JCSU Health Center leader Marian Jones, who holds a doctorate in public health, will remain on staff at the university as director of health and wellness.

Queens University

Queens University celebrated the opening of a newly renovated campus health and wellness center operated by Atrium Health with a ribbon-cuting ceremony in September. Atrium Health will also provide behavioral health and sports medicine to Queens University’s 2,500 students.

“This partnership is a very big deal for the entire Queens community and most importantly, our students,” said Queens University President Dan Lugo. “We know that students flourish in the classroom and in the community when they have access to a comprehensive suite of worldclass wellness support resources and health services,” he said.

“Atrium Health’s partnership and presence on our campus elevate and enhance the services that our students can access on campus and in the Atrium network. It also gives us access to Atrium Health’s full portfolio of expertise in meeting our strategic goal of creating a stronger culture of community wellness and it integrates the full spectrum of our students’ care from physical to behavioral health and sports medicine in state-of-the-art ways that were previously impossible,” added Lugo.

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Located in a brick house on a treelined street, the renovated health center has two exam rooms, a provider office, and an on-site nurse. It offers acute care management, point-of-care testing, virtual care, medical testing and medication dispensing. The sports medicine facility will incorporate Atrium Health athletic trainers, two team physicians, a sports nutritionist, and a physical therapist.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Ken Haynes, enterprise executive vice president and president of the Greater Charlotte Region for Atrium Health, applauded the university for making a “profound commitment in direct service of their own students so that they can both feel their best and be their best.” He said, “We want to be here for every student on campus so everyone can truly be their best selves.”

Central Piedmont Community College

At Central Piedmont Community College, Kathy Scott Rummage, executive director of communications, said health services have been updated for the current semester because of the change in student needs since the pandemic, especially around mental health.

In June, the college opened the Leon Levine Health Sciences Center in partnership with Atrium Health offering a range of services, including a virtual service component that launched in August. Good health is vital to student success, she said.

“We want to keep the community of more than 40,000 annual students healthy happy, safe, and well,” she continued.

More students need services for themselves and their families, especially those who aren’t covered by health insurance and have to use hospital emergency rooms for their health care needs, she said.

“Not having adequate health care on campus is a barrier to many students finishing their programs, especially if they have to pay out of pocket for urgent care or take time off to go to a doctor’s appointment. It really is a vital component of education, she added. P

By Eltra Butler Strategic Partnerships Manager, WGU North Carolina

Are You Leaving Money on the Table?

Don’t forget to explore employee tuition assistance programs

T he pandemic has caused a shift in all areas of business, and the field of education is no exception. Many colleges and universities had to shift their methods of instruction delivery due to the pandemic, and many of these changes have become permanent.

According to one report, spending on education technology in the United States reached $27.6 billion in 2021. Digital curriculum spending in 2020 was $13.1 billion, an increase of $2.1 billion over 2019. Digital curricula were essential due to the sudden move numerous institutions had to make to remote instruction.

These educational shifts also include shifts in the new student pool and the programs they pursue. Many of these new learners are adults who will be making career shifts. For those who have not been in school for at least a decade, applying for financial aid can seem quite daunting.

In reality, the process of applying for financial aid is much simpler now than it was in the 80s and 90s. When applying, students are also applying for local and state grants for which they might qualify, i.e., “free money.”

In addition to scholarships and grants available to the general population, a little research and diligence can uncover scholarships geared toward specific populations or degree programs. For instance, Western Governors University recently received a grant of nearly $1 million from the Reboot Representation

Tech Coalition to increase the number of Black, Latina and Native American (BLNA) women earning bachelor’s degrees in information technology. BLNA women represent approximately 16 percent of the total U.S. population, yet they make up only four percent of students obtaining bachelor’s degrees in computing.

Adult workers could also be overlooking money from their employers. Don’t forget that many employers offer benefits beyond the typical medical, dental and 401(k) plans, including tuition reimbursement.

Tuition reimbursement/assistance can “look” very different based on the employer. Some college-tuitionassistance options include loan forgiveness, low-interest education loans, tuition bills direct-billed to the company, and tuition reimbursement. Some organizations even reimburse

employees for one class each term if the employee earns a particular letter grade in the class — typically a “B” for a graduate-level course and a “C” for an undergraduate course.

Other employers have increased their tuition reimbursement amount to $5,250 per year for employees. Since 2016, $5,250 is the maximum amount an employer can provide to an employee tax-free. College tuition assistance is a wonderful way to not only use benefits that your company offers, but also to assist in keeping higher education affordable.

If you are considering pursuing an MBA, Western Governors University recently announced a one-year MBA track. This option costs $9,060 per year ($4,530 for two six-month terms) and has a projected salary increase of $16,200 upon completion of the degree. So, if a student were to begin this program in January and utilized their company’s maximum tuition reimbursement of $5,250 for the year, he or she could potentially pay only $3,810 out of pocket for a regionally and ACBSP-accredited MBA degree. This estimate doesn’t take into account the student applying for and potentially receiving a scholarship or grant from WGU or another source.

The bottom line is that we’ve done so much to secure our bag, we also have to be diligent to keep the bag; increase it and not leave anything on the table. I heard someone say the other day that they wanted all their coins, and guess what? Coins add up to dollars.

Making Transformative Changes to the Brookhill Community

By Valerie Hubbard

In 1950, when racial segregation in housing was the norm, Commercial Real Estate (CRE) developer, C.D. Spangler, Sr. — father of billionaire and former University of North Carolina System President C.D. Spangler, Jr. — built the Brookhill Village community, a 418-unit apartment complex for Black residents located near the intersection of South Tryon Street and Remount Road, the area now known as South End.

Spangler built the rental units with a 99-year land lease stipulating that only the buildings, not the ground on which the buildings sit, can be sold — and when the lease ends, the land and all improvements on it will go to the Spangler family. Consequently, very little upkeep or improvements have been made to the buildings over the past 72 years.

Recently, several developers purchased the community lease with plans to redevelop it with both affordable and market-rate housing; however, most of those plans would have displaced the existing residents or failed for various other reasons.

“In 2019, I learned about Brookhill, understood the history and fell in love with the concept of redeveloping the community while still keeping the residents in place when a previous developer purchased it and was seeking additional funding,” said local businessman Mike Griffin of Griffin Brothers Companies.

After an unsuccessful Brookhill redevelopment attempt by the previous

developer, Griffin took over ownership of Brookhill in March.

As managing partner of Griffin Brothers Acquisitions real estate development company, Griffin also joined forces with Antoine Q. Dennard of Quore Real Estate Advisors, which was founded in partnership with Griffin

Above: The original Brookhill Village units were built in 1950 by Harvard Business School alumnus, C.D. Spangler Sr., who was also president of the University of North Carolina System for 11 years. Spangler died in 2018.

Brothers. Quore Real Estate Advisors, a boutique commercial real estate

Photo courtesy of Antoine Q. Dennard

Commercial real estate experts Mike Griffin (left) and Antoine Q. Dennard are planning to transform the Brookhill community with significant and lasting changes.

firm, brings a national perspective and forward-thinking approaches to real estate projects, said Dennard, who oversees the ongoing improvements at Brookhill.

Dennard, originally from Michigan, has more than 20 years’ experience in commercial real estate. He got his start in 2001 while working as a personal assistant to the CEO of Ford Land, a subsidiary

of Ford Motor company. That CEO gave Dennard a side CRE project, and while working on the project Dennard quickly developed a knack for turning around distressed assets.

Since then, Dennard has managed many diverse real estate projects in the United States and Canada. In 2009, he moved to Charlotte to further his career and worked on numerous high-profile projects for various CRE companies, including JLL, a world leader in real estate services.

“The redevelopment of Brookhill was definitely part of the conversation when we decided to form the collaborative business partnership, Quore,” said Griffin. Dennard agreed.

“When that 2019 deal failed this year, we also learned that some of the current residents would have been displaced,” Griffin added. “We wanted to do something to help combat the growing lack of affordable housing here in Charlotte, so we took over the remaining 27 years of the land lease, which will end in the fall of 2049.”

Quore Real Estate Advisors will lead the Brookhill planned development, which

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will include identifying opportunities for innovation and tactics for community sustainability, affordability and longterm success, said Dennard.

Committed to Quore’s mission to “transform communities for the better,” Griffin and Dennard shared some of their plans for this innovative redevelopment plan. “Brookhill is a big property [approximately 40 acres], so there will be multiple initiatives on the property,” explained Griffin.

“But the short-term priority is to take care of the existing families there by improving their units,” he added, “which Antoine is doing right now, and to demolish the [remaining] vacant units as soon as possible. Then Phase 1 of the future redevelopment stage may begin in about two to four years.

“When we took over the property, there were approximately 320 units, many of which were vacant,” Dennard noted. “But there are only about 100 existing residents. Right now, our vision is to refresh the existing units closest to South Tryon Street and Remount Road

to what we’ll name ‘workforce housing,’ he said — instead of ‘affordable housing,’ which often has a negative connotation to it. This will take about six months to one year.”

He added, “To achieve our demolition plans, we’re going to consolidate some of the residents into fewer buildings, as the existing 100 tenants are currently pretty scattered. When we consolidate the buildings, we will be refreshing the units, since many of them have not been touched since 1951, or the 1970s,” he said. “This will ultimately be a mixeduse, reimagined development that

consists of workforce housing, marketrate/multi-family housing, achievable housing, office and retail space,” Dennard added.

Refreshing the units involves Quore painting them, fixing flooring, adding HVAC units, new kitchen appliances, new bathroom fixtures and new LED lighting, said Dennard.

“Making these crucial upgrades for existing residents, in good standing, will also provide the time needed to build new units for existing tenants in a few years, and our goal is not to have to increase the rent,” Griffin said. P

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“We wanted to do something to help combat the growing lack of affordable housing here in Charlotte, so we took over the remaining 27 years of the land lease, which will end in the fall of 2049.”

— Mike Griffin, Griffin Brothers Companies

“Art is the common ground that connects us.”

— Georgie Nakima

A Charlotte Artist Makes Murals to Transform Spaces

By Rosanny Crumpton

You may have seen the colorful public art display at Independence Park in the Elizabeth neighborhood. What you may or may not know is how this vibrant public artwork came to be, the local artist behind it and her vision for this project.

Local artist Georgie Nakima was commissioned by the Arts and Science Council for this mural design through a formal selection process. Four artists submitted their proposals and Georgie’s design was selected among the entries. Georgie participated in various meetings with community arts organizations and

groups. Meetings were organized and led by a member of the Arts and Science Council. Final revisions were made, and the timeline was set all before the public artwork you can

Left: An interior mural at the Credit Karma satellite office in Ballantyne by Georgie Nakima Center: Georgie Nakima's sculpture, "Mwanzo"

Right: Mural at Independece Park by Georgie Nakima

see and experience today was commenced. The mural was funded by Mecklenburg County. It is located at the exterior of the park’s maintenance shop.

Georgie’s vision for this project was to produce “a boundless representation of inclusivity.” It was designed with the idea for community members and visitors to get a sense of empowerment and wonder when they visit the art display. While Georgie’s art all varies, a theme that you’ll see among her work is bold colors, geometrical patterns, people and nature. On the bio on her website, Georgie shares: “Today, I’m

Photos by

Georgie

Nakima

Photo by Rico Yasse

empowered to plant seeds of art and science together in hopes to carry conversations of well-being, nature preservation and humanity.”

Public art is important to support for various reasons. For Georgie it’s “to keep the art alive.” Georgie added that it’s about increasing peace, community, and curiosity. “As high-rise buildings and highways keep us busy and separate, art becomes the conduit and common ground that connects and inspires the human spirit.”

Georgie is a proud alum of Northwest School of the Arts and Winston Salem State University. She explained that while proud of her education that nurtured her sense of wonder and research, her artistry was also developed beyond the classroom.

“Growing up my father was the best artist I knew and could sketch with acute realism,”

she said. “My mother was my favorite teacher, and also a pretty good painter—she would help me practice drawing faces when I was a kid.” Georgie’s path to art started as a small child drawing on walls, a foreshadowing of her future as a muralist. “Self-expression has always been extremely close to me,” she added. Georgie said she derives inspiration from God, nature and the Black diaspora.

The mural design in the Elizabeth neighborhood is one of many public works of art that Georgie has created. Georgie is the creator of various displays around Charlotte, including:

• The public art at the parking deck at Camp North End

• The interior mural at the Credit Karma satellite office in Ballantyne

• The interior mural at the Lending Tree headquarters in Charlotte

• A solo exhibit at the Mint Museum Uptown

• The permanent mural and sculpture installation at East Town Market, 3116 Milton Road

• The “M” in the Black Lives Matter Mural on the 200 block of S. Tryon Street Uptown (also featured in Elle Magazine)

• The exterior mural in South End at 333. W. Bland St. (commissioned by the City of Charlotte)

• The Henry L. McCrorey Branch YMCA basketball court mural commissioned by Xbox and 2k Foundations, and other projects.

Georgie’s art has also been commissioned for various notable organizations and galleries across the country and in Costa Rica. Follow her journey on Instagram @gardenofjourney and her website: gardenofjourney.com/matter. P

“Today, I’m empowered to plant seeds of art and science together in hopes to carry conversations of wellbeing, nature preservation and humanity.”

— Georgie Nakima

Photo by Georgie Nakima

Photo by Brooke Brown

Left: Artist Georgie Nakima; Right: Mural at Independece Park by Georgie Nakima

Four years. For you.

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Enslaved individuals were buried in a separate section of Old Settlers' Cemetery in Charlotte on the Poplar Street side where the land was low and swampy. Most markers were made of wood and have decayed, leaving the graves unmarked.

Teen Creates Map Showing the History of Slavery in Charlotte

By Brenda Porter-Rockwell

What started as a Girl Scouts service award project for 18-year-old Alexia Alexander, has blossomed into a long-term partnership with two local museums.

Alexander created “Charlotte’s Lost Slavery History” digital map to earn her Girl Scout Gold Award with the local Hornets’ Nest Council. The award is similar to a Boy Scout Distinguished Eagle Scout award. A Google map and related handout highlight 18 Uptown Charlotte sites organized as a walking tour, exploring areas where enslaved people once lived and worked, and even where they were sold. Find the Google

map by searching keywords “Google map” and “Charlotte’s Lost Slavery History” on Google Search.

“I was determined to earn my Gold Award … because it is a special award. Only about 5 percent of Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award, and it takes one to two years. So, it is a serious commitment,” she said.

To date, Alexander’s map has more than 7,000 hits. With support from the Charlotte Museum of History and The Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Arts + Culture (Gantt Center), the project could reach many more.

Next year, “The museum hopes to host a guided walking tour led by a local historian who can help visitors in Uptown grapple with these stories,” said Nolan

Dahm, Charlotte Museum of History adult education specialist.

This fall, the Gantt Center will help boost the project’s reach by marketing with QR code technology. “With this code, we are now developing a rack card that will be placed in our institution and other organizations in Charlotte. The QR code and summary information will also be included on the Gantt Center rack card, which reaches thousands of visitors in the Charlotte airport, area hotels and select restaurants,” said Bonita Buford, chief operating officer for The Gantt Center.

“I just want people to know some of these facts and to put names to the unknown people who helped build

Alexia Alexander, who created the “Charlotte’s Lost Slavery History” digital map, graduated from Myers Park High School in Charlotte. She now attends North Carolina State University. Here she is with her dog, Zola.

The Dorcas Burton Window is part of Grace AME Zion Church at 219 South Brevard St. in Charlotte, which was built in 1902. A former slave, Dorcas Burton, donated the window to the church so that she could enjoy it while she was still alive.

Charlotte. [The map] helps people learn new things,” Alexander said.

Choosing a project idea

Getting started wasn’t easy. Having moved through the Girl Scouts ranks, earning the Gold Award meant receiving the highest accolade available to Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors. The project tasked her with finding and researching an important community issue that would make lasting change. In addition, Alexander had to write a proposal, gather experts on the topic and develop an adult support team, all while maintaining top grades in high school.

An animal science major at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, Alexander naturally first turned to a local shelter, which needed their entryway painted and their building pressure washed. Unfortunately, that wasn’t a big enough community impact. Next, she considered the Civil Rights Movement or Charlotte’s Second Ward High School, but their histories had been covered.

“When my mother saw that I was stalling in filling out the paperwork she sat me down and asked what would excite me. The thing I had been most excited about recently was learning about Black history in a class I took at Myers Park High School in my junior year. I just didn’t know how to use that in a project,” Alexander recalled.

Her mother, Bernice Clark, was her biggest fan, and some of her Girl Scouts troop leaders also guided her through library research and edited her project details.

“I wanted to do something that wasn’t so well known. I was especially interested in Black people in Charlotte before the Civil War. My father’s family can be traced to the 1840s in Charlotte and I am almost certain they were enslaved. That was a starting point for me wanting to find out what their lives were like,” she said.

For experts on local African American history, she turned to Dahm at the Charlotte Museum of History.

“We were happy to help connect her with experts in the field who directed her to some great archives and historic resources around the city,” explained Dahm.

The Gantt Center was also happy to help since it is the first stop on the map.

“We were excited and proud to connect with Alexia on such a rich, historical initiative which would educate so many people in our community — many who are unaware of the history of slavery in our own backyard,” said Buford.

Newly-freed slaves started the First United Presbyterian Church in 1865 after the Civil War ended. The old church was housed in an old Confederate hospital building. The current church at 406 N. College St. in Charlotte was built in 1896.

Living history

Among the many facts Alexander learned while researching the project were stories of enslaved people sold at the old Charlotte courthouse at the intersection of Trade and Tryon Streets.

“The building is gone, but the location is only a block off the intersection of Trade and Tryon streets. I have been to Charleston, South Carolina. I knew there was a slave market there, but it had never really hit me that such a thing happened right here in my hometown. Seeing a picture of the building where it happened was sad,” said Alexander.

Another fact that stuck with her: gold mines running beneath the streets of Charlotte.

“Hundreds of enslaved people worked in those mines. I wonder what it was like for them every day to go down into a dark and dangerous situation and not even get to keep the gold they were mining?” she said.

Alexander added, “Black people helped build and maintain the railroad, too. So, I began to see that a lot of the things that kept the city running and that helped build Charlotte was the work that enslaved people did.”

She also can’t forget the stories of local runaway slaves.

“I think it was a hard choice to run away because there wasn’t really anywhere to go that was safe,” Alexander said. “Their dream, I think, was to make it to the North, but that is a long way from Charlotte. The fact that so many people ran away shows how desperate they were.”

Alexia Alexander

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Leaving Racism and Confederate History Behind

New Charlotte street names honor African American history.

consultant for the Legacy Commission and historian for the Levine Museum of the New South, presented several Charlotte street names that honored slave owners, champions of the Confederacy, and proponents of white supremacy, many of which were situated in historically Black neighborhoods. The commission ultimately recommended nine streets to Charlotte City Council to be named.

“[Dr. Griffin] gave the Legacy Commission a talk called ‘Slavery, the Civil War and the rise of white supremacy in Charlotte, and that was just so invaluable to helping us understand how the streets had been named,” Emily Zimmern, appointed Legacy Commission chair, said.

By Anders J. Hare Photos courtesy of the City of Charlotte

Ablanketing of social and political unrest happened in 2020, as Americans reckoned with how to move forward following the murders of George Floyd and Ahmaud Arbery, as well as the killing of Breonna Taylor. Many discussed the systemic racism and white supremacy sewed into the fabric of our country’s history and questioned how to effectively denounce these ideologies from our society.

That summer, Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles gathered 15 historians, journalists and public servants to form the Charlotte Legacy Commission. The team worked to eliminate the memorialization of slave owners, Confederate leaders and white supremacists on city street signs to “create a new symbolic landscape that represents

the dynamic and diverse city Charlotte has become and reflective of the inclusive vision it strives to achieve,” according to the city of Charlotte.

Dr. Karen Cox, consultant for the Legacy Commission and professor of history at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (UNCC), and Dr. Willie Griffin,

Over the course of about six months, the commission deliberated over responses to a community survey the city of Charlotte conducted in communities and surrounding areas where the old street names existed to help find names that would serve and honor the people of Charlotte.

Zimmern, who served as the President and CEO of the Levine Museum of the New South from 1995 to 2015, said the commission collected over 1,500 completed surveys.

The new names of streets became effective from September 2021 through the summer of 2022.

Streets like Barringer Drive in West Charlotte, named for slave owner John Paul Barringer and his sons who espoused white supremacy ideas, were renamed to reflect the history and impact of Black residents

Emily Zimmern

Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles stands behind the Druid Hills Way sign which replaces Jefferson Davis Street.

“The people who write the history, get to put their spin on it and it’s important to look and say, ‘Wait, who is writing this? And what is their spin? And do we want to change that spin and rewrite it in a different way?”

— Mary Newsom, Legacy Commission member

where the streets are located. Barringer Drive, for example, was renamed Revolution Park Drive on May 23, 2022, honoring the history of the once-segregated Revolution Park and Dr. Charles L. Sifford Golf Course.

“The most touching [part] to me was people who lived on streets like Jefferson Davis Street [renamed Druid Hills Way] which is in the middle of the African American neighborhood Druid Hill and residents there said, ‘This could have happened years and decades ago,’” Zimmern said. “The sentiment was, ‘We’ve lived with this affront every day, and I hope they really do it this time kind of thing,’” she said.

Mary Newsom, a member of the Legacy Commission and former director of Urban Policy Initiatives at the UNCC Urban Institute, said the actions of the commission open more doors for questioning the past.

Left: Former residents of the Brooklyn community pose at the unveiling of the Brooklyn Village Avenue sign which replaces Stonewall Street. Above: Phifer Avenue is renamed Montford Point Street and honors the legacy of the first African Americans that enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1942.

about the neighborhoods. And so having those name changes brings it back to light. It lets people see that Charlotte is an inclusive city, and that we are looking to highlight the history of all people, not just one people or one era.” P

“You start looking at why and the context and the why things happen in the context within which they happen are a really important piece of history. It’s not just dates and names, it’s context and cause,” Newsom said.

“The people who write the history, get to put their spin on it and it’s important to look and say, ‘Wait, who is writing this? And what is their spin? And do we want to change that spin and rewrite it in a different way?’” she added.

Nearly two years after the Charlotte Legacy Commission finished the project, its recommendations continue to have an impact on Charlotteans and their knowledge of the city’s history. Dr. Kelley Eaves-Boykin, Chairwoman of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Black Heritage Committee and a Charlotte native, said the changes bring a sense of pride to Charlotteans.

“Charlotte has a huge African American presence and lots of African Americans that made great history,” Dr. Eaves-Boykin said. “One of the things with the Charlotte Mecklenburg Black Heritage Committee is we’re out here making sure that people understand that we did have a history.”

She added, “We have so many people transplanting into Charlotte, and they don’t know about Brooklyn, they don’t know

“Charlotte has a huge African American presence and lots of African Americans that made great history.”

— Dr. Kelley Eaves-Boykin,Chairwoman of the CharlotteMecklenburg Black Heritage Committee

Giving Through the Seasons of Life

From giving today to support the causes you value – to ensuring a better tomorrow for future generations – your local community foundation can help you and your family make a lasting charitable impact.

Join others with a common vision by partnering with Foundation For Black Philanthropy, an affiliate of Foundation For The Carolinas. You can focus on the joy of giving while uplifting the power of Black philanthropy. Visit www.fftc.org/FFBP to learn more.

Hearing Health Can You Hear Me Now?

By John Burton Jr.

We have become a noisy society. Our exposure to noise, both the duration and decibels, has drastically increased. Too much loud noise in our everyday lives from sources such as lawnmowers, leaf blowers or loud concerts can be problematic because it could lead to hearing loss, according to hearing experts.

“Hearing loss is a critical public health issue that affects the ability of millions of Americans to effectively communicate in their daily social interactions,” said Robert M. Califf, M.D., Commissioner of Food and Drugs at the Food and Drug Administration. The National Institutes of Health contends hearing loss is estimated to affect about 48 million Americans. Hearing loss is the third most common chronic health condition in the U.S., according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Continual exposure to noise can cause stress, anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, heart disease and many other health problems.

Anyone can experience hearing loss, regardless of age, race, gender, heredity or geography. Aging, heredity, and chronic exposure to loud noises are all traditional contributors to hearing loss. Many people believe that practicing good hearing health is only important for older populations; but, hearing experts say that is not the case.

“Hearing loss problems in the elderly are the same as for those in any other time in life,” said Dr. Ashley Cheese, audiologist with Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat

Associates in Concord, North Carolina. “Preventing noise exposure when young can better preserve your hearing ability as you age,” Cheese added. Monitoring the volume and the amount of exposure to the volume is critical, even in younger years. About 53 percent of people 20 to 69 years old have hearing damage from noise not attributed to on-the-job exposure.

Hearing loss progresses gradually. As with most other ailments, hearing loss comes with warning signs and symptoms. Common symptoms include muffled speech, frequently asking others to repeat themselves, difficulty understanding words in quiet settings or with background noise, and tinnitus. Hearing issues can also become psychological as individuals with hearing loss may start to withdraw from social activities because of their hearing difficulties. This social isolation can have a negative impact on their cognitive health as well.

Most forms of hearing loss are treatable. Some can be easily remedied by practicing good ear hygiene — general cleaning and removal of excessive earwax buildup. At home or work, wear hearing protective aids like ear muffs, ear plugs, foam inserts or noise-canceling headphones with activities such as mowing the lawn, using leaf blowers or power tools. In social settings, monitor music and television volumes as well as prolonged exposure to loud music and noise at concerts and sporting events. Excessive use of earbuds and headphones is not that harmful, but volume levels are key.

“I like to tell my patients, ‘If someone is sitting next to you and they can clearly hear what you’re listening to, the volume is too loud,’” Cheese said. “The louder the sound, the shorter amount of time it takes for damage to occur,” she added.

Hearing aids remain one of the most familiar treatments for hearing difficulty. There has long been a stigma associated with hearing devices. Research shows that close to 30 million Americans could benefit from using them. “I do occasionally have patients that are resistant to hearing aids due to their perception that the devices make them ‘old,’” Cheese said. However new technology has improved their function and manageability, and makes them more discreet, so they are hardly noticed. The devices are still costly, though, ranging from $3,000 to $5,000.

In August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule establishing a new category of over-the-counter hearing aids, which will enable individuals with mild to moderate hearing impairment to purchase directly from stores and online retailers without medical exams, prescriptions or professional fittings. Over-the-counter device technology is not comparable to those offered in a clinical setting, but they still provide a means of support and an alternative to traditional prescriptive devices.

If telephone conversations have become increasingly challenging or if others seem to question why the volume of the TV or radio is so loud, it may be time to speak with a medical professional. Hearing health is a critical component of your overall well-being. Once it’s gone, you can’t get it back.

Dr. Ashley Cheese, audiologist with Charlotte Eye Ear Nose & Throat Associates in Concord, North Carolina

Photo courtesy of Ashley Cheese

Wake Coffee Offers Southern Hospitality with an Upscale Vibe

By Lelita Cannon

Adaughter of immigrants and native of North Carolina, Amber Gordon had been volunteering and serving others with a spirit of excellence for five years at her church’s java shoppe. It was there that she fell in love with coffee. A descendant of entrepreneurs, she grew up spending time in her parents’ Denver, Stanley and Gastonia, North Carolina, restaurants after school. She learned the value of hard work and how rewarding it was for her mother and father. “I remember the intentional conversations my parents were able to have and the hospitality they rolled out for others every day. I always knew I wanted to serve others in some capacity. I also just wanted to pay tribute to their legacy while leaving one for my children,” Gordon said.

For years, Gordon worked for others, and no matter the role occupied, she remained extremely passionate about fulfilling her duties. She was a natural leader who would go above and beyond what was required of her without soliciting recognition or a pat on the back. She believes, “What we really have that can never be taken is our character.” She began to understand how limited she was in her roles throughout the years and ultimately realized she had more to give. When her husband learned of her disenchantment, he encouraged her to pursue her passions.

That’s when the vision for Wake Coffee was born. Gordon, founder

of Wake Coffee Co., wanted to offer Southern hospitality replete with an upscale vibe. Her target customer

One of the most challenging aspects for Gordon since opening has been staffing. “We look for people that push to thrive at work and in life. This demand enables each person to grow and glow with us,” she said. “Finding diligent workers that excel and are fueled by a passion for world class service and excellence is sometimes hard to find. Our style can be intense. We believe in showing grace while learning our culture.” Her formula for a successful business includes, “hard work, grit, integrity, inclusion, and generosity,” she added.

is everyone. But particularly those who appreciate crafted and creative drinks from coffee to cocktails and specialty teas like boba. Pastries and charcuterie are also offered in this posh atmosphere. Wake Coffee welcomes any guest who desires an elevated experience, as well as those who work remotely; the business offers boutique, rentable workspaces.

The most satisfying component about making Wake a reality for Gordon has been “demo,” she said. “Gutting this dated building was the most fun. I remember sitting on our boat at Mountain Island Lake and sketching out our dream coffee and champagne bar. We took that and met with our general contractor. Watching that unfold was challenging and satisfying.” She also enjoys training and educating the staff. “Teaching staff to be relationally healthy, hospitable, generous, to lead and carry excellence into their personal lives and relationships” is a key factor in Gordon’s instructional protocol.

Gordon’s future goals for Wake Coffee include plans for expansion and continued growth — possibly in South End Charlotte and Cornelius — and not just physically, but in leadership.

Wake Coffee aspires to make an edifying, indelible mark on their surrounding community.

Visit Wake Coffee online at wakecoffeeco.com or at their Charlotte brick and mortar location at: 3611 Mt. Holly-Huntersville Road, Suite 201, Charlotte, North Carolina.

Amber Gordon (right), founder of Wake Coffee Co., and her husband Taniq Gordon

By John Burton Jr.

Atrium Health President and CEO Given National Leadership Award

The National Center for Healthcare Leadership (NCHL) announced Eugene A. Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health, has been named the 2022 Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence Award recipient.

For more than 16 years, this award and celebratory event honors a health care leader whose commitment, values, and contributions have improved the health of the public through leadership and organizational excellence. The Gail L. Warden Leadership Excellence Award was named in honor of Gail L. Warden, founding chairman of NCHL, president emeritus of Henry Ford Health System, and one of health care’s foremost leaders. This distinction recognizes Woods’ remarkable accomplishments as an innovator in health care delivery, community wellness, and health policy and as a mentor and inspiration to future generations.

“Gene’s unwavering leadership and impact extend beyond just Atrium Health and is helping to reshape how we approach health care across the entire nation. I am extremely proud of Gene and can think of no one more deserving to receive this honorable award,” said Edward J. Brown, chair of the Atrium Health Enterprise Board.

Rosy Crumpton Named to NSBA Leadership Council

Rosy Crumpton, an integrative Health Coach at Sophrosyne Wellness in Mint Hill, was recently named to the National Small Business Association (NSBA) Leadership Council. NSBA is the nation’s oldest small-business advocacy organization and operates on a staunchly basis. The NSBA Leadership Council also provides valuable networking between small-business advocates from across the country while ensuring small businesses a seat at the table as Congress and regulators take up key small-business proposals.

“I am proud to have Rosy Crumpton as part of our Leadership Council. She came to us highly recommended, and I look forward to our coordinated efforts for years to come,” said NSBA President and CEO Todd McCracken.Rosy Crumpton

Eugene A. Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health

Photo courtesy of Johnson C. Smith University

Atrium Health and JCSU Collaborate to Enhance Student Health Center

For decades, students, faculty and staff at Johnson C. Smith University have had convenient access to its on-campus health center. When students returned to campus this fall, they discovered expanded offerings as a result of a new partnership between the university and Atrium Health. As part of the Charlotte Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative, Atrium Health committed $3 million in support of JCSU. Roughly half will go to staff and support the JCSU Health Center as part of a multiyear agreement coordinated through Atrium Health Employer Services. The partnership will offer comprehensive acute care and primary care.

Other features include a new on-site pharmacy; health literacy resources for students, faculty and staff; and integrated electronic medical records to improve the continuity of care when on or off campus.

“We are proud to partner with JCSU to provide top-notch health care to the university’s students, faculty and staff, as well as invest in a talent pipeline to educate and train students who dream of becoming health care professionals,” said Eugene A. Woods, president and CEO of Atrium Health.

Branding Content Agency Receives Top Industry Honors

North Carolina-based branded content agency and production studio Wright Creative received top honors at the Association of National Advertisers 2022 Global ACE Awards at Forbes on Fifth in New York City. Wright Creative was recognized for creating high-quality, compelling content across multiple categories. The Global ACE Awards recognizes the best business-to-business (B2B) creative agencies from around the world. Wright Creative took home four prestigious Global ACE awards for their work in content marketing, proprietary virtual and face-to-face events and photography/illustration.

“When your passion aligns with your mission, you can’t help but do good work,” said Heather Keets Wright, Wright Creative’s CEO. “We’re honored to be recognized and excited to keep doing impactful work for our clients.” P

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Our NC locations are in Charlotte, Monroe, Albemarle, Locust and Gastonia. In South Carolina location is in Rock Hill. Come visit us today by appointment or walk-in today and leave with your Primary Care Provider for tomorrow. We are excited to serve you all!

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