Our Mission
Creating environments that promote growth and development through collaborative programs.
Our Vision
To accelerate economic upward mobility in a way that decreases the adverse impact on the life trajectory of those living in poverty.
Family-Oriented
Providing programs and initiatives that empower and strengthen inner-city urban families.
Community-Based
The center is located within the Greater Charlotte community it serves
Partnership-Driven
Establishing collaborative working relationships with other agencies, private and public, that will link with this organization in providing services for the families
Faith-Based
This organization provides a healthy environment and promotes Christian biblical values that nourish the whole person.
Multi-Service
Provides a matrix of services that will meet the needs of the urban family
Social Justice
We believe people are created in the image and likeness of God and recognize their worthiness. Beyond personal sin, there also exist social, economic, and political sins that create systemic injustice which oppresses people and demeans human dignity.
Any injustice or disrespect for human life is an insult to God. While all people are in need of God’s love and healing, we are especially concerned about the poor and the adverse effects on those living in poverty. Therefore, we humbly yet boldly accept the call to be a lighthouse, spiritually and socially, in the community, sharing the redemptive and liberating power of Jesus Christ, engaged in personal, spiritual, and social transformation, and committed to the struggle for justice.
Background
•Economic mobility is specifically defined as the ability of a child born in the bottom income quintile to rise to the top income quintile as an adult
•Child and family stability and social capital are two important determinants for leveling up*
•Relationships, role models, and experiences are important to help children and youth see possibilities for their lives outside their current circumstances
•Neighborhoods are fragile and plagued with abject poverty, deterioration of the family structure, poor health and wellness, as well as the decline in educational pursuits
*Leading on Opportunity Report 2017
Why Charlotte?
•Income Inequality Score of -19 vs. -5.5*
•Lower life expectancy of about 4 years*
•Less than 23% of the population have a bachelor’s degree
•Unemployment rate of 6.7% vs. NC average of 5.1% and the national average of 3.8%
•Poverty rate: 19.1% vs. national avg. 14.7
* 500-city average