Home » Fall 2024

Brittany’s Story

Sometimes you can change a life by asking a simple question: “Are you okay?” Ada Jenkins Center client Brittany V* came to our offices seeking rental assistance for her mother. Our case manager, Grace, sensed that something else was wrong, so she asked Brittany: “Are you okay?” Brittany tearfully revealed that for years she had been experiencing domestic violence, and had been afraid to tell anyone what she was going through. Finally she knew she had to leave her home and relationship. Grace hugged her and told her we could help.

“I was never asked if I was okay before,” Brittany says, recalling how touched she was by Grace’s kindness. “I now believe that there are good people out there. Genuine heartfelt souls that care.”

Brittany opened up to Grace, who helped her get a fresh start – from access to our food pantry to domestic violence and legal counseling. Grace also helped her with a job search, and connected her with the nonprofit Dress for Success for interview clothing. Brittany now has a new job, and a caring community. For the first time in a long time, Brittany feels safe: “Knowing I’m not alone and that I have someone that I can always reach out for help [is] life-changing.”

*name changed to protect client privacy

 Polish for a Purpose

Tani'a

Many thanks to Cannon School senior Wyatt E., who volunteers at the Ada Jenkins Center and runs a car detailing business, Thrive Detailing. He recently combined these passions, hosting a fundraiser he called Polish for a Purpose, and contributing all the donations to the Ada Jenkins Center.

“I always knew there was a way I could help out AJC beyond simply volunteering and this fundraiser was exactly that,” Wyatt explained.

For youngsters who are looking for ways to give back to the community, Wyatt says: go for it! “Find something you really love and do it! As cliche as it sounds, I believe that committing to something and not looking back is a great way of getting something done. There were tons of instances where I second guessed myself and made mistakes, but I followed through and I made the impact I hoped to.”

We are so grateful to Wyatt for supporting the Ada Jenkins Center and the families we serve!

By the Numbers

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

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

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