E-NEWS Community
LANC is a nonprofit law firm that provides free civil legal services to low-income individuals & families, ensuring that justice is a right for all, not a privilege for few The ILM office supports 8 counties, working to remove barriers that prevent neighbors from achieving long-term stability & economic independence
LANC advocates for survivors of domestic violence, protects tenants from unlawful eviction, & secures essential healthcare & government benefits for veterans & seniors.
Through the Second Chance Wilmington, LANC provides legal assistance with criminal record expunctions & driver’s license restoration By clearing these hurdles, Legal Aid helps justice-involved individuals regain access to employment, stable housing & professional licenses, directly reducing recidivism & strengthening the local workforce.
We look forward to the full ILM office moving onto campus in September 2026!
April 8 3:00pm Main Library
Click to RegisterRegistration is encouraged, but not required
April 2026
LINC
LINC, Inc., through its suite of programs, provides transitional living and supportive case management to meet the immediate needs of men and women returning from prison, assisting them in becoming productive members of the community. LINC, Inc. operates the Marvin E. Roberts Transitional Living Campus which offers shelter, food & clothing in a therapeutic environment for men and women who have been recently released from State and/or Federal prisons or local jails LINC, Inc also runs justiceinvolvement diversion programs for youth.
Hisan J. PolkTransformation Academy (HJP Academy), currently in planning, is envisioned as a cornerstone initiative. It will combine educational, vocational & empowerment to support transformation for at-risk youth.The capital campaign aims to underwrite the building and operational launch of the Academy, enabling long‑term, sustainable community impact.
Join LINC on 4/24 at 7:30am for coffee in HC Suite 430
Follow LINC’s socials for #secondchanceinspiration throughout April!
presented by
We are grateful for the sponsors already listed here Their support fuels the 40+ nonprofits at The Harrelson Center every day We have room for you! Sponsor by April 8 to be on the tractor banner!
April 23rd 9:00-4:00 Genteel | Atkinson
We’d love to have you spend the day in the country with us!
This 850-acre retreat offers a stunning backdrop for a day of sport & fellowship, all to raise essential operating funds that allow us to advance, connect & empower our integrated campus of humanitarian nonprofits
This event, presented by Sun Coast Partners Commercial, is a favorite among our supporters for its unique mix of heritage and competition.
Skeet Shooting Archery Fishing PropertyTours
MOI Lunch Buffet
Raffle & Online Auction Live Music & Awards
Your Purpose is in Bloom. You are invited!
Parking: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church at 6 & Market Streets th
8:30 | Check-in, Coffee &Yogurt Bar
9:00 | Program
Meade Van Pelt, The Harrelson Center
Celia Rivenbark, Humor Columnist & Author
Rose Tatum, Volunteer Leadership Lab
9:30 |The Interactive Hour: Visit our "Tools for Success" stations to collect flowers while connecting with local leadership & resilience experts
10:00 | GuidedTour: See how your purpose takes root across campus
Extra Extra! We'll have another tour at 12noon andYoga at 1pm
State of Nonprofits Project
Indeed we do
We’re convening nonprofit leaders staff, board, and funders to launch a movement that:
clearly demonstrates our sector’s impact on community wellness, safety & stability reinforces the critical need to fund nonprofit operations & innovation strengthens our peer network for resilience, learning, collaborative problem-solving
At our March 26 gathering, we explored: State of Nonprofits (QENO & Cape Fear Collective initiative)
Risk Aversion - white paper by Bright Signal on the cost of the nonprofit sector being unsupported The real value of volunteerism with Volunteer Leadership Lab.
Coming soon: an advocacy workshop for leadership & building a campaign.
To be added to NMB communications, email Haley
Stronger organizations. Healthier leaders. Better Outcomes.
Cape Fear Collective & UNCW's Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations (QENO) program, with support from the Landfall Foundation, are building the first comprehensive picture of NHC's nonprofit sector.
The State of Nonprofits Project is pulling together data from tax records, grant reports & direct community input to create an interactive dashboard, a plain-language report & a public dataset tools designed to help funders, policymakers & nonprofits make more coordinated, data-informed decisions
We are in phase one: data collection. Please visit capefearcollective.org/sonp project/ & click Get Involved to complete the Community Engagement Questionnaire or reach out directly at data@capefearcollective.org.
If you lead or work at a nonprofit in or serving NHC,The State of NonprofitsTeam needs to hear from you.
Together, we can build a baseline & a system where shared understanding leads to more impact, investment, and resiliency for our nonprofit sector.
The Undercurrent: Commentary
from and about the Nonprofit Sector
Visit our website and click on the Newsworthy tab to check out our blog, The Undercurrent. This is a blog platform (with audio) for ideas for and commentary about our nonprofit community. Discover new resources. Dive into trends. Find agreement or disagreement. Anyone with an informed perspective is welcome to submit a column for consideration.
Latest post: Why Nonprofits Resist Change — and How We Help Them Move Forward
Campus Tours
Apr. 7 & 16
May 5 & 21
1 Tu. & 3 Th. st rd 12-1:00pm Meet in Welcome Center
150+ teenagers
from Help Hub Supporting Churches came together on March 15 for Be the Light!
Middle & high schoolers rotated through a meal together, games, and conversation about neuroplasticity and how Romans 12:2 can impact our brains.
Ten churches came together to gather supplies to pack over 100 Easter Baskets for Foster Pantry!
“Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God what is good and acceptable and perfect.” -Romans 12:2
Help Hub Housing Navigation
Help Hub has been seeing the impact of abnormally high electric bills. Clients’ bills ranged from $300-600 for 1 month of usage.
First quarter, Help Hub invested $52,744 to guarantee continued heat & utility services in 208 households. In the last 3 years, Help Hub has supplemented over $500,000 in Duke utility payments to avoid disconnection. NC is second highest utility disconnection state in the country, with Duke actively proposing an 18% increase to the NC Utilities Commission. Consider how you might take action.
A recent client shared this note, reinforcing that Help Hub is more than emergency financial assistance - it’s a place where people feel seen, heard, and supported. Petition
Snack Bags/ Supplies Needed!
We need help providing a nourishing boost for our neighbors who visit the Welcome Center & Help Hub!
Sign up to bring in preassembled snack bags (great service project for your group!) or the bring the supplies by and our volunteers will assemble the bags.
Our Housing Navigation program has served as a vital lifeline for dozens of NHC residents & is now working with clients from Brunswick & Pender Counties.
The following testimonial comes from a client who recently completed our 90-day program.
“I believe your services are at a level that most people find goes beyond what a reasonable person would expect anyone to do for them I really appreciate the financial help I received as well as the emotional support In the past I was always able to meet my responsibilities, but this past year proved to be a great challenge to me emotionally and financially Your organization is a Godsend Thanks so much”
Program Eligibility:
NH, Brunswick, or Pender County resident Stable income Currently housed Non-HOP participant
news partner
Operation Pretty Things
Proceeds to benefit the Operation Pretty Things Lockerbox Initiative.
Soaring As Eagles
Peer Recovery Resources
Philippians 3 Ministries
Philippians 3 operates a high-end boutique that provides no-cost professional wardrobes to individuals in transition. By offering a curated shopping experience rather than a standard handout, they help neighbors feel empowered as they re-enter the workforce.
The Kairos Center
Saturday Academy is well underway! Follow us on Facebook for Inspired Minds updates!
The Salvation Army A Bike for Every Child
The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope is actively ramping up to their 75 clients (+children) with nightly programming along with their daily community dinners for residents and nonresidents.
Social Services Office Hours at HC: Food Pantry: Tu & Th, 9-11am Financial Assistance Tu-Th, 1-3pm
Cape Fear Latinos
Catholic Charities
Sort baby clothes
Pick up donations
Sort fresh foods
Organize the food pantry
Assist clients at the food pantry
Pack healthy food boxes
Load the truck for mobile pantry
Help with disaster relief services
Call our office (910-251-8130), Tuesday-Friday, from 9:00-11:30am, to learn more.
Community Care LCF
Collaboration was on full display at the 2026 Health Access Research Symposium last month, which brought together advocates, providers, and leaders from across Southeastern NC to discuss topics on advancing health access.
We’re proud that CCLCF, alongside Harrelson Center’s Help Hub and Cape Fear HealthNet, presented at the symposium! They were also honored with the Audience Award for their hard work and presentation skills!
Community Justice Center Family Promise
CJC Partner Domestic Violence Shelter & Services is Hiring an Outreach Coordinator/Advocate
Family Support Network
Virtual Support Group
Third Wednesdays
6pm
Email to join: Register.fsn@gmail.com
Free,Virtual Presentation:
Sign up to join here
Feast Down East
SaveThe Date! June 18 from 4:30-7:30pm HC’s Plaza on Princess
2026 is an exciting year as we celebrate 20 years of FDE! We hope you can join us in celebrating the organization throughout the year by attending an event or making a donation to continue to uplift our programs. Our organization wouldn’t be here today without your partnership and support.
Foster Pantry
Foster Pantry is making sure some 500 kids in New Hanover, Pender, Brunswick, Onslow, Columbus and Bladen counties will wake up to a little magic on Easter morning. With generous donations from Help Hub supporting churches and youth volunteers from HC's semi-annual Be The Light program, Easter baskets have been assembled for infants, toddlers, little kids and big kids each with age appropriate treats and
Many of these kids are going through big transitions, and a personalized basket is a simple way to let them know their community is rooting for them.
GHA Autism Supports
GHA provides supportive living services, community services, and vocational and supported employment opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum As the need for autism services continues to rise, we remain dedicated to thoughtful expansion and to strengthening partnerships throughout the greater Wilmington area
news associate partner
United Way CF Area
Voyage
April 28 3:30pm
The Eagle’s Dare
Gather in support of charitable causes & friendly competition! A 6-person adult team relay race open to any business that enjoys healthy competition & making an impact in our community.
Winning team receives a trophy & $500 to UWCFA partner charity of their choice Team costume contest winner gets $250 to donate to the partner charity of their choice. Register your team!
Yoga Village
Kicks off with a one-mile Fun Run! Please register; the first 300 kid participants will receive a free tshirt Visit our website to learn more - Sports Stations - Fun Run/Walk at 9:30 a m - Face Painting - Bounce Houses - Community Booths - Tons of FREE Giveaways and Prizes
A Safe Place Anthony’s Way
APRIL IS NEURODIVERSITY MONTH
a time to recognize that there is no one ‘right’ way for a brain to work A time to celebrate the beauty of different minds.
For those with ADHD and other neurodiverse conditions, life can come with challenges—but also incredible strengths like creativity, passion, and out-of-the-box thinking. It’s about recognizing that conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others are not deficits, but differences that bring unique strengths to our world.
This month isn’t just about awareness It’s about acceptance. It’s about inclusion. And most importantly it’s about kindness. Kindness creates space for people to be who they truly are.
Will you be the reason someone feels accepted today?
Cape Fear Collective
CFC is teaming up with UNCW’s QENO (Quality Enhancement for Nonprofit Organizations) to launch a comprehensive State of Nonprofits Project and create a shared baseline for NHC’s nonprofit sector. This project will culminate in a publicly available report and data dashboard designed to illuminate the sector's strengths, needs, and opportunities for collaborative impact Read more about it on page 3
CFC’s continued impact investing program is dedicated to preserving & renovating homes that can then be rented at an affordable rate CFC is saving homes, addressing the affordability crisis & creating a stronger, more equitable NC in the process.
Thursday | May 14 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Wilmington Convention Center
CF Guardian Ad Litem Assoc.
Caridad Cape Fear HealthNet
Child Development Center
CDC recently hosted a drum circle with Perry Smith from Turning the Wheel. "Mr Perry" is a master facilitator and musician and always gets people movin' and groovin'
His rhythm and percussion was a perfect combo for CDC kids and staff
As one of our region's safety net providers in the healthcare sector, Cape Fear HealthNet sees directly the health and welfare impacts of homelessness. Partnering with the Good Shepherd Center and other organizations, we are leaning into providing service to this vulnerable population. Read about it here.
This is a great opportunity for the community to safely dispose of their medications, syringes, pen needles, and more
Locations:
New Hanover Medical Plaza
2243 S 17th Street, Wilmington
Scotts Hill Outpatient Surgery Center 9104 Market Street, Wilmington
Church World Service Communities in Schools
ONAPRIL9TH
This fun event showcases summer fashions from some of the region’s finest local boutiques. Doors open at 11 a m for mimosa bar and silent auction Fashion show and plated luncheon kick off at noon.
The Fashion Show helps CIS fund services ranging from mentorship, tutoring, mental health resources, and basic need supports to ensure students can focus on learning and stay on track for graduation!
Click for details and tickets
April 18
Eden Village
NAMI offers a variety of educational peer-led mental health programs to our community.
With the unique understanding of people with lived experience, these programs provide outstanding free education, skills training and support.
We are excited to be continuing Cape Fear Enrichment Program’s gardening & composting efforts at Russell’s Reach Farm! Erin Gross will begin leading us in this program & we’ll meet every Thursday throughout the growing & harvesting season.
Learn to grow herbs, vegetables and fruits in raised garden beds and pots at beautiful Russell's Reach Farm (home of the Coastal Therapeutic Riding Program) There will be time to enjoy the farm animals too and enjoy time together.
THURSDAYS - starting April 9 10:00-12:00 Russell’s Reach Farm Register
Who or what uplifts you?
Who or what gives you
Who or what helps you get through hard times?
Notice how you feel when thinking about your answers
NAMI Wilmington
StepUp Wilmington Veteran’s Memorial Reef
Join us for a special gathering of community leaders, partners, and supporters as we celebrate impact and continue advancing our mission of connecting individuals to meaningful employment
RSVP Today
Smart Start of NHC
Register or become a sponsor
This is the formal ceremony with full Military Honors for each Veteran Families will have tents and seating, and Family Liaisons will greet them, assist with registration, and support them throughout the morning
From Boardroom to Ballroom: Host
your 2026 Events at
Whether you’re a nonprofit planning a 300-person black-tie gala, a small team hosting an intimate board training, or a corporate partner like GE Hitachi organizing a community-driven event—such as their annual Girls in Tech Summit—Plaza on Princess is your premier destination. Our versatile floor plan scales to meet your mission, no matter the size.
Join us at Magnolia Greens for golf and a ladies’ division— supporting 40+ HC nonprofits!
Thankful Hearts Day is a day of celebration & gratitude, welcoming in the spirit of the season A p r 2 3 A day of outdoor activities, food & live music on 850 acres, 20 minutes from downtown ILM
Visit our website to learn more & to request your reservation The Harrelson Center advances, connects & empowers an integrated humanitarian nonprofit community. S e p t . 1 4 N o v . 1 9