E-NEWS Community
Foster Pantry’s mission is to ease the transitions of children in foster care by cultivating community support and equipping families and children with essential needs and resources
May is National Foster Care Month, dedicated to raising awareness about 391,000+ children & youth in the foster care system
Check out Foster Pantry’s 2025 by the numbers!
Next up at Foster Pantry: Graduation!
Help Foster Pantry celebrate this important milestone for seniors!
$105,000 & Counting!
What a spectacular day at Genteel! Because of your incredible generosity, we raised over $105,000 to advocate, connect, and empower our integrated humanitarion nonprofit community.
An event of this scale truly takes a village. Thank you to:
Sun Coast Partners Commercial for presenting this event
Our Sponsors:Your leadership fuels our community of nonprofits
Auction & Raffle Donors: your unique items raised our total
Attendees &Volunteers: You brought the spirit of the day to life on the range, at the flower table, and behind the scenes
Celebrating the Heart of ILM
We had a full house for Bloomin’with Gratitude, with 65+ organizations represented! Celia Rivenbark kept us laughing (& inspired)
Rose Tatum of Volunteer Leadership Lab shared our vision for ILMVolunteer Hub, a digital “matchmaker” designed to connect your skills & schedule with the nonprofits that need them most.
Missed the fun? Read Celia’s No Good Deeds Goes Smoothly...” on The Undercurrent.
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
Come by the Welcome Center, be inspired & share your “Why”
Dr Patton McDowell, of Armstrong McGuire, will be joining us for an open conversation about collectively developing a robust leadership training for local nonprofit leaders to thrive and advocate in the current landscape.
Patton brings 35+ years of experience in strengthening nonprofit impact through leadership, strategic planning, and fundraising. Most of his career has been in Charlotte, but with deep connections in Wilmington—notably from his tenure as Vice Chancellor for University Advancement at UNCW Patton knows the Cape Fear region. Check out his LinkedIn and podcast,Your Path to Nonprofit Leadership.
Stronger organizations. Healthier leaders. Better Outcomes. Register today!
The Undercurrent:
Commentary from and about the Nonprofit Sector
Our blog, The Undercurrent, is more than just words on a page, it’s a platform for commentary about our nonprofit sector (now with audio for your morning commute!).
Latest highlights:
Wes Magruder discusses the mission of CWS Wilmington’s Rise Up for Refuge Celia Rivenbark shares about volunteering in No Good Deed Goes Smoothly... and that’s OK
Campus Tours
New Associate Partner: Immigrant Allies Forum
We are excited to welcome Immigrant Allies Forum (IAF) to the HC Community!
IAF advocates for and assists immigrants in the Cape Fear Region.
The Power of Connection: IAF is already putting our HC network to work! After connecting at our Bloomin’ with Gratitude event, IAF connected with Feast Down East about helping our immigrant neighbors access affordable, fresh foods, adding to their ongoing partnership with CWS Wilmington & Cape Fear Latinos!
Learn more about IAF’s mission here
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.
Visit our website to learn more & to request your reservation
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
Help Hub Housing Navigation
In the past 90 days, Help Hub has welcomed 843 visitors. 49% of the individuals and families who came to us for emergency financial assistance were visiting for the first time.
148 of those visitors met with our Healthcare Navigator!
The value of this partnership with Community Care of Lower Cape Fear (CCLCF) was captured perfectly in a recent encounter A neighbor came to us seeking help with a utility bill, but as she struggled to read the paperwork, she shared that her failing vision had become a major hurdle
Our advisor introduced her to Mary, the CCLCF Navigator on-site during walk-in hours. Mary helped her find eye care providers covered by her insurance and handed her a simple pair of reading glasses When Mary told the client she could keep the glasses, the client was moved to tears
Thanks to CCLCF, our neighbors find more than just financial aid; they find the specialized care & "clarity" they need to move forward.
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
Healthcare Navigation
Philippians 3 Ministries news partner Soaring
P3 helps people show up for life’s pivotal moments with professional attire for those starting jobs, reentering society, or facing important milestones without the means
Partners rely on P3 Founder Jerri Holliday to help restore self-confidence in their clients, a la: if you look good, you feel good!
Kairos Center sends client entrepreneurs before they meet with bankers
LINC refers clients for a closet rebuild, as they rebuild their lives post-incarceration
Eden Village calls on Jerri for residents who wish to show proper respect when paying last respects
And Help Hub regularly directs neighbors to Philippians 3, knowing that an hour or two with Jerri can help anyone see brighter days ahead
The Kairos Center
A Bike for Every Child
Bike donations can be dropped at the HC in the lower parking deck, M-F 8:30-3:00
As
Eagles
Saturday Academy is well underway! Follow us on Facebook for Inspired Minds updates!
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope continues to prioritize sourcing sustainable employment & permanent housing opportunities for the CCF region To date they have been able to have 5 families and 12 adults successfully transition into permanent housing options.
Partnerships with the City Council of Government’s Workforce Development Board, as well as Step Up Wilmington have led to over 70% of adults within the Center of Hope currently being employed.
Cape Fear Latinos Coastal BUDS
Catholic Charities
Community Care LCF
Every day in ILM, people wake up carrying the weight of homelessness, an experience defined not only by the absence of shelter, but by the constant struggle to maintain dignity. The Catholic Charities Cape Fear Regional Office, all too aware of the need within their community, decided to think outside the box to provide dignified support for their local unhoused population. Read More
CCLCF was proud to be involved in the 5 Annual Maternal Health Summit hosted by YWCA LCF last month! From being a part of the planning committee to tabling at the event, members of our team were able to connect with families, share resources & highlight the support available for expecting and new mothers. Events like this reflect the power of community partnerships in improving maternal health & ensure families have the info & resources they need before, during & after pregnancy th
CCLCF’s involvement also comes at an exciting time as we open our RN – Perinatal Health position! This role will help deepen connections between healthcare & community-based supports, making it easier for families in our region to access the care and resources they need to thrive.
For more information on this position, please see our Indeed listing
Community Justice Center
CJC sports their denim to stand in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault & to combat victim blaming.
Clothes do not equal consent
Family Support Network
Virtual Support Group Third Wednesdays 6pm
Email to join: Register.fsn@gmail.com
Family Promise
With 114 families on the waiting list, Family Promise is feeling extra grateful for a $20k grant from Clayton!
Free,Virtual Presentation:
Sign up to join here
20 Anniversary Celebration th June 18 from 4:30-7:30pm HC’s Plaza on Princess
Mobile Market sells locally grown foodsclick for more info & the monthly schedule
Feast Down East
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
Legal Aid of NC (LANC)
Landlord/Tenant Workshop
NHC Main Library 5/12 @ 5:30pm. This program reviews tenant rights & explains the legal options available when a landlord fails to address repair issues.
Expungement Workshop
Leland Library 5/2 @ 3pm
This program will provide valuable information on how to expunge or seal your criminal record, including eligibility, the process & what documents are needed Legal advice will NOT be offered during class.
LANC will also be at the Veterans Benefits Live event in Wilmington May 28-30.
LANC veterans law attorney will be present to assist with VA benefits case questions
Operation Pretty Things
news associate partner
Yoga Village YMCA of SENC
Sign Me Up!
Anthony’s Way
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and we are launching our Hearts of Kindness campaign
Donate just $5 to add a personalized orange heart and message to our digitalWall of Kindness Each heart represents both a message of support and a direct contribution toward helping families access ADHD care.
Each heart shared represents a person choosing compassion.
A teacher supporting a student
A parent practicing patience
A neighbor lending a hand.
Together, they form a living tribute to the belief that “life is better with kindness.”
Join our National Day of Prayer on May 7 at one of our branches! Enjoy unity, reflection, and prayer as we gather to lift up our community and nation together
Thursday | May 14
12:00 - 1:00 PM
Wilmington Convention Center
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. Look for their forthcoming survey of NPOs 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
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 &
Caridad
Caridad’s mission is to meet the immediate and long-term goals of single mothers by providing opportunities in education, job training, financial support, counseling, daycare, spiritual guidance, legal assistance and more.
Our program includes:
Regular Check-Ins. We provide each mom with weekly tasks to complete and check in often to see how they are progressing. Hands-On Help. If a client needs help, we are always right there by their side to ensure that they don’t get overwhelmed and derailed from reaching their goals. Appointment Assistance. We will make appointments for clients and attend with them to give them emotional support, including lawyer appointments and assisting them through the legal process.
To learn more or sponsor Caridad, visit www.caridadincnc.org
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
Cape Fear HealthNet
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.
Church World Service
Across the US, immigrant and refugee families are living in fear while facing increasing violence, mass detention and forced deportations This era is tearing families apart, depriving people of constitutional rights and closing off legal pathways to safety, threatening livelihoods of undocumented immigrants, as well as legally present refugees, asylum seekers, green card holders and naturalized citizens Rise Up for Refuge is a national campaign bringing Americans of diverse faiths and backgrounds to support immigrants and refugees with legal assistance and advocacy in defense of refuge For more info and to support, visit: www cwsglobal org/rise-up/
Communities in Schools
The group is made up of professionals who are interested in giving back to their community, while gaining valuable board membership experience
Eden Village Financial Protection Law Center
May 16
Eden Village is excited to welcome Sonny to their team!
Habitat for Humanity
2026 Kickoff Party
Friday, May 1 at 5:30 pm
Flytrap Brewing
Volleyball Tournament
Saturday, May 9th
Capt’n Bill’s
Volunteer Build Days
Join us at Haven Place
Sat. May 2 – Wall Framing
Sat. May 9 – Roof Sheathing & Framing
Fri. May 15 – Vinyl siding
Sat. May 30 – Finishes
IndependentWorks
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 10:00-12:00
Russell’s Reach Farm Register
NAMI Wilmington
Join NAMI Wilmington in recognizing Tardive Dyskinesia AwarenessWeek May 3-9. More information at namiwilmington.org.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month!
“Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community.”
New peer support group - Senior Mental Health Talk at Davis Community Center See dates and times at namiwilmington org/calendar
Smart Start of NHC
What an inspiring day at the Children’s Champions Awards & Fundraiser!
We’re proud to honor Clelia Tufts as the 2026 Children’s Champion and Kate Groat as our Starfish Public Advocacy Award recipients.
Honorees also include Anita Adekoya, Benita Miller, Cherelle Clemmons, Craig Castrovinci, Sean Perkins, Stacy Pullen, and The Wilmington Fire Department's Child Passenger Safety Team
Alongside an incredible group of honorees, these champions remind us what’s possible when a community shows up for its youngest children Learn more and support this work at www.newhanoverkids.org
Rescue Mission of CF
StepUp Wilmington
United Way CF Area Veteran’s Memorial Reef
Day of Action hosted by United Way of the CCF Area is happening on and leading up to June 19th. This is a global day for making change where you live. We are accepting donations for essential & birthday bash kits! These kits include shampoo, body wash, toothpaste, and supplies for a birthday party. For more information on this event and how to donate, email our team: callie.hill@uwcfa.org
The Eagle's Dare is hosting Free Concert Fridays beginning in May and lasting through the month of August. This is an opportunity to support a local business, hear some great music & show up for a good cause. United Way of the CF Area has is the beneficiary for the month of May, so come out and support great local causes!
Voyage
Applications are closed for Voyage’s Youth Summer Jobs Program But it’s a program worth knowing about
In partnership with Kids Making It, the Summer Employment Program is an 8-week summer jobs program that provides in-depth workforce development for 14-21-year-old students facing barriers to employment through individualized job skills training, financial literacy classes, career readiness certification, ongoing mentoring, expanding professional networks, and paid work experiences.
Good luck to the youth and employers who are looking forward to a rewarding summer experience
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
S e p t . 1 4
Join us at Magnolia Greens for golf and a ladies’ division supporting 40+ HC nonprofits!
N o v . 1 9
Who or what gives you strength? Who or what uplifts you?
Who or what helps you get through hard times?
Thankful Hearts Day is a day of celebration & gratitude, welcoming in the spirit of the season.
A p r 2 2
A day of outdoor activities, food & live music on 850 acres, 20 minutes from downtown ILM.
Notice how you feel when thinking about your answers The Harrelson Center advances, connects & empowers an integrated humanitarian nonprofit community.