Jo Ann Car ter Harrelson Center
Community
E-NEWS
Ja nu a r y 2026
Soaring As Eagles Since 2009, Soaring as Eagles (SAE) Outreach Ministries has been a pillar of support for our local Title 1 school communities, empowering families of Title 1 schools through personal, emotional, educational & professional development. From the tiny learners in their Pre-K Jumpstart program to the future innovators in the Inspired Minds STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & math) program (grades 6-12), SAE is dedicated to closing the achievement gap. SAE even hosts Lunch-and-Learns to ensure parents have the tools they need to navigate their own professional development.
Meet SAE’s new Program Director Ashanti Crane! With a Masters in Social Work & a military background, Ashanti’s love for serving underserved families makes her a great asset to our team. We are excited to have her on board!
SAE’s vital Saturday Academy returns this January, and they need you to help students in grades 3-5 soar! This program focuses on building confidence & boosting EOG test scores through fun, experiential learning. Volunteer Opportunities: Checkin & Breakfast Tutoring / help with activities By giving just a few hours of time, you can help a student build the self-esteem they need to succeed. Sign up today!
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
The Power of Us: Opportunities to Connect
Thank you for bringing a little extra Christmas Joy to the lives of 340 kids in our community!
Help us provide a nourishing boost for our neighbors who come through the Welcome Center and Help Hub! If you are unable to assemble snack bags, drop off boxes of snack listed left and our volunteers will assemble!
Jan. 6 & 15 Feb. 3 &19
Watch the recap video!
Help Hub
Housing Navigation
Help Hub has been a lifeline for our neighbors for 10 years. As the cost of living continues to climb, more families—many who have never asked for help before—find themselves just one crisis away from losing everything.
We are proud to celebrate the incredible impact of our Housing Navigation program!
Whether it’s a medical emergency, a sudden rent hike, or a car breakdown, the gap between stability & homelessness can be as little as a few hundred dollars. Help Hub bridges that gap by providing emergency financial assistance for: Permanent Housing Utilities (power, water, gas) Essential Transportation Vital Health Needs Recently, we helped a single mother who was a CNA keep her home after a child’s surgery cost her a full paycheck, and we provided the final funds for a local man to purchase a scooter, granting him the independence to secure employment. We offer more than just a check; we offer dignity, breathing room, and the reminder that our community cares. This work is only possible because of you. Thank you for ten years of saying "yes" to those in need.
Give Hope
Since launching in late May, individualized case management & financial assistance have served as a vital lifeline for dozens of NHC residents to prevent eviction. The numbers tell a story of resilience & community strength! Questions/referrals? Reach out to Nikki. Program Eligibility: NHC Resident Stable income Currently housed Non-HOP participant
homes preserved new starts! homes stabilized
Local Nonprofits Unite In 2025, as nonprofits faced rising demand and shrinking funding, organizations across our community came together to share a unified message: nonprofits mean business—the business of strengthening families, building connections, and creating lasting change. Together, we launched a coordinated social media campaign during Giving Season, highlighting: How community giving fuels essential services The power of strong corporate and community partnerships A united Giving Tuesday message reframing the day as an investment in local impact A reminder that real change requires support all year long #PutYourMoneyWhereYourHeartIs and invest in the nonprofits that keep our community strong.
Check Out The Undercurrent: HC’s Blog Healthcare Navigation Visit our website and open our Newsworthy tab for insights about disaster recovery, trust-based philanthropy, the importance of second chances and why nonprofits should be regarded as the economic engine we are. We welcome posts from nonprofit executives, community leaders, donors, philanthropists, suppliers, staff, volunteers & clients—anyone with an informed perspective on this vital sector.
partner news Family Promise
Family Support Network
Thank you to Wilmington Kids Dentist & to everyone who voted & made this happen!
Feast Down East
Foster Pantry The Mobile Market team will be back in office on 1/5/26 preparing for another amazing year of markets. We will resume our regular market schedule on 1/13/26.
102 children (42 families) joined us at Fostering Joy 2025! This favorite annual event provides a unique, sensory-friendly & judgment-free environment where kids can be themselves while enjoying crafts, presents & time with Santa. This magic is made possible by YOU. A heartfelt thank you to our donors, volunteers, and toy drive hosts. We also extend a special thanks to our annual sponsor, Healthy Blue NC Care Together, and The Harrelson Center for allowing us to take over their space for this wonderful weekend. Watch the Recap Video on Facebook!
GHA Autism Supports
The Kairos Center
Legal Aid Second Chance
LINC
Peer Recovery Resources
Philippians 3 Ministries
Operation Pretty Things
The Salvation Army Thank you to everyone who contributed to the Angel Tree program 2025!
A Bike for Every Child
Catholic Charities
A huge thank you to Jimmy's Wrightsville Beach and their annual giveaway!! As always, we are rolling with some brand new bikes and helmets to give out for the holiday season!
Cape Fear Latinos Contact Layla to volunteer with the laundry trailer or food pantry!
Coastal BUDS A note from Haley This past year with Coastal BUDS has been Haley Jessica incredibly meaningful, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve this community. As I step into new opportunities, I’m confident Coastal BUDS will continue to thrive. Former Executive Director Jessica Wilson will step in as Interim Director on December 23 to support a smooth transition while the board begins hiring for two positions: a full-time Executive Director and a part-time Program and Outreach Coordinator. We invite our partners to share these opportunities within your networks as we continue to grow and strengthen our team. Interested individuals can reach out at executivedirector@coastalbuds.org. With gratitude, Haley Griffis, Executive Director (Signing Off)
Community Care LCF
Community Justice Center
associate partner news IndependentWorks
NAMI Wilmington
Family-to-family is a free, 8-week educational program designed for family members, significant others, and friends of individuals living with mental health conditions.
Rescue Mission of CF
January 14th – March 12th Wednesdays, 6:00-8:30 PM The Harrelson Center, 4th Floor Conference Room Taught by two NAMI-trained family volunteers
Click to Register
Smart Start of NHC
StepUp Wilmington We are excited to share that our CEO, Teresa Wolf, has been officially inducted into the Rotary Club of Wilmington! Teresa was sponsored by Mimi Cunningham, and we are sincerely grateful for her support & partnership. Rotary’s guiding belief captures the heart of this moment: “The opportunity to serve is the most rewarding part of being a Rotarian. It’s the chance to do something for somebody else and to experience the fulfillment that comes from giving back.”
We are excited to kick off another season of programs & partnerships dedicated to helping our community’s youngest children, from birth to age five, get a strong and healthy start in life. Smart Start offers a range of programs focused on early learning & family support. From parent education & play-based learning opportunities to resources for early educators, our work is grounded in collaboration & shared commitment to the wellbeing of children & families across NHC. We are grateful for our community partners at the Harrelson Center who work to strengthen families. Together, we are building a stronger foundation for children today & a brighter future for our community tomorrow. To learn more about Smart Start of NHC visit www.newhanoverkids.org.
United Way CF Area
Veteran’s Memorial Reef
Voyage Yoga Village
YMCA of SENC There’s No Place Like This Place! Start the new year moving, connecting, and feeling your best! Become a member of The Y by January 15 and enjoy a $0 joining fee plus no dues until February. Hit the wellness floor, jump into group exercise classes, make a splash in the pool, and get the whole family moving. Don't wait. Start strong and join now at ymcasenc.org!
The Y is Here for Everyone Last year, our Y provided $1.5mil+ in financial assistance and community benefits to help local kids, families, and individuals access programs like swim lessons, afterschool care, summer camps, and more. Support is based on income, household size & individual needs. Everyone contributes what they can; support is reviewed annually. The Y is here for you! Apply Now!
A Safe Place
Anthony’s Way
G ive $5
CF Guardian Ad Litem Assoc.
Join our nationwide movement! With a $5 donation, contribute an orange Heart of Kindness, symbolizing compassion, connection & hope.
Participate from anywhere: create a team, walk or run a mile & perform simple acts of kindness to help make a difference.
Click to learn more
Cape Fear Collective
All funds raised support our Comprehensive Holistic Care Model, meeting the emotional, educational & social needs of children & teens with ADHD. This annual event honors the memory of Anthony, whose kindness & positive spirit continue to inspire our mission. Together, kindness leads the way—thank you for helping our students thrive!
Caridad
Cape Fear HealthNet
Child Development Center
Church World Service
Communities in Schools
Eden Village
Financial Protection Law Center We’re excited to share this featured article, “Often the Last Option for People in Significant Distress”: Financial Protection Law Center. This story from NC IOLTA highlights our work and the clients we help.
Habitat for Humanity