E-NEWS Community
Want to fight poverty & transform lives? Catholic Charities creates lasting hope through six core programs but we can’t do it without YOU Join our mission & volunteer to make a real difference today There are so many ways to get involved:
Construction Services
Mobile Food Pantry
Delivery/Distribution Prep
June 2026
Food Pantry
Laundry Services
Food Bank/Costco Restocking
See June Volunteer availabilty here
Why Laundry Matters
Limited access to laundry undermines mental health, employment readiness & pathways out of homelessness.
The Clean Start Mobile Laundry Trailer deploys quickly to cut-off communities to help meet basic needs & reduce survivor trauma.
Guests are welcomed with dignity as traumainformed staff & volunteers wash, dry & fold each guest’s clothing Volunteers help activate phones, schedule healthcare appointments & connect guests to housing & support programs.
A simple load of laundry becomes a gateway to stability, confidence & lasting change.
View our Sponsorship Packet here to see how you can fuel this mission
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army Cape Fear helps local individuals overcome crisis. They provide critical resources across five counties, including emergency shelter, food pantry, financial assistance & disaster relief.
Our Social Services Office at Harrelson Center is moving to the second floor! We look forward to serving clients in our new office space
Center for Hope
Through our partnership with NHCS & Communities in Schools, 8 children residing at our Center of Hope are heading to Freedom School this summer! This fully-inclusive, 7week math & literacy program offers a fantastic holistic experience for rising 3 through 8 graders. rd th
We also have daily volunteer openings for our evening meal services from 4:45pm6:30pm.To serve our residents & community, please call (910) 363-0076 ext. 66560.
More than a Game. A Collaborative Victory.
10 Annual th
presented by
Ten years ago, Bobby Harrelson came up with a visionary idea: host a premier golf fundraiser that gives our nonprofit partners an easy, stress-free opportunity to riase money. Harrelson Center team handles all the logistics, leaving our 40+ partners free to recruit sponsors who fuel their mission.
Monday, September 14
8:30 | Registration
10:00 | Shotgun Start
Sponsor Info & Registration
Through this collaborative model, when a business or golfer registers through a specific partner, a portion of those funds goes directly to that nonprofit’s mission.
Teeing Off with the Harrelson Center & Partners isn’t just a round of golf; it truly is the most meaningful and efficient round you’ll play all year.
As one of our board members recently noted:
“As a golfer, you don’t often want to go golf with 175 golfers, but this tournament is so smoothly organized that we played a round in 4 hours & enjoyed every minute.”
This tournament sells out!
Connect with your favorite Harrelson Center partner today to lock in your spot to join these early sponsors!
It’s Official: Welcome Mia!
Mia Chavez is officially part of the HC Team! Mia is already a familiar face around here - she joined us last September for a 600-hr. internship, crushing it in grant writing, working behind the scenes on eviction policy & housing identification for our Housing Navigation program & helping out in Help Hub.
Mia just graduated from Columbia University with her Master of Science in Social Work (specializing in policy practice, focusing in contemporary social issues) We are so proud of her & thrilled to have her talent on board permanently!
Send your warm wishes to Mia at development@harrelsoncenter org
The Undercurrent:
Latest highlights:
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!).
Celia Rivenbark shares about volunteering in No Good Deed Goes Smoothly... and that’s OK
This month, join us for training and hands-on onboarding assistance to get your organization set up on the ILM Volunteer Hub (powered by Get Connected by Galaxy Digital) guided by our Get Connected onboarding specialist every step of the way
Here's why the ILM Volunteer Hub is a gamechanger for your organization:
• Free volunteer management software
• Recruit new volunteers and easily coordinate the ones you already have
• Greater community visibility
We can't wait to get you connected!
Last month, Dr Patton McDowell joined our Nonprofits Mean Business collaborative to introduce his nonprofit Leadership Development framework The goal? Build capacity across the the Cape Fear nonprofit sector through future cohorts for executives, emerging leaders, and fundraisers.
Review the roundtable notes here See examples of Leadership Development Pathway cohorts here.
To join our next gathering in early summer, email Haley to get on the list!
Stronger organizations. Healthier leaders. Better Outcomes.
Campus Tours
June 2 & 18
July 7 & 16
1 Tu. & 3 Th. st rd 12-1:00pm
Meet in Welcome Center
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
We love seeing our Nonprofit Event Venue come alive with purpose!
Last month, Foster Pantry & Family Support Network of SENC hosted their Caregiver &Youth Support Meeting in Plaza on Princess
This series of gatherings brought together local foster families & families navigating neurodiversity for an afternoon of art, play, camaraderie & mutual support. Having a space to connect with community that “gets it” makes all the difference We’re thrilled we could provide the perfect setting for these families to connect, recharge & uplift one another
Be inspired by thisWWAY feature!
This month in PoP: NHDC Command Center Simulation
True community readiness happens long before a storm ever hits the horizon June 23, Plaza on Princess will transform into the Command Center for a critical disaster activation & simulation exercise. NHDC will test the planned layout of the room and the workflow to ensure peak-efficiency for real-time sector collaboration.
Help Hub
Restoring Power, Restoring Hope
For Helen, the tightrope was snapping While working at a daycare that accommodated her 3year-old who has autism, her husband’s severe health crisis left him unable to work for four months. When Helen reached the Help Hub, her family had been living in the dark for two days, facing a $600 utility bill they couldn’t pay.
Local safety nets were maxed out, but Help Hub refused to give up We advocated fiercely, and our partners stepped up: Brunswick Electric (BEMC) accepted a half-payment from us and began rallying local resources, while DSS miraculously uncovered emergency funds later that afternoon.
Thanks to this incredible collaboration, a family in deep crisis was brought back into the light
Help us keep the lights on for local families.
Healthcare Navigation
Open to everyone!
The Kairos Center
news partner
A Bike for Every Child
Cape Fear Latinos
Plans for the 2026 Cape Fear Latino Festival are underway! Stay tuned on our facebook page & website for vendor info!
Community Justice Center
It’s not every day you get over 150 local community leaders in one room to collaborate on how to make the CJC the best it can be Special thanks to Alliance for Hope International & The Endowment for putting together this event and huge thanks to all that participated!!Your time and effort doesn’t go unnoticed #hopehealingjustice
Bike donations can be dropped at the HC in the lower parking deck, M-F 8:30-3:00
Coastal
BUDS
iCan Dance Camp: 1-week adaptive dance program for individuals with Down syndrome & other intellectual/developmental disabilities.
Led by iCanShine dance instructors & Special Olympics coaches, this inclusive camp builds rhythm, coordination, and confidence through fun, structured 1-hour sessions Each dancer is paired with a trained volunteer for 1:1 support and encouragement.
Volunteers needed to assist both on the dance floor & behind the scenes.
iCan Swim Camp: 1-week adaptive aquatics program for individuals with Down syndrome & other intellectual or developmental disabilities.
In partnership with certified instructors from iCan Shine and theYWCA, this supportive camp focuses on water safety and independent swimming through fun, daily 1-hour sessions.
Each swimmer is paired with a trained volunteer for 1:1 support (Bonus:Volunteers can earn an Adaptive Aquatics Instructor Certification!) Click for Volunteer Page
Community Care LCF
CCLCF’s Care Hub is helping transform health care in NHC by providing a social care network specializing in care navigation and connecting residents to essential social supports like food,
We are excited to welcome Elizabeth as our new parttime Event Coordinator Elizabeth will be responsible for our upcoming Breakfast fundraiser on Dec 1 Be on the lookout for more info on this important event! st
Summer CSA Sign Ups are LIVE! So many options for getting your fresh food from local farmers: 7 pick up locations 10-week or 6-week subscription
Half or Full box
Add-on options:
Weekly egg subscription
Weekly meat subscription Choose additional items each week ahead of time
Mobile Market sells locally grown foods - click for
& the
Foster Pantry
It’s time for us to start Back to School Bash planning! Stay tuned on website and Facebook page for sponsor, education, donation & volunteer opportunities!
Legal Aid of NC (LANC)
Read more stories from our 2025 Impact Report: www.legalaidnc.org/2025-impactreport
GHA Autism Supports
Sunshine & sweet local berries! Our Wilmington folks had the best day at a local strawberry patch We handpicked buckets of juicy, sweet berries Nothing beats farm-fresh strawberries!
Operation Pretty Things
Join the Hope Army!
Operation Pretty Things has faithfully served our community and country for nearly 20 years! We are facing a critical decision to shut our doors due to funding challenges.
BUT THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE!! AND WE ARE NOT GIVING UP! HERE’S THE PLAN…
We need to raise $12k by August 1st to keep our doors open! By becoming a monthly sponsor you ensure that we will be able to continue loving and empowering victims of abuse and assault.
Philippians 3 Ministries
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.
Soaring As Eagles
news associate partner
Anthony’s Way
Our One Million Orange Hearts of Kindness campaign has officially launched! Every single heart represents a child or teen who deserves support, understanding, and access to care.
What begins as one small act grows into something powerful when we move together
Be one of the first to add your heart, leave a message, and help us get this movement off the ground.
Join the movement & make an impact!
A Safe Place
Missed our luncheon? Watch this video that offers a behind the scenes look into the heart and intentionality behind creating spaces for our members and the impact it continues to make every day,
Cape Fear Collective
State of the Nonprofits Project | Survey is OPEN Add Your Voice Strengthen the Nonprofit Sector
The more nonprofits respond, the more impactful the findings will be when they land in front of funders, leaders, and policymakers.
CFC and UNCW's QENO, with support from the Landfall Foundation, are building the first countywide snapshot of nonprofit impact The survey is the cornerstone of that work.
Earlier this year, more than 90 sector participants shaped what we ask. Now we need the responses to bring the report to life.
CF Guardian Ad Litem Assoc.
Cape Fear HealthNet
We are celebrating our $125k grant from The Endowment allowing us to bring back our Nurse Care Management program!
We have seen an increase in client need with increase in Obamacare rates & we are anticipating more healthcare demand with cuts to Medicaid on the horizon
We serve uninsured adults who live in NH, Brunswick, Pender and Columbus counties and who are at or below 300% federal poverty level.
Caridad
Our program includes: Regular Check-Ins
Hands-On Help
Appointment Assistance
To learn more or sponsor Caridad, visit www caridadincnc org
Church World Service
CWS and Cape Fear Community College are hosting summer English Practice Potlucks, providing opportunities for CFCC’s ESL students & CWS clients to build community and practice conversational English.
The more English-speaking volunteers who participate, the more English learners can attend. Prompts are provided to stimulate conversation.
Potlucks will be held from 6:30-8:00pm
June 1
June 22
July 20
August 3
If you would like to attend as an English speaking volunteer, please fill out this SURVEY.
Child Development Center Communities in Schools
Make a donation to CDC everytime you shop at Harris Teeter, though HT’s Together in Education program
Link your VIC card to CDC and shop Harris Teeter brands. Everytime you buy, CDC earns an automatic contribution
Since 1998, HT’s Together in Education has donated over $25 million to schools Link your VIC card today!
Eden Village Financial Protection Law Center
June 20
This month we are welcoming 2 new staff, Sonny and Mac! Sonny is a Certified Peer Support Specialist, and Mac has his Masters in Social Work We are so excited for them to be joining our team
Habitat for Humanity
FPLC provides protection and legal representation for low-income NC residents to help them preserve home ownership, build equity and prosper
Clients are generally not served by traditional lenders and face higher interest rates and less favorable terms Because of the lack of fair options available, they also become victims of unfair and predatory financial practices.
We provide legal services and support to protect lowincome clients from unfair and predatory financial practices, allowing them to stay in their own homes.
IndependentWorks
Parent Connection Group
Tuesday, June 2 at 5pm Northeast LibraryWilmington
Sargeant Gene Moore of the NHC Sherrif's Office will talk to us about what the department is doing to educate officers about the neurodiverse community.
The talk will also include how parents should be talking to their young adults about keeping them safe in general & in interactions with police, along with other suggestions for those who drive There will be time for Q&A along with discussion
Don't miss this important meeting to learn more about keeping your family member safe!!
Zoom link if you cannot attend in person. Meeting ID: 869 6416 4933 Passcode: 575402
NAMI Wilmington
Stigma grows in silence. Healing begins in community.
NAMI puts this truth into practice with frequent support gatherings for a variety of peer groups and monthly mental health talks. Adults, seniors and those younger (between 18 and 35) are offered regular weekly support groups, as are families in therapy and those in recovery.
See dates and times for their June calendar at namiwilmington.org/calendar.
Smart Start of NHC
Immigrant Allies Forum
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.
Rescue Mission of CF
Volunteer cook needed! Breakfast & lunch Tuesdays & Saturdays.
We are pleased to welcome Shannon Smiles as executive director. Shannon joined Smart Start on April 27, bringing 25+ years of experience in early childhood education, leadership & community partnership development. Shannon has been dedicated to expanding access to high-quality early learning opportunities & strengthening systems that help children thrive
Shannon previously served as Director of Early Childhood Education with NHCS & NC Pre-K State Contract Administrator, where she led countywide early childhood initiatives supporting children & families
We look forward to continued collaboration with community partners to support children, families, and educators across the county
StepUp Wilmington
Veteran’s Memorial Reef
Veterans Memorial Reef held its Fallen Heroes Ceremony on May 16, honoring the lives and service of U.S. armed forces veterans.
The reef is located 5 miles off the coast of Carolina Beach and Wrightsville Beach, and already serves as the resting place for 30 veterans
Each year, the remains of 10 veterans are added to the reef, which is engineered to support marine life and help preserve the fragile coastline.Visit veteransmemorialreef.org to learn more.
United Way CF Area
Day of Action is a global United Way event held each year in June, bringing communities together to create lasting change.
This year our day for volunteering is June 19thwe’ll be assembling Birthday Kits and Basis Essentials Kits to support local individuals & families These kits will be distributed through our nonprofit partners
There are 3 ways to get involved:
1.Donate directly
2.Set up a collection box
Sign Me Up!
YMCA of SENC
YMCA of SENC was granted $15,000 from the Women’s Impact Network for Y Reads: Building Strong Readers Afterschool.
The pilot intentional literacy program will be offered at the International School at Gregory, where it will seek to build a scalable, sustainable literacy model for all low-performing schools served by theYMCA.
Snack Bag 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.
pause pause
Who or what gives you strength? Who or what uplifts you?
Who or what helps you get through hard times?
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
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.