Written by Amy Andrews, Photograph by Lindsay Kappius

Changed Choices was created to empower currently or recently incarcerated women to achieve lasting positive change in their lives. It began in 1999 when founder Ruth Snyder was contacted by her friend at the chaplain’s office at the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office (MCSO). He had come across two women who were brought in on charges, “they were terrified and feeling very much alone.” Ruth went to MCSO Detention Center to meet with the women, encourage them and eventually mentor them - and Changed Choices was born. 

According to Katie Gauntner, Development Associate for Changed Choices, “the concept behind Changed Choices is straightforward - provide supportive relationships and walk beside clients so that their life looks different once their time is served.”

Saichelle McNeill believes in second chances. The owner of Washroom Laundry in Charlotte has found her newest employee through LifeWorks!, an employment program that helps people with criminal records reach their professional goals. 

Wrtitten by Emiene Wright

When Charlotte was ranked last in the nation for upward mobility, Frances Hall looked around the Beatties Ford corridor and felt compelled to action. The licensed mental health counselor  saw an unaddressed correlation between stress and economic stability. So in 2016 she founded the Beatties Ford Vocational Trade Center, the first mental health agency and Black-owned trade school in Charlotte. 

Why did you focus on vocational training, as opposed to, say academic education?

A True Sister’s Keeper: My Sister’s House Transitional Living Program

Written by By Christine Edwards

According to this Charlotte Region report on Suburbanizing, Densifying, Diversifying, the African American population in the region has grown by 26% since 2010, driven largely by migration from larger northeastern cities as part of what demographers have termed a Reverse Great Migration to the South. While Charlotte is becoming increasingly diverse, minorities often do not have the same experiences due to racial injustices. That is why throughout August, which is Black Philanthropy Month and here locally #BPM2020CLT, we are highlighting Black-led nonprofits to share their stories and inspire you to donate and to drive change in our own community