Stories

Kayaking, fishing, horseback riding, and pottery are just a few of the countless and creative activities campers can spend their summer doing at the YMCA’s Camp Thunderbird.

Camp Thunderbird is an overnight camp where campers find a safe, inspiring place to become their best selves and with over 100 acres of land, and nearly two miles of lakefront on Lake Wylie, this natural playground has plenty of room for all of that self growth and personal development.

Written by Amy Andrews

Charlotte Family Housing challenges just about every preconceived notion you might have about a shelter.

They are the only nonprofit in the Charlotte area that keeps the whole family together – children, mothers and fathers – in fresh, bright, dignified spaces with an empowerment model that is central to their existence.

Repeat after me: local nonprofits are not in competition, they are in collaboration.

When Dr. Sharon Jones, founder of Dottie Rose Foundation, met Angie Chandler,  Senior Manager of Educational Initiatives + Public Program for the Harvey B. Gantt Center for African American Art + Culture last #GivingTuesdayCLT, a collaboration that would strengthen the ties between art and technology for young minds was born.

Housing is a big factor in the area of health.

Surprised?

It makes sense if you think about it: If someone is to live a healthy life, they need a healthy environment. If they’re in a healthy environment, they’ll be able to work, go to school, and live an active life.

Earlier this month, Charlotte played host to the annual #GTCommunitySummit where leaders from #GivingTuesday communities near and far gathered to share ideas, learn from one another’s successes (and failures), and, perhaps most importantly, dream about the future of #GivingTuesday.

Never heard of #GivingTuesday? Let’s catch you up to speed…

Lynda Watson was facing homelessness when Community Link's Homeless to Housing program helped her find a safe, comfortable apartment she could afford long-term. Now Lynda is the first person to greet people when they walk into the Community Link office.

They paved paradise and put up a parking lot.

Guess the Counting Crows were onto something.

From the Carolinas to California — and every big city in between — explosive growth has caused transformational change to the places we all call home. In Charlotte, we’ve seen skyscrapers smother single-family homes and big business take over once charming neighborhoods.