The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.
—Dr. Seuss

Summer vacation is right around the corner. If you ask any student in Charlotte, they will tell you exactly how many days are left before the season of camps, sleeping in and swimming pools begins. 

But something else happens during the summer months … the summer slide -- the loss of academic skills and knowledge over the course of summer school breaks. The loss in learning happens to all students, but varies across grade level, subject matter, and family income. Low-income students generally lose about two months of reading achievement.

Charlotte’s Freedom School Partners is making a difference. 

Triumph over Mental Illness:
A Success Story

contributed by Cardinal Innovations Healthcare

A life filled with hope and integrity—it’s the goal of many. For Katherine Todd, these words have new meaning because of the partnership, encouragement and resources she has with her Cardinal Innovations Care Coordinator and Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACTT). 

Challenged by mental illness from a very young age, Katherine has faced the difficulties of managing chronic conditions and navigating complicated systems for health and human services. Years of fragmented care processes had left her with little hope. 

“I knew there were resources, but the system can be overwhelming,” Katherine said. “I didn’t know where to start, where to go or who to call.” 

In May, SHARE Charlotte’s Spotlight Series: #MindYourMentalHealth, sponsored by Cardinal Innovations Healthcare, will focus on local nonprofit organizations who provide mental health services. These organizations each offer a different approach to healing individuals with mental health issues in our community be it through counseling groups, services dogs, or educational programs that allow people to better understand their own way of thinking. 
 

The story goes that Amazon, Apple, and Disney all started in a garage and turned into the most influential online retailer, technology company, and media conglomerate in the world, respectively. And if that was not enough proof that great things can come from humble beginnings, take Tosco Music for example. Tosco Music, a local 501c3 nonprofit organization, began as intimate jam sessions in founder John Tosco’s living room and has grown into an organization that not only puts on community concerts where nationally recognized acts and undiscovered artists share the stage, but also provides music scholarships and conducts community outreach programs.