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SUMMERTIME IN GRIER HEIGHTS
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Despite the heat and intermittent thunderstorms, it has been a great summer for youth in the Grier Heights neighborhood. Check out what the CrossRoads staff, Board Members, Grier Heights residents, our partners, and volunteers have been up to!
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Twenty students from the Bulldogs Matter After School Program at AG Middle School exhibited good attendance and behavior to qualify for one week at YMCA Camp Harrison. Thanks to the YMCA and an
awesome
group of volunteer Camp Buddies, each of our campers enjoyed a life-changing summer camp experience.
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Our Joyful Noise program for 30 girls ended the year with a Mom's night. The group entertained their moms with a craft, snacks, a slide show of their year, and a gift bag provided by Pregnancy Resource Center. Everyone had a great time - the girls, their moms, or our faithful volunteers!
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Leadership Program Graduation
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Over 20 young men and women who live in Grier Heights graduated this summer from the Joyful Noise (girls) and Urban Eagles (boys) leadership programs. Each committed to 1.5 hours per week of leadership training, and attended neighborhood block parties where they took responsibility for planning and facilitating activities and small group sessions for youth.
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Every Tuesday night, the neighborhood came together for a time of sharing - sharing food, faith, fun, and fellowship. Thanks to our volunteer mentors, youth leaders, and meal providers. Block parties could not happen without a large collective effort.
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Smiling faces of our 50 Freedom School Scholars show the joy of participating and learning at Freedom School for six weeks of the summer. Every day provided a new adventure! Thanks to our funding partner, Myers Park Presbyterian Church, and an army of volunteers who made this experience possible.
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Three days each week, a group of Grier Heights youth enjoyed swimming, playing games in the pool, and dinner provided by volunteers. This year we had over 45 children 6th to 12th grade learn the critical life-saving skill of swimming. Thanks to Charlotte Aquatics, the YMCA, and MORE volunteers for their partnership with CrossRoads in this effort.
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Billingsville Elementary School
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In partnership with CrossRoads and MPPC, the YWCA provides a summer program for Billingsville students (K - 5) that prevents summer learning loss and provides opportunities for enriching experiences. In addition to literacy activities, students enjoy activities that promote cultural development, health education and physical activity.
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Our partnership with Myers Park Presbyterian continues to bear fruit for the youth of both MPPC and Grier Heights. Several young disciples from our two leadership groups participated with MPPC Youth on their mission trip to Chicago, joined in the annual Montreat Youth Conference, and went on a weekend Outdoor Adventure together. Providing opportunities for giving, learning, and new friendships is an important part of CrossRoads' mission.
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Grier Heights youth concluded their summer by giving back to the Charlotte community. Nineteen young men and women participated in a CROSS Urban Plunge weekend. After gathering on Friday evening and spending the night together, on Saturday they volunteered at Urban Farms, Friendship Gardens, McCreesh Place and Samaritan's House. The weekend concluded with Sunday worship at the MPPC Celebrate service. It was a weekend of fun and fellowship as our youth experienced mission from the giving side.
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Our volunteer needs and programs are not limited to just the summer. As school begins, we are looking for committed disciples to give their time as mentors, reading and lunch buddies, teacher and office assistants, tutors, recreation leaders, field trip chaperones, meal providers.......the list of opportunities for sharing your gifts is long.
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CrossRoads Corporation for Affordable Housing and Community Development, Inc.
3623 Latrobe Drive, Suite 208, Charlotte, NC 28211
704.365.3555
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