We’ve been blessed to partner with several wonderful ministries, organizations, and programs in the Charlotte community to host more than 20 eye care clinics to date. With thanks to God and our supporters, we’ve been able to provide vision exams and eyeglasses to hundreds of individuals identified by the ministry/program director to be in need of eye care services.
Blessings in the Storm is a Christian non-profit organization dedicated to helping women in the Charlotte area, particularly those with children, recover from desperate circumstances, achieve independence and lead moral lives. The ministry, led by the caring Loretta Caldwell, places heavy emphasis on “getting inside the problem” – an approach that goes beyond meeting immediate material needs by spiritually building up women and children from the inside out. We’ve hosted one clinic for Blessings in the Storm, providing vision exams to seven women and children.
Charlotte Rescue Mission is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization founded in 1938 that is transforming lives in the name of Christ by serving people struggling with addiction, poverty, or hopelessness with the goal of returning them to society as productive, self-sufficient citizens. Their vision is to be recognized as a leader in providing Christian-based residential recovery programs that help people struggling with the disease of addiction achieve long-term sobriety, find employment and stable housing, and restore and build healthy relationships.
Hope Haven Inc., a foundation of recovery, provides life skills for chemically dependent adults and families within a supportive residential environment leading to independence. We held our first eye care clinic at Hope Haven on September 28, 2014, warmly welcomed by the staff and participants. We’ve since hosted a number of clinics and special events at Hope Haven, often enjoying the opportunity for additional fellowship while serving a meal to the residents.
Hoskins Park Ministries is a faith-based non-profit organization in Charlotte that helps men who have been living on the street, or are near homelessness, to get back on their feet. The partnership and friendship with Pastor Johnny Allen who oversees the ministry has been an incredible blessing. Our very first eye care clinic was held at Hoskins Park on March 15, 2014. Since that inaugural event, we’ve been able to provide dozens of men with vision exams and eyeglasses.
The mission of Ketchmore Kids is to assist youth, families, and communities in celebrating hip-hop culture, and understanding how culture can promote positive social change. Gaining healthy eyes and better sight can only help reach this goal further. Ketchmore Kids is one of our newest connections, with our first eye care clinic for them held on April 30, 2016. This is a cool group of kids and an amazing organization that we’re blessed to be serving alongside!
We first served a group of Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (DSS) clients on February 20, 2016, after our Board members were in contact with a number of social workers who indicated there is a great need for eye care services among their clients. We’re thankful for the opportunities to serve alongside DSS and broaden our reach for serving within the Charlotte community.
One7 takes Jesus’ call to love, disciple, and provide for those most in need as literally as possible, living and serving within Charlotte’s inner-city refugee community. When we were first introduced to One7, we were deeply touched and inspired by the staff whose mission is to transform lives marked by homelessness, abuse, abandonment, and worse into the next generation of leaders for Christ. We are truly honored to have served alongside this beautiful, life-changing ministry.
Supportive Housing Communities (SHC) provides affordable housing to alleviate homelessness and human suffering. They aim to put a permanent end to homelessness in Charlotte, NC and to do so in way that creates dignity, hope and community. Our first eye care clinic with this organization was held on January 16, 2016; the connection with SHC came about when a resident of their program reached out to Seeing and Believing through our website.
Thomasboro Academy aims to create a safe, respectful, and trusting community that encourages and educates the whole child, providing the skills necessary to succeed and positively contribute to society. It was an honor to begin our connection with a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school, with the first eye care clinic for Thomasboro held on May 31, 2015. The smiles on the kids’ faces were priceless!
For information about upcoming eye care clinics, click here.
Your financial gifts will help provide the resources to connect with more organizations and provide eye care at future clinics.