Why It’s So Hard to Get Ahead in the South?

CHARLOTTE—Shamelle Jackson moved here from Philadelphia, hoping to find work opportunities and better schools for her four children, who range in age from two to 14. Instead, she found a city with expensive housing, few good jobs, and schools that can vary dramatically in quality. “I’ve never struggled as hard as I do here in Charlotte,” Jackson, 34, told me.

Read Full article HERE

End Of The Year Survey- Let Us Have It

Every wish Chris would stop sending so many emails???

Well......here is you chance to tell him

Fill out the END OF THE YEAR SURVEY and let us know what how we did this year

Jackie's Story

William Peace University First-Year Jackie Yanez brought home the Community Impact Award at this years SNAP Conference held on the campus of UNC-Asheville. The Community Impact Award recognize one outstanding undergraduate student service leader selected from the WPU community. 

In addition the Community Impact Award, Yanez was awarded the The Marshall Alternative Service Experience (ASE) Scholarship supports the participation of Community Impact Award honorees in an alternative break program organized by a North Carolina Campus Compact member school.

Given to two students from the state of North Carolina, the award was created in 2015 by Aaron Marshall, a former Community Impact Award and Barnhill Civic Trailblazer Award winner. $250 from the award will fund the Jackie’s participation in an alternative service experience either through the Alternative Fall Break or Alternative Spring Break trips next year.

Justin's Story

Growing up in Durham, Justin Foster figured out pretty fast the meaning of a career in education. He’s the kid of a teacher. 

“Growing up as a kid of a teacher was hard but so meaningful in my development. It also showed me discipline and respect for others”
Justin is one of the several William Peace students working at Hope Charter Leadership Academy this year. Hope is a low socioeconomic, K-5 elementary school concentrating on the 8 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey. Fostering a family atmosphere is as important to the staff and faculty of Hope as their student’s education. Justin helps build that atmosphere as a small group leader, and homework buddy in 1st and 4th grade classrooms. 
“Working at Hope is fun. I enjoy every minute of it. There is near a dull moment. Getting to see the smiles on the kid’s faces makes it worth. I honestly wouldn’t trade it for anything else.” 
Justin loves the fact that the staff lets him come work at Hope, and enjoy his time there.

Jordan's Story

"Working with The Miracle League of the Triangle is an experience that leaves a lasting impression on not only the players, but for my teammates as well. It's true: anybody can love and play baseball, and being able to help others play the same sport that we all grew up playing is one of the best feelings in the world. It's as though we are completing a circle by giving back to the community and to the sport that have shaped us into the women we are today. On top of that, it's great to get these kids participating, and to see their joy in being a part of a league that accepts them for who they are. It's truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity and I'd recommend volunteering with The Miracle League to anyone!"

Jordan Byrd (Left) Tiffany (center) Katelyn McLamb (right)