This past year has been one of the most challenging our community has faced. Children across our city are living with uncertainty, families, afraid to seek medical care, go to work, or even send their children to school. Yet amid this fear, something more powerful has emerged: our community stands together and our neighbors show up.

When CBP came to Charlotte and families needed food, diapers, medicine, and support, you showed up. When we celebrated the cultures that make Charlotte vibrant at our International Fall Fest, over 2,000 of you showed up. Every time we put out the call, you remind us that our community is more hopeful and safer when we stand together.

That is what it means to be a good neighbor.

We are not waiting for more anti-immigrant policies and actions. We are showing up with and for our communities every single day. Every day, our Afterschool and Summer Program team continues to create safe spaces where children can learn, belong, and thrive. Every day, our Family Support team makes sure families have the support they need to build stable lives. No matter what challenges lie ahead, we will continue showing up for our community.

Today, I'm asking you to do the same. Please consider making a gift to support our team as we continue this work—and, if you’re able, becoming a monthly donor. Consistent support from our community is what makes this work possible.

Your gift is more than a donation—it is a promise to every child that they belong here and that they are not alone. Together, we can continue building a Charlotte where every family feels welcomed, supported, and at home.

Thank you for being the kind of neighbor we can count on.

With care,

Salma Villarreal Siraj

Executive Director

In May, our East Afterschool site celebrated Africa Day with a week-long focus on the diverse cultures, histories, and traditions across the African continent.

Each classroom explored a different region of Africa through art and hands-on activities. Students created visual projects to reflect their learning, and our “Tree of Knowledge” displayed their reflections and discoveries throughout the week.

What began at our East site has grown into a tradition across our organization. Africa Day is a chance to honor the many African cultures represented in our community and to recognize the histories and cultures of African nations.

A special thank you to @amaniikids for sharing traditional Kenyan & Congolese performances and @Sosst for their incredible Ethiopian & Eritrean dances. Special shoutout to @mr_musicmanrocky for the interactive drumming lesson, and Marcus Burke for the Africa Day screen printed tote bags, posters and more! Community members like this make the event memorable for both staff and kids.

For Mother's Day, ourBRIDGE celebrated the mothers and caregivers in our community with a special gathering centered on rest and connection.

The day began with a guided sound meditation led by Yoga with Priscilla. Everyone settled onto yoga mats as calming sounds filled the room, creating a quiet space to pause and simply be present.

For many, it was a rare chance to set aside daily responsibilities and focus on themselves for a moment.

Some mothers were able to relax so deeply during the session that they drifted off to sleep—a simple reminder of how valuable moments of rest are for caregivers.

From now through the end of September, we are collecting school supplies, as well as new or gently used school uniforms and shoes for ourBRIDGE for KIDS students in grades K–8. 

We ask that all clothing donations be washed and neatly folded.

Questions?

Email: volunteering@joinourbridge.org

Call: 980-272-6022

Drop off:

10am-5pm

3925 Willard Farrow Drive Charlotte, NC 28215

Selected by ourBRIDGE staff, these books center stories from immigrant, refugee, and first-generation authors, reflecting the backgrounds that shape our city.

They invite us into a shared humanity with our neighbors, showing the depth of every culture and lived experience, expanding how we understand and show up for one another.

We need volunteers at both our East & South site To learn more, sign up for our next Volunteer Orientation. A commitment to volunteering weekly, a $25 background check, and further training is required.

Sign-ups for these events will be shared to all ourBRIDGE Volunteers via email. Join our next Volunteer Orientation to be added to the list. 

This email list allows us to communicate directly and quickly when immediate needs arise, sharing ways to support both our work and the work of other local organizations, along with opportunities to use your voice when it matters most.

You won’t hear from us every month—only when there’s an immediate need or opportunity to act.

Want volunteer opportunities sent straight to you? We’ll share event needs and donation drives right in the chat.

Contact Information

ourBRIDGE for KIDS

*{{Organization Address}}*

(980) 272-6022

joinourbridge.org

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