Sharing the Season: Collaboration from community helps Communities in Schools
Published 12:39 am Sunday, December 7, 2014
- JON C. LAKEY / SALISBURY POST Children in the after school program at the Partners in Learning facility help out the Community in Schools program by packing the bags of food that will be sent home with school children. Community in Schools program reaches out to assist children in the Rowan-Salisbury School system with weekend food packets, clothes and tutoring. Other United Way agencies pitch in to help make the food part happen. The Salvation Army gathers the food, Partners in Learning afterschool program sorts and packs the packets. the food is delivered to the schools for dispersion to the students in need. Wednesday, December 3, 2014, in Salisbury, N.C.
Jacky Edmiston doesn’t mind going to Hanford Dole Elementary School twice a week. The mother of two Hanford students tutors a student through the Communities in Schools of Rowan program. She sort of fell into tutoring after receiving certifications and background checks in order to accompany her child on school field trips.
When her former counselor Fran Simpson, the Communities in Schools coordinator, asked her to commit to at least one 30 minute session once a week, Edmiston couldn’t say no.
Simpson had seen Edmiston through a rough four years while she was a student at East Rowan High.
“It’s like giving back to her and the community,” Edmiston said.
Once Edmiston began tutoring her student, she realized she needed more time so she committed to one hour, which soon expanded into two days a week.
Edmiston is just one of many tutors/mentors who work with students in several schools where students are identified by teachers or other administrators who may benefit from one-on-one help with reading. The nonprofit organization also offers supportive guidance to students and parents, transportation, school uniforms, referrals to community agencies and assistance with “emergency” clothing for students at the elementary schools.
Communities in Schools began in 1998 and was chartered in 2001. The organization serves more than 2,500 children and their families.
“These are students whose focus has to be on literacy. Literacy has always been at the forefront,” said Executive Director Vicky Slusser.
She said tutors or mentors give 15 hours a week assigned to classrooms. Some parent volunteers spend at least one day a week for at least 30 minutes, but some tutors work with students longer.
“If they are struggling with reading then nine times out of 10 they struggle with other subjects,” Slusser said.
The same focus that Edmiston gives tutoring is the same she gives to her job and her classes. She’s going to school for social work, but is waffling with the idea of becoming a teacher. Edmiston began tutoring this year along with her sister-in-law, Amber.
Tutor Mary Knapp splits her time between Hanford Dole and North Rowan Middle schools. When Knapp is done tutoring or has some downtime, she can be found shelving books in the library. The retired educator signed up at Hanford Dole simply because they needed tutors and she knew the former principal. She’s continued for 10 years.
Some days the students don’t feel like working so they take reading breaks by reading something fun, Knapp said.
Michelle Warren is a tutor and has also participated in the Lunch Buddies program. She began tutoring mostly as a way to keep an eye on her son. The protective mom had moved from out of state and asked her son’s teacher if she needed help. She’s been tutoring for three years.
“This makes me feel like I’m helping. It feels good to come in here to help someone,” Warren said.
She said she understands the struggle teachers may have with having a student who needs that extra attention and not being able to fully give it.
Academics may not be the only issue a student may have, she said, some may not even get an adequate number of meals throughout the day or weekend. Communities in Schools also provides a back pack program.
“We look to see if we need to provide services for the family,” Slusser said.
“It really is finding out what’s going on with the kiddo,” she said.
She said all of the programs and services the organization provides wouldn’t be possible without community partners.
“If there is a need we try to find a solution. It has to be about collaboration,” Slusser said.
The organization relies on partners like Food for Thought and Salvation Army of Rowan, who provide food for the back pack program and Partners in Learning whose after school program places the food in the bags.
“Some of these kids just need an extra snack. It provides them a meal,” said Emily Harrison, a CIS coordinator operating out of North Rowan Middle School.
Katherine Peeler, 9, is one of the students who is a part of the after school program. She and about a dozen students pack the bags for children, some of whom, are their age.
It’s sad, Katherine said, because some children don’t get what others get.
But it makes her feel good to help them.
Communities in Schools of Rowan County is a Rowan United Way member agency.
For more information visit www.CISRowan.org
Some people may be considering charitable donations at this time of the year. Here is the 2014 Sharing the Season list compiled of local nonprofits, human service agencies, schools and their needs. There are many more churches and other organizations that may not be represented in this list, but here are most of the major groups in Rowan County. The agencies are in alphabetical order.
American Red Cross, Hanford Dole Chapter
1930 W. Jake Alexander Blvd.
Salisbury, NC 28147
Purpose: To provide relief to victims of disaster and help people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.
Needs: Volunteers, blood donations and monetary donations. The biggest need is the VA Medical Center and the Disaster Clients. The VA could use large print Sudoku and/or crossword puzzle books, men and women toiletry items, alarm clocks with CD player for individual rooms, Oldies music on CD or tape, Western and classic movies on DVD, men and women’s sweatshirts/sweatpants in assorted sizes (large – xx large), lap blankets (new or handmade), winter weather items (socks, scarves, gloves, stocking caps), new NASCAR or sports team shirts and hats, adopt a veteran. Disaster clients could use comforters/quilts of all sizes (new or handmade), new stuffed animals, small packs of crayons and coloring book sets, men and women toiletry items, Walmart gift cards, Food Lion gift cards, adopt a disaster family for Christmas.
Contact: Disaster Program Specialist Monica Bruns 704-633-3854 ext. 107
The Arc of Rowan
1918 W. Innes St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: To provide advocacy, public awareness, support groups, a summer day program for children, a week-long summer camp experience for adults, monthly dances for adults, Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Awareness program, special events, support for special education school services, and information for families
The Arc of Rowan places the greatest emphasis on providing assistance to people with developmental disabilities so each person can learn, live, work and realize their personal goals.
Needs: School supplies, gift cards to Walmart/Food Lion, nonperishable food pantry items, warm blankets (twin and full), donations to help pay for kerosene heaters and fuel for heaters, adult-sized diapers, wipes, lotion.
Contact: Executive Director Shela Sapp or Assistant Director Lori Ewart 704-637-1521.
Website: www.thearcofrowan.org
Capstone Recovery Center
418 W. Innes St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: It is much more than a transition center, it’s a transformation center for women whose lives have been affected by substance abuse, and have attained sobriety and prison who want a radically new life. The nonprofit offers faith based non-denominational programs such as relapse prevention, life skills, computer skills and job training. The Center also provides individual and group counseling with Dr. Oscar Ramirez.
Needs: Donations and volunteers, as well as gift cards for the women’s needs or to buy groceries, a house manager (paid position) handymen to help paint the porch and other exterior maintenance. The biggest wish is to buy the house where the center is located. Someone to redesign the website and someone with knowledge of setting up a computer lab.
Contact: Executive Director Miriam Ramirez 704-749-0797
Community Care Clinic
315 G, Mocksville Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: A nonprofit organization that provides free medical care, dental care and prescription medications to low-income uninsured residents of Rowan County.
Needs: Monetary donations to provide medical, dental and prescription assistance to uninsured adult residents of Rowan County. We need medical and dental providers and pharmacists to volunteer at the clinic Monday-Friday and every other Tuesday night. Support personnel for office related duties are needed at anytime. Ongoing donations accepted: toilet paper, copy paper, liquid hand soap, stamps, tall kitchen trash bags, black pens, brown lunch bags and snack sized baggies.
Contact: To volunteer, call Krista Woolly 704-636-4523 or email kwoolly@communitycareofrowan.org
Communities in Schools of Rowan County
204 E. Innes St., Ste. 240
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: To surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Needs: School uniforms (new, gently used), monetary donations, school supplies an mentors/tutors, gift cards, clothing (shoes, belts, underwear, socks, winter coats, jackets, scarves, hats, gloves and mittens),
Contact: Executive Director Vicky Slusser 704-797-0210 or cisrowan@gmail.com
Website: www.CISRowan.org
Faithful Friends Animal Sanctuary
P.O. Box 3097
Salisbury, NC 28144
220 Grace Church Road
Salisbury, NC 28147
Purpose: Animal rescue group formed for the sole purpose of starting an animal sanctuary in Rowan County. Faithful Friends’ vision is to have a safe place for abused and abandoned dogs and cats, while providing health care, spaying/neutering, protection, warmth, care and love while awaiting adoption.
Needs: Purina Dog & Puppy Chow, Purina Kitten & Cat Chow, bleach, cat litter, 13 gallon trash bags and laundry detergent.
Contact: 704-633-1722
Website: www.faithfulfriendsnc.org
Family Crisis Council of Rowan County
131 W. Council St.
Salisbury, NC 28144-4320
Purpose: To help empower victims of rape, incest, sexual assault and domestic violence take back their lives and eliminate violence in our community by awareness, prevention activities, court advocacy, emergency shelter, 24 hour crisis support, information/referral services and individual and group counseling services.
Needs: Volunteer victim advocates, cold medicines for infant, children and adults; over-the-counter ibuprofen and allergy relief, mops and brooms, distilled white vinegar, Lysol and Febreeze spray, paper towels, dish detergent, disinfectant wipes, Swiffer dry cloths, anti-bacterial liquid hand soap. Also monetary donations, gift cards from stores like Walmart, Staples, grocery stores, Office Depot and Dollar General. These cards are most useful for programs to replenish supplies for the shelter and community clients as well as other programs as needed. The gift cards cover items such as office supplies, diapers, wipes, cleaning supplies, etc.
Contact: Community Coordinator Bonnie Link 704-754-8486
Website: www.familycrisiscouncil.org
Families First — NC, Inc. (formerly Adolescent & Family Enrichment Council)
723 W. Innes St.
Salisbury, NC 28144-4149
Purpose: To strengthen families by providing information, education, prevention and support services.
Needs: Disposable diapers – all sizes, infant to 5T clothes, baby wipes, family board games for young children, $10 – $15 Walmart gift cards.
Contact: Rita Kotarsky 704-630-0481 rkotarsky@families-1st.org
Website: http://www.familiesfirst-ncinc.org/
Food for Thought of Rowan County
131 W. Council St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: A community back pack program that serves food-insecure students several schools within the Rowan-Salisbury School System.
Needs: Volunteers groups are needed to pack bags of food for hungry school children in Rowan County. Food for Thought is scheduling groups of between 10 and 25 children or adults for one-time packing events starting in January. Monetary donations. Sponsor weekend meals for a needy child in Rowan County — $25 supports one child for one month, $125 supports one child for a semester, and $250 supports one child for a school year. Donations can be made in honor, or in memory, of someone special. Food for Thought will send a personalized card to the designee for Christmas (donations must be received by Food for Thought by December 17th).
Website: www.ncfoodforthought.org
Godstock
P.O. Box 661
China Grove, NC 28023
No updates were available. These are the organization’s previous needs:
Purpose: Assist families of ill children with expenses of daily living (not medical bills) to help with burden of paying bills when caring for a sick child.
Needs: Donations. Volunteers to promote and help with events (setting up and breaking down events, serving refreshments, working a concession booth, helping a band set up). Groups interested in seeing a DVD about Godstock. To make a donation visit http://godstock.org/make-a-donation.html
Website: www.godstock.org
Needs: Volunteer licensed physicians, physician assistants, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, licensed pharmacy technicians, medical educators, social workers, other human service specialists and someone to provide strong spiritual support. Monetary donations for operating costs and Spanish interpreters are needed. Volunteers to act as host, greeter and registrar during clinic hours. Paper products (paper towels, toilet paper, tissues), copier paper, gift cards for printer ink cartridges, cleaning supplies, books for children waiting with parents. Mail items to 430 Newport Drive, Salisbury, NC 28144 with Attention Jean Allen, Director.
Contact: Clinic 704-636-7200
Habitat for Humanity of Rowan
1707 S. Main St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Mission: A nonprofit, Christian ministry dedicated to building simple, decent houses with qualified families currently living in inadequate housing.
Needs: Applicants for Habitat homes, volunteers to help build houses and to work in the Habitat ReStore (no experience necessary), new and used items in good condition for resale in the ReStore, property on which to build houses.
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator Jane Hartness, 704-642-6292, ext. 101 or volunteer@habitatrowan.org
Website: www.habitatrowan.org
Horse Protection Society of North Carolina
2135 Miller Road
China Grove, NC 28023
Purpose: Specializes in bringing the worst starved and abused horses back to full health.
Needs: Volunteers, monetary donations, stall pellets.
Contact: Joanie Benson, 704-855-2978
Website: www.horseprotection.org
Humane Society of Rowan County
P.O. Box 295
Salisbury, NC 28145-0295
Purpose: The Humane Society of Rowan County is a non-profit volunteer organization dedicated to the relief of suffering of animals, the prevention of cruelty to animals and the extension of humane education. The agency is not to be confused with the county animal control and shelter.
Needs: Foster care and permanent homes for animals, pet food and cat litter for distribution to pet owners in need of assistance, volunteers for call returns, donations for veterinary costs of sick or injured stray and abandoned animals acquired by the agency, sponsorships of low cost spays & neuters for those unable to afford this solution to the overpopulation of unwanted cats and dogs.
Contact: humanesocietyofrowancounty@windstream.net or call 704-636-5700
Meals on Wheels of Rowan
1918 W. Innes St
P.O. Box 1914
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Provide a meal and a friendly visit to the homebound of Rowan County, so no senior goes hungry.
Needs: Volunteers to run routes with great need for substitutes, especially on holidays and in the summer.
Contact: 704-633-0352 or mowrowan@charlotte.twcbc.com
Website: www.mowrowannc.org
Nazareth Children’s Home
725 Crescent Road
P.O. Box 1438
Rockwell, NC 28138
Purpose: Provide love, stability and guidance to the children who come to us for help, reuniting them whenever possible with their families.
Needs: Copy paper, pens, paper towels, trash bags, toilet paper, school supplies, Visa/Master Card gift cards, gift cards to Rooms To Go, Sofa Store and More, Lowe’s Home Improvement, Ace Hardware, Marshall’s, Old Navy, Game Stop, Belk, Walmart, fuel efficient sedans, work truck or van, carpet, paint, lumber, new desktop computers or laptops, duffle bags/roller luggage, essential personal supplies for men and women, bath towels, and wash cloths, single bed sheets, pillow cases, comforters and new pillows. Also utility work vehicle (mule, gator, etc).
Contact: Josh Regan Ext.119 or jregan@nazch.com
Website: www.nazch.com
N.C. Transportation Museum
411 S. Salisbury Ave.
Spencer, NC 28159
Purpose: Located on the 57-acre site of Spencer Shops, the former repair facility for Southern Railway’s steam locomotives. Preserves and interprets the history of transportation in North Carolina and operates an on-site train ride.
Needs: Volunteer needs — tour guides, rail restoration/train ride crew (we’ll train you), grounds maintenance, office work, equipment set up/tear down for events and event staff for ticket booths, gift shop, children’s play area, etc. Donation needs — monetary, general office supplies, items for resale in gift shop (for example, transportation-related books or magazines), work truck for hauling supplies, gift cards.
Contact: Doug Nixon 704-636-2889, ext. 260 or doug.nixon@nctrans.org for rail volunteer opportunities or Leanne Johnson 704-636-2889, ext. 258 or kathryn.l.johnson@ncdcr.gov for all other interests. Contact: Misty Stach 704-636-2889, ext. 228 or misty.stach@nctrans.org
Piedmont Players Theatre
213 S. Main St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
P.O. Box 762
Salisbury, NC 28145
Purpose: PPT is a nonprofit theater and presents stage productions each season at the historic Meroney Theater. PPT’s Norvell Theater has opened on Fisher Street for the staging live productions, programs and education geared to youth
Needs: Standard photo copy paper for Piedmont Players Theatre offices, mulch for landscaping behind the Norvell, fund a piece of oversized junk for the set of Cats, fund or donate a Green Bay Packers uniform for Lombardi, fund a jazz musician for the spring musical, Ain’t Misbehavin’, producing Partners still needed for Meroney Production — Lombardi and One Man Two Guvnors, fund a summer camp counselor or youth workshop instructor, volunteers for Meroney and Norvell performances, including front of house manager, stage managers, costume design, set construction and tech crew. Standard photo copy paper for Piedmont Players Theatre offices.
Contact: 704-633-5471 or bm@piedmontplayers.com
Website: www.piedmontplayers.com
Pregnancy Support Center
847 South Main Street
Salisbury, NC 28144
No updates were available. These are the organization’s previous needs:
Purpose: Provides the following services: free pregnancy tests, limited ultrasound services, material assistance for mother, father, and baby, pregnancy, fetal development and parenting education, and community agency referrals. The center does not provide abortions or refer for abortions.
Baby boutique wish list: Diapers (preemie through 6); baby wipes; new car seats; cribs and mattresses; baby lotion, powder, wash, shampoo; new baby bottles and new clothes.
Maternity boutique and daddy’s den wish list: Maternity clothes, shampoo and conditioner, body lotion, men’s and women’s devotional books, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shaving gel/cream, men’s and women’s deodorant, soap, tools.
Office needs: Blank cards, bottled water, canned soft drinks, cleaning supplies, paper towels, stamps, toilet paper, trash bags, volunteers.
Financial contributions: The Pregnancy Support Center is in need of approximately $20,000 before the end of the year in order to meet budget. Tax-deductible gifts may be mailed to 847 S. Main St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Tax-deductible gifts can also be made electronically at www.RowanFriendsForLife.org.
Contact: 704-633-7695 or choices@pregnancysupport.com
Prevent Child Abuse Rowan and The Terrie Hess House
130 Woodson St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: To stop child abuse in Rowan County through education, intervention and support. Funding is dependent on grants and donations.
Needs: Kids — Barbies and other dolls, trucks/cars/remote control cars, several kids need back packs for school (for girls and boys) ages 7-10, socks for girls age 7-10, craft kits, robots/Transformers. Center — Monetary donations, gift cards (Walmart/Food Lion/WilcoHess) that be keet on reserve and used to purchase items for children as the need arises. Gas cards for parents to help them get to therapy appointments for the children occasionally. Also toilet paper, paper towels, blank DVD-RW, candy, Coke and diet Coke, bottled water. Someone in the community that can do some masonry work and someone willing to donate the labor.
Contact: Executive Director Beth Moore 704-639-1700 or beth@preventchildabuserowan.org
Website: www.preventchildabuserowan.org
Rowan Blues and Jazz Society
P.O. Box 176
Salisbury, NC 28145-0176
Purpose: Dedicated to the preservation, promotion and presentation of blues and jazz music. The RBJS has presented the Annual Blues and Jazz Festival for the past 14 years. Youth music workshops are also taught by professional musicians on a regular basis. Headliner bands provide workshops in local schools to enhance the student’s knowledge of blues and jazz music. It is the goal of the RBJS to present this signature festival that attracts a diverse audience every year free to the public.
Needs: Major sustaining sponsors and grants are needed to hire a part-time program director and plan future festivals. Festival committee members, fundraiser office supplies, donated office space, a van, musical instruments to be used for youth and festival backline, volunteer musicians to assist with the youth music workshops, volunteers to join the board of directors and to assist with set-ups at festivals and other events.
Contact: Eleanor Qadirah 704-636-2811 or rbjs1720@carolina.rr.com
Website: www.rowanbluesandjazz.org
Rowan Department of Social Services
1813 E. Innes St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Mission: Provides services that include Food and Nutrition Services (formerly food stamps), Medicaid, Work First, child day care subsidy payments, adult day care, adult guardianship, in-home aide, adult protective services, adult long-term care placement, foster care for children, foster home licensure, adoption, child protective services, child support enforcement.
Needs: Non-perishable food for food pantry, volunteers to help paint (paint provided) and decorate two foster care visitation rooms, donated furniture and rugs to make a home-like atmosphere for children to visit with their biological families, donated child’s play kitchen set, doll house or wall mounted toys like those typically found in waiting rooms.
Contact: 704-216-8330
Rowan County Literacy Council
P. O. Box 95
201 W. Fisher St.
Salisbury, NC 28145-0095
Purpose: Teaching undereducated adults and English as a second language residents to read.
Needs: Monetary donations to be used for program materials; also volunteers for teaching, no teaching experience necessary.
Contact: Interim Director Cindy DeLorenzo or Administrative Assistant Daisy Boyd 704-216-8266
Website: www.rowancountyliteracycouncil.org
Rowan County Youth Services Bureau
1322 S. Fulton St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Multiple programs focus on making a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of local at-risk youth between the ages of 7 and 17.
Needs: In addition to financial contributions, used for activities and materials directly benefiting youth in our programs and which are tax deductible, we need caring and responsible adult volunteers for Teen Court. Young people may serve as Teen Court attorneys, clerks or jury members. Adults are needed to serve as judges and jury room monitors. Training is provided for all volunteers. Your time and talent can make a big difference in a young person’s life.
Contact: 704-633-5636
Website: www.RowanYSB.com
Rowan Helping Ministries
226 N. Long St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Mission: To serve, through cooperative community action, our neighbors in Rowan County who are in crisis, by providing essential life needs and educating and empowering them to break the cycle of crisis. The agency’s programs are Crisis Assistance Network, Food Pantry, Clothing Center, Soup Kitchen, Overnight Shelter, Transitional Housing, Life Coaching, New Tomorrow Life Skills classes and Journey Forward program.
Needs: Monetary donations are always needed to pay for crisis assistance with heat, rent and water and for ongoing operations of the shelter and Jeannie’s Kitchen. With $150 – $300 it can help someone stay warm for a month. Food items — cereal, rice, dried beans, canned meat, canned fruit, canned food, juice, canned milk. Supplies including toilet paper, paper towels. Clothes — gently used coats, gloves, socks. Items can be dropped off at the loading dock on the Liberty Street side of the Ralph Ketner Crisis Assistance Center (226 N. Long St.). Volunteers are needed to work two-to-four hour shifts in the food pantry, front desk and crisis assistance areas.
Contact: Emily Huffman 704-637-6838, ext 112. To volunteer to prepare and serve breakfast, lunch or dinner Shakita Ellis 704-637-6838, ext 117. To make a donation by phone Kris Mueller 704-637-6838, ext 103.
Website: www.rowanhelpingministries.org
Rowan Public Library
201 W. Fisher St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Rowan County’s public library system, headquartered in Salisbury, with branches in China Grove and Rockwell
Needs: Monetary donations for library materials – a gift that keeps on giving. With your donation of $25 or more, we can purchase materials for the library’s collection and place a gift plate in them to commemorate your gift, with your name and the name of the person in whose honor or memory the item is given. Donations are recognized in the library’s catalog as well as our monthly newsletter. An acknowledgement card will be sent to you and to the person you honor, or a family member of the person memorialized. Contributions can be made by individuals, families, businesses or groups.
Contact: Pam Nance, Erika Kosin or Marian Lytle 704-216-8231.
Rowan Museum
202 N. Main St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Collect and preserve historical materials connected to the history of the county. Operates three historic properties: the Utzman-Chambers House (1815 on South Jackson Street), the Old Stone House (1766 in Granite Quarry), and the museum in the old 1854 courthouse on Main Street
Needs: Volunteers to work as docents/guides at historic sites, volunteers for special events such as the Old Christmas Celebration and Colonial Spring Frolic at the Old Stone House, volunteers for the Summer History Day Camp, for special projects, for the annual Antiques Show planning and implementation, and for fundraising. Office supplies, paper products, Post-It notes, etc.
Also: Volunteers, financial contributions and any items related to the history of Rowan County, its communities and the Piedmont.
Contact: Executive Director Kaye Brown Hirst 704-633-5946 or rowanmuseum@fibrant.com
Website: www.rowanmuseum.org
Rowan-Salisbury School System
P.O. Box 2349
Salisbury, NC 28145-2349
Needs: Encourage every child to read 20 minutes a day, volunteers to read with children at school, help build innovative space/reading centers in schools, provide a “hot spot” for after school student learning with digital devices, contribute to the system’s “Impact Fund.”
Contact: Public Information Officer Rita K. Foil 704-630-6103
Contact: Special Projects Coordinator Wilson R. Cherry 704-633-6223, ext. 113 or 704-467-5909
Rufty-Holmes Senior Center
1120 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Provides a focal point for aging resources and opportunities to extend independent living and enrich the quality of life for Rowan County older adults.
Needs: Contributions toward cost of operating Senior Center and providing meals for congregate nutrition program.
Contact: Executive Director Rick Eldridge 704-216-7714
Website: www.ruftyholmes.org
Salisbury-Rowan Symphony Society, Inc.
P.O. Box 4264
Salisbury, NC 28145
Purpose: Annually presents four performances of the Salisbury Symphony and one of the North Carolina Symphony, two performances of the Nutcracker, and one of the Pops at the Post with funds raised by a separate board. Also provides teachers for after-school string program and annual orchestra concert for all fifth-graders and string trio/quartet concert for younger students in all schools.
Needs: Catawba (Keppel Auditorium) first– new storage area for the Theater Department ($10 million) so that second — the pit can be renovated to the original plans (so it is movable) ($1 million), and then there will be storage for third — a new orchestra shell ($200,000)
Livingstone (Varick Auditorium) first — new roof so everything in the building is protected ($1 million to $1.5 million) then second — new seats ($850,000) and third — eventually the enlargement or reworking of entire performance space ($10 million)
Community — orchestra program in all middle and high schools, more support for music and all middle and high schools, more support for music and all the arts in the school system (This only takes a community committed to the value of arts in everyone’s lives).
Website: www.salisburysymphony.org
The Salvation Army of Rowan County
P.O. Box 625
Salisbury, NC
No updates were available. These are the organization’s previous needs:
Purpose: Provides a variety of programs and assistance
Needs: Angel Tree gifts for children – clothing sizes and wish list are included on Angel Trees at several banks and retail stores, as well as volunteers.
Contact: 704-636-6491
Saving Grace Therapeutic Programs
565 Trexler Loop
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: To offer safe and therapeutic interactions with the horses that nurture the mind, body and spirit.
Needs: New helmets from extra small to extra large (ASTM — American Society for Testing and Materials and SEI — Safety Equipment Institute) approved, obstacle riding challenge course built for veteran riders and other programs, handicapped accessible bathroom in the barn, playground area for siblings who participate in the riding program, large indoor arena, volunteers and monetary donations.
Contact: Program Director Janna Griggs 704-704-798-5955
Contact: Director of Programs Laura Villegas 704-603-3368 or lvillegas@smartstartrowan.org
Salisbury, NC 28144
No updates were available. These are the organization’s previous needs:
Needs: Someone to play the piano for 30 minutes or so a week for dementia group; appointments can be set up for different days of the week. Any groups to provide music or share talents. Bring a pet and visit (call ahead). Students to assist in training residents to use computers for simple tasks such as email and surfing the web. Community groups and individuals to adopt resident for the holidays.
For Christmas stockings: Body lotion, tissues, white socks – in bulk from one source or bottle by bottle, box by box
Other items: Costume jewelry, after-shave, stick deodorant, oral care products (toothpaste, Efferdent, mouthwash, Poligrip), postage stamps, body sprays, body wash, word search puzzle books, suncatchers for windows
Full-size gift items: Sweat suits, sweatshirts and sweatpants in all sizes, as well as bedroom slippers (closed back and washable), all sizes and both genders – all items must be new and unopened
Volunteers: In constant need of volunteers for a variety of tasks; Brenda Zimmerman will speak with any community group or individual looking for an opportunity to serve in such a capacity
Contact: 704-633-1002
Website: www.trinityoaks.net
Trinity Living Center (formerly Abundant Living Adult Day Services)
1416-A S. Martin Luther King Jr. Ave.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Enables frail older adults and adults with disabilities to remain at home and in the community through the use of supportive services.
Needs: Cereal (whole grain or enriched like cheerios, cornflakes, etc.), quick-cooking Grits, non-stick cooking spray, cheese (slices), muffin mix (just add water kind with no nuts), soft margarine, graham crackers, Ritz crackers, Cheez-Its, sugar-free cookies, toilet paper, disinfectant cleaner, liquid hand soap (pumps or refills), liquid dish detergent, laundry detergent, laundry dryer sheets, diet Jello (no seeds), peanut butter, honey, stamps, copy paper (8.5x 11 and 8.5x 14), fine/medium point ink pens, terry cloth hand towels. Wite Out correction tape, flushable wipes, incontinence pads, paper plates/cups/cutlery, fabric band-aids, small medicine dispensing cups, self-adhesive gauze, quart/gallon size Ziploc bags, individual hand sanitizers, Kleenex, air freshener sprays, alcohol pads, scrapbook paper, Scotch tape refills, tree-tab folders, crinkle shredded paper, monetary donations, gift cards, volunteers.
Contact: 704-637-3940
United Way of Rowan County
P.O. Box 5065, Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: Raises funds for human services, helps sponsor local agencies (including many listed here), plans for community-based needs.
Needs: Donations of equipment and supplies to Matchmaker program that matches items with agencies that need them. Call United Way to learn where to donate goods. Donations are welcome.
WaterWorks Visual Art Center
123 E. Liberty St.
Salisbury, NC 28144
Purpose: The Center is among Salisbury’s most valued cultural organizations dedicated to providing exciting, enriching, and diverse opportunities in the arts for adults and children through exhibitions, education, and outreach programs. In addition to rotating, professional exhibits of contemporary art, it also offers studio classes in drawing, painting, photography, sculpture, and pottery, and outreach programs. We invite you to join us in creative exploration!
Needs: cordless microphone, gift cards from Office Depot, Walmart, Lowe’s or Dick Blick Art Supply, gas blower for outdoor garden, hand-held vacuum cleaner, monetary donations for scholarship program.
Contact: Executive Director Anne Scott Clement or Administrative Director Cathi Brandt 704-636-1882
Website: www.waterworks.org
YMCA of Rowan County
Purpose: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.
Needs: Members and program participants, strong volunteers for our sports programs, investing in our annual We Build People Campaign.
Contact: Any branch to find out how you can help your local YMCA help the community.
CEO Jamie Morgan 704-216-9622 or jmorgan@rowanymca.org
Saleeby-Fisher YMCA, East Branch 704-279-1742
J. Fred Corriher YMCA, South Branch 704-857-7011
J .F. Hurley YMCA, Salisbury Branch 704-636-0111
Website: www.rowanymca.org
Contact reporter Shavonne Walker at 704-797-4253.
