Nonprofit Expands Educational Services with Help from Community Partners

By SJ Schwartz

In an effort to expand services provided to single women in the community, Connections of Cumberland County (CCC) added new workshops and services earlier this year to increase opportunities for clients to build skills in self-sufficiency, financial literacy, workforce preparedness, and family wellbeing all thanks to local, community partners. 

Here are highlights from three of these community partner collaborations. In February, 2023, Connections launched its partnership with a local branch of Carter Bank & Trust. The partnership has provided the agency’s clients with a series of financial workshops taught by Valerie Shorts, Vice President and Branch Manager. The series includes workshops covering managing debt, protecting your identity, lending, savings, and more. Workshop attendees have found the workshops helpful as they prepare to make financial decisions, with one participant sharing, “It’s nice to have more than just budgeting. I didn’t grow up with parents who taught me about money. These workshops with Carter Bank & Trust have helped me understand the things I missed but really need to know to improve my situation, like how to improve my credit score, how to save, and how to make smart money decisions.” When asked why volunteering to teach financial literacy is a priority, Shorts shared, “We often see where women have undergone a significant life change, where they suddenly have to manage their family’s finances for the first time. This can be not only overwhelming and intimidating, it can also add more stress to already stressful situations.” Shorts notes that helping others relieve stress by teaching them budgeting, credit building, and financial planning skills brings her a deep sense of fulfillment. “I feel like I’ve helped make a difference.”

In April 2023, CCC received its first of many diapers and period product donations from Diaper Bank of North Carolina. This new partnership was explored earlier in February, and the vision of Diaper Bank of North Carolina aligned well with Connections’ mission of “collaborating with community resources to empower women experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to develop self-sufficiency and enhance their children’s future.”  Diaper Bank of North Carolina envisions that every family in North Carolina will have access to basic necessities to support their dignity, health, and quality of life. To fulfill their vision, Diaper Bank of North Carolina partners with area nonprofits to distribute diaper and period products. The bank believes that this is the most effective way of distributing its products and enhances partnering nonprofits programs and services. Clients of Connections are already utilizing the service and several have noted that the service allows them extra cash to purchase food and non-food items such as toothpaste and soap. One single mother shared, “These diapers help me feel less frustrated. My child’s needs are met which reduces my stress. I’m thankful I can get diapers for my child.” In the first month of hosting this service, Diaper Bank of North Carolina has assisted 21 households through Connections. 

CCC has also increased the number and variety of workshops offered in-house. Agency staff and interns asked clients what types of workshops they thought they could benefit from. Using client feedback, Connections created resume writing, emotional wellness, managing conflict, and healthy relationships workshops. In 2023, The Terri Union Endowment for Women and Girls of Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc. provided a $6,000 grant in support of technology improvement to help facilitate the presentation of these workshops. Connections used the funding to purchase a smartboard which allows for client engagement in all workshops, to include financial workshops, and increased ability to broadcast meetings through platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. In the past year, Connections has updated its Budgeting Basics class to teach clients how to use Zero-Based Budgeting principles to assist their household. “The smartboard is a great way to get our clients involved in our financial and resume workshops. The technology allows clients to come to the board and balance budgets or write sections of a resume in real time. They get to take ownership of the activity which boosts confidence,” shared Crystal DePietro, Executive Director at Connections. 

Since January 1, 2023, 175 clients have attended workshops at the agency, with several clients attending repeatedly. “Our workshops are important to our work with clients. Clients typically come to us in crisis, but we’re no quick fix. Through our comprehensive case management, we sit with clients to explore continued patterns contributing to housing instability and/or homelessness,” shared DePietro. She went on to discuss how workshops cover skills and information that help clients break the patterns they’ve identified as contributing to their current circumstances. “Once we learn the information that we missed somewhere along the way, we can use it to improve our situation and ultimately change our life and the lives of our children.”

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Connections of Cumberland County is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Fayetteville, NC. Connections of Cumberland County serves single women and single women with children who are homeless or without stable housing and ready to improve their situation. Since July 2014, it has operated the only walk-in day resource center in the area offering comprehensive case management with supportive services. As an agency, it collaborates with community resources to empower women experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness to develop self-sufficiency and enhance their children’s future. Learn more by visiting our agency website: www.connectionsofcc.org.

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Mandie’s Story

Mandie* came to Connections in December 2020 after being evicted from her home in September 2020 because she could no longer afford her rent. The eviction meant that Mandie and her sixteen year-old daughter were homeless and the two soon found themselves living in their car and motels. Mandie worked out an agreement with the motel management wherein she would clean and provide housekeeping services in exchange for her own room until she could secure more permanent housing. During her time in active case management, Mandie shared many things to include that she is a survivor of domestic violence. 

In late March 2021, Mandie came to our Day Resource Center for a follow-up with her case manager. Mandie shared that her situation largely remained unchanged and that soon she would no longer be able to work in exchange for a room. Mandie was concerned about her ability to support herself and her daughter since her only income was SSDI and food stamps. Additionally, Mandie shared that she was struggling to find stable housing because of all her past evictions.  Mandie agreed that it was time to work on her situation. In partnership with Mandie, her case manager created Mandie’s Stabilization Plan that listed her initial goals as obtaining both stable housing and a job. In June 2021, Mandie’s case management team submitted a referral to a housing management company. To apply, Mandie was required to submit social security cards as well as birth certificates; Mandie did not have these documents so her case manager assisted her with contacting the appropriate agencies for copies of each item. The case manager modeled positive interactions with each agency and guided Mandie on her communication skills. The following month, Mandie learned that her application to the housing management company was denied due to her past evictions and credit score. Her case management team encouraged Mandie to file an appeal and offered to help her with the process.

Together with her case management team, Mandie wrote a letter of appeal and the agency’s Case Management Coordinator submitted it on her behalf to a housing management company in August 2021. While awaiting the results of her appeal, Mandie and her daughter were evicted from the motel on August 18, 2021. Mandie contacted her case management team who provided her with contact information for Salvation Army, Coordinated Entry, and The Care Center. On September 2, 2021, Connections was notified that Mandie and her daughter were approved for a unit. Mandie saved enough money to pay for the rental deposit while Connections covered the utility deposit. To date, Mandie has maintained stable housing and has gone on to secure employment. 

Throughout her time in active case management, Mandie received client emails listing job opportunities as well as resume and interview workshops offered by community partners. She had several one-on-one meetings and phone calls with her case management team where they discussed hope, keeping a positive mindset, and modeled positive communication abilities. Since obtaining housing, Mandie has received a furniture voucher referral to a partnering agency and has kept in touch with the case management team at Connections. Now that Mandie has secured stable housing and is maintaining employment, her next goal is to attend our agency’s Women’s Empowerment Groups.

Through our agency’s comprehensive case management, Mandie maintained custody of her daughter even through housing transitions, successfully appealed her denied housing application, secured stable housing, saved and paid for her own rental deposit, and secured a job. Her case management team supported her during each stage, waited for her to decide when she was ready to work on her circumstances, modeled positive communications with other agencies, and has remained in touch with the client.

*Name changed to ensure client privacy and to honor HIPAA.

Connections seeks vibrant connector and visionary leader as its next Executive Director!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:  Lucy Jones, Connections Board Member

910-977-2809

Connections of Cumberland County Announces Executive Director Change

FAYETTEVILLE, NC — The Board of Directors of Connections of Cumberland County (CCC) nannounces the resignation of Crystal Bennett, MPA, as Executive Director, effective July 10, 2020.  Bennett has been ED for five years and developed new programs and much growth.

In a letter to the CCC Board and Community Partners, Bennett stated, “This is a bittersweet departure as I love this nonprofit, the women and children it serves, and its mission so deeply.  But, my purpose has been achieved, and I must journey along the path where my calling is steering me.”

“Crystal has been a tremendous asset during her five years as our Executive Director.  She has worked extremely hard to move the organization forward, connect CCC collaboratively within the community, and strengthen our mission to empower clients to develop paths to reach self-sufficiency.   Crystal has led the organization with passion, grace and creativity and will be missed by all.  We wish her the very best in her new endeavor,” said Mary Flagg Haugh, Board President.

Also, the CCC Board is pleased to announce that Crystal G. DePietro, MSW will serve as a part-time Interim Executive Director.  Currently an Outpatient Therapist, DePietro had served as the Case Management Coordinator at CCC.  In addition to her Master of Social Work degree, she is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker-Associate and Certified Case Manager. 

Connections will be conducting a search for a new Executive Director.  Interested candidates should visit our website for further information, connectionsofcc.org, or contact Mary Flagg Haugh, 910-850-5396.    

Founded in 2014, Connections of Cumberland County operates a Day Resource Center with comprehensive case management and computer access to support services for women and children who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.  Our mission is to collaborate with all community resources to empower homeless women and children to become self-reliant.  CCC’s guiding principle is that every child needs a safe and nurturing environment in order to grow to be a responsible, self-reliant adult.

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Connections’ Day Resource Center COVID-19 Response: WE ARE NOW OPEN AND ACCEPTING NEW CLIENT INQUIRIES IN PERSON/ONLINE!

Connections of Cumberland County Day Resource Center (DRC)
COVID-19 Response and Protocol

Update 5/25/2020:  Reopening Protocol and COVID-19 Mitigation Strategies Connections’ DRC Reopen Date:  Tuesday, June 2, 2020 Contact:  (910) 630-0106 or info@connectionsofcc.org

Schedule:  Tuesday through Thursday 9:00am – 3:00pm

Daily Mitigation Protocol to Prepare for Clients:

  1. Sneeze Guards installed at Staff Work Stations in following areas:  Desks at entry and exit points; Computer Lab Desk; Field Placement Supervisor Desk; 2 Case Manager Desks. 
  2. Staff/Students temperature check. 
  3. Staff/Students hand sanitize and mask.
  4. Staff/Students set up outdoor handwash station. 
  5. Staff/Students set up indoor hand sanitizer, disposable mask, temperature check, sign-in log and COVID-19 protocol station at side entry door.  
  6. Staff, clients and guests are to wear masks at all times while in the DRC and practice social distancing by observing a 6 foot perimeter between each other at all times. 
  7. Only 5 clients will be allowed usage of DRC at a time. 
  8. Clients have a time limit of 1 hour to complete all activities. 
  9. Should clients have a fever or refuse to sanitize and apply mask, they will be gently asked to leave.  Staff/students will communicate, gently, the need to protect our team, clients, their children and all guests who access the DRC and invite them to join us in working together to protect each other.  Executive Director will mediate when necessary.  
  10. Clients utilizing computer lab should be verbally instructed to spray/wipe down their computer station with sanitizing solution before and after use. 
  11. There will be no access to the kitchen area. 
  12. There will be no access to the children’s room.   
  13. Daily luggage storage.  Daily luggage storage is discouraged at this time.  Exceptions may be made for employed clients only. 
  14. Hygiene Closet.  Clients will provide list of items needed from hygiene closet and staff/student will fulfill request.
  15. Due to the inability to practice social distancing, Women’s Empowerment Groups will be conducted virtually until further notice. 
  16. New client inquires will be encouraged to complete online screening form and utilize virtual technology to conduct intakes.  Zoom is preferred to allow rapport building with new clients during regular DRC hours.  
  17. Staff/Students frequently sanitize hard surfaces in all areas of the DRC.  

We will continue to add necessary measures as the situation evolves.  We appreciate your patience as we work together in our community to keep everyone safe and well.

UPDATE 3/30/2020:  Due to COVID-19, effective March 19, 2020 the Day Resource Center has temporarily moved to a virtual service model. We are still accepting new client intakes until the center reopens to the public. Women (with or without children) who are experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity can initiate a new client intake by visiting: Connections of Cumberland County New Client Screening Form for more information.

Connections of Cumberland County takes the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and has been closely following the guidance of federal, state and local health officials for the past several weeks. We will continue to monitor the situation and update our procedures and policies as it evolves. Our top priority is the safety and health of our guests, staff, students, volunteers, partners and the community while maintaining as many services as possible to the extent we can safely and reasonably do so. If events necessitate that services change, we will post information at the DRC point of entry, on our website and social media.

Please review the following measures and protocols already in place to increase the preparedness among our guests, staff, students, volunteers, partners and the community. All of the measures have been implemented through the guidance from the established protocols and procedures from federal, state and local public health officials and Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to reduce the spread of infectious disease and illness.

Timeline of Procedure Implementation

3/4/2020 – COVID-19 precautionary handouts have been placed throughout DRC to guide staff, students, volunteers and guests in reducing risks of viral exposure or infection. Assessed stock of necessary supplies including hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and sanitizing spray for use throughout the facility.
3/11/2020 – Replenished stock of hand sanitizers and disinfectant cleaners.
3/11/2020 – COVID-19 precautionary handouts remain in place throughout DRC to guide staff, students, volunteers and guests in reducing risks of viral exposure or infection. Hand sanitizers remain placed in every work/service area and restrooms. Staff and students are encouraging guests to utilize hand sanitizers throughout the day and are modeling this behavior. Notices are affixed to every computer: “LET’S STAY WELL TOGETHER! TO REDUCE EXPOSURE TO VIRUSES AND BACTERIA, PLEASE SPRAY AND WIPE DOWN KEYBOARD, MOUSE AND COMPUTER SCREEN AFTER EACH USE. THANK YOU!”. Antibacterial spray and computer wipes are available in each computer access area. Our Team is sanitizing door knobs, bathrooms and other hard surfaces in guest and staff usage areas multiple times per day.
3/13/2020 – Carpets in computer lab and children’s room cleaned and sanitized. Began discussing alternative ways of deliver services and potentially limiting access to only essential services, if necessary.
3/16/2020 – Implemented the following DRC protocol:

  1. Sanitizing Station and CDC Protocol placed at outside entry point of DRC with signage indicating:
    • If you or your children are experiencing cold symptoms to include cough and fever, please do not enter the DRC.  Please report if you have traveled to areas where active COVID-19 infections have been documented.  Only 5 guests will be allowed access to DRC at a time.
    • To reduce risk of infection among all who visit the DRC, please sanitize your hands before entering the agency. Please review the guidance on the table to help you and your family reduce your risk of illness or infection.
    • All Women’s Empowerment Group activities and Career Exploration Lab activities may experience decreased meetings based on protocol developed by offsite community partners who deliver onsite programming at the DRC.
    • If Public Health officials recommend closure of organizations for an extended period of time, the DRC may abruptly close and notices will be posted on our door regarding how you can connect with a Case Manager during the closure period (email info@connectionsofcc.org to be triaged by phone or email).
    • If in operation, the DRC will be closing at 3:00pm daily to allow for staff to clean and disinfect to prepare for service the following day.
    • If in operation, new client intake hours are reduced to Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00am to 11:00am.
  2. Posted “Cover Your Cough” and “Proper Hand-Washing” posters in English and Spanish in all bathrooms and kitchen.

3/17/2020 – The following service protocol will be in effect beginning 3/18/2020 until further notice:

  1. Hand Sanitizing Station and COVID-19 protocol will remain at the outside entry point of the DRC.  The DRC will operate Monday through Thursday, 9:00am to 3:00pm.
  2. Once guests enter the DRC, they will interface with staff who will perform a non-invasive temperature check using a forehead thermometer.  All staff, students and volunteers performing duties onsite at the DRC will be subjected to temperature checks.  The following questions will be asked of all guests:
    • Do you have any symptoms of a respiratory illness?
    • Have you experienced a fever in the last 72 hours?
    • If you answer yes to either question or have an elevated temperature, entry into the DRC will not be allowed.  You will then be connected with a Case Manager via telephone or email.
  3. CASE MANAGEMENT AND CHILDREN’S ROOM:  Due to our University Partners pulling Case Management Interns from their placements nationwide, we are experiencing a significant reduction in force.  You may not be able to access your assigned Case Manager at this time.  Please email:  info@connectionsofcc.org to speak with Team members who will be able to assist you.
    • We know that so many in our community are struggling. Please be patient with our Team as our referral protocol looks very different than it has in the past.  There may be disruption of services or depletion of resources at other organizations as they develop their own protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  Our Team remains committed to reducing wrong doors in the community and will try to stay informed of changes or reduction of service among referral agencies.
    • Only 2 children will be allowed access to the children’s room at one time.  Our Team is not able to provide supervision of children at this time.  If guests need access to a computer, a laptop will be available in the children’s room so guests may complete their tasks while supervising their children.
    • We encourage you to engage your children in educational activities while experiencing school closures.  Our Team will from time to time send you helpful tips via email.  Many of our Team members have school-aged children and are happy to share.  Social distancing can impact our emotional wellbeing, and our Team is committed to making ourselves available to you to offer as much support as possible during these isolation periods.
  4. FTCC CAREER EXPLORATION LAB:  Our HRD Instructor has been pulled from onsite work at the DRC.  The Career Exploration Lab is suspended until further notice.  While the DRC is open, the computer lab will be available from 9:00am to 1:00pm daily.  The following measures are being put into place to allow guests access to computers for employment or resource procurement:
    1. Only 3 guests will be allowed in the lab at one time.
    2. We asked that guests limit their lab time to 1.5 hour per visit.
    3. Guests are required to sanitize their workstations before and after each use, using available products in the lab.
    4. If you are conducting job-seeking activities offsite, please create an NC Works account so that you can access employment related opportunities online and apply for Unemployment Benefits should your employment be impacted during this time.  https://www.ncworks.gov/vosnet/loginintro.aspx?blnStartHere=True&plang=E
  5. MAIL CHECK:  If you receive your mail at the DRC and need no additional services, you may call (910) 630-0106 during operation hours to inform our Team that you are in the parking lot and your mail will be delivered to you.  Please note that we are unable to provide your mail to anyone else in your absence.  If you have permanent housing, please take steps to have your mail forwarded to your residence by contacting companies/senders to change your address.  This is an important step.  Should the DRC close, you will experience a disruption in the receipt of your mail.
  6. HYGIENE CLOSET:  While the DRC is open, basic need items will be available.  Staff members will ask that you make a list of items that you need, and if available, they will choose items to give to you.  If basic need items are depleted, we will update this information.  Please call the DRC to check supplies before you expend your funds to travel to the DRC.
  7. DAILY LUGGAGE STORAGE:  While the DRC is open, daily luggage storage opportunities will be available for guests who are employed.
  8. WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT GROUPS:  Thursday’s Women In Transition Group will be limited to 4 group members onsite.  Your group facilitator will deliver the session with virtual technology until further notice.  Other Women’s Empowerment Groups are suspended until further notice.
  9. NEW CLIENT INTAKES:  While the DRC is open, new client intake hours will be Tuesday through Thursday, 9:00am to 1:00pm.  Should the DRC close, new client intakes will be handled in the following manner:
    1. Prospective clients should email info@connectionsofcc.org to request access to case management and provide the most reliable phone number (if available).
    2. New inquiries will be assigned to a member of our Team who will contact you via email or by phone to schedule a virtual meeting or discuss other options for engaging in services or procuring resources that may be available.
  10. BUS PASSES:  The DRC is suspending the availability of bus passes for verified employment and medical appointments until further notice.  To inquire about obtaining a bus pass, please contact Officer Sanders at (910) 433-1846 between the hours of 8:30am – 9:30am Monday through Friday.  As required at the DRC, you will also have to provide verification of your need for accountability purposes.
  11. If you do not have access to a printer and would like to post guidance on reducing risk of infections or illness in your own home, please email info@connectionsofcc.org, include your full name and mailing address, and we will mail flyers to you. If you have access to a printer, you may find this website helpful in finding flyers to post:  https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/prevention.html

3/19/2019 – The DRC is closed until further notice.  The following measures are being put into place to continue to meet critical needs in our community:

  1. NEW CLIENT INTAKES:   
      • Prospective clients should email info@connectionsofcc.org to request access to case management and provide the most reliable phone number (if available).  
      • New inquiries will be assigned to a member of our Team who will contact you via email or by phone to schedule a virtual meeting or discuss other options for engaging in services or procuring resources that may be available.  
  2. CASE MANAGEMENT AND WOMEN’S EMPOWERMENT:
      • Due to our University Partners pulling Case Management Interns from their placements nationwide, we are experiencing a significant reduction in force.  You may not be able to access your assigned Case Manager at this time. Please email: info@connectionsofcc.org to speak with Team members who will be able to assist you.  We know that so many in our community are struggling. Please be patient with our Team as our referral protocol looks very different than it has in the past.  There may be disruption of services or depletion of resources at other organizations as they develop their own protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Our Team remains committed to reducing wrong doors in the community and will try to stay informed of changes or reduction of service among referral agencies.
      • We are planning virtual workshops that you can be connected to at least 4 times per week beginning 3/24/2020.  Links to access these workshops virtually or telephonically will be emailed to current clients. Workshops will cover 1. tutoring tips; 2. financial literacy and budgeting tips; 3. encouragement and ways to reduce stress; and 4. tips/activities for keeping children busy while they are out of school – fun and educational!  We may even offer a weekly virtual group for children so that you may have a small window of time to practice self-care.  
  3. MAIL – There will be no active opportunities to check mail at the DRC until further notice.  Please email info@connectionsofcc.org to inquire if you have mail and to discuss options for you to receive your mail.  If you are in permanent housing, please contact the US Postal Service to begin mail forward to your current address.  It may also be helpful for you to contact any organization who is sending you mail to update your mailing address.  
  4. UNITED WAY 211 – United Way of Cumberland County is proud to provide funding and support to bring 2-1-1 to Cumberland County along with the City of Fayetteville, Cumberland County Government and Fayetteville PWC. “NC 2-1-1 is an important resource every day for families in our community who may experience a crisis such as food insecurity or unemployment. During times like this with the COVID 19 crisis, the needs of all North Carolinians will increase and I am proud 2-1-1 will be here to help,” said Robert Hines, President and CEO of United Way of Cumberland County. “Services like NC 2-1-1 are critical during times of emergency,” said Governor Cooper. “We need to make sure North Carolinians have access to the resources they need while we continue to work together to prevent the spread of COVID-19.” North Carolinians can text COVIDNC to 898211 to receive general information and updates about COVID-19. Sign up now to get regular alerts on the rapidly evolving situation and North Carolina’s response. Individuals who have specific needs related to food, shelter, energy assistance, housing, parenting resources, health care, substance abuse treatment, as well as specific resources for older adults and for persons with disabilities, and much more should dial 2-1-1 or TTY 888-892-1162 for assistance. Due to expected high call volume, those wanting to stay updated on general developments with North Carolina’s response to the coronavirus crisis should sign up for 211’s text alerts by texting COVIDNC to 898211.

Investment Maven Invests in Others – CityView Magazine

Connections of Cumberland County has such a beautiful beginning! Check out this wonderful article in CityView Magazine featuring Patty Collie, one of our amazing Day Resource Center Founders!

“We are very committed to not duplicating the efforts of others and are excellent collaborators in our community, Collie said. “It’s a concept that we think is scalable and repeatable with a focus on homelessness in the United States; this approach can be used in many different communities.” #celebrating5yearsofservice #connectingtoimprovelives

For Goodness Sake, SHOP! Pop-Up Shop

More than just a high-end, online boutique, For Goodness Sake, SHOP! (FGSS) also creates pop-up shop experiences in collaboration with other business owners around Cumberland County.

Through these pop-up shops, we offer shoppers fun, diverse, and dynamic events at popular destinations, where they will find an array of rare jewelry, vintage collectibles, brand-name footwear, and designer handbags.

Not only do our pop-up shop events raise funds for Connections of Cumberland County, but they also create awareness for CCC’s programs and services. Our partnering hosts simultaneously benefit from these events through our own marketing efforts and the resulting exposure to the community at large.

Interested in hosting a FGSS Pop-Up Shop? Please contact us at fgss@connectionsofcc.org or 910-630-0106.

Previous Pop-Up Shop Partners

The Fayetteville Observer: Art Auction to Benefit Women, Children

The “Home is Where the HeArt Is” auction will be held Thursday at Studio 215.  Get your tickets here

The art that will be featured in the “Home is Where the HeArt Is” auction Thursday isn’t just to be hung on a wall or placed on a shelf.

The pieces will go a long way toward funding Connections of Cumberland County’s efforts to help homeless women and children.

Connections is hosting the auction Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Studio 215 at 215 Williams Street.

“We work with a lot of single women with children who are at risk of homelessness every day because of poverty,” said Crystal Bennett, executive director of Connections of Cumberland County. “The revenues brought in by the auction go toward alleviating conditions that impact the stability of children.”

The silent and live auction will feature oils, pastels, baskets, jewelry and other items. All were donated by local artists, including Jeane Player, Lee McMillan, Catherine Cole and Greg King.

Last year, 54 local and regional artists donated more than 80 works of art, with similar numbers expected this year.

Guests will be able to bid on the items, with proceeds going toward Connections programs. They can also enjoy hors d’oeuvres and drinks as they check out the art work.

Connections of Cumberland County is a nonprofit organization that works to help women and children who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.

It collaborates with other agencies to connect clients with the community resources they need to become self-sufficient and offers a space where clients can send in applications, use e-mail and access other services.

Connections was founded as a result of research on homelessness by the Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County. From its founding in July 2014 through May 2018, Connections has served 727 women and 909 children, according to a press release.

“A child can’t thrive in their school or community if they are homeless or facing homelessness,” Bennett said. “It’s extremely important that we work toward stabilizing this population of children.”

Bennett said initiatives like the art auction are very important to Connections’ mission.

“We operate on a very small budget, but we have a huge impact on the community,” she said. “The proceeds from the auction helps to meet the basic needs of children, and the most basic need is to have housing.”

Bennett said she is grateful to the artists who offered their talents to help Connections.

“Just to see how that wonderful, creative collection of people came together to support such a beautiful mission, it amazes me every day,” she said. “We love our artists.”

‘Home is Where the HeArt Is’

“Home is Where the HeArt Is” art auction

Where: Studio 215, 215 Williams St.

When: Thursday from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Admission $35 in advance, $40 at the door. Cost includes heavy hors d’ouevres and two drinks.

Information and reservations: 910-630-0106 or connectionsofcc.org.

Staff writer Rodger Mullen can be reached at rmullen@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3561.

Indigo Moon Film Festival to benefit homeless, at-risk women and children at Connections’ Day Resource Center

The Indigo Moon Film Festival will donate 100% of its box office sales to Connections of Cumberland County.

Along with movie lovers, homeless and at-risk women and children will benefit from this year’s Indigo Moon Film Festival.

The organizers of the festival, to be held Oct. 11-13 in downtown Fayetteville, announced Thursday that Connections of Cumberland County will be given 100% of the proceeds from the box office sales.

Pat Wright of GroundSwell Pictures, sponsor of the festival, said the donations fits in well with the event’s motto, “Film Inspires Change.”

“There are a lot of women and children who fall into this category,” Wright said, “and Indigo Moon is thrilled to be part of the solution.”

Connections of Cumberland County is a nonprofit organization that works to help women and children who are homeless or at risk of losing their home.

It collaborates with other agencies to connect clients with community resources they need to become self-sufficient and offers a space where clients can send in applications, use email and access other services.

Crystal Bennett, executive director of Connections, said she was “humbled” by the support. She said Connections has helped about 1,100 women and 1,400 children since 2014.

“We can’t even believe how blessed we are to have your support,” Bennett said. “We are amazed by the community support, each and every day.”

The Indigo Moon Film Festival will be held at four locations in downtown Fayetteville — the Cameo Art House Theatre, the Cameo’s upstairs Loge screen, the Arts Center and the Airborne & Special Operations Museum. The museum is a new site for the festival.

Wright said more than 80 films will be featured at this year’s festival. An announcement of the lineup is scheduled to be held Aug. 27.

“We’ve got films from 25 different countries we’re looking at,” Wright said.

Some of the directors will be on hand to discuss their films in question and answer sessions after the screenings.

Staff writer Rodger Mullen can be reached at rmullen@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3561.

Join us for an evening of HeART! Connections announces 3rd Annual Art Auction Fundraiser! Click here for details!

Connections of Cumberland County (CCC) will host the third annual Home is Where the HeArt Is art auction fundraiser on Thursday, September 26, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Studio 215 in downtown Fayetteville.

Guests will have the opportunity to bid on original works of art by local and regional artists during the live and silent auctions. In 2018, 54 local and regional artists donated 86 items. Connections is currently accepting art works for this year’s event.  Guests will also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, beverages and live music.

“We are so grateful for all the support that sponsors, artists and patrons have given us in the past, and we are looking forward to this year’s event being bigger and better than ever,” said Jennifer Fincher, the 2019 chair of the event committee. “Sponsors and artists who are interested in donating can call Connections at (910) 630-0106 for more information.”  Click here for a fillable Donor Artist Form!  

Proceeds from the event will help CCC continue to offer services to homeless children and women.  Click here for reservations!

Connections of Cumberland County operates the only walk-in Day Resource Center with comprehensive case management designed to serve women and children who are homeless or facing homelessness. Its goal is to collaborate with all community resources to assist clients to become safe and self-sufficient.

Since beginning operations in July of 2014, CCC has served 1,192 women and 1,547 children (as of July 15, 2019). Connections developed as a result of research on homelessness by the Women’s Giving Circle of Cumberland County.  These research findings have indicated an ongoing major need for resources for the growing number of local homeless women and children.