Common Heartbeat Blog

“I’m so relieved.” That was the response from one of our Getting Ahead participants as she left last week’s free veterinary clinic with her dog, Sampson. Thanks to our new friends at The Street Dog Coalition, Sampson and about 30 other pets got free medical care including any necessary shots, […]

Introducing our new Cupboard Ally Manager We’re excited to introduce one of our newest staff members, Riane Brownlee, who joins us in the newly created position of Cupboard Ally Manager. With the growth of this monthly food delivery program, we needed someone to focus on our Ally volunteers and the […]

Proof of Covid-19 vaccine required for in-person preparation Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 25, volunteers Common Heart volunteers will once again offer free income tax service to local residents. In-person preparation will return this year with proof of Covid-19 vaccination to provide the best protection for volunteers and our neighbors. Masks will […]

Registration now open! 5th annual event! Choose in-person or virtual option We got a Facebook message recently from “Susan,” saying she had “fallen on hard times” and wanted to know how to receive groceries from the Thursday evening pantry at Union United Methodist Church in Waxhaw. She lives close by […]

Dollar General grant gives boost to adult literacy program Eriberta Gonzalez of Monroe is working toward a big goal as she learns English through Common Heart’s adult literacy program: becoming an electrician.  Thanks to an $8,000 grant from the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, Eriberta and other Union County adults are […]

Hard to believe… but tax season is approaching! That means we’re looking for volunteers to help with our FREE income tax season to help our neighbors file their taxes. Training sessions will be held online via Zoom January 8th and 15th from 8:30 to 4:00. Interested? Email Shaleel.Johnson@CommonHeart.org or call […]

A letter from our Executive Director, Keith Adams. As I think about what you and this community have done, I can say that the dream of a small revolution of kindness is happening. And Our Christmas Wish this year is to see this revolution grow exponentially in the hearts of […]

Applications being accepted for next sessions Our Getting Ahead empowerment focus groups meet people where they are — among all types of situations. For Angie Merritt, Getting Ahead was a “safe place” to be and meet new friends as she recovers from a drug addiction.  “It was a comfortable place […]

Adult literacy volunteer John Pinnix & Yahya Hamdouni, are more than just tutor & student — they’re friends. Yaya recently invited John to attend his U.S. citizenship ceremony and John presented him with a U.S. flag for his home. The moment marked a huge accomplishment for Yahya and the completion […]

The neighbors who regularly attend our evening food pantries often become friends, as Pastor Brad Cunningham of Union United Methodist Church can attest. He reflects on this relationship after one of these neighbors died unexpectedly. In his own words … A week ago today I received a phone call. One […]