Background
In August 2005, the City of Charlotte's Neighborhood Development Department, with the generous support of the Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation, Inc., celebrated the start of an innovative approach to improving the quality of life in Wingate, one of its revitalization neighborhoods. This approach is the Vision Charlotte initiative.
The Wingate neighborhood is bordered by Old Steel Creek Road, Mayfair Avenue, West Boulevard, and Willow Avenue. Beginning in 2000 and continuing for the next five-seven years, the Wingate neighborhood experienced many changes in its physical appearance. However, several social conditions such as teen pregnancy, school drop out, and unemployment continued to be high compared to the city-wide average.
The Vision Charlotte initiative is a special effort to provide seamless, neighborhood-based social services to residents in the Wingate neighborhood and surrounding communities. Services and programs operate out of the Wingate Resource Center which is located in the heart of the Wingate neighborhood, and are coordinated with the City's Neighborhood Action Plan (NAP) work in targeted revitalization neighborhoods.
Service Model
Services and resources provided through the Vision Charlotte initiative are organized around seven core areas:
1. Youth Development- providing positive opportunities for youth ages 14 to 21 years including life skills groups, computer classes, homework club, employment assistance, sport leagues, creative arts, and leadership development.
2. Family Enrichment- providing support to parents and other caregivers with children ages birth to 18 years old which include parent workshops, support groups, advocacy, and out-of-school time programming.
3. Senior Support- providing support to residents 55 years and older including social, health, and recreational outlets.
4. Self Sufficiency & Reliancy Programs- leveraging resources which move residents towards self sufficiency & reliancy including job readiness training, employment assistance, GED and other educational support, and financial literacy workshops.
5. Health & Wellness- addressing health & wellness issues including physical health, dental health, emotional & mental health, and substance abuse issues.
6. Neighborhood Safety- promoting safety within the neighborhood through strong partnerships with law enforcement and resident ownership for the neighborhood.
7. Community Building- creating opportunities to strengthen the neighborhood through capacity building, volunteerism, and celebration.
8. Family Support- providing one-on-one support and assistance to residents in meeting their goals.
Outcome Targets
The Vision Charlotte initiative focuses on making a difference in the quality of life by targeting several key outcome indicators which are tracked over time. These indicators include:
- Reduce teen pregnancy
- Reduce school drop outs
- Increase the number of stable and intact families
- Decrease the rate of public aid received
- Increase the percentage of families with assets (i.e. home, car, savings, etc.)
- Increase in residents taking advantage of regular & preventive health care
- Decrease in criminal activity
- Stronger sense of community
To learn more about the Vision Charlotte Initiative, visit the Wingate Resource Center located at 2701 Mayfair Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28208 or call us at 704.353.0046.
Operating Hours:
Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Links
Vision Charlotte Partners
Partnership Committee
Sonya Amos, Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation, Inc.
Cheryl Brown, Sisters of Mercy of North Carolina Foundation, Inc.
Dr. Wendy Campbell, Winthrop University
Janice A. Jackson, Mecklenburg County
Kim Lewis, United Way of Central Carolinas
Barb Pellin, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools
Trena Palmer, Charlotte Mecklenburg Seniors Center
Chief Darrell Stephens, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department
Marquise Townsend, Resident
Stanley D. Watkins, City of Charlotte- Neighborhood Development
Catherine L. Lester, Vision Charlotte Executive Director (staff support)
