"We recognize that as a result of the serious situation families are in, they forget how to have fun. Fun as a family is essential to rebuilding and strengthening family bonds," said Idamae, Safe Alliances Children's Program Manager. Idamae and her team are there to facilitate support groups, trauma informed child-care, one-on-one sessions with parents and children, self-advocacy, self-care, self-expression and good old fashion FUN. These programs are essential to help families cope with stress and overcome challenges in life. They can reduce the risk of negative outcomes such as mental illness, suicide, delinquency, or substance abuse.
The Sunshine Cafe at our shelter provides bagged breakfasts for families and hot meals for lunch and dinner every day. "We value the importance of sitting down for a family meal to strengthen the family's bonds so encourage families to make the time to sit and eat together," said Idamae. As the shelter serves all individuals, the kitchen is accommodating to dietary restrictions for women who may be pregnant or individuals with religious beliefs. Some of the guests' favorite meals include nacho bar, deli bar, salad bar, baked potato bar, chicken alfredo, lasagna, and good Southern dishes like fried chicken and mac and cheese.
Every month, Bright Blessings hosts a birthday party celebration for guests who celebrate a birthday in that month. Adults and children are surprised by the wrapped gifts they receive. "I remember one guest who was so overwhelmed by the gesture. She shared that at the age of 40 this was the first time she had received a gift for her birthday (pictured right)," recalls Idamae.
In the summertime, the shelter ensures there is fun, and play incorporated every day and invites the community to take part.
The shelter has a teen zone room, a kid zone a school-aged children's room and a sunshine baby-toddler room. Within those rooms, the shelter hosts weekly movie nights, teen groups, game nights and family nights. Staff and volunteers also will provide scheduled childcare so that adult residents can attend support groups or other shelter programming.
The shelter has an art room for families and children. "Art is important for self-expression, self-care and soothing. For our survivors going through this transition, processing emotions is difficult. This outlet allows them to express how they are feeling in the moment," said Idamae.
"This summer, we will be outside as much as we can to play," said Idamae. The children's advocacy team is planning time for basketball, gardening, bubbles, water ballon games, and much time on the playground. Recently Girl Scout Troop 2513 built and gifted our shelter a mini outdoor playhouse. "We are so appreciative of this gift from the Girl Scouts. We want kids to create, be expressive and learn through engaging with others. I love how the playhouse includes plants and encourages creativity," said Idamae.
In Kind & Volunteer Needs
In Charlotte, the price of childcare is so high. We are grateful to our community partners, such as Good Friends, YMCA, Smart Start, Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools who help to provide summer discounts and scholarships for our families. Additionally, we thank Temple Israel, CMPD, Arts Plus, Bright Blessings and Arts Empowerment Project for providing the supplies needed to keep our guests creative.
If you have time to bring joy and fun to our shelter, we have several volunteer needs:
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Volunteer to serve in lunch or dinner in the kitchen (max 4 ppl)
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Volunteer to refresh the kitchen - help clean the kitchen/cafeteria
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Host bingo night
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Host an art activity
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Host outdoor games
This summer, we are in need of the following:
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New outdoor, industrial play equipment
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Diapers sizes 3-6
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Unscented body lotion
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Unscented soap
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Laundry pods
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You can click here for up to date needs
Please reach out to Outreach Coordinator Paxtyn.lawson@safealliance.org if you are interested in donating or volunteering to support our shelter this summer.
