Participants in the Laptop IDA have been asked to meet several critical requirements: attending 2 CEF Opportunity Classes, 2 TWB Computer Literacy Classes, and then 2 additional classes from either CEF or TWB; passing a “laptop diagnostic” test that showcased skills learned in TWB classes; and saving $75.  This amount made up half the cost of a refurbished laptop graciously provided by the Kramden Institute, a Durham non-profit that works to bridge the digital divide for disadvantaged populations.

Since the program’s inception, 10 CEF Members have “graduated” with their own laptops.  These ten laptops have helped send Members to school or back to school, helped with one Member’s kids’ homework, allowed for extra job-searching, and made possible communication with far-away family members.   CEF is hoping to see this program continue and expand in the near future and would like to thank all the partners, Members, and Advocates who have helped make the pilot successful!

If you’re interested in the Laptop IDA program, or would like to learn more about CEF in general, feel free to contact us at info@communityempowermentfund.org.

John Miller recently came into our office to work on his resume, cover letter and job-searching with us.  He sent us a thank-you note after his visit that was just too good not to share! We are so grateful to have had John come in to the office and we hope to have a continuing relationship with him. Thanks for your kind words, John!

“Hi.

I know you felt that what you were doing was just a part of that
organization’s mission, but still I am very grateful for the
assistance. I could of course have gotten Services for the Blind to
help, and if I continue to require further aid I will solicit and make
use of their resources. But the bureaucracy would not have moved
quickly enough to respond to that immediate opportunity, and I don’t
really know if I would have gotten that kind of thorough vetting of my
resume from a team of people. I extend my thanks to all of the
individuals who contributed some form of suggestion as to how that
document could be enhanced, actually.
I have placed the resume and cover letter in the person’s box who
agreed to forward it on, and now I await the determination of whether
I can proceed with preparing to do this job. I will of course keep you
updated as to what happens.
Thanks again for the time and effort put into that. I really don’t
take it for granted.

Sincerely,
John”

“In the world of addiction, according to Michael Wood,  you ‘recover, die or go to jail.’

“Wood battled a decades-long cocaine addiction before quitting at the age of 59.

“Watch a video of his story here.”

Reese News published a news article, “Addiction: A cunning adversary,” profiling Michael Wood. Since recovering from his addiction, Mike has joined the staff at CEF and currently teaches weekly job readiness and financial education classes, and provides ongoing peer support to individuals recovering from homelessness, economic crisis, or addiction.

The Community Empowerment Fund is blessed to have Mike on our team. Read more about the impact his leadership has had on CEF. 

Thank you, Mike, for your continued commitment to helping others succeed, and the many ways in which you empower. And thanks to the folks at Reese News for covering this story!

You’ll spend your summer at Lend for America working with real people, real businesses, and real money. You’ll get to meet entrepreneurs, review loans, and see how microenterprise works in the U.S. You’ll be working with people who’ve chosen careers with a conscience.

Jochen Schwarz, Chapel Hill RBC Branch Manager, presents a celebratory check to Maggie West (Coordinator), Amanda Abbott (CEF Member), and Audrey Boyles (Advocate Coordinator).

Thank you for your donation, RBC!

The RBC Bank in Chapel Hill has been a great supporter and strong partner for CEF’s work since the very beginning. From donating our first office space to hosting our initial savings program, the branch staff’s collaboration has been essential to our progress.

This holiday season, we’re glad to send the staff our gratitude — for this generous donation and their ongoing partnership! Happy holidays to all of the staff!

View the project here: Equashia’s Story

Thank you, Equashia and Michelle for sharing this powerful story with all of us.

And a big thank you to Housing for New Hope for coordinating this initiative and sharing stories with our community.

We met Mike in the men’s shelter in early 2010 through Talking Sidewalks, and today he’s in housing and on staff with CEF teaching the weekly Opportunity Class held in the Campus Y on Saturdays.

Mike has an incredible history. He used to run his own small business, Woody’s BBQ, has been a professional chef, a restaurant manager, a banker, and more. He was a successful business man, with a special gift for marketing, or as he puts it, ―getting butts in the seats. Mike says that back in those days, “by all appearances anyone would have thought I was doing real good in life, but they couldn’t have been more wrong.” Unfortunately his financial success began a cycle of addiction to drugs and alcohol that eventually led to his downfall, loss of his business, foreclosure on his family home, and landed him in prison.

In prison, he developed a love for teaching–sharing his knowledge as a former employer to train fellow inmates in interview and job readiness skills. Since leaving prison, Mike has been in recovery from his addiction, saved with CEF, and gotten back on his feet during his stay at the IFC. By all appearances anyone would’ve seen me on the bench over there at the IFC, and thought I was down on my luck, but they couldn’t be more wrong either,” says Mike. “It was the first time I was doing anything worth doing.”

After he moved out and was well on his way in his job hunt, he was hit by a speeding vehicle, breaking both of his legs and seriously handicapping his search for employment. He has physically recovered the use of his legs since then, reunited with his family, and now dreams of becoming certified as a substance abuse counselor.

Mike’s presence at CEF has been invaluable. As the teacher for CEF’s Opportunity Class, he can justifiably say, ―been there, done that and empower current shelter residents to learn how to overcome challenging financial and social circumstances. He’s been absolutely critical to the success of the class and continues to inspire CEF members to keep working and fighting for their goals.

Mike has also learned a lot as a teacher; He says, “it’s helped me more than it’s helped the rest of them, being of service is the most helpful thing.”

When: Saturday, December 10th 4:00pm – 8:00pm

Where: Pacifica Common House, Carrboro, NC

Directions: Click here

Who’s Invited: You! And all members of the CEF (extended) family — members, advocates, family, friends, supporters, fans, partners, and neighbors

Why you should join us:

• Great food! Entrees provided
• Potluck side dishes welcome
• Great music and holiday cheer
• Celebrate new CEF graduates!
• Very seriously… the best holiday party you’ll ever attend

Please RSVP here: http://new.evite.com/#view_invite:eid=00A4AARBSZ35RYIKCEPBCRYYB47PTQ