Thank you for your support!

We raised $138,014.65 during our end-of-year campaign!

All of the funds raised will be used to support CEF’s work to end the racial wealth gap and empower community by supporting Members in reaching their employment, housing, and finance goals. Thank you for helping us build a joyful community!

We literally couldn’t do this work without you.

Share the Love Art Show and Celebration of Black Queens in our Community

Save the Date February 25, 1-3PM

We are just one month away from the annual Share the Love Art Show and Celebration of Black Queens in our Community! Please save the date and join us at the Carrboro Century Center from 1-3PM on Saturday, February 25. CEF strongly encourages all attendees to be fully vaccinated and boosted or have a negative COVID-19 test the day of the event. Masks are required and will be provided at the event for anyone that needs one. Registration is encouraged.

We will be honoring the leadership of six amazing Black Queens from our community and enjoying the artistic talents of CEF Members & Advocates. The event is free, but capacity is limited.

CEF is Hiring!

Two Positions & Summer Internships

Are you passionate about building relationships and making a positive impact in your community? CEF is seeking kind, collaborative individuals with the curiosity to drive their professional growth. We are currently hiring for a full-time position Member Services Coordinator-Durham, as well as Summer Interns in Durham and Chapel Hill.

The Member Services Coordinator (MSC) position is a part of the core program staff and co-leads CEF’s Durham office. The MSC stewards all services provided to CEF Members in the Durham office and works collaboratively with the leadership of CEF’s Chapel Hill office to ensure consistent and equitable services across our two geographies. The MSC also maintains CEF Durham’s relationships with a wide variety of local service providers, represents CEF in collaborative spaces within Durham County’s human services systems, and will manage special projects specific to needs of Durham Members. This position works closely with the Durham staff team to support office operations, including providing in-person support in the office several days a week, facilitating and supporting teams of volunteers, supervising staff and interns, and participating in and co-facilitating regular team meetings.

Additionaly, applications for CEF’s Summer Internship are now open! There are part- and full-time opportunitites in both Chapel Hill and Durham. Applications close in Chapel Hill on February 12 and in Durham on February 19!

To learn more and apply to these positions visit our website here. Please share with your networks!

Donna Receives 2023 King Leader Award!

43rd Annual MLK Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast

CEF Executive Director, Donna Carrington, was honored at the 43rd annual MLK Jr. Interfaith Prayer Breakfast in Durham. Donna received the prestigious King Leader Award recognizing her as a leader in our community that exemplifies Dr. King’s passionate commitment to transformation and justice. At CEF, we know firsthand Donna’s commitment to this work and we are so happy to see her hard work and passion uplifted by the wider community. Read more about the celebration here.

Meet Emily

Member Assistance Funds Manager at CEF

We asked Emily a few questions about her role at CEF:

In your own words, how would you describe the work you do at the CEF and why is it important?

“While providing direct financial assistance is not CEF’s primary mission, we do have a pool of resources dedicated to supporting Members as they work towards their goals. This pool is growing to include a homebuyers savings program and eviction debt assistance fund. As the Member Assistance Funds Manager, I will be responsible for developing an equitable and transparent process for distributing these funds as well as working with Members and Advocates to ensure that they know these resources are available.”

What experiences, strengths and skills do you bring to this work at CEF?

“As a social worker, I have been trained to approach my work through a lens of systems thinking, and I feel I naturally bring a level of empathy and vulnerability to this role. However, I am most grateful for my previous experience as an Advocate. The role required me to “take off my professional hat,” decenter myself, and learn from the wisdom and experience of Members. I plan to approach my Staff role in much the same way. I’m excited to continue building on the relationships that I established as an Advocate!”

Join the Advocacy Choir!

We’re looking for new members! (Including Piano/Keyboard Players)

Ms. Yvette is getting the CEF Advocacy Choir back together! If you’re interested in using your musical talents in support of CEF’s advocacy initiatives, focused on affordable housing, please call (919-200-0233) or email (yvettem@communityef.org) Ms. Yvette. We’re especially in need of a wide range of beautiful voices and someone to play the keys. All are welcome!

Seeking Artists for the 2023 Share the Love Art Show

Nominations close at midnight on January 15, 2023

Do you paint, draw, photograph, write poetry, or pursue some other creative outlet? Come display your work with the CEF community at the 2023 Share the Love Art Show! Just contact Steven (stevenh@communityef.org) and let him know you are interested. The art show will be displayed at the celebration of Black Queens in our Community on February 25, 2023 at the Carrboro Century Center.

Resources of the Month

Orange County Resource of the Month:

This month, Imanie would like to highlight First in Families NC (FIFNC). FIFNC is a grassroots family support initiative founded by families looking for new ways to provide and receive support. They support individuals and families living with disabilities to meet self-determined wellness goals, by leveraging relationships and resources, and encouraging reciprocity in their communities.

FIFNC offers a wide variety of programs to complement formal services, help when other support is not available, and serve as a bridge to the community.

• Lifetime Connections offers unique support and planning services for people with disabilities and their families, tailored to the individual. This includes working with lawyers, financial planners, and helping establish personal networks.
• Support networks for siblings.
• Specific care for those with traumatic brain injury.

Durham County Resource of the Month:

This month, the Durham office would like to highlight El Futuro. With offices in Durham and Siler City El Futuro provides mental health services and substance abuse treatment for Latinos. Clients will experience an environment sensitive to Latino culture and find services to address their unique needs.

El Futuro services include:

• Mental Health Evaluations
• Individual, Family, and Group Therapy
• Psychiatric Treatment
• DWI Assessment and Treatment
• Parenting classes, social skills classes, and DBT Skill Classes
• Substance Abuse Evaluation and Treatment
• Trauma Treatment (all ages)

They accept Medicaid, Health Choice, and other insurances, but also serve those who do not have insurance.

Office Availability Updates

CEF Durham’s Office Hours:

Tuesday & Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Tuesday-Thursday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm & 5:00-7:00 pm

Friday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

CEF Chapel Hill’s Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Thursday: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Friday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Can I still make a virtual appointment?

Yes! CEF Members with the capacity to meet through online video chat software (like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet) or over the phone will be encouraged to continue with this option. You can specify this option when you call the office to make an appointment.

We recognize that we work and CEF’s offices are located on the unceded territories of the Eno, Lumbee, Occaneechi, Saponi, Shakori, and Skaruhreh/Tuscarora tribes. We acknowledge and respect the ancestral & present land stewardship and place-based knowledge of the peoples of these territories. Please support them directly.

Holiday Campaign

Help CEF raise $150,000 by December 31!

Can you believe we’re just nine days away from 2023!? We hope you are having a warm and happy holiday season. Our Holiday Campaign is almost over and we need your support to reach our $150,000 goal. So far we have raised 67% and have $49,529.03 left to go. All donations go towards CEF’s work to end the racial wealth gap by supporting Members in reaching their goals around housing, finance, employment, and more! Thanks to a group of committed CEF donors, all donations up to $44,900 will be matched dollar-for-dollar through December 31, 2022. Donate today at the link below! Please share with your friends and family, every dollar helps!

CEF is hiring!

Join the CEF Team2 Positions & New Compensation Packages

Are you passionate about building relationships and making a positive impact in your community? CEF is seeking kind, collaborative individuals with the curiosity to drive their professional growth. We are currently hiring for two positions, Member Services & Programs Manager (MSPM) and Member Services Coordinator (MSC)- Durham.

The MSPM is a key position at CEF requiring a strong background in management. This position is focused on supporting CEF’s program staff in Durham and Chapel Hill and guiding program strategy. The MSPM will represent CEF in city-wide coalitions, provide supervision to CEF’s core program staff, manage data & reporting for Member Services and Advocate programs, and further the mission and vision of the organization as a member of the Executive Leadership Team. This position will have responsibility onsite in Durham and Chapel Hill, with flexibility for some off-site work. This position will report directly to the Executive Director.

The Member Services Coordinator (MSC) position is a part of the core program staff and co-leads CEF’s Durham office. The MSC stewards all services provided to CEF’s Members in the Durham office and works collaboratively with the leadership of CEF’s Chapel Hill program to ensure consistent and equitable services across our two geographies. The MSC also maintains CEF Durham’s relationships with a wide variety of local service providers, and represents CEF in collaborative spaces within Durham County’s human services systems, and will manage special projects specific to the Durham geography. This position works closely with the Durham staff team to support office operations, including providing in-person support in the office several days a week, facilitating and supporting teams of volunteers, supervising staff and interns, and participating in and co-facilitating regular staff team meetings.

To learn more and apply to these positions visit our website here. Please share with your networks!

Join the Advocacy Choir!

We’re looking for new members! (Including Piano/Keyboard Players)

Ms. Yvette is getting the CEF Advocacy Choir back together! If you’re interested in using your musical talents in support of CEF’s advocacy initiatives, focused on affordable housing, please call (919-200-0233) or email (yvettem@communityef.org) Ms. Yvette. We’re especially in need of a wide range of beautiful voices and someone to play the keys. All are welcome!

Nominate the 2023 Black Queens in our Community

Nominations close at midnight on January 15, 2023

To be nominated your Black Queen must identify as a Black Woman and live or work in Durham or Orange County, NC. The Black Queens in our community stand out as warriors for affordable housing, criminal justice reform, breaking barriers to access, and so much more. After the nomination deadline CEF Members will decide who the Black Queens are and they will be honored at an event on February 25, 2023 at the Carrboro Century Center. The deadline for submissions is midnight on Sunday, January 15. You can find the nomination form here.

Seeking Artists for the 2023 Share the Love Art Show

Nominations close at midnight on January 15, 2023

Do you paint, draw, photograph, write poetry, or pursue some other creative outlet? Come display your work with the CEF community at the 2023 Share the Love Art Show! Just contact Steven (stevenh@communityef.org) and let him know you are interested. The art show will be displayed at the celebration of Black Queens in our Community on February 25, 2023 at the Carrboro Century Center.

Resources of the Month

Orange County Resource of the Month:

This month, Imanie would like to highlight the Orange County Eviction Diversion Program. Orange County residents and families facing eviction can seek assistance through the Eviction Diversion Program (EDP). The EDP can help with eviction cases and accessing Emergency Housing Assistance funds for rental assistance, past due utilities, deposits, and application fees. Orange County residents may have a lawyer review your case and offer legal advice for free, but representation is not guaranteed. To learn more or find the intake form click here.

Durham County Resource of the Month:

This month, the Durham office would like to highlight the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). LIEAP is a federally-funded program that provides for a one-time vendor payment to help eligible households pay their heating bills. Households with a person aged 60 or older or a disabled person receiving services through the NC Division of Aging and Adult Services are eligible to sign up for assistance from December 1 through 31. All other households may apply from January 1 through March 31 or until funds are exhausted. Households that meet the following criteria may be eligible:

• Have at least one US citizen or non-citizen who meets eligibility criteria.
• Meet an income test.
• Have reserves at or below $2,250.
• Be responsible for its heating costs.

To apply visit or contact your local Department of Social Services.

Durham County DSS

Orange County DSS

Office Availability Updates

CEF Durham’s Office Hours:

Reduced Hours January 10-13:

Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tuesday & Thursday 5:00-7:00 pm

New, expanded hours starting January 17:

Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm & 5:00-7:00 pm

Friday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

CLOSED: January 2 through January 6, January 13, January 16

CEF Chapel Hill’s Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Thursday: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Friday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

CLOSED: January 2 through January 6, January 16

Can I still make a virtual appointment?

Yes! CEF Members with the capacity to meet through online video chat software (like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet) or over the phone will be encouraged to continue with this option. You can specify this option when you call the office to make an appointment.

We recognize that we work and CEF’s offices are located on the unceded territories of the Eno, Lumbee, Occaneechi, Saponi, Shakori, and Skaruhreh/Tuscarora tribes. We acknowledge and respect the ancestral & present land stewardship and place-based knowledge of the peoples of these territories. Please support them directly.

2022 Piggy Bank Bash

CEF’s Annual Event

Join us on November 14, for the first in-person Piggy Bank Bash since 2019. We will be at Vimala’s Curryblossom Cafe, sharing updates and building deeper connections with the wider community. Invite your friends for a fun evening of delicious food and drink, a performance by the CEF Advocacy Choir, and opportunities to hear directly from people impacted by our work. VIP tickets are available which will include a VIP Happy Hour with CEF Executive Director, Donna Carrington, from 5:00-6:00pm.

There will be lots of fun door prizes throughout the night as we reach our fundraising thresholds! We will also have a silent auction for folks to bid on trip packages to Alaska, Iceland, Tuscany, San Francisco/Napa Valley, Sedona, Spain, or Costa Rica!

All proceeds from the Piggy Bank Bash support CEF’s work reducing homelessness and poverty in Orange and Durham Counties. Purchase your tickets at the link below.

CEF is hiring!

Join the CEF Team!

Are you looking to be a part of building a joyful community? We are currently hiring the following full-time positions:

Member Services & Programs Manager (Chapel Hill & Durham): This position will represent CEF in city-wide coalitions, provide supervision to CEF’s core program staff, manage data & reporting for Member Services and Advocate programs, and further the mission and vision of the organization as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.

Member Services Coordinator (Durham): This position is a part of the core program staff and co-leads CEF’s Durham office. The MSC is responsible for stewarding services for Members in CEF’s Durham office and works collaboratively with the leadership of CEF’s Chapel Hill program to ensure consistent and equitable services across our two geographies. The MSC also maintain CEF Durham’s relationships with a wide variety of local service providers, represents CEF in collaborative spaces within Durham County’s human services systems, and manages special projects specific to the needs of Durham-based Members. This position works closely with the Durham staff team to support office operations, including providing in-person support in the office several days a week, facilitating and supporting volunteers, supervising interns, and participating in and co-facilitating regular team meetings.

Office & Community Organizer (Durham): This position is responsible for both bottom-lining office operations in the Durham office and leading CEF’s organizing and advocacy efforts with Members in our Durham office. The Office and Community Organizer creates a welcoming, healing-centered office environment that emphasizes each person as creative, resourceful, and whole. The OCO facilitates Member-led advocacy efforts including monthly Time + Talents meetings, marches and rallies, etc.

For more info and to apply click the link below!

Welcome Ishaan!

Chapel Hill Member Resource Specialist

“The bulk of my work is focused on identifying and building out resources for the community to expand the way that CEF can support Members. My long-project is focused on a Homebuyers Program, where we are trying to work with other local housing organizations to try and expand access to home ownership!

I worked as an Advocate for multiple years in the Durham office, so that introduced me to CEF’s work. I think in particular, I learnt to slow down and hold space for Members, peers and myself. This is a skill I hope to continue to develop through the next few years. In addition, I think that I can be extremely reliable, and hope to bring this constancy to my work at CEF.”

Read more from Ishaan at the blog post linked below.

Student Loan Debt Relief

Application is OPEN! Debt Discharge Temporarily Halted

A federal appeals court has temporarily halted the Biden Administration’s Student Debt Relief plan, but you can still fill out the application! Filling out the application now will expedite your debt relief later if the courts rule in favor of the Biden Administration. The application takes less than 5 minutes with no login or documents required. Individuals who made less than $125,000 and couples who made less than $250,000 in 2021 or 2020 are eligible. After you apply, the Department of Education will determine your eligibility or contact you if more information is needed. Your loan servicer will let you know when your relief has been processed. To learn more and apply visit here.

Resources of the Month

Orange County Resource of the Month:

This month, Imanie would like to highlight the Triangle Veteran’s Bridge Home. Veterans Bridge Home connects Veterans and their families, in any state of transition, to the community. Through a network of partners, Veteran Bridge helps Veterans navigate employment, create social connections, and settle their families. All Veterans are eligible regardless of discharge status or criminal history.

Durham County Resource of the Month:

This month, the Durham office would like to highlight The Giving Closet. The Giving Closet is where Durham County residents can receive free infant, toddler, children and maternity clothing, as well as accessories and baby equipment. To be eligible shoppers must:

• be a Durham County resident (must verify once a year).
• be 4 months pregnant and/or have at least one child ages 0-5 years (must verify that children are legally in your care).
• provide valid photo ID each visit.

Shoppers can select

• a variety of clothing
• accessories (socks, bibs, blankets, shoes, books, bottles, etc.)
• 1 large piece of equipment (if available)
• diapers 

The Giving Closet is currently open Fridays from 9:00AM til 1:00PM by appointment only. Call 919-560-7150 to make an appointment. They are located at 721 Foster St., Durham, NC 27701.

Office Availability Updates

CEF Durham’s Office Hours:

Tuesday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Tuesday & Thursday: 5:00-7:00 pm

Friday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

CLOSED: November 21 through 25

🕓

CEF Chapel Hill’s Office Hours:

Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Thursday: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Friday: 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

CLOSED: November 21 through 25

Can I still make a virtual appointment?

Yes! CEF Members with the capacity to meet through online video chat software (like Zoom, Skype, or Google Meet) or over the phone will be encouraged to continue with this option. You can specify this option when you call the office to make an appointment.

We recognize that we work and CEF’s offices are located on the unceded territories of the Eno, Lumbee, Occaneechi, Saponi, Shakori, and Skaruhreh/Tuscarora tribes. We acknowledge and respect the ancestral & present land stewardship and place-based knowledge of the peoples of these territories. Please support them directly.