Financial Independence Day

It’s about the relationships

On June 26 CEF Members, Advocates, staff, friends, and family came together to honor the hard work that CEF Members are putting in to achieve financial stability and independence. Thank you to everyone that joined us in celebration and made Financial Independence Day a success! Thank you to our musical guests, Chapel Hill’s Finest! Book them for your next event by contacting OD Sanders at 919-259-2619. And special thanks to full-time interns – Olivia, Hannah, Jada, Collyn, and Audrey – who planned the event!

We are all excited for future events to build and celebrate our treasured community. “It’s not about the money. It’s about the relationships.” -Thomas Owens, CEF Alumnus

Old Fashioned Quilting Made Fun!

Every Thursday At CEF Chapel Hill

Have you ever had the desire to learn quilting? Do you enjoy crafting in good company? Want to get a head start working on that 2022 holiday gift? Join David every Thursday from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at the CEF office in Chapel Hill, 208 North Columbia St. No quilting experience is needed!

COVID-19 Guidelines: Please wear a mask and abide by social distancing protocols.

Donations of fabric and crafting supplies are welcomed! Please drop off at the CEF Chapel Hill office.

If you have any questions or concerns please call (919) 200-0233 and leave a message for David!

Brandwein’s Bagels SAVE THE DATE!

Fundraiser Friday August 20

Friday, August 20, Brandwein’s Bagels will donate 15% of all sales to the Community Empowerment Fund. This fundraiser will assist CEF in our ongoing work to provide person-centered support with financial services that pursue equity in order to reduce the racial wealth gap. Mark your calendar for August 20 and check out their menu at brandweinsbagels.com!

2021 Piggy Bank Bash

Registration is open! Is your business interested in sponsoring

CEF’s 2021 Piggy Bank Bash will be held virtually this year on Monday, November 8 from 6:00-7:00PM EST. Tickets are free, registration is required. The Piggy Bank Bash is CEF’s annual fundraiser and all donations will support CEF’s work in Durham and Orange Counties. Visit the website to register for the 2021 Piggy Bank Bash presented by The Center for Intentional Leadership.

Sponsorships are still available for businesses at the Premier and Community Sponsor levels. You can check out the sponsorship benefits on the registration page here. For more information about becoming a sponsor, please contact: ari rosenberg, Director of Development and Finance, at arir@communityef.org

Resources of the Month

Orange County Resource of the Month:

This month, Diiv would like to highlight Care to Share a partnership between IFC and OWASA to provide up to $200 in financial assistance for overdue water bills from OWASA. This community water bill assistance program helps to make sure that no one in our community will have to go without water – or scrimp on medications or food to pay their water bill.

Care to Share funds are administered by the Inter-Faith Council for Social Services (IFC) in partnership with OWASA. CEF is partnering with IFC and OWASA to be an application site! Contact the Chapel Hill office at 919-200-0233 for more info.

Folks can also help out by donating to the Care to Share program. If you are an OWASA customer you can add a monthly donation to your water bill or donate a lump sum. Both options available at the link here.

Durham County Resource of the Month:

This month, Debbie would like to highlight LaunchDURHAM for folks seeking small business support. Applications are being accepted until August 8 for the next LaunchDURHAM cohort. In this ten-week training program you will learn how to refine your product, determine core customers, and how best to reach them, create financial tools for your business, and navigate the fundraising process. By the end of these ten two-hour classes, you will have a working business plan, a strategic plan for the next year, and be on your way towards growing your business!

To qualify applicants must be active in their business, working at least 5 hours each week, have access to an internet capable computer that can manage zoom calls, come from a household that earns less than $60,000 (if not, applicants may still be eligible, but will have to pay the $250 fee). The application can be found here and more information here.

Office Availability Updates

CEF Durham’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 – 3:00pm

Durham ERAP Hours:

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

Friday 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

CLOSED: August 9-13

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CEF Chapel Hill’s Office Hours:

Through Aug 19 Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 1:00 pm – 3:00 pm

After Aug 19 Monday-Thursday: 10:00 am – 3:00pm

Thurs: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm except Aug 19

No orientations Aug 9-20.

CLOSED: August 9-16

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.