The Charlotte Ledger

In December, we’re sharing information about Charlotte-area charities recommended by our community of paying members. Today, we’re highlighting Foster Village Charlotte, which creates connections with dignity for children and families experiencing foster care by meeting urgent needs, providing educational and emotional support and advocating as a collective community voice. Ledger reader Christina Emmons writes: "As former foster parents, we love the mission of Foster Village Charlotte to support and advocate for foster parents. They believe that strengthening the families and systems that surround a child experiencing foster care leads to a resilient next generation that breaks the cycle of childhood adversity.” Find out more about Foster Village Charlotte: https://lnkd.in/eAGGTSzP

Growing up in Russia, where I was born and raised, the most significant holiday of the fall and winter season has always been New Year’s. Unlike many other countries, Russians celebrate Christmas (Orthodox Christmas) in January, following the Julian calendar. As December draws to a close, families come together for a grand celebration. Early in the morning, everyone begins preparing a festive holiday feast. Gifts are placed under the tree, and the evening is filled with warmth, laughter, and reflection. It’s a cherished tradition to summarize the year’s achievements and set new goals for the year ahead—a moment to honor the past while dreaming of the future. 🚀 2024: A Year of Growth and Momentum for EEBN This same spirit of reflection and renewal resonates deeply with our journey at the Eastern European Business Network CLT (EEBN) this year. Since launching our membership program in May 2024, our thriving network has continued to reach incredible milestones: - 10 strategic, value-driven educational and experiential business networking events. - Outreach to nearly 1,000 businesses, entrepreneurs, and professionals through our partnerships. - Nearly 20 new members welcomed into our growing community. None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of our valued partners who believed in our mission and recognized the importance of our work. 🙌 Special Thanks to Our Partners: Charlotte Area Chamber of Commerce – for your guidance and encouragement. International House Charlotte – for being a vital bridge to the international community. SCORE Mentors – for your invaluable services and collaboration. Charlotte Works – for your dedication to workforce development. The Charlotte Ledger – for amplifying awareness about our mission. Charlotte Regional Business Alliance – for welcoming us into the network of international chambers. Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont – for opening new career pathways for our members. The City of Charlotte – including the CRC Committee, Economic Development Department, and the International Cabinet – for embracing and supporting our community. 🫶 And a heartfelt thank you to our members, whose enthusiasm, collaboration, and vision continue to drive the success of EEBN! 🔎 What’s Next for 2025? We’re thrilled to announce that the upcoming year will bring even more exciting opportunities to connect, grow, and thrive. From unique, experiential business events to platforms that unite the Eastern European community with American companies in Charlotte, 2025 promises to be filled with learning, discovery, and unforgettable moments. 👉 Stay tuned for our January newsletter with details about upcoming events. Subscribe at eebn.org. Here's to another year of growth, collaboration, and community! Wishing you a joyful and prosperous New Year!

In December, we’re sharing information about Charlotte-area charities recommended by our community of paying members. Today, we’re highlighting Friends of Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Services, which supports Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Animal Care & Control services and enhances its efforts to save the lives of pets in need. Ledger reader M. Mustapha writes: “If you have a pet or just love animals, you need to know about Friends of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Animal Shelter. They’re the fundraising arm of Animal Care and Control and help provide essential services like free rabies vaccines, spay & neuter clinics, animal welfare monitoring, pet reunification and of course, animal adoptions.” Find out more about Friends of Charlotte Mecklenburg Animal Services: https://lnkd.in/egNbqSdn

In December, we’re sharing information about Charlotte-area charities recommended by our community of paying members. Today, we’re highlighting Forgotten, Now Family Rescue, which gives dogs a second chance at finding their forever home. Ledger reader Moira Quinn writes: “This women-owned pet rescue provides respite for animals in shelters, sparing them from a kill shelter, and providing care and health care so that animals can bridge to forever homes. My son and daughter-in-law are fostering a sweet girl who is recovering from heartworm treatments, likely abandoned. She wants a family, so sweet and well-behaved and will be completely healthy — what a gift!” Find out more about Forgotten, Now Family Rescue: https://lnkd.in/efFkU4ZH

In December, we’re sharing information about Charlotte-area charities recommended by our community of paying members. Today, we’re highlighting Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy, which helps people in the Charlotte region who cannot afford legal services but desperately need them. Ledger reader Kelly Lynn writes: “They offer services that protect people’s safety, shelter, health and income and have a profound impact on the lives of those served. Their team of dedicated attorneys, paralegals and support staff work tirelessly to ensure access to justice for all—helping individuals secure their rights and protect their futures.” Find out more about the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy: https://lnkd.in/esyTwFpB

In December, we’re sharing information about Charlotte-area charities recommended by our community of paying members. Today, we’re highlighting PFLAG Charlotte, which offers peer support for families, allies, and people who are LGBTQ+. Ledger reader Karen Graci writes: "I’ve supported PFLAG Charlotte with gifts of time and treasure for years. Why? Because PFLAG Charlotte’s mission is to create a caring, just and affirming world for LGBTQ+ people and those who love them. That’s the kind of world I’d like to live in." And Ledger reader Jane Summey writes: "PFLAG has helped our family immensely, as well as many others throughout the Charlotte region. As a retired minister, I have witnessed its work of support, education and advocacy for decades. PFLAG’s work is needed more than ever to protect and increase inclusivity of some of our most vulnerable citizens." Find out more about PFLAG Charlotte: https://lnkd.in/eVgWCh7q

In December, we’re sharing information about Charlotte-area charities recommended by our community of paying members. Today, we’re highlighting Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency, which receives, connects and empowers newly arrived refugees in the Charlotte area so that they begin successful and self-sufficient lives in the United States. Ledger reader George Bohmfalk writes: “CRRA welcomes legal refugees to our country of immigrants and facilitates their productive and independent integration into our society. CRRA helps, encourages and celebrates refugees on their path to becoming citizens. A bare-bones group with committed leadership, CRRA represents the best face of the USA.” Find out more about Carolina Refugee Resettlement Agency: https://lnkd.in/eSwJJC5H

In December, we’re sharing information about Charlotte-area charities recommended by our community of paying members. Today, we’re highlighting Youth Meditation, which empowers children with life-long skills for managing anxiety, stress, insecurity and fear. Ledger reader Larry Clark writes: “Youth Meditation teaches mindfulness meditation skills to young people, providing tools to deal with life and the many obstacles they will encounter over a lifetime. Kids need practical knowledge and effective tools for managing stress and anxiety and emotions as they navigate through adolescence. For me personally, mindfulness meditation has changed my life, and I can just imagine if I had those tools from an early age!” Find out more about Youth Meditation: https://lnkd.in/eUM9zvWe

In December, we’re sharing information about Charlotte-area charities recommended by our community of paying members. Today, we’re highlighting The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte, which works to meet human needs in God's name without discrimination. Ledger reader Mark Norman writes: “As a volunteer over many years, I have witnessed the staff commitment to our community through the Center of Hope shelter, Christmas Center, emergency response and youth programs. Thousands of our underserved population benefit annually. The organization brings hope to those facing challenges.” Find out more about The Salvation Army of Greater Charlotte: https://lnkd.in/eGywP8G5

It's 40 Over 40 Friday! Where we celebrate local unsung heroes aged 40+ who are doing great things in our community. This week we are highlighting 2024 winner Myla Maloney, chief growth officer, PINC AI™ Applied Sciences, Premier Inc. Myla drives clinical research innovation using AI, achieving remarkable growth. She mentors in various organizations and promotes tech-driven healthcare solutions, advancing early disease detection and intervention for better outcomes. Subscribe to The Charlotte Ledger today to receive exclusive updates about the 2025 40 Over 40 Awards!