One afternoon, as the Ada Jenkins Center team was wrapping up for the day, a Care Coordinator shared an urgent request. A client battling cancer needed just $190 to keep the utilities from being disconnected. Without electricity, access to the breathing machine that was relied on wouldn’t work, the medication needed could not be refrigerated, and the food that was secured might spoil. Unfortunately, emergency assistance funds had already been exhausted.
That evening, the story was shared at a community event. A woman listening quietly approached afterward and said, “I would like to pay that utility bill. If someone ever needs that type of help again, please call me.”
In moments like these, neighbors become lifelines. Stories like this happen every day at Ada Jenkins Center. Behind every request is a person, a family, or a child facing challenges that can feel overwhelming. Thanks to the generosity of our community, those neighbors are not facing hardship alone.
Last year, Ada Jenkins Center served 6,311 individuals across the region. The food pantry provided food for 7,951 visits, helping families stretch their budgets during a time of rising costs. More than $441,000 in financial assistance helped neighbors remain housed, keep utilities connected, and access childcare. Our educational programs supported 89 students in after-school learning and another 59 students through summer camp opportunities.
One of the most powerful tools for financial stability is Free Tax Prep Meck. During the most recent tax season, volunteers helped residents secure nearly $2.4 million in federal refunds and more than $923,000 in tax preparation savings for clients. These refunds often provide families with the resources needed to catch up on bills, build savings, or invest in their futures.
As preparations begin for the next tax season, Ada Jenkins Center is seeking volunteers to serve as tax preparers and greeters. No prior tax experience is required, and training begins in December. Volunteers make a direct impact by helping neighbors access refunds they have earned and strengthen their financial stability.
Community members can also support local families at AJC’s Food Fight on November 14. This fun and impactful event brings together local chefs, restaurants, businesses, and supporters to raise funds that help provide food, financial assistance, educational opportunities, and other critical services for families in our community.
As we enter the season of gratitude, Ada Jenkins Center is reminded daily that our greatest strength is the neighbors who step forward to help one another. Whether through volunteering, attending Food Fight, or supporting a family in crisis, every act of generosity helps create a community where families can move beyond immediate challenges and build a brighter future. Together, we are proving that when one neighbor struggles, an entire community can rise to help.
Dawne Kakitsis is the Director of Philanthropy for the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson. For decades, the center has served as a place of education, care, and community support helping individuals and families access essential resources, including food and nutrition assistance, financial support, and homeownership guidance. Learn more at www.adajenkins.org.
