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Piggy Bank Bash Brunch

Preparing for Financial Emergencies

Financial Independence Day

A Free Criminal Record Expunction Clinic

Community Class: Mobile Banking

Community Trauma-Informed Care Mini Workshop

Cheers TO Community

Changing the Narrative Series: Dispelling the Myths Around Substance Abuse

Become Volunteer Advocate

Give

2025 Annual Report: Change You Can See

Donna Carrington

Gabrielle Prince

Steven Horton

We are just days away from this year’s Piggy Bank Bash! Join us on Saturday, November 7th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Hargraves Community Center for a wonderful community gathering, featuring a delicious brunch provided by Willie’s Kitchen. Tickets are entirely donation-based. We welcome you to give what you can, all donations go directly toward CEF programs and services. 🔗 https://tinyurl.com/PIGGYBANKBASH

CEF Supports World Stroke Day Why is CEF posting about World Stroke Day? As a stroke survivor, our Executive Director, Donna Carrington, is passionate about sharing what she has learned to help others recognize the warning signs, take preventative steps, and support survivors throughout their recovery. Did you know? • A stroke occurs every 40 seconds in the United States. • Someone dies from a stroke every 3 minutes and 14 seconds. • One in four adults over age 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime. High blood pressure, diabetes, tobacco use, high cholesterol, physical inactivity, obesity, heavy alcohol consumption, and poor diet can increase stroke risk. Know the warning signs. Remember B.E. F.A.S.T. B | Balance: Sudden loss of balance or coordination. E | Eyes: Sudden vision loss or blurred vision in one or both eyes. F | Face: One side of the face droops when smiling. A | Arms: One arm feels weak or drifts downward when raising both arms. S | Speech: Speech becomes slurred or difficult to understand. T | Time: Call 911 immediately if someone experiences any of these symptoms. Note the time symptoms first appeared. Regular health screenings and preventative checkups can help you stay informed about your health. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can also save lives. Having a stroke is a significant, life-changing event. This World Stroke Day, CEF encourages our community to prioritize prevention, recognize the signs, and support survivors throughout their recovery.

Thank you to everyone who joined us this weekend for the House Us Now! March and Financial Independence Day. We came together to advocate for housing for low-income, no-income, and fixed-income populations, support tenants’ rights, and celebrate CEF Members as they continue advancing on their paths to financial freedom.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we recognize the financial challenges that can come with a breast cancer diagnosis, from disruptions in employment to housing and financial stability. We’re thinking of everyone affected by breast cancer and the financial challenges that can make an already difficult experience even harder. At CEF, we combine person-centered support, advocacy, and financial services to help our community navigate these challenges and pursue greater financial equity.

Join us for an evening with Local First Bank as we learn practical tools and strategies to help us better navigate unexpected financial events in our lives! The goal of this class is to provide CEF Members with knowledge and confidence to make informed financial decisions, and build a strong foundation for their financial future. CEF Members who attend this Community Class will receive financial coaching session credit toward their next Safe Savings 20% match! Date: Wednesday, October 14th Time: 3:30 - 5:30pm Location: 125 West Main, Suite 200, Carrboro, NC, 27510. Register here: tinyurl.com/PrepareOC26

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness. CEF stands with survivors and works toward a future where everyone has access to safety, housing, and financial stability. #WithSurvivors #DVActionMonth #DVAM2026

It’s that time of year again! We’re getting ready for our annual fundraiser, Piggy Bank Bash! Saturday, November 7 11 AM–1 PM Hargraves Community Center Presented by First Horizon Foundation Join us for a brunch celebrating the work of CEF Members and Advocates and the impact of our community. Tickets are donation-based, so give what you can.

Interested in combating economic injustice, housing insecurity, and homelessness in Durham? Join the Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) as a volunteer Advocate this Fall! Work alongside community Members to achieve goals like securing housing, employment, and financial stability. Commitment is just 2 hours per week plus training. Apply today through the link on our website!

Beyond the Surface: Root Causes of Homelessness, Current Realities, and System Responses in Orange County Learn more about the state of homelessness in Orange County, and how you can become more involved. For more information contact: Heather Pack Aponte at hpackaponte@orangecountync.gov

Save the Date! House Us Now! March & Financial Independence Day is almost here! Join us Oct 10th at Strayhorn House as we march together to Baldwin Park in support of housing justice and economic empowerment. Stand in solidarity with tenants demanding housing for all and help celebrate CEF Members as they advance on their journeys toward financial freedom. March Gathering Location: Strayhorn House 109 Jones Ferry Rd. Carrboro, NC March Destination: Baldwin Park 400 Broad Street Carrboro, NC

Join us for a free criminal record expunction clinic facilitated by our friends at @legalaidnc Date: September 28th Time: 5:30 PM Location: IFC Commons, 110 West Main Street Parking is available on site! CEF’s Orange County office is excited to partner with Activate! IFC, Fenced In Fighting for Freedom Advocacy, the Orange County Local Re-entry Council, and Starting Point Harm Reduction for this event. Come on by to learn more about whether you may be eligible to remove information from your criminal record and take a step toward a second chance!

Join our CEF Durham Team! We are hiring for a full time position: Member Services Coordinator (MSC). Please submit (1) cover letter, (2) a resume, and (3) contact information for 3 references to hiring@communityef.org with subject “DU-MSC” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Start date Oct 1st. For more information and full job description, visit our website: www.communityef.org/hiring

CEF Durham Community Fridge restock! Open and available to CEF Members and the broader community. Thank you to @rootcausefarm for providing fresh produce! Visit the Community Fridge during our office hours: Monday–Thursday | 10 AM–12 PM, 1–3 PM, and 5–7 PM.

Looking for a meaningful way to get involved in Orange County? Become a CEF Advocate and partner with Members as they work toward housing and financial stability. As an Advocate, you’ll build meaningful relationships, grow through ongoing learning, and make a lasting impact in your community. Applications for our Fall 2026 Orange County Advocate Cohort are due August 14th! Apply today: https://tinyurl.com/Fall-Advocate

We wanted to share an important update about our Executive Director, Donna. She recently suffered a stroke and is taking some time away from work to focus on her health and healing. Our team is keeping Members served, but we are missing her day-to-day presence immensely. Donna brings expertise and dedication to CEF that simply can’t be replaced, and we’re all looking forward to having her back in the office, after she takes time to recover. To help Donna and her family focus on what matters right now, friends have set up a Meal Train. If you would like to support them by dropping off a meal or sending a thoughtful message, you can sign up at the link in our bio. Thank you for helping us support her the way she always supports this community.

Become an Advocate at CEF! Learn more at https://communityempowermentfund.org/be-an-advocate/

Change You Can See Here’s a sneak peek into CEF’s 2025 Annual Report To explore the full report and learn more about our work, visit: www.communityef.org or the link in our bio.

Community Empowerment Fund is saddened by the passing of Orange County Commissioner Jamezetta Bedford. She was a strong advocate for education and the unhoused and will be missed by all. 💙

Interested in combating economic injustice, housing insecurity, and homelessness in Durham? Join the Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) as a volunteer Advocate this August! Work alongside community Members to achieve goals like securing housing, employment, and financial stability. Commitment is just 2 hours per week plus training. Apply today through the link on our website!

Join us on Monday, June 29th, for Meeting of the Minds! Come discuss the current state of housing in Durham and explore ways we can support one another as a community. Date: June 29, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM Location: CEF Durham 2634 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Suite 6 Durham, NC 27707

At CEF, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. As we work to end the racial wealth gap through person-centered support, advocacy, and financial services, we remain committed to advancing equity. This Pride Month, we celebrate the strength, diversity, and leadership of LGBTQ+ community members

Our First-Time Homebuyers Program is currently PAUSED while we await news of additional match funding. At this time, we have 0 spots available for participants who are able to purchase a home within the year. We are still available to assess your current homebuying readiness and connect you with internal and external resources. We will also maintain a waitlist for interested participants if additional funding becomes available. At this time, we do not have a timeline for when that may happen. In the meantime, CEF can support your homebuying journey through financial education, Safe Savings, and our 20% Match Program to help you reach your savings goals. To get started, become a CEF Member and attend an orientation at one of our offices. Call our Durham office at 919-797-9233 or our Orange County office at 919-200-0233 to schedule your orientation.

Join our CEF Orange County Team! we are hiring for a full time position: Advocate Program Coordinator (APC). Please submit (1) cover letter, (2) a resume, and (3) contact information for three references to hiring@communityef.org with the subject "OC-APC" Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information and full job description, visit our website: www.communityef.org/hiring

We are holding Tommy Owens and his loved ones in our hearts. A memorial will be held in his honor on Wednesday, May 13th at 6:30 PM at LOVE Chapel Hill, 7326 Sunrise Rd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. All who knew and loved Tommy are welcome to gather in remembrance.

This Mental Health Awareness Month CEF is bringing awareness between financial stability and mental well-being. Through person-centered support, we're creating space for people to feel seen and supported with advocacy and financial services that pursue equity.

Congratulations to our Durham Advocates graduating this May! 🎓 It was a joy celebrating you at our Spring Graduation Party. CEF appreciates your commitment to our mission and wishes you all the best!

Congratulations to Evelyn and all of our Advocates graduating this May! 🎓 CEF appreciates your commitment to our mission and wishes you all the best.

It’s Sexual Assault Awareness Month! CEF stands with survivors. Swipe through to learn some facts and ways you can show up, listen, and support.

The CEF Durham Advocate Summer Internship deadline has been extended! You now have until April 6th to get in your applications :) For more information, please scan the QR code link or visit our website!

CEF honors the life and legacy of Ms. Mae McLendon. Ms. Mae was always there for us. From the very beginning of the House Us Now March, she marched with us, and was proud to be included in this event. We loved her deeply. She was a kind and generous soul who will be greatly missed. Our community owes her a debt of gratitude for all she gave, and we are proud to have called her a friend. Thank you, Ms. Mae, from a community that saw you, loved you, and respected you. The CEF Family and Community Ms. V

Join us for a community trauma-informed care mini workshop. Learn how trauma impacts individuals and communities, and gain practical tools and strategies to create safe, supportive, and culturally responsive spaces in your workplace or community. Tuesday, April 28th 5:30pm - 7:30pm Drakeford Library 203 S. Greensboro St. Carrboro, NC

Join us on March 30th for the Changing the Narrative Series. In this session, Donna Carrington will lead a discussion aimed at dispelling common myths surrounding substance abuse. Date: Monday, March 30th Time: 5:30 PM Location: 2634 Durham–Chapel Hill Rd., Suite 6

CEF having fun at the first Carrboro in Motion site Carrboro Apartments Join us at the next one April 25th at Berkshire 54 from 5-8 pm!!

CEF will be part of Carrboro In Motion Fest, and we would love to see our community there. The Town of Carrboro, in partnership with local agencies and nonprofits, invites you to Carrboro In Motion Fest/Festival de la Comunidad en Movimiento, a series of free, family friendly events designed to connect neighbors with community resources and each other. CEF will be at the following event: Date: Friday, March 13th Time: 5 to 8 PM Location: Carolina Apartments

Cheers to community! Join CEF at Steel String Brewery and spend the evening with us for a great cause. Ten percent of all proceeds will support CEF programs. Date: Thursday, April 2nd Time: 5 to 8 pm Location: Steel String Brewery 106A S Greensboro St Carrboro, NC 27510

Join our CEF Durham team! we are hiring for two full time positions Advocate Program Coordinator (APC) and Member Resource Specialist (MRS). Please submit (1) a cover letter, (2) a resume, and (3) contact information for three references to hiring@communityef.org with the subject “DU – APC” or "DU-MRS" Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information and full job descriptions, visit our website: www.communityef.org/hiring

Join us today for a community class on Debt Management, hosted by PNC at CEF Durham! Learn practical strategies for managing and reducing debt. In person & Virtual Monday, March 9th 5:30pm - 7pm 2634 Durham Chapel Hill Blvd, Suite 6, Durham, NC 27707 Register: tinyurl.com/ManageDebtDU26

Be part of CEF’s 5-Year Strategic Plan! CEF is engaged with @avisualapproach to conduct a 5-Year Strategic Plan. We’re gathering input from Advocates, Members, Staff, Board, Community Partners, and supporters. Take the 15-minute anonymous survey and share your feedback. Survey will be available March - May 2026 https://tinyurl.com/cefstrategicplan

The Tenants Shout Out! Union presents: Bingo Nite @ CEF, happening every 4th Wednesday of the month! Join us this Wednesday, February 25th from 3pm till 5pm for a fun night of BINGO! Masks required, and provided. And there will be door prizes! Hope to see you there!

Ready to make a difference this summer? Become a CEF Durham Intern. Join CEF as a Volunteer Advocate and support community Members in achieving financial stability. Deadline: March 23, 2026.

This Black History Month, we reaffirm our Mission. CEF’s work is rooted in recognizing the impacts of systemic racism on Black and Brown communities as we support Members in reaching employment, housing, and financial goals and work to close the racial wealth gap.

Ready to go beyond the classroom? Join the movement to end the racial wealth gap! Apply for the CEF OC Summer Internship and join CEF this summer as an Advocate Intern. You’ll work directly with community members across Orange County to navigate housing, financial, and employment goals while learning about the systemic barriers our neighbors face. Application deadline: March 13, 2026.

CEF is putting the spotlight on local apartment communities. Come connect with your neighbors at our first Tenants Shout Out! Union (TSOU) Social! Wednesday, February 11th, 3:30pm - 5:30pm CEF Orange County Office 125 W. Main, Suite 200, Carrboro

In observance of MLK Day, CEF offices will be closed on Monday, January 19th We will reopen on January 20th.

Join us for Bingo Night! Wednesday, January 28th 3:00–5:00 PM Come out for an afternoon of Bingo and community connection. Door prizes will be available! CEF Orange County 125 W. Main St., Suite 200 Carrboro, NC Masks required.

Happy New Year! CEF will be closed on New Year’s Day, January 1, 2026. Mail pickup and the community fridge will reopen and be available January 5–January 8, 2026. Member meetings will resume on January 12, 2026.

The Community Empowerment Fund in Durham is looking for new volunteer advocates! In this role, you will help Durham residents achieve their long-term financial independence goals. We need curious, compassionate, and resourceful advocates. Interested? visit our website, https://communityempowermentfund.org/ !

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