It's official! With the ribbon cutting behind us, the Vicki Dull Annex is ready to welcome new or expanding non-profit organizations and Plaza on Princess is already hosting events of all kinds. New Hanover County hosted its first Equity Awards Gala here last month; StepUp Wilmington is hosting trainings, and wedding planners are so happy to have a new venue to recommend. Planning an event? Please contact Lindsay.

Please support our partners planning these events:

Wellness Recovery Action Plan and Peer Support Specialist classes are facilitated by trained peers and volunteers who have personal experience in the recovery process to assist others in their journey through active recovery with mental health and/or substance abuse. Classes available by calling 910.619.3003

Vanessa Kim Ceasar is launching her new book, Red Flags Don't Change Colors, at Plaza on Princess. A reviewer said, "Prepare to feel. Kim beautifully sandwiches content, sometimes uplifting, sometimes hilarious and always real between scripture and prayer." Sign up by Sept. 8 to attend event which includes live jazz and hors d'oeuvres. Kim's Sista Sista and Hangin with the Fellows are also back in session.

Jerri Holliday is refreshing her professional wardrobe inventory and preparing for clients heading into new employment and opportunities. Her hours are Tuesday and Thursday by appointment. Jerri's fashion show and luncheon is on September 9th in our Plaza on Princess. Table reservations for six are available for $400; individual tickets $35. Please RSVP by September 9.

Coastal BUDS wrapped their first iCan Swim Camp and it was a splashing success. Here's a the story from WECT.

Cape Fear Buddy Walk will be October 9 at Brunswick River Walk Park in Belville, just over the bridge on HWY 133. Sponsors, teams, and volunteers can sign up at Bringing Up Down Syndrome.

CFC is teaming up with UNCW Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and the Alliance for the Blue Economy to host a hackathon this fall. Technologists and subject matter experts will come together to understand how data can help inform the sustainable use of ocean resources for economic growth, improved livelihoods, and jobs while preserving the health of the ocean ecosystem. Register today to participate. Equity Focused. Data Driven. Human Centered.

Join CIS for great music and refreshments, and a fabulous silent auction at Bluewater Grill! Tickets are $65 each or 2 for $100. Pick up your tickets here. All in for Kids.

Dusty's e-bike tours have launched a new fundraising approach for A Bike for Every Child -- to say nothing of a new way to enjoy our city!  Dusty hopes to offer up to seven tours a week; Visit innercityspacetravel.org for more info. Give a Bike, Change a Life. 

The Wake the World—Lake Tillery event last month provided a phenomenal experience for over 40 individuals in the GHA Family! WTW is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides watersport opportunities to youth and adults with developmental disabilities, as well as abused and neglected children and wounded warriors. Color Outside the Lines.

Four years ago, Stanley made the decision to fulfill a lifelong dream of working in the legal profession. Despite having been discouraged for most of his life from pursuing such a dream, he decided to move forward and started the paralegal program at CF Community College. He was the first in his family to attend college. There were many obstacles along the way, and at one point he almost gave up. But today we celebrate one big step toward the dream. Stanley graduated in June 2021 with a certificate in paralegal studies! Congratulations, Stanley! Find Your Passion.

On August 30th, StepUp Wilmington began their series of in-person paid employment training. Training consists of one-on-one support, interview preparation, skills development, access to SUW's network of employers, and much more. Participants who are residents of NHC will be eligible for a stipend over the duration of the training of up to $1,000. If you or someone you know is interested in enrolling in a future cycle of paid job training, please call (910.343.8469), email or visit website to sign up! See flyer for more details.  A Job Changes Everything.

YSA's six week science program culminated with the Youth CAUSE Summit on August 13 and 14. CAUSE stands for: Climate Action and Urban Sustainability Emissaries and the middle school presenters were most impressive. Topics addressed climate change, urban sustainability and public health. Two City Councilmembers were in the audience and invited the students to present some of their findings to the full Council. Looking forward to seeing the influence these young scientists have on public policy! Great job, YSA!

BIP just completed a collaboration with GLOW Academy for the Cameron Art Museum event called “Kids at Cam”. The GRITS girls taught arts and crafts to the little kiddies. They are also seeking new members and volunteers. Applications are on the website under “Become a Member” and under “Mentors” See flyer.

This year Habitat has seen many successes, building houses and making homes possible for families in our community. One family participated in the Veterans Build project this summer and sent a heart-warming letter of thanks we think you'll enjoy.  Raising Walls. Raising Spirits.

Shelter is currently quarantined due to 3 COVID-19 cases. They expect to reopen after Tuesday, Sept, 7. To provide lunch or dinner to the shelter, please email the director.

The Bargain Center at 502 Castle St. (T-S 10-4) offers reasonable prices on housewares, furniture, hardware, clothing, electronics, shoes, books, and so much more. They work with partner agencies to offer reduced prices for their clients seeking assistance in starting over. Please call PRIOR to bringing donations to ensure items can be accepted (910.343.0366). They are also seeking volunteers, 18 and over to help at the Bargain Center Store.  Helping the Homeless.

TTW is offering $100 off of the cost for registration for the Summer Retreat (June 19-25, 2022) in Whidbey Island, WA if you sign up before the end of December. More information and registration. Just Move.

CFL's mission is to advance the Latino community in and around NHC, providing social services and developing aid programs. CFL just received their 501c3 designation this Spring and we are delighted that the HC and Partners will offer important access to resources for their clients. Like them on Facebook.

Caridad works to support single mothers toward self sufficiency by helping them find a job, daycare, housing and education. Carmen Schloner is the CEO and Founder. Caridad began in Maryland, but is just getting started in the Cape Fear region. Assisting Single Mothers.

FBC members and those who frequent our corner of downtown will be familiar with Henry. He passed on Aug 22 and a memorial service to honor his life will be held in the Courtyard of First Baptist Church. We take comfort in knowing his heavenly home received him with open arms. We will gather to give God praise and remember Henry on the grounds he faithfully loved. He will be interred in the FBC Columbarium. If you have a story, memory, or impact you would like to share of Henry please use this link.