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COMMUNITY IMPACT MARKETPLACE MEETING PLACE ENGAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP AND DEVELOPMENT
LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR By Hope Oliphant Joining Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place in 2014 greatly altered my perspective on how to help provide for individuals that lacked material resources how to create healthy community engagement and how to develop new systems so all have an opportunity to thrive Previously I led missions both local and abroad and while I found this to be fulfilling short term our efforts were greatly lacking long term impact I began to ask Are we really helping create lasting change or just perpetuating a model of traditional charity that made the givers feel good In seeking answers I discovered a more unconventional yet responsible charity model I learned by building authentic relationships and truly listening to our neighbors we can move beyond simplistic solutions and into community development Over the last 8 years I learned to understand the barriers that keep individuals in the cycle of poverty and how to change the systems that are perpetuating instability MSM is proudly working in partnership with those in our community to find creative ways to implement positive change We recognize everyone has something to contribute and fully believe it is only through small grassroots efforts of responsible charity we can help our communities become stronger and healthier If you are looking for a place to contribute and seeking to create lasting change in our community please consider investing in Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place Are we really helping create lasting change or just perpetuating a model of traditional charity that made the givers feel good IMPACT BOOK MARKETANDMEETING ORG
WHAT MAKES US UNIQUE Community Engagement We value local living and believe proximity is key to building relationships with our neighbors As individuals shop our market seek to find necessary resources or attend a class we hope to genuinely listen and know one another to foster trust and understanding It is through this relationship building we become united Ever wonder why after billions of dollars are sent to many destitute places the recipient often remains in crisis while the giver feels fulfilled but makes little change In a traditional charity model addressing ongoing chronic needs often begins with good intentions giving to those who lack material resources While in crisis situations this is necessary long term this approach often results in inequity and never addresses the root problems So why do we continue to do charity in this way OUR RESPONSIBLE CHARITY MODEL HAS 3 KEY COMPONENTS Community Partnership We operate in an approach that recognizes all individuals have value distinct gifts and unique life experiences along with varying challenges This allows for individuals once traditionally marginalized to have a voice and contribute ultimately shaping our organization As a result we have ownership of our shared transformed community and together we create a lasting impact for all Community Development Together we work to find lasting solutions addressing the root causes of poverty rather than providing simple solutions which only supply short term relief By thinking innovatively we are building systems that work to foster stability for everyone creating a thriving community and vibrant economy If you have come here to help me you are wasting your time but if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine then let us work together Lila Watson IMPACT BOOK MARKETANDMEETING ORG
MARKETPLACE 2021 IMPACT 44 9 31 of Marketplace sales are generated by retail tier shoppers allowing us to sustain food costs jobs have been created for local community members within the past year through the Market local farmers and small businesses partnered with Marketplace to provide local items to our community through mutually beneficial relationships 75 91 21 meal kits were sold making healthy eating more convenient and affordable for families of Market shoppers report that Main Street Marketplace has helped them to purchase more fresh fruits and vegetables at an affordable price individuals attended nutrition classes and all said they would share what they learned with friends and family IMPACT BOOK MARKETANDMEETING ORG
FINDING MY COMMUNITY By Joseph I was introduced to the Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place by a Getting Ahead GA graduate in the Summer of 2020 shortly after my release from serving 15 years in federal prison I chose to attend the Fall GA group because it offered me a much needed way to adjust to life in the outside world and also a connection with others for social support After graduating from GA I wanted to remain connected to The Meeting Place I helped launch the Getting Ahead While Getting Out program in the spring of 2021 for individuals in the community who were recently incarcerated I trained as a GA facilitator in the summer of 2021 and I am currently co facilitating a second GA group I have also contributed to The Meeting Place in other ways I currently lead the Recovery Workshop on Friday nights The concepts I learned in GA allowed me to secure a full time job with Carolina Center for Recovery I am a real life example of what Getting Ahead looks like Through MSM s responsible charity approach of mutual exchange we have worked together in partnership to achieve a common goal rather than receiving a temporary handout I am so glad to be a part of a team that values my contributions and in return gives me a venue to work towards community improvement IMPACT BOOK MARKETANDMEETING ORG
MEETING PLACE 2021 IMPACT 56 50 of Getting Ahead graduates no longer require chronic supplemental assistance 100 of The Community Resiliency Model CRM participants reported being able to identify at least 5 common reactions to stress and at least 3 wellness skills to help them cope with stressful or traumatic situations 100 of those in our Getting Ahead While Getting Out Class moved from unemployment to full time employment of individuals participating in trauma therapy sessions reported they had a significant increase in positive feelings and emotions such as joy courage optimism and calmness 125 5 families shop at our Christmas Store saving 325 525 per family This amount roughly translates to a car payment or utility bill allowing them to focus funds on other needs for their family IMPACT BOOK MARKETANDMEETING ORG Local helping agencies were trained in Bridges and Responsible Charity and 2 now operate their own Getting Ahead program because of our education training programs
FINDING MY COMMUNITY By Bethany I was looking for a place to support a healthy diet My sister recommended Main Street Marketplace after attending their nutrition class I was astonished by the quality and quantity of fresh food the Marketplace had to offer on my budget As we checked out Hope and Brianna invited my sister and me to check out the Getting Ahead GA class We were so grateful to be able to share a meal with other community members share about our lives and learn from one another GA gave us tools to gain greater control over our lives The kinship that developed in our group became my new favorite resource I learned about a part time job opportunity at the Marketplace through GA There were many reasons not to consider me I am a single mom of a child with disabilities a limited schedule and social anxiety Despite these challenges they hired me and welcomed me with open arms They saw past my limitations to what I can bring to the Marketplace as an employee I love being able to contribute to our community as I benefit from a more nutritious diet and coworkers who treat me like family IMPACT BOOK MARKETANDMEETING ORG
HYDROPONICS 2021 IMPACT 7 670 9 90 heads of lettuce were grown in 2021 though our hydroponic garden restaurants and businesses invested with us by purchasing our greens less water is used when using hydroponic farming vs traditional agriculture practices 1220 heads of lettuce and 32 flats of micro greens can grow in our 400 square foot garden per month providing local fresh greens year round to our community 70 60 of each harvest is sold to local businesses and 30 is sold in the market more nutrients are in micro greens rather than the mature leaves of the same plant IMPACT BOOK MARKETANDMEETING ORG
HISTORY TIMELINE year 2002 2014 Main Street Mission was established Shortly after the local textile mills closed Main Street Mission became essential in providing crisis food to the community year 2014 2015 Main Street Mission began the Bridges out of Poverty Initiative moving beyond simply giving food to addressing the root causes of material poverty through education and social support year 2016 2018 Raised funds purchased and renovated neighboring property to create two distinct facilities Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place year 2019 Participated in a year long leader s lab carried out Community Assessment and piloted Aquaponics year 2020 Responded to the pandemic by implementing short term food provision Began the shift to an equitable community market Built Hydroponic Garden funds provided by United Way Marketplace Officially opened the equitable community Marketplace utilizing a sliding scale pricing model accomplishing the goal of sustaining food costs with over 900 customers Began Food Smarts Nutrition Program Created 9 job opportunities with the goal of offering a living wage Partnered with 18 local farmers and 13 small businesses year 2021 Hydroponics Grew Hydroponic garden to full capacity and built a client base Participated in 2 local farmer s markets selling lettuce and microgreens Meeting Place Trained previous graduates to become certified GA facilitators Increased the number of educational opportunities adding Getting Ahead while Getting Out Spanish Getting Ahead and Community Resiliency Training Created the hub resource center providing computers laptops and case management for our community IMPACT BOOK MARKETANDMEETING ORG
2022 HYDROPONIC GARDENS Expand Hydroponic Micro green growing and build restaurant clientele to create market sustainability MARKETPLACE Launching Food Pharmacy program in partnership with Healthy Rowan and other local healthcare providers Planning for build of the Bistro LAUNCH ORGANIZATIONAL IMPACT CAMPAIGN MEETING PLACE Continue to grow mental health offerings through local partner agencies within the community Implement Adverse Childhood Experiences ACEs classes Prepare for Training and Consulting Launch
CURRENT ANNUAL EXPENDITURES MARKETPLACE Nutrition classes 10 000 Mobile Food Pharmacy 26 000 Equitable Community Market 65 000 Employment Opportunities 99 000 TOTAL 200 000 MEETING PLACE Addiction and Recovery Support Recovery Workshop Community Hub Resource Center 24 200 Mental Health Programs ACEs Adverse Childhood Experiences Community Resiliency Individual therapy referrals through partner organizations 59 000 Education Getting Ahead English and Spanish Getting Ahead While Getting Out 72 000 TOTAL 155 200 Business Partnerships farmer s market fees delivery cost specialty marketing HYDROPONIC GARDENS 9 400 Annual Production Costs seeds containers trays etc 14 000 Employment Opportunities 32 200 TOTAL 55 600
2022 2024 IMPACT CAMPAIGN 2022 410 000 Marketplace Community Market Nutrition Classes Food Pharmacy Hydroponic Garden Meeting Place Education Getting Ahead Classes Mental Health Group and Individual therapy Addiction Recovery support Training and Consulting Responsible Charity Seeking Shalom Marketplace Community Market Nutrition Classes Food Pharmacy Hydroponic Garden Bistro Staff and Supplies 2023 600 000 2024 690 000 Meeting Place Education Getting Ahead Classes Mental Health Group and Individual therapy Addiction Recovery support Add case management social worker Community Training Responsible Charity Seeking Shalom Launch Training and Consulting to further healthy community development in rural areas as well as provide our own organizational sustainability Prepare for Podcast Launch to build awareness of our organizational model Marketplace Community Market Nutrition Classes Food Pharmacy Hydroponic Garden Open the Bistro Menu on Main Meeting Place Education Getting Ahead Classes Mental Health Group and Individual therapy Addiction Recovery support Training and Consulting Responsible Charity Seeking Shalom Training and Consulting Podcast Series
LONG TERM INVESTMENT Bistro Build Creates more opportunities for employment training Provides affordable healthy food options for our community Sales revenue will offset operating cost of market and other programs Total 416 400 Separate from annual expenses INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES We are excited to invite YOU to make an investment in our work toward healthy community development Every gift is impactful and is a powerful vote for the type of community changes you want to see Investing in MSM is understanding that responsible charity is key to a flourishing community While the need is great so is our potential when we join together to make a lasting impact 3 YEAR FUNDRAISING NEEDS 2 1 MM
500 000 Provides an equitable Community Market for up to 2 years sustaining 12 15 employment opportunities and providing access to healthy foods for 700 nutritionally food insecure households in a dignified approach Provides funds for our Mobile Food Pharmacy for 2 years impacting the health of 40 families Dedicated plaque in honor of Anchor Donor 250 000 Provides 4 English 3 Spanish 15 week Getting Ahead Classes for up to 3 years impacting 210 individuals families 100 000 Provides salary for case management social worker for 2 years Provides Group and Individual mental health therapy impacting up to 40 families Supports ongoing addiction and recovery support impacting up to 20 individuals families 50 000 Supports Hydroponic Garden for one year providing access to greens year round for all of our local community while helping us to become more sustainable as an organization 25 000 Provides 8 trauma informed nutrition classes for up to 80 families over the course of 2 years 10 000 Provides an increased opportunity to partner with more than 25 local farmers offering a year round brick and mortar space to sell their goods 5 000 Supports one month of food purchases needed for our community market IMPACT BOOK MARKETANDMEETING ORG
OUR PROMISE TO YOU Community Engagement We will work to build gen uine relati onship s and se e k t o offe r dignity and respect to th ose with whom we p ar t ner Community Partnership We will rely on mutual ex change as a mean s t o p r ovid e access to resources so th at AL L may ex p erience owne rship of a flourishing community Community Development We will work together to find lasti ng soluti ons ad d r e ssing t he root causes of poverty to sti mulate p ositi ve change within our community Marketplace Meeting Place Impact Main Street Marketplace and Meeting Place is creating a healthier and stronger community through relationships education and access to resources fostering long term impact WWW MARKETANDMEETING ORG ADMIN MARKETANDMEETING ORG 306 S MAIN STREET CHINA GROVE NC 28023 704 855 2909