About Our Cause
A Child’s Place is a specialized, intensive case management service for families and children experiencing homelessness in Charlotte, NC. They take a family focused, child centered, two-generational approach focusing on three key priorities: access to resources, engage in healthy and supportive relationships, and increase self-sufficiency. At A Child’s Place, social workers will work with families of children of any grade – identified as McKinney-Vento (homeless) by Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. Year over year, CMS has enrollments of over 4,000 students experiencing homelessness. The social workers work with the families to identify goals and chart a path to reach them with a focused model of family self-sufficiency within 90 – 120 days.
What can the GUTS community do to help A Child’s Place?
Financial donations will make the most significant positive impact on the children and families served. Community investments will support/provide:
- Funds to assist with housing expenses (deposits, utilities, rent)
- Funds to support basic needs (school uniforms, housewares)
- Funds to sponsor families during the holidays
A Child’s Place began in 1989 when several women were walking through Settlers Cemetery in Uptown Charlotte and noticed children playing during school hours. At that time, children were not allowed to enroll in public schools without a permanent address – the women decided to take action.
- Started in a room at First Presbyterian Church with 27 children
- McKinney-Vento Act passed, protecting educational rights of homeless children
- Working to improve the wellbeing of children and families experiencing homelessness in Charlotte
A Child’s Place became a program of Thompson as a result of a merger in February 2020. Thompson is a leading provider of clinical and prevention services for children and families across the Carolinas. The Charlotte, NC-based, nationally accredited nonprofit agency empowers children and families through therapy, education, and prevention-based care. Thompson has four locations specializing in clinical and behavioral treatment, developmental education, and proactive care.