Local community outreach organization announces new programming

For the Struggle, a non-profit organization centered around community outreach, policy reform and legal action, announced two new initiatives on Tuesday: the Eco-seniors program and a youth program. 

The Eco-seniors program, funded partly by $50,000 from U.S. Bank, has two goals: to combat environmental and systemic injustices and to help seniors save on utility bills. The new initiative focuses on predominantly and historically Black neighborhoods. 

Alesha Brown, founder of For the Struggle, said that the organization replaces all electronics and appliances with “eco-friendly” upgrades through the Eco-senior program.

The second program she announced is the Salute Youth Program. Through this initiative, For the Struggle works with students from North Mecklenburg High and West Charlotte High who are either currently involved with the criminal justice system or at risk of becoming involved with it.

Salute Youth will service 30 children, 15 from West Charlotte and 15 from North Mecklenburg. 

“A lot of these kids experience things we wouldn’t even fathom as children,” Brown said. Salute Youth utilizes mentorships, conflict management, free boxing lessons at a Black-owned gym and more to support and engage students.