2025 Care Conference

Speakers

JAMESE IVY
United Way of Greater Charlotte – Interim Chief Impact Officer
Jamese Ivy serves as Interim Chief Impact Officer at United Way of Greater Charlotte, overseeing community impact
strategies focused on racial equity, empowering disinvested communities, and providing basic needs across four counties.
Since joining in 2021, Jamese has led initiatives like United Neighborhoods and Unite Charlotte.

NIKKI FLEMING, MSW, LCSWA, CFSW
Vintage Foundation, Inc. – Executive Director
A Columbia, South Carolina native and a Charlotte resident of 31+ years, Nikki Fleming, MSW, LCSWA, CFSW, is a licensed Clinical Social
Worker and Certified Financial Social Worker. She is highly involved in the broader community and shares her human capital through
several civic organizations. Nikki serves as a psychotherapist for adults and couples while leading The Vintage Foundation, a
nonprofit she co-founded with her husband in 2011.

BORIS “BLUZ” ROGERS
Harvey B. Gantt Center – Poet Laureate
Boris “Bluz” Rogers is an Emmy Award-winning poet, Grammy-nominated artist, and former Director of Creative
Engagement for Blumenthal Performing Arts. He is the current Poet Laureate for the Harvey B. Gantt Center and slam master of
SlamCharlotte. Leading the team to back-to-back National Poetry Slam victories in 2007 and 2008, and a historic third win
in 2018. Bluz has worked with notable organizations such as the Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, and ESPN, using his voice
and poetry to inspire and foster transformation in communities.

Attendees

A total of 266 care-providers attended, and came from 28 organizations in the Charlotte community that provide services to the vulnerable community.

Ada Jenkins Center
Alliance Health
Another Chance
Atrium Health
Big Brothers Big Sisters
Caterpillar Ministries
Charlotte Center for Legal Advocates
Charlotte Family Housing
Common Wealth Charlotte
Communities in Schools
Community Link
Crisis Assistance Ministry
Erika’s Closet
Freedom Communities

Goodwill
Harvest Center
Latin American Coalition
Novant Health
Pat’s Place
Pineville Neighbors Place
Project Outpour
Roof Above
Safe Alliance
Salvation Army
Supportive Housing Communities
The Relatives
Time Out Youth

2025 Conference Agenda

9:30 A.M.

10:00 A.M.

10:10 A.M.

10:25 A.M.

12:00 P.M.

1:00 P.M.

1:25 P.M.

2:00 P.M.

2:10 P.M.

3:10 P.M.

CHECK-IN | BREAKFAST | NETWORK

WELCOME

THE CHARLOTTE PICTURE
Jamese Ivy
Understanding Charlotte’s broader community and the national context regarding unhoused and
vulnerable populations is crucial for addressing this pressing issue. In this segment led by Jamese
Ivy, learn about organizations like United Way that are implementing innovative strategies aimed at
supporting these vulnerable populations.

BUILDING COMMUNITY
Get ready for an engaging and interactive session that promises connection, reflection, and fun! This
session celebrates our commonalities, reinforces gratitude, and energizes attendees with a mix of
meaningful conversations and thrilling rewards.

Start with “Stand Up If,” a lighthearted icebreaker that highlights shared experiences and fosters camaraderie.
Transition into “Luck of the Draw,” a dynamic activity combining paired introductions,
gratitude sharing, and exciting raffle prizes.

LUNCH

SELF-CARE
Nikki Fleming
Be empowered and uplifted through guided meditation and breathing exercises and learn how
prioritizing self-care enhances your ability to care for others.

ASKING FOR HELP
Nikki Fleming
Dive into meaningful discussions about the strength in seeking support, the power of
community, and modeling positive behaviors for those you serve.

Walk away with practical tools and insights to nurture yourself and build a reliable network for
shared growth and success.

RECAP

SENSEMAKING
Boris “Bluz” Rogers
Explore the power of poetry to uplift and empower, featuring a captivating performance by
Emmy Award-winning poet Bluz. He will share a heartfelt poem centered on overcoming, hope,
and resilience, setting the tone for the evening.

Join an interactive workshop led by Bluz, where you’ll reflect on personal challenges and craft
meaningful verses inspired by your “why,” allowing you to rediscover your resilience and
your impact on the world.

CLOSING & THANK YOU