The New Poverty!

The Charlotte Observer profiles the new face of poverty in Debra Cherry. Cherry is 47, college educated and previously making $75,000. Laid off due to job cut backs, she's unemployed and now living in an apartment after previously residing in a $250,000 home. McDonalds says that she's over qualified for working in the fast food industry. Unfortunately this is the new reality for the working class. Hopefully Cherry's profile will improve her job prospects.

Goodwill Training Program Helps Ex-Con Get Job!

The Charlotte Observer reports on Paris Friday who served 17 years in prison for conspiracy and racketeering. The first thought would be that Friday would have difficulty finding a job, however, he used his stint in prison to take job skills classes, and upon leaving prison in March and unable to find a job, he joined the Goodwill Occupational Training Program. Friday now works 2 jobs, one of which is a front line commissary cook. Friday is now working 75 hours a week and is a productive citizen. He's begun his "second life" learning from the mistakes in his first life and thriving. His second life opportunity is off to a good start, and inspirational for anyone who has lost hope for future job prospects.

Charlotte Area Ministers Convicted of Fraud!

Anthony and Harriet Jinwright were the co-pastors of Greater Salem City of God church in the Charlotte area for over 20 years. Yesterday Anthony Jinwright was convicted of multiple counts of filing false tax returns and tax evasion. A sentence that carries a maximum sentence of 53 years in prison. His wife Harriet, who is able to remain free unlike her husband, faces charges carrying a sentence of up to 20 years according to the Charlotte Observer. Federal prosecutors report that between 2002 and 2007 that the Jinwright's failed to report $2.3 million in income and paying $700,000 in taxes. While the Jinwright's were living the high life, the church was reportedly bouncing checks.

Good article that hopefully let's parishioners know that there has to be checks and balances even for ministers.

Gang Activity Growing In Charlotte

The Charlotte Observer is reporting that "gang related activity" has increased 25% compared to last year. Charlotte Police Chief Rodney Monroe has placed more emphasis on trying to combat the growing problem, by increasing police presence in targeted neighborhoods.

In a troubled economy, with increased unemployment, existing problems with gangs only get further exasperated.