Rep. Adams Delivers $2.5 million for Victims of Domestic Violence
The Community Project Funding grant will support the development of a full service resource center in the congressional district
It’s no secret that Charlotte is rapidly changing right in front of us. One change on the horizon that I’m happy to report is a new center that will transform how survivors of abuse, assault, and human trafficking receive services in our community. On May 10, 2024, I joined Congressman Jeff Jackson in presenting a $2.5 million check to the organizers of what will be known here as the Umbrella Center, a full-service place of refuge for domestic violence survivors and their children.
This community project funding will ensure that for the first time ever, families have access to the full scale of government services for which they qualify in these situations. The Umbrella Center will quite literally provide a covering of services in a centralized hub, including local resources such as Safe Alliance, Pat’s Place Child Advocacy Center, Mecklenburg County, the City of Charlotte, CMPD, DSS, Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office, Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Department, Town Police, and more.
It will cut down on the number of times a person has to recount their story, take off from work to get assistance, and fill out paperwork just to get benefits such as SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid. This center will be a welcome refuge for many in our community and I’m excited to be a part of bringing it to fruition.
In a move that shows we can reach common ground, my Democratic and Republican colleagues and I voted to pass legislation that will help tackle the silent crisis of Stillbirth in the United States. The announcement below provides more detail.
Adams, Hinson, Merkley, Cassidy’s Stillbirth Prevention Act Overwhelmingly Passes U.S. House
Bipartisan proposal of common sense protections for pregnant mothers defies partisan gridlock
A signature bill co-led by Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D. (D-NC-12) and Congresswoman Ashley Hinson (R-IA-02) to address stillbirth in pregnancies passed the U.S. House today with overwhelming bipartisan support, passing 408-3.
The Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act (HR 4581) clarifies that current funding through the Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Services Block Grant may be used for stillbirth prevention activities. The rate of stillbirth is high in the United States and even higher for Black women. Hundreds of advocates came to the Hill for National Stillbirth Prevention Day on September 19th last year to promote passage of this bill. A companion bill co-led by U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) passed out of the Senate in September 2023. The bill will have to be voted on once more in the Senate to consolidate minor differences.
“For too long, stillbirth has been a silent crisis. Over 21,000 babies are stillborn every year. According to a recent study, nearly one in four stillbirths are potentially preventable, and the United States is trailing other countries in making progress," said Congresswoman Alma S. Adams, Ph.D., co-founder and co-chair of the Black Maternal Health Caucus. "We owe it to our mothers to reduce or remove the unnecessary risks that have made pregnancy unsafe.”
Rep. Adams Participates in Groundbreaking of New Harrisburg YMCA
It’s always good to see where our federal dollars are being spent in the local community. Earlier this week, I visited the future site of the new Harrisburg YMCA after helping to secure federal funding for its construction. I also had the pleasure of meeting Harrisburg Town Manager Rob Donham, P.E. (pictured above left) and learning more about his vision for Harrisburg, NC.
Resources like the YMCA that provide programming for children and families are crucial, and I will continue to fight for greater access to these resources across our 12th District communities!
This past Sunday we celebrated the five finalists of the annual student Congressional Art Competition at The Mint Museum Uptown in Charlotte. The reception was attended by participating students, their families, teachers, supporters, art experts, and the general public to announce the selections by an independent panel of judges. Congratulations to Lake Norman Charter School senior Avian Cannon for her winning piece, Scrutiny in the Third, which will represent North Carolina’s 12th Congressional district and be displayed in the Cannon Tunnel (no relation) of the U.S. Capitol for the next year, alongside the other 400+ winners in the annual, nationwide event.
I encourage all young artists to submit their work for next year. This competition encourages and recognizes the rich artistic talents of our nation’s young people, and I’m excited to offer young up-and-coming artists this opportunity to have their artwork acknowledged on a national level.
Charlotte Elementary School Students Meet with Rep. Adams
Last week, I was visited by a wonderful group of Brookstone Elementary 8th Grade Students who are studying American History. It is always a pleasure to welcome young people from the 12th District to the Capitol! Thank you for allowing me to wear my educator hat and share more about how our government works.
As summer vacation heats up, Rep. Adams Invites Constituents to Washington
The summer is a terrific time to visit our nation’s capital! As a reminder, residents of the 12th Congressional district can request tickets to the U.S. Capitol and the White House by visiting our website. All tickets are free and are provided to constituents on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the large number of visitors, please request them as early as possible in order to maximize your chances.
Dear Friends,
Next month, we will be moving out Adams Alert Newsletter to a different platform. To make sure you don’t miss out on the latest news from my office, use the link below to sign up! Thanks for reading.
On Monday, we will pay tribute to the courageous heroes who gave their all for our nation. Their selflessness echoes through generations, reminding us to cherish and defend the freedoms they fought for. Let us never forget their sacrifice.
God Bless,
Alma