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CREW Charlotte has an exciting and creative opportunity at Safe Alliance to update their community bulletin board to reflect the season. Please bring your own supplies and creative ideas. There are several dates, so pick your favorite! Click the link below for dates and to register: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45A8AE29ABFECF8-56655939-safe   WHEN: See the link for available dates. WHERE: Shelter location to be disclosed after registration. WHO: CREW Members + 1 HOW MANY: 2 volunteers   You can also assist with kitchen preparation and meal service. There are several dates, so pick your favorite! Click the link below to register. WHEN: 8/21/25 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM -or- 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Both volunteer slots reoccur monthly - 3rd Thursday of the month. Click the link below to register for your preferred day and time. WHERE: Shelter location to be disclosed after registration. See link for additional information. WHO: CREW Members , non-CREW members, and family (children 16 and older) WHAT: Prepare, serve, and clean up after meal shift (2 shifts available – lunch and/ or dinner) HOW MANY: 3 volunteers maximum per shift SHIFT DETAILS: Please click on the link below and follow the instructions for a required background check. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0A45A8AE29ABFECF8-56520994-safe    

Hear from Chief Estella D. Patterson about her journey in law enforcement and her position as Chief of Police. Estella D. Patterson was appointed as chief of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD) on Dec. 1, 2025. She returns to Charlotte, after serving 25 years with CMPD and three and one-half years with the Raleigh Police Department. Chief Patterson’s career reflects her passion and commitment to public service. Her priorities lie in reducing violent crime and disorder, enhancing community engagement and collaboration and improving employee morale and wellness. Chief Patterson began her law-enforcement career in 1996, as a member of the 123 recruit class of CMPD. Over the next 25 years, she served in a variety of roles from academy trainer to patrol sergeant, division commander, recruitment commander and Internal Affairs commander. She was promoted to deputy chief of police in 2019 and assigned over the Administrative Services Group and later the Patrol Services Group. In August 2021, Chief Patterson was selected as chief of the Raleigh Police Department, serving until 2025. As Raleigh’s top cop, she led the capital city’s police department of over 900 sworn and professional staff employees. During her tenure, she introduced several firsts, including a Civilian Crash Investigations unit and the Raleigh Police Department Foundation. Additionally, she led efforts to reduce violent crime and restore trust between the community and police. Aside from serving her community, Chief Patterson served our country as a member of the U.S. Army Reserve from 1996-2005. She completed combat tours in Kosovo and Iraq and was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service. Chief Patterson earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and her Master of Science in criminal justice from the University of Oklahoma. She is a graduate...