Meet Erin Blackmore | Executive Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Erin Blackmore and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Erin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
At 27 years old, I had no plans of starting a non-profit. I was working for the Department of Social Services as an eligibility worker. The income limits were set and if a family was even a dollar over the limit, they didn’t receive assistance. It is a very invasive process to apply for government assistance and there are people who would rather go without than go through the process. I got tired of denying benefits to single parents who were just a little over the income limit, but working so hard to make ends meet. I wanted to do something to support the families who often fall through the cracks or receive very little assistance. They try so hard and I noticed they were giving up on hope.

It was Christmas time and my husband and I looked for a couple of families to bless with gifts and a note of encouragement. We found that the impact that act of kindness had on the families was more than we could have imagined. We could not believe that some gifts and words of encouragement would literally change the trajectory of those families lives moving forward.

HOPEmatch started as a Christmas program, matching local Charlotte area families in need with those who would like to provide personalized holiday gifts and encouragement to their neighbors. Through a nomination process, the community could let us know who to help anonymously. We have no other qualifications. We believe that HOPE doesn’t have an income limit.

What started as a Christmas program has now expanded to incorporate a more holistic approach to support. We have our spring Pop Up Shop that provides families with personal essentials items, a back to school event that gives children a fun day with personalized backpacks, Celebration Assistance for those needing help celebrating their child, and Soul Care groups that give people the opportunity to connect with others and refuel. We have a new initiative we are working on as well that we will be announcing soon!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I believe that our character and calling are directly lived out in the work that we do. I never dreamed of being a Director of a non-profit. I didn’t feel qualified at all and had no idea what I was doing, but I had a heart to serve. Growing up, I felt overlooked and forgotten often, so I wanted to make sure that the impact my life makes on the world allows people to feel seen. So many people are going through struggles that they may or may not share and just need an encouraging message or the ability to belong to something special.

I have built my career on following the HOPEmatch core values. Dignity and respect are so important. I have never considered myself higher than anyone that is a part of HOPEmatch. From volunteers, to donors, to families we serve, we are all equally important and valuable. I believe in seeing each person for who they are and finding out what brings them life and then serving them in that way. We have the ability to create belonging and make an impact on every single person that is involved with HOPEmatch. It’s a community and the joy is contagious.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
There are many fun places all over Charlotte. I guess it would depend on the friend’s interests. There are some fun spots for breakfast like the Collective Cafe that is a non-profit, and Amelie’s in Uptown is really eclectically fun. Parks are plentiful and one of my favorites is right outside of Charlotte called Morrow Mountain Park. The sunsets are amazing there! There is almost any kind of dinner option available and it would be fun to do a taste hop around to different restaurants. Festivals in the parks are fun too. The Whitewater Center is always a hit for out of town guests and there is so much to do. My favorite place would be to go to a lake and just take in the scenery. We live in a city that has so many unique opportunities.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Toxic Charity book is really good.

Website: www.HOPEmatch.org

Instagram: @hopematch

Linkedin: linkedin.com/company/hopematch

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HopeMatch

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HopeMatch

Image Credits
Bella Vie Photography