Our Partners

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Guerilla Poets is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit collective of spoken-word artists, visual artists, musicians, and creative facilitators based in the Charlotte, North Carolina area. 

They offer engaging arts programs that reach a diverse range of communities—from schools and shelters to youth centers and adults across the U.S., as well as a partner branch in the U.K. 

With a mission to provide access to high-quality art programs tailored to specific needs for personal growth, Guerilla Poets envisions a world where everyone can experience the healing power of the arts. 

Founded to bring art directly into communities, Guerilla Poets supports wellbeing and connection through various initiatives, including open mics, workshops, and outreach programs. They foster an inclusive environment for people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with poetry and the arts, often collaborating with organizations like the Cabarrus Arts Council.

The Cabarrus Arts Council, established in 1980 in response to the North Carolina Arts Council’s initiative for local arts programs in every county, has played a vital role in the community. 

In 1982, the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners appointed the arts council as its Designated County Partner, enabling it to receive and distribute Grassroots funding from the state and the state arts council. 

Today, the Cabarrus Arts Council not only operates the Davis Theatre and The Galleries but also runs one of North Carolina’s largest art-in-education programs for the Cabarrus County and Kannapolis City school systems. 

Additionally, it supports various arts organizations and artists through grants and workshops, and acts as a catalyst and consultant for public art, including initiatives like the Guerilla Poets.

Finding Inspiration Foundation (FIF) is a Charlotte-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to using film to spark meaningful conversations about mental health. 

Through original short films, community screenings, and storytelling workshops, FIF creates space for people to see their experiences reflected on screen — and to feel less alone.

Their Inspiring Films Series explores themes including grief, identity, masculinity, recovery, and resilience. Each project is developed alongside mental health advocates, filmmakers, and community members who believe story is a powerful tool for connection.

Beyond filmmaking, FIF brings audiences together through screenings and post-film dialogue, transforming viewing into shared experience. Programs are designed to meet people where they are — in neighborhood venues, cultural spaces, and community gatherings.

Founded on the belief that everyone deserves to see their story told with dignity, Finding Inspiration Foundation works with artists and organizations to help expand understanding through storytelling.

 Based in Charlotte, HopeWay provides comprehensive mental health treatment, education, and support for individuals and families across our region. Their work spans residential and outpatient care, professional education, and community outreach — all rooted in a commitment to evidence-based practice and compassionate engagement.

HopeWay’s approach reflects the understanding that recovery is rarely linear and that meaningful support often begins with access, clarity, and sustained care. Through clinical services and public education efforts, they help individuals and families navigate complex mental health challenges with dignity and informed guidance.

Learn more at hopeway.org or call 980-859-2100.

Mental Health America works across our region to improve access to care, strengthen prevention efforts, and support individuals and families navigating mental health challenges.

Through education, advocacy, and community-based programs, their work helps people find support earlier — before crisis becomes the only path forward.

In addition to public education initiatives, MHA provides navigation support that helps individuals connect with appropriate services and resources. Their approach reflects a belief that informed communities are better equipped to respond with understanding rather than stigma.

Learn more at mhaofcc.org or call 704-365-3454.

NAMI Charlotte provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions throughout the region. Through peer-led programs, public awareness efforts, and community outreach, their work helps people better understand mental health challenges and navigate the realities of recovery.

Their programs are built on the belief that shared experience and informed conversation can reduce stigma while strengthening both individuals and communities. By offering accessible resources and connection points, NAMI Charlotte helps ensure that no one has to face mental health challenges in isolation.

Learn more at namicharlotte.org or call 704-333-8218.

Mental Health Reimagined creates immersive, community-driven art experiences that turn personal stories into shared connection.

Their work integrates the healing arts into how we understand and engage with mental health—creating space for reflection, expression, and human connection through creative practice.

Grounded in community and lived experience, they are helping reshape how we think about, talk about, and respond to mental illness.

Wired Coffee Express is a Kannapolis gathering place rooted in community — a place for excellent coffee, conversation, and connection.

Their commitment to the local performing arts community reflects an understanding that meaningful work grows in shared spaces — where people gather and connect over time.

Wired’s support of the local arts community is immeasurable.
That support helps make evenings like this possible.

Wired Coffee Express joins Words to Live By in recognizing that connection is not limited to the stage. It lives in the places we return to, again and again.

Wired Coffee Express
459 N Cannon Blvd
Kannapolis, NC