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This story was jointly reported and edited by Laura Lee, Kate Martin and Frank Taylor of Carolina Public Press; Sara Coello of The Charlotte Observer; Cathy Clabby and Tyler Dukes of The News & Observer; Nick Ochsner of WBTV; Michael Praats of WECT; Travis Fain, Ali Ingersoll, Amanda Lamb and Ashley Talley of WRAL; and Jason deBruyn of WUNC.

Sam Carnes is a student in the James L. Knight School of Communication at Queens University of Charlotte, which provides the news service in support of local community news.

Jeanne Pinder worked for The New York Times for 23 years before founding ClearHealthCosts, a journalism company that brings transparency to the health care marketplace by explaining costs.

Ethan Rudnet is a student in the James L. Knight School of Communication at Queens University of Charlotte, which provides the news service in support of local community news.

After a 14-year career in non-profit fundraising for nonprofits both small and large, Jennifer made the leap into the health and wellness space. Earning her certification in Pilates in 2018, she works for herself teaching here in Charlotte. With advanced training in Neurological Conditions like MS and Parkinson’s, Pre- and Post-Natal, Low Back Pain, and more, Jennifer enjoys working with all types of individuals to find their most enjoyable and efficient forms of movement. She is currently working on her Masters in Public Health through UNC Chapel Hill. Jennifer lives with her husband Kris, and their 12-lb morkie, Leslie Knope in Plaza Midwood.

Rev. Dr. John Cleghorn is minister and head of staff at Caldwell Presbyterian Church in Charlotte. He began in ministry in 2007 at Caldwell after 25 years in the private sector, as a reporter at The Charlotte Observer and in various publics policy and communications roles at Bank of America, where he retired early as a senior vice president. He is married to Kelly, and they have two adult daughters. His first book Resurrecting Church: Where Justice and Diversity Meet Radical Welcome and Healing Hope, was published in 2021 (Fortress Press).

Gray Dyer has worked in the finance industry since 1997 where he concentrates in the areas of personal finance and philanthropic planning. After leading the planned giving efforts for Davidson College’s most recent capital campaign, Gray founded Dyer & Company, LLC, an independent, fee-only financial advisory firm in 2018.

Rabbi Judy Schindler is an activist, author, professor, rabbi, mother, and wife. Rabbi Schindler is the Sklut Professor of Jewish Studies and Director of the Stan Greenspon Holocaust and Social Justice Education Center at Queens University of Charlotte. She was named Rabbi Emerita of Temple Beth El in Charlotte, North Carolina, after serving as Senior Rabbi from 2003-2016 and as Associate Rabbi from 1998-2003. She graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University and received her master’s and ordination from the Hebrew Union College where she is currently pursuing a doctoral degree focused on interfaith relations. Judy has served on many Charlottes non-profit boards over the past 23 years. She led the creation of four social justice documentaries, contributed chapters and articles to more than a dozen books and journals, and co-authored a book on recharging congregations through civic engagement. She was a 2017-2018 contributing columnist for the Charlotte Observer and delivered a TEDx Charlotte talk in 2018 entitled “Mastering the Art of Loving your Neighbor.” Among the many awards she has received, Rabbi Schindler was named Charlotte Woman of the Year in 2011.