Conceptual rendering of the Elton H. Gross Charlotte Impact Center in Charlotte
A community vision in development

Opportunity.
Community.
Impact.

A place designed to expand possibility, strengthen families, and help young people recognize how much they have to offer.

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Conceptual rendering

Our mission

To empower individuals through opportunity, mentorship, education, wellness, and service so they can realize their full potential and create lasting impact in the lives of others.

Why we exist

Built on a legacy of believing in people.

Elton H. Gross believed that success was not measured by awards or wealth, but by the difference a person made in the lives of others. His example showed people that their future could be greater than their circumstances.

The Elton H. Gross Charlotte Impact Center carries that belief forward by helping young people see possibilities beyond what they already know, build confidence in their own abilities, and learn that they are capable of creating meaningful change.

“A life well lived is measured in the lives you impact.”
A mentor helping children with schoolwork in a community learning setting
The vision

Expand their world. Strengthen their belief in what is possible.

Too many young people never reach their full potential simply because they have not had access to the people, places, resources, and experiences that reveal what is possible.

Our goal is to create a place where support and opportunity are part of everyday life — and where each participant is encouraged not only to grow, but to give back.

The Elton H. Gross Impact Model

Support becomes growth. Growth becomes leadership. Leadership becomes impact.

01

Opportunity

Exposure to mentors, education, careers, wellness, new experiences, and resources.

02

Support

Consistent relationships, academic help, guidance, encouragement, and practical assistance.

03

Growth

Confidence, skills, resilience, achievement, service, and a stronger sense of purpose.

04

Impact

Graduates, workers, leaders, mentors, and community members who invest in others.

Every person has value. Every person has something to offer. Every person can create impact.
What happens here

More than programs — a network of opportunity.

Programming is envisioned as a mix of center-led services and partnerships with schools, healthcare providers, employers, colleges, nonprofits, and community organizations.

Community service, dental care, vaccination, and tutoring program concepts
Whole-person support

Education, health, service, and preparation for what comes next.

Academic support works best when young people also have access to caring adults, health resources, confidence-building experiences, and opportunities to contribute.

A

Academic Support

Tutoring, homework help, study skills, literacy support, and goal tracking.

M

Mentorship

Trusted adult relationships, guidance, accountability, and individual success planning.

I

Impact Days

Hands-on community service that teaches every participant they have something valuable to give.

H

Health & Wellness

Partner-delivered preventive health, dental access, nutrition, fitness, and wellness programming.

L

Launch & Career

College, trades, careers, interview preparation, job exposure, and workforce readiness.

G

Gratitude & Reflection

Daily journaling and appreciation practices that build reflection, resilience, and perspective.

Recognizing growth

Reward effort, improvement, service, and achievement.

Impact Awards are envisioned to celebrate young people who excel academically, make meaningful progress, lead, serve, or demonstrate personal growth.

The goal is not participation trophies. It is to create multiple meaningful ways to earn recognition so every participant can experience the pride of working toward something.

Young people receiving Impact Awards for achievement, leadership, service, and personal growth
The planned center

A 40,000-square-foot place built for connection, growth, and possibility.

The physical center is envisioned as a welcoming two-story community hub with abundant natural light and flexible spaces that can evolve with community needs.

  • Indoor basketball court & fitness space
  • Classrooms, tutoring & mentorship rooms
  • Launch Lab / workforce development
  • Community kitchen & healthy cooking education
  • Multipurpose & community event space
  • Partner-delivered health & resource services

Facility design, site, scope, and program mix remain conceptual and subject to feasibility, funding, partnerships, zoning, and design development.

Conceptual exterior rendering of the planned Elton H. Gross Charlotte Impact Center Conceptual rendering
A culture of gratitude

What we focus on grows.

Participants are encouraged to begin with gratitude and end with appreciation — developing the habit of recognizing the people, opportunities, progress, and good around them without ignoring the challenges they face.

Help build the impact

This vision will take a community to make real.

We are developing relationships with people and organizations who believe in expanding opportunity and strengthening Charlotte.

Partner

Schools, healthcare providers, colleges, employers, nonprofits, faith communities, and civic organizations.

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Stay connected as the vision develops and be among the first to hear about milestones, future programs, and future volunteer opportunities.

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Support the Vision

Interested in future giving, sponsorship, or philanthropic support? Join the interest list and we’ll keep you informed as opportunities develop.

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A life well lived is measured in the lives you impact.

This is how his legacy lives on.