About Community Leadership Academy (CLA)Community Leadership Academy (CLA) is a qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering individuals through education, leadership, and vocational training.All contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

 

At CLA, our mission is built on four guiding principles:TEACH. REACH. FEED. LEAD.These four words define who we are, what we do, and how we transform lives across Mecklenburg County and Union County, North Carolina.Our MissionAt Community Leadership Academy, we believe in teaching practical skills, reaching underserved communities, feeding both body and spirit, and leading the next generation toward purpose and success.Through our hands-on vocational and community programs, CLA creates opportunities for youth, adults, refugees, and immigrants in Mecklenburg County and Union County, NC to grow, learn, and thrive.

 

Our Core Programs🥘

 

1. Community Kitchen Program (CKP) – “Teach”The Community Kitchen Program offers a free 10-week culinary training course that empowers youth and adults with professional cooking and hospitality skills.Students earn ServSafe® Certification and gain hands-on experience that prepares them for quality jobs in Mecklenburg County and Union County, NC.This program is not just about learning to cook—it’s about teaching people to build a better future.

 

☕ 2. Community Kitchen Café – “Feed”The Community Kitchen Café is a social enterprise that supports CLA’s mission while providing real-world culinary training.The café prepares and delivers nutritious meals to schools, churches, and community partners throughout Mecklenburg and Union Counties.Every meal served and every cup poured helps feed our community while sustaining free training opportunities for our students.🎥

 

3. Created for Worship (CFW) TV – “Reach”Created for Worship (CFW) is a faith-based media and worship program that equips students with creative and technical skills in music, storytelling, and production.Through CFW TV, students work alongside professional producers to create inspiring live career exploration shows and worship content broadcast worldwide.This program helps students reach hearts and minds through media while supporting missionaries and worship leaders across the nation.

 

🏃 4. Annual Events – “Lead”Our annual events—Share the Harvest 5K Run/Walk and I Run for the Gospel—bring communities together to celebrate unity, wellness, and faith.These events raise funds to support our programs, promote healthy living, and empower participants to lead by example in service and generosity.Share the Harvest 5K supports the Community Kitchen Program, providing free culinary education for those in need.I Run for the Gospel supports the Created for Worship TV Mission, helping expand its reach and impact worldwide.

 

How You Can Get InvolvedYour partnership makes our mission possible. Together, we can TEACH, REACH, FEED, and LEAD our communities in Mecklenburg County and Union County, NC toward a brighter future.

 

You can help by:💛 Donating: Financial gifts help us train more students and expand our programs.🙋 Volunteering: Share your time and talents to make a difference.🤝 Partnering: Collaborate with CLA to support community projects and events.📣 Spreading the Word: Help us raise awareness about our mission and impact.

 

Contact UsCommunity Leadership Academy (CLA)📍

811 N Charlotte Ave

Monroe, NC 28110

📞 (240) 678-4014📧 communitykitchenclt@gmail.com🌐 communitykitchenclt.org