“In an odd series of events, we had actually decided to open a food resource area and onboarded our first mental health intern right before the hurricane hit,” says Amy Upham, executive director of Blue Ridge Pride.
Author: Xpress Staff
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Unstoppable: Self-care is important
“Seeing our clinicians regularly at comfort sites, in our bright teal T-shirts, helps foster a sense of trust and creates a safe space to chat or cry,” Mary Waller, development director of All Souls Counseling Center,
Unstoppable: Talk to friends and family about mental health
“There is an emotional life cycle of a disaster and many of us in our community are still in the ‘disillusionment’ stage,” says Cammy Sky Holt, communications director of Black Mountain Counseling Center.
Unstoppable: Clearing trees and developing new bonds
“We have real concerns about how the downed debris could impact the severity of wildfires,” says Lang Hornthal, co-executive director of EcoForesters. “We also know that nonnative invasive species will take advantage of this newly created growing space and will be a big problem come spring.”
Unstoppable: ‘We want to spread joy’
“For us personally, it was so heartening to hear from so many families who were worried about the safety of the Nature Center animals post-Helene,” says Kate Frost, executive director of Friends of the WNC Nature Center,
Unstoppable: Remarkable tenacity in the artists
“Providing resources to help artists stabilize is critical to reviving the cultural heart of our community,” Stephanie Moore, executive director of Center for Craft,
Unstoppable: Second act
“WNC theaters were finally getting close to pre-COVID attendance, and Helene set us all the way back,” says Rose Pillmore, board member of Asheville Theater Alliance
Unstoppable: Creative expression post-Helene
“Our staff stepped up in incredible ways, making home visits to artists and delivering essential supplies where needed,” says Debbie Harris, co-executive director of Open Hearts Art Center.
Unstoppable: A special place
“We are dedicated to providing key resources so that Pisgah remains the beloved place that it is for WNC residents and all who pass through these mountains,” says Marielle DeJong, donor engagement officer at The Pisgah Conservancy.
Unstoppable: Efforts to end homelessness
“In the aftermath of Helene, Homeward Bound of WNC shifted to immediately address the safety of all our staff and the clients we serve through our homeless and housing services programs,” says Jessie Figueroa, the communications specialist of Homeward Bound of WNC
Unstoppable: Advocating for food security
“With the storm’s impact, we anticipate a significant rise in food insecurity as more families and individuals turn to us and other community resources in the coming months,” says Micah Chrisman, director of marketing and communications of MANNA FoodBank.
Unstoppable: An ecosystem of literacy access
“The majority of local students, no matter their race, background and socioeconomic status, were not reading on grade level prior to the storm, and they just lost another month-plus of critical instruction,” says Jessica McLean, co-executive director of Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe
Women in Business: Sustainable and creative
“I don’t think you should have to sacrifice whimsical patterns, color and structure to dress easier on the environment,” says Megan Authement, owner of Clad.
Women in Business: Entrepreneurship is not for the faint of heart
“Owning a business is a spiritual experience that’ll challenge all of your beliefs and sense of self,” says Jesse Rosenblum, owner of Liminal Sōma.
Women in Business: A sense of identity and belonging
“One thing I urge any aspiring entrepreneur to do is ask for help when there is something overwhelming them,” says Eva Rodriguez-Cué, owner of Haywood Famous.
Women in Business: Message of shamelessness, expression and hope
“Before launching a business every entrepreneur should know that your business will have seasons. Seasons of preparation, tending, harvest and fallowness. It’s normal to experience all of them,” says Faith Laux, a somatic sex and relationship coach.
Women in Business: On the way to achieving your big-picture goal
“Entrepreneurship, especially for a small farm business at its start, is a major balancing act between the manual labor involved and the hustle of developing social media content and promotional materials and all the daily logistics of running a business,” says Salley Williamson, owner of Piney Mountain Farm.
Takeaways from WNC’s 2024 general election
What role did fundraising play in this year’s local elections? How did incumbency factor into the final results? What impact did Helene have on races? These questions and more are explored in Xpress’ recap of the 2024 local races.
Women in Business: Community and mutual support
“For new business owners, it’s crucial to understand that while it may not take long to master the craft of what you’re selling, if you intend to have employees, serving them well as a boss will be an ongoing commitment,” says Jen Lauzon, co-owner of LaZoom Tours
Women in Business: Magic in the making
“It is incredible the amount of diversity Magic players have from bartenders, lawyers, teachers, baristas, kids — really it is a game that spans not just age but professions,” says Charla Schlueter, owner of Gamers’ Haunt
Women in Business: ‘Education is freedom’
“The bottom line is that education influences everyone and everything,” says Brianne Hudak, founder and head of school at Journeys School for the Gifted and Talented.