Built to Last: Longtime nonprofits look back on triumphs and challenges
Volume
29
/ Issue 41
Cover Design Credit:
scott SouthwickCover Photography Credit:
Cindy Kunst
Asheville GreenWorks is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year while two other nonprofits — MANNA FoodBank and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity — are marking 40 years. Xpress sat down with leaders of the three organizations to discuss their longevity, how they’ve evolved over time and what the future holds.
arts
White Horse Black Mountain transitions to nonprofit
As a nonprofit, a fundamental goal of the venue will be to bring the music space and audience even closer together.Why I volunteer: A way to support the arts
Kathy O'Neal is a volunteer at the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts. The organization's mission is to enrich, enlighten, educate and entertain through the performing arts.Punch Bucket Lit founder Rachel Hanson on launching a literary nonprofit
The founder of the monthly literary reading series is seeking nonprofit status for the organization.Asheville artists celebrate the creative legacy of Carrie Cox
Previous and current Wedge artists come together to celebrate the life of fellow artist Carrie Cox.Matt Peiken’s ‘The Overlook’ brings daily podcast to Asheville
The journalist discusses leaving BPR for podcasting — and why he's confident his new project will succeed.Richard Chess on the influence of religion on his poetry
In this month's poetry feature, Chess — a professor emeritus of English at UNC Asheville, where he served as the director of the Center for Jewish Studies for 30 years…Around Town: Artéria Collective puts focus on youth of color with spring showcase
Artéria Collective, a nonprofit arts and culture organization, will hold Sugarbush Showcase. Plus, The Grey Eagle starts an all-ages Sunday music series, Frame It highlights local artists and Johnson Family hold…food
Why I volunteer: Loneliness is truly an epidemic
Donna Mann is a volunteer at Meals on Wheels of Asheville & Buncombe County. The organization delivers hot, nutritious meals and friendly visits to homebound seniors each weekday.Why I volunteer: Giving is more fulfilling than getting
Judith Biery is a volunteer with Bounty & Soul. The nonprofit provides free produce markets and wellness education the residents in Western North Carolina.What’s new in food: A chocolate collaboration celebrates ‘momtrepreneurs’
French Broad Chocolates celebrates mothers. Plus, Mother Ocean Seafood Market rolls out a new menu; Burnsville gets a breakfast food truck; and more.living
MAHEC program expands dentists’ capabilities for low-income patients
MAHEC's program is geared toward general dentists who are likely to encounter patients with a range of issues that stem from the lack of dental care. Many patients don’t see…Why I volunteer: Building relationships with local farmers
Lisa Fields is a volunteer with Appalachian Sustainable Agriculture Project. The nonprofit helps link farmers to markets and supporters and strives to build healthy communities through connections to local food.Why I volunteer: Aha moments!
Leland Arnsdorff is a volunteer at the WNC Nature Center. The organization works to connect people with the animals and plants of the Southern Appalachian Mountain region.news
Why I volunteer: Becoming a citizen scientist
Jim Clark has volunteered with MountainTrue since 2014, collecting water samples for E-coli testing along the French Broad River. Today, he also collects microplastic water samples and conducts monthly plastic…Why I volunteer: Show up for the community
Steven Reinhold is a volunteer with Outdoor Gear Builders. The organization works to foster a prosperous outdoor business community by cultivating, connecting and supporting WNC’s outdoor industry.Why I volunteer: A servant’s heart
Becky Schmidt is a volunteer at Hendersonville Rescue Mission. The faith-based nonprofit offers several programs addressing issues such as hunger and homelessness.Nonprofit, business roundup: Cat cafe coming to West Asheville
House of Black Cat Magic will hold a grand opening from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 4.Why I volunteer: Energy-saving practices
Darlene Kucken is a volunteer for Green Built Alliance's Energy Savers Network. Through volunteers, the network installs energy-efficiency measures in homes with limited income in Western North Carolina.Why I volunteer: Helping others is rewarding
Ray Porter has been a tutor with Literacy Together since 2022. The organization works to meet the literacy and English language needs of people of all ages in Buncombe County.Why I volunteer: Passion for the environment
Grady Nance is a volunteer at MountainTrue. The nonprofit champions resilient forests, clean waters and healthy communities in the Southern Blue Ridge.Local nonprofits look back on decades of growth, change
Asheville GreenWorks is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year while two other nonprofits — MANNA FoodBank and Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity — are marking 40 years. Xpress sat down…Why we volunteer: Fighting stigma
Steve and Sascha Frowine have volunteered at WNCAP for five years.Teens discuss participation in ‘The Hour of HOPE’ podcast
Last June, Umoja debuted HOPE 4 the Future, a summer camp for children and teens. In its initial season, it served 78 youths.Why I volunteer: Tree-passionate people
Pat Strang is a volunteer at Asheville GreenWorks, which works to create an equitable, climate-resilient future for the community.Nonpartisan voting rights organizations confront mounting challenges
In increasingly polarizing political times, organizations centered on the right to vote have united for their common cause.Why I volunteer: Energy and enthusiasm
Robin Lenner has volunteered with Girls on the Run for 10 years. The organization inspires girls of all abilities to strengthen confidence and other important life skills through physical activity.Why I volunteer: New knowledge
Bettye Fox Boone and Saylor Fox are volunteers with Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy. The organization conserves unique plant and animal habitat, clean water, farmland, scenic beauty in the mountains of Tennessee…Can Canton still be a mill town without a mill?
Canton is losing its paper mill after more than a century. What will the future hold for the Haywood County town?Why I volunteer: Find ways to thrive
Paulina Mendez is a volunteer at Asheville Latin Americans Achieving Success. Through mentoring, training and scholarships, the nonprofit works to help develop leaders within the local Latin community.Why I volunteer : A deeper understanding and friendships
Since 2016, Jan Cosman has worked as a volunteer for MANNA FoodBank. The nonprofit works to end food insecurity in the 16 counties of Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary.Buncombe Schools’ board recommends pay raises for school employees
More than 20 teachers, staff members and parents spoke during the three-plus hour meeting in the Minitorium at 175 Bingham Rd., advocating for higher pay for all school employees in…Commissioners approve one-year ban on crypto mining
The measure had first been discussed publicly by the commissioners in February; at an April meeting, Commissioner Terri Wells said she’d floated the proposal to county staff after hearing complaints…Development roundup: Three downtown mixed-use projects up for review
Hotels, shops and apartments being considered for Carter Street and Broadway Boulevard.opinion
Dear John Francis Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil IV (Jack)
"So, I’m asking you to consider that building excessive numbers of weapons factories may actually be causing war rather than preventing it."Letter: GOP’s focus on drag queens isn’t about protecting children
"Many conservatives are quick to equate drag queens with pedophilia and other forms of child abuse, but the weight of historical evidence should make us more concerned about trusting children…In the bag
My story: Finding peace in helping other veterans
"WCC’s program is special in that it utilizes area veterans to help train service dogs for their fellow warriors."Letter: Could seniors get a break on water rate hikes?
"Is there any chance that Asheville City Council could maybe find some way to give the lower- and middle-class seniors a break from at least this usually yearly water increase?"Spring is here (or is it?)
Letter: Fighting climate change means rejecting car-centered land use
"Furthermore, it happens that the same old land use patterns driving carbon emissions also drive housing unaffordability."Name-o