“The way [my bonsai] are constructed, it’s not based on what I was taught or what the books tell you to do,” says Arthur Joura, bonsai curator at The N.C. Arboretum. “It’s based on what I’ve seen in my own experience and run through the filter of my knowledge of art.
Whatever it takes: Protecting the French Broad River
“RiverLink is the only conservation organization focused exclusively on the French Broad River and its tributaries,” says Lisa Raleigh, the nonprofit’s executive director. “We operate three programs that include water resource management, land conservation and youth education.”
Whatever it takes: Open discussions about mental health issues
“Mental health challenges impact all demographics and each of these has their own cultural way of addressing them,” says Robin C. Payne, executive director of NAMI Western Carolina. “As such, we are careful not to assume we know what is best for a community. Instead we try to create opportunities for open discussions and see how we can provide the resources that are needed.”
Whatever it takes: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy proteins
“We provide a service that brings mobile markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, healthy proteins and whole grains directly to people’s homes,” says Sonya Jones, executive director of Caja Solidaria.
Whatever it takes: Ways to stop human trafficking in WNC
“One of the biggest misconceptions about human trafficking is that it doesn’t happen here. It absolutely does,” says Amanda Gopal, executive director of The Hundred Movement.
The mission of AVL Hoppers goes beyond volleyball courts
When three Asheville women started AVL Hoppers last year, they wanted the organization to have an impact beyond the volleyball courts. So each season, the group’s championship teams receive a prize in the form of a donation to a local nonprofit of their choice. In all, the Hoppers have helped distribute more than $2,000 to worthy causes.
Whatever it takes: Meeting the needs of individuals with autism
“Families can meet others and not feel so alone on their autism journey,” says Caroline Long Tindall, CEO of St. Gerard House. “Young adults are becoming part of their community and giving back — the community is getting to know how valuable individuals with autism are.”
Budgets for victims’ services are slashed
Decreased funding from federal Victims of Crime Act, or VOCA, could be devastating to the local nonprofits serving survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse.
Whatever it takes: Raising awareness about pollution
“When I started this job, almost 20 years ago, very few people used the French Broad River for recreation, and therefore no one really cared when it was polluted,” says Hartwell Carson, French Broad Riverkeeper with MountainTrue. “Now lots of people use the river everyday and there is a strong desire that we do better and protect the river,
Nonprofits navigate a drop in volunteers
Nonprofits recovered from a volunteer drop-off during COVID and found they can do more with less.
Whatever it takes: Serving the region’s homeless animals
“It’s thanks to the 600-plus volunteers at Brother Wolf that we’re able to forever change so many animals’ lives,” says Leah Craig Chumbley, executive director of Brother Wolf Animal Rescue.
Pisgah Legal Services Executive Director Jim Barrett’s exit interview
Barrett spoke with Xpress about how he has avoided burnout, his advice to young lawyers and North Carolina’s problem with “legal deserts.”
Whatever it takes: Addressing racism and justice
“Both collaborations with the Vance Birthplace and the Mountain History and Culture Group have been the purest representations of the work we want to do, existing in the intersection of art and activism,” says Aaron Snook, co-founder and curator of America Myth Center
Celesa Willett of United Way of Haywood County discusses Canton mill closing, other challenges
With just two full-time employees, United Way of Haywood County has met some big community needs in recent years. In 2021, the Waynesville-based nonprofit received more than $1 million in donations to help those affected by devastating flooding in the wake of Tropical Storm Fred. United Way funneled money to groups like WNC Communities for […]
Whatever it takes: Community support is essential
“Asheville Humane Society relies heavily on community support,” says Mabel Lujan, the organization’s communications manager. “From donations to fostering to suggesting us as a spot to grow your family, our caring community members provide the backbone to allow us to care for as many animals as we can.
12 Baskets Café’s arts programs build community
The nonprofit’s writing, craft and visual arts groups forge a strong sense of belonging among participants.
Anne Chesky on the opening of the Asheville Museum of History
“We are a space people can contemplate how our history affects our lives today,” says Anne Chesky, executive director of the Asheville Museum of History.
Whatever it takes: In support of the LGBTQIA+ community
“We definitely could use additional support from major donors, as well as institutional support from funders to ensure we are showing up in the ways our community needs,” says Amy Upham, executive director of Blue Ridge Pride.
Whatever it takes: Becoming a nonprofit
“Gaining 501(c)(3) nonprofit status has opened the market to new funding sources that we didn’t have access to before, while connecting us to the community in new ways,” says Lyric Antio, market director of the RAD Farmers Market
Whatever it takes: Expertise in genealogy is not required
“Our research materials are not limited to Buncombe County or Western North Carolina,” says Stella Taylor, the public relations chair at the Old Buncombe County Genealogical Society. “Our collection covers the areas from which settlers came to our state and areas to which some families moved.”
New kennel will help families affected by domestic violence
The survivor of a violent relationship has difficult decisions to make. She has to figure out when it is safest to leave, where she can go, what she can bring and what she can’t. Sometimes she’s stopped cold when she realizes she might have to leave the dog behind.