Peggy Crowe, a volunteer at Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity, discusses how the organization’s Women Build Advocacy Team changed her life.
Despite abundance, hunger soars in WNC
A recent community food assessment shows post-COVID food insecurity and hunger are surging in Macon, Swain and Jackson counties. The data is dire but could offer a roadmap for a better regional food system.
Nonprofit seeks community thoughts on environmental justice
Kate Epsen, who serves as the chair for the Wilma Dykeman Legacy’s news committee on environmental integrity, is currently seeking community input on environmental justice. Photo courtesy of Epsen
Nonprofit addresses sexual harassment in the food and beverage industry
‘That’s just what it’s like working in a bar,’ some say. Others might push it aside for financial reasons — ‘Don’t you want more tips?’ But local advocates say addressing sexual harassment and sexual violence is key to preventing it from continuing. Especially in the hospitality industry, where it is prevalent.
Why I volunteer: The children are the future
Frederick Carl DeTroia discusses the joys of working with young children through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Western North Carolina.
Why I volunteer: Giving back to the Appalachian Trail
Sarah Jones Decker, a volunteer at Carolina Mountain Club, discusses the joys of being outside with like-minded hikers.
Why I volunteer: Helping those who need it
Ted Bytes, a volunteer at Meals on Wheels of Asheville & Buncombe County, encourages everyone to jump into the volunteer experience.
Why I volunteer: Keeping trails in shape
Stefan Israel is a volunteer with Rock Crushers, which maintains hiking trails, particularly in the Gerton-Lake Lure area.
Why I volunteer: Creating a safe place for individuals to address their social service needs
David S. Leader, a volunteer at Jewish Family Services of Western North Carolina, discusses the organization’s clinical and social support services.
Social opportunities for neurodivergent adults flourish locally
It’s not enough to provide activities centered around autism, because having autism in common doesn’t mean people’s interests are similar.
Business, nonprofit roundup: WNC Career Expo coming April 17
Employers will have the opportunity to interview candidates and make employment offers on the spot, and employment experts from NCWorks Career Centers will also offer free interview and resume preparation and support.
The story behind Asheville’s reputation as a bonsai destination
“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.