Leaders for the two local arts nonprofits discuss their recent doings and tips on getting started in a challenging environment.
Nonprofits play essential roles at local historic sites
Members of friends groups discuss their organizations’ roles in assisting local historic sites and special collections.
Whatever it takes: Never lose hope
Despite the many challenges True Ridge has faced over the last 2 ½ years, its founder Lori Garcia-McCammon says the organization remains strong and determined to carry out its work.
Buncombe tests and tweaks Code Purple plan
As presented to the county Board of Commissioners Nov. 15 by Jennifer Teague, Buncombe’s aging and adult services program manager, the Asheville-Buncombe County Homeless Coalition called the first Code Purple of 2022 on Oct. 15 — the first day this year’s program went into effect. After evaluating the results of that first night, the coalition decided to extend entry times for Code Purple shelters.
Local service clubs face challenges recruiting younger members
Before becoming a member of the Rotary Club of Asheville this year, Skyler Duncan didn’t know much about the venerable service organization. “I remember they gave scholarships in high school and that sort of thing,” says the 30-year-old Merrill Lynch financial adviser. “My perceptions were your stereotypical ones: older members, maybe a little bit behind the times, maybe […]
Whatever it takes: Tapping into volunteer skills
Asheville Tool Library saw plenty of change in 2022, including a new location, says board member Stephanie Kane.
Green in brief: WNC Nature Center opens new exhibit
In partnership with the WNC Farmers Market, the Asheville zoo launches its Educational Farmers Market Garden starting Wednesday, Nov. 16. The new exhibit focuses on sustainable relationships between agriculture and nature.
Whatever it takes: Combatting stigmas
Stigma remains the biggest challenge for the work Amy Upham and her dedicated staff perform at Eleanor Health Foundation.
Q&A: Womansong choir sings for community causes
Xpress sits down with Jennifer Langton to discuss Womansong’s mission, the challenges women choirs face and the benefits of being a nonprofit.
Whatever it takes: Welcoming new team members
Though recent years have been challenging, Sam Ruark says Green Built Alliance has persevered and continues to find new ways to support its missions.
Q&A: The benefits of participatory grant-making
Xpress speaks with Gina Smith about food policy, shared gifting and recommendations for how other nonprofits might integrate new models of fundraising into their operations.
Council to hear Code Purple update amid freezing temperatures
If next week’s forecast is correct, overnight temperatures in Asheville will dip below freezing several times, potentially exposing those living without shelter to harsh conditions. Fittingly, members of Asheville City Council will hear an update on the city’s Code Purple program during their meeting of Tuesday, Nov. 15.
Pro bono lawyers assist Asheville’s Afghan evacuees
Jacob Oakes, who directs Pisgah Legal Services’ immigration program and manages its Afghan Asylum Project, calls the latest influx of evacuees an “unprecedented situation” and a “learning experience” due to its breadth and magnitude.
Green in brief: Wildlands Network flags WNC roads for wildlife crossings
Of the 20 North Carolina sites in the new report, six are in Western North Carolina — including the nonprofit’s No. 1 site, Interstate 40’s path through the Pigeon River Gorge.
How is Asheville addressing panhandling?
While current city ordinances place some restrictions on panhandling, in most instances it is a legal means of making money. Bill Davis, spokesperson for Asheville Police Department, says police had received 95 calls for panhandling this year as of Aug. 17, the majority of which were requests for wellness checks out of concern for those in need.
More bike lanes coming to downtown Asheville
The lanes are slated to be installed along sections of College Street and Patton Avenue, with both routes terminating at Pritchard Park. The city is prepared to accept bids for the project, which should be ready for installation later in the month.
Green in brief: Woodfin Greenway & Blueway gets $5.9M TDA boost
The funding represents the final amount needed for the $30 million project, which has been under development since 2011. The money will go toward constructing 5 miles of greenway along the French Broad River and Beaverdam Creek, as well as park facilities and a wave feature for whitewater enthusiasts.
How might abortion restrictions impact child welfare in WNC?
WNC retains abortion access through Planned Parenthood’s Asheville Health Center, the region’s sole provider of the procedure. What is less clear, at least at this moment, is how restrictions on abortion will impact the area’s child welfare system.
Asheville prepares Municipal Climate Action Plan
According to the city’s website, the plan, being drafted by Winston-Salem-based consultant AECOM for $95,000, “will incorporate all new additions of policies and resolutions while creating a roadmap on how to accomplish adopted goals” for sustainability and climate through 2030.
From NC Health News: Have you heard of the Healthy Opportunities Pilot? No? You’re not alone
While many see NC Medicaid’s new preventative health program as full of potential, they worry a lack of knowledge about the program paired with its complicated referral process could undermine its impact.
Commissioners vote to create bond oversight committee
The resolution would take effect if either or both of the bond referendums up for November votes were approved. The oversight committee would monitor investments made with up to $70 million in bond money and ensure the funds were being used to meet Buncombe’s goals: conserve 20% of county land and increase affordable housing by up to 3,150 units, both by 2030.