“I’m inspired to do this work by my own experience. I do what I do to help people get the access to services that I didn’t have as an immigrant child with an undocumented family.”
Why we help: Offering the support families need
“When facing challenges of dementia, it is so important to have access to a health care provider who understands what is happening, who is available for questions when there are changes and who can help families understand what to expect as the disease progresses.”
Why we help: Motivated by those working to improve water quality
“I continue to be motivated by the hundreds of volunteers and watershed professionals who have been working to improve water quality in these mountains.”
Why we help: A passion to help animals in need
“I’m motivated every day by the incredible happiness that Brother Wolf brings into the lives of the animals we serve and the families whose lives are made whole by the companionship they find through adopting an animal.”
Why we help: Protecting (and restoring) healthy plant communities
“The greatest hurdles in this work have been educating the public in how our plants, pollinators and terrestrial wildlife are being harmed by nonnative invasive plants, and in convincing retailers to stop selling such species.”
Why we help: Transforming lives through power of literacy
“One of the most significant hurdles Literacy Together continues to face is having enough volunteer tutors. We hold ongoing volunteer tutor orientations and trainings all year.”
Why we help: Inspired by clients at emergency youth shelter
“Running into folks who were at Trinity Place when they were children — and who now are healthy, empowered adults — is inspiring.”
Why we help: Providing sanctuary to wolfdogs
“Whether it’s becoming a wolfdog’s first human friend or preparing them for a life with a loving family, it’s the little victories that keep us going.”
Why we help: Focused on well-being, entrepreneurship and empowerment
“Warrior Mom’s mission: to eradicate emotional paralysis among single mothers who live in poverty.”
Why we help: Conserving and restoring Appalachian forests
“Trees and forests are impacted over decades, so our biggest hurdle is to avoid the slow-rolling devastation to the region’s forests by collaborating with communities and supporting forestland owners.”
Why we help: Inclusive public art to uplift everyone
“With every new inclusive public mural comes less separation and more inspiration to create true community.”
Why we help: Helping women find access to resources
“It is important that women feel empowered and prepared to face any challenge.”
Why we help: Meeting the basic need of clean diapers for children
“Families need diapers to keep their children clean and healthy, and when they cannot afford enough, often have to delay changes or use other items like paper towels or plastic bags.”
Why we help: Throwing a lifeline to orphaned and injured wildlife
“Seeing orphaned and injured animals recover and go free again makes all the challenges worthwhile.”
Why we help: Witnessing families gain safe, affordable housing
“Witnessing all of the wonderful outcomes for all involved in Habitat’s greater mission of providing safe and affordable housing to area families really resonates with me and remains a source of inspiration.”
Why we help: Inspired to think bigger, brighter and outside the box
“I am overjoyed at the sight of dedicated community partners coming together to support our children who have historically been pushed to the margins.”
Why we help: Embracing the wild, wonderful world of aging
“The collective impact and knowing we make a difference keeps me motivated in my work, despite some of the hurdles we continue to face.”
Why we help: Called to help artists with disabilities
“The work hanging in your house often has a story, and if you get to actually meet the artist, the work becomes gold to you. I love that about what we do.”
WNC Scary Stories: What happened at Helen’s Bridge
“So some friends and I drove up there for a little spooky fun, and I turned the car off.”
WNC Scary Stories: Unexplained happenings at the Kenilworth Inn
“About 3:30 a.m., I suddenly awoke. My two cats were sitting on the floor, staring right above me.”
WNC Scary Stories: Do spirits still roam the Old Kentucky Home?
Was it a house of death and tumult or a peaceful place? Tom Muir, historic site manager at the Thomas Wolfe Memorial, considers the Old Kentucky Home during its heyday and the spirits that may still linger there.