In case you missed it, Elisabeth Bocklet, United Way's Senior Director of Marketing and Communications and local rising senior Nyles Clark joined Melanie Wilkinson on Asheville Area Focus to talk a bit about United Way and some events happening this summer to support youth in our community. 

Our commitment to the Long-Term Recovery of Buncombe County from the devastation of Hurricane Helene takes many forms.

From serving on leadership and steering committees with the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Group(LTRG), to acting as the LTRG's fiscal agent, stocking Community School resource rooms, and mobilizing volunteers through Hands On Asheville Buncombe. We have been here since the earliest days of recovery, and we will continue to show up.

I’ve been both a donor and a volunteer with United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County for many years. Like you, my contributions of time or resources have ebbed and flowed as my own life circumstances have shifted, but this organization and its mission have remained a core commitment of mine. Today, I’m proud to serve as board chair.

In their own words: 2026 Community Impact Awardees

Every year, we pause to celebrate the people and partners who inspire us to do and be better. On May 14, we did just that. With a crowd of almost 200 people from across our community, we honored just a few of the many incredible people we have the honor of working with. Below are the videos each awardee filmed prior to the event — an opportunity to share a bit about what inspires them to stay connected and give back to our community. 

Three months after Hurricane Helene, our United for Youth Leadership Team gathered once again—carrying with them not only the weight of the storm, but a shared responsibility to the Bold Community Goal that has been at the center of United for Youth’s work.