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Earlier this month, in a crowd of 3500 people, from 50 states and six countries, Asheville City Schools Foundation (ACSF) and Laura Elliot of United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County were recognized by the Institute for Educational Leadership (IEL) for their work on behalf of local students at the National Community Schools And Family Engagement Conference in Los Angeles.
The first of its kind in Asheville City Schools, on May 2, 2022, Asheville Middle School launched its School-Based Health Center. The outcome of work conducted in collaboration between United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, MAHEC, Buncombe County Health and Human Services, Buncombe County Schools, and Asheville City Schools, with Blue Ridge Health providing the services, these clinics bring much-needed health services to students directly in the schools they attend.
Joining in fellowship with like-minded individuals, listening to and learning from each other, finding common ground, and implementing strategies for the betterment of our community. These ideals define what it means to be involved in a United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) Affinity Group.
When met with the brutality that we are witnessing in our world, in our own neighborhoods, grocery stores, and elementary classrooms, it is hard to know what to say or what to do.
We must honor the lives lost. We must grieve. Question. Be angry.
But we can't allow ourselves to become numb. Or give in to the darkness. Or let it swallow our ability to reach out to another.
We must take action.
What a special day for UWABC! This incredible team has been through a lot over the past several years, and finally being able to come together to connect with each other on a deeper level felt really good. Thank you to all who came out to celebrate our team and accomplishments, and for recognizing just how essential and vital each member of this team really is. If you couldn't make it, please know that you were in both our hearts and minds.
If you've never been to Little Jumbo on Broadway, you should be sure to make a stop. And thanks to the generosity of co-owner, Chall Grey and manager, Elaina, we couldn't have had a better venue to celebrate the impact that this small but mighty group of donors have had during this, our Centennial year.
Amy Hanks, the Centennial co-chair shared with the crowd their collective impact
What an incredible morning! While we've held a number of convenings over the years, this is the first one officially held under the banner of United for Youth (U4Y). We would like to thank our partners (both in-state and out-of-state), teachers, faculty, school administrators, and most importantly, the amazing young people who attended and made this community convening a rich experience.
Guest post by Debby Vance
Regional Program Manager & Volunteer Coordinator
Food Connection
