United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County staff had the opportunity to visit the BRAND NEW Asheville Middle School this morning and it's beautiful!

We believe that the people in our community, the people who Give, Advocate and Volunteer, are pretty spectacular people and they deserve a bright light shone upon them.

We believe that the people in our community, the people who Give, Advocate and Volunteer, are pretty spectacular people and they deserve a bright light shone upon them.

John Kelly says that he ran out of excuses this past year when United Way offered a volunteer opportunity that fit in his work schedule:

“I value education and I believe in volunteerism but with the way my work schedule is, I couldn’t attend after-school tutoring programs. With Breakfast Buddies, I’m able to come to Enka Middle School before I head to work and I know it matters.”

Listen to John in his own words

Over the last few weeks, and years, we’ve watched over and over again, footage of people running in fear, writhing in pain, and dying at the hands of another. The locations and details change, but the agony is the same for all involved and those that love them.

Loaned Executives serve as United Way ambassadors, helping to convey and achieve vital goals in education, income, and health that benefit the entire community.

Every year our School Supply Drive gets bigger and bigger. Last year, as a result of this drive, 1,350 elementary and middle school aged children received a fully stocked backpack and extra materials were sent to local teachers. This year we reached a record setting 1,754! This is important for each child's experience on the first day of school but also for their families who are often struggling to keep food on the table or a roof over their head.

Michelle was ready to go back to school and finish her bachelor’s degree. Like so many others, Michelle had started college but her plans were sidelined by family health emergencies, financial setbacks and the birth of her beautiful daughter.

Ed’s son, John, lost his only child, his marriage and his job. John’s been drinking regularly and started saying things that made Ed believe he would take his own life. Our 2-1-1 referral specialist was able to connect John to a mobile crisis team that could get him that help, right away.