This year we held a series of events aimed at learning more from our neighbors about their hopes for our community and especially how they felt we could achieve the Bold Community Goal of ensuring that by 2035 ALL Asheville City and Buncombe County students graduate from high school ready to achieve their goals and dreams. Community voice was fully centered in these events, from the committee that designed and led these experiences, to the people that attended. Most important, we will use this feedback to guide our future work, making sure that all voices are heard in addressing the issues that affect students and families in our communities. 

When we held the Spring Convening of United for Youth, we made a significant effort to center youth perspectives and voices in the program. So when Julia spoke about her interest in pursuing a career in law enforcement despite her concerns that she didn't see people who looked like her in the field, Sheriff Miller raised his hand from the audience and offered to give her the support she needed to follow her dreams. This is just one example of what it takes to support our youth. Each of us can play a part -- as an individual or as a company or institution. 

Proud Moment! When Laura Elliot, Senior Director of Community Schools and Network Development, was recognized for her work locally and on the national stage, with the Community Schools Initiative Leadership Award. This award is given to individuals that have significantly advanced their initiatives toward broad and measured equitable impact, strengthened sustainability through cross-sector development, and increased the number of Community Schools. Over the past nine years, Laura has led efforts to secure local and federal funding to expand community schools to 7 local public schools within both Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools and continues to nurture a network of committed partners who share a vision that ALL children and youth learn, grow, and thrive in a vibrant, healthy, and connected community.

The pandemic sure did slow our progress with this popular offering but this fall we're working hard to bring back Community Nights featuring Homework Diners to our local schools. These weekly events, held at local schools, offer students and their families a nutritious meal, academic support, and access to a wide variety of community resources. This unique family engagement strategy builds connections between parents, teachers, students, and community resources.

In August, more than 800 community members and local organizations gathered in Pack Square Park for the United for Youth Block Party where we celebrated local youth and provide families with opportunities to connect with local resources as their children prepared to begin a new school year. Together we also officially launched our Bold Community Goal that by 2035, ALL Asheville City and Buncombe County students graduate from high school ready and fully prepared to pursue their goals and dreams. This is a big goal and it's going to take all of us working hard to make it happen. So launching this goal at an event like this one, where you could actually feel the love and community spirit in the air, well it was perfect!