UNITED WAY CHAMPION AND ADVOCATE
Ask Julie Smith about community and you’ll see her passion come to life. A self described advocate and Brand Champion of United Way, Julie believes that it’s her personal responsibility to give back; to leave the community a better place for future generations. In fact, Julie believes it’s everyone’s responsibility.
Born and raised in Waynesville, Julie’s work ethic of “Do it right, or don’t do it at all,” has...Read More
((PICTURED: Beloved former NC 2-1-1 coworker Danica Spencer's son lending a hand at
Fill the Bus, part of the annual School Supply Drive.))
Alleviating Need in Asheville and Buncombe County One Backpack at a Time
Nationally, over 1.36 million school age children K-12 have been identified as homeless. Buncombe County Public Schools and Asheville City Schools combined identified 800 homeless students during the 2017-2018 school year. Still...Read More
“Increase our diversity and equity knowledge to strengthen our behaviors, practices and values.”
This statement is one of the thirteen objectives you will find in our recently approved, three-year strategic plan that will guide our work in 2018-20.
Learning and Taking Action
What our DEI plan will look like in practice is still being developed by both our staff and our board. Among the activities that have already begun or are about to...Read More
With the first day of summer quickly approaching, the possibilities to get outside and explore in western North Carolina are endless. One practice you may not be able to enjoy in community outside as often as you'd like, will now be added to the list of activities as well--yoga. Asheville Yoga Center is excited to lead series of classes outdoors this summer for their 6th Annual Yoga in the Park series, running once a month from June-September...Read More
Perhaps you’ve heard of the community school strategy, either through local nonprofit Children First/Communities in Schools, an organization committed to advocating for and empowering children and families living in poverty, or through our organization via the weekly Homework Diners happening in conjunction with Asheville City Schools and Buncombe County Schools. Perhaps you’ve yet to hear the term and are curious what sets this strategy...Read More
With only a few weeks left in the school year, Asheville and Buncombe County students will soon hear the final school bells ring before they’re off to enjoy summer. While there are plenty of simple pleasures to enjoy, many parents are on the search for unique opportunities that their kids can experience. Our volunteer center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, has a few suggestions for ways to dig, give back to the community, and spend a summer...Read More
As we take a moment to celebrate the mothers in our lives and community, it’s important to recognize the necessity of their health and wellbeing and the inequities that exist. From young women and mothers to single moms, caretakers of full families to elder mothers and grandmothers, the needs of women and mothers are vital-- for herself, for her ability to be successful and to the overall health of the community.
In honor of Mother’s Day,...Read More
This week has been incredibly difficult for our whole community, and particularly for children.
The murders and critical wounding of the members a local family as a result of family violence have shaken us all to the core. This horrific act impacts all who know and love the Smith family. In homes and classrooms across our city, children and adults alike are broken hearted and asking each other “Why?”
Earlier this week teachers across our...Read More
The Coalition for Community Schools is convening the Community Schools National Forum May 2-4, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland and we're excited to be attending and presenting alongside administrators, educators and leaders from Asheville and Buncombe County. This Coalition is an alliance of national, state and local organizations in K-16 education, youth development, community planning and development, family support, health and human services...Read More
While volunteer work in itself provides the reward to those willing and able to offer their time and expertise to their community, it’s always heartwarming to take a moment and talk to those people about why they give back. From retired teachers to working parents, business leaders and young, big-hearted community members, we are thankful to know so many who share their time here in Asheville and Buncombe County. With National Volunteer Week...Read More
