STRONG SCHOOLS ANCHOR STRONG COMMUNITIES
At United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC), we believe that schools are more than just places where students learn. We envision schools as hubs of service and support where families access community resources, parents and teachers come together, and students are provided with opportunities and pathways to realize their goals and dreams.
Community schools offer a nationally proven model to do just that. Through cross-sector partnerships, we're transforming local public schools into the heartbeat of the communities in which they reside.
What Are Community Schools?
Community Schools are public schools that bring together educators, families, school faculty, businesses, and local agencies to work as one. By combining academic learning with essential supports such as healthcare, after-school programs, family engagement, and basic short-term needs assistance, Community Schools transform campuses into centers of partnership and opportunity — all under one roof.
The result? Stronger students, stronger families, and a more resilient community.
UWABC partners with nine local public schools across Asheville and Buncombe County: Asheville, Enka, Erwin, Owen, A.C. Reynolds, North Buncombe Middle Schools, as well as Asheville High/SILSA, Enka Intermediate, and Hall Fletcher Elementary.
UWABC employs a full-time Community School Coordinator who works onsite at each of the nine schools. Each Coordinator manages partnerships, programs, and services that connect students, families, and community resources. In this role, they ensure seamless coordination among educators, businesses, service providers, and volunteers to ensure students have consistent access to academic, social, and wellness support.
Community Schools aren't just a theory — they are a proven, nationally recognized model that improves academic outcomes,
increases family engagement, and strengthens neighborhoods. Across the country, research shows that Community Schools increase student performance, well-being and sense of belonging at school, and foster stronger connections between school and families.
Here in Asheville and Buncombe County, Community Schools are:
- Helping students feel more connected at school and more engaged in learning
- Empowering parents and caregivers with the tools and resources they need
- Supporting teachers and staff by addressing challenges beyond the classroom
- Building stronger, more resilient communities through collaboration and shared leadership
The community school strategy encompasses four pillars that together create the conditions necessary for students and families to thrive:
- Integrated Student Supports — Healthcare, counseling, and resources that remove barriers to learning
- Expanded Learning Time and Opportunities — After-school, weekend, and summer programs that inspire curiosity and growth
- Active Family and Community Engagement — Parents and caregivers are active partners in student success
- Collaborative Leadership and Practice — Schools, families, and community partners working together toward shared goals and outcomes
Explore | Learn | Engage
Community Nights open the school’s doors after hours to students, families, and community members, offering free hot, nutritious meals, access to community resources, and on-site tutoring. These events build trust, deepen engagement, and
nurture relationships crucial for youth opportunity.
- To learn more, and join a Community Night near you, contact Susan Hendley.
- Volunteers play a critical role in ensuring the success of Community Nights. Visit United Way's Community Volunteer Center, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe, to sign up today.
Community School Resource Teams comprise students, family members, school staff, and community partners who collectively support family and community engagement, volunteer recruitment, youth leadership development, school staff appreciation events, and more.
- To join a Resource Team at Asheville, Enka, Erwin, N. Buncombe, Owen, Reynolds middle schools, Asheville High/SILSA, Enka Intermediate, or Hall Fletcher Elementary, contact Kyle Garrett.
Restorative Practices emphasize the importance of positive relationships as central to building community and restoring relationships when harm has occurred. Kerri Berkowitz, a national leader in Restorative Practices serves as coach and consultant while local trainers offer ongoing opportunities for peer practice and support.
- To learn more or join the next training, contact Kyle Garrett.
- Find out about the partners that make up United for Youth
- Sign up for our monthly newsletter to keep in the loop about all of this work and more