Investing in Youth, Led by Community: A Midway Look at Our Community Investment Grants

Team Us

Mission:

Building a strong community while preserving our history through love and friendship. Inspiring knowledge through education and social development.

Team Us is a community-based organization that works across Asheville neighborhoods to strengthen connections among youth, families, and community members. Through mentorship, inclusive programs, and community-centered events, Team Us promotes education, social development, and unity while creating equitable opportunities for learning, growth, and belonging.

Events and Programs:

Team Us hosts community-centered events and experiential learning opportunities that bring youth, families, and neighborhoods together. These activities are designed to strengthen relationships, expand access to opportunity, and expose students to new pathways for learning, leadership, and future careers.

Organized community events that brought together youth, families, and neighborhoods, including Shiloh Fun Day (10th anniversary), a Family Picnic, Mother's Day Brunch organized by youth, and Field Day.

Outcomes:

• Youth gained hands-on experience in hospitality, teamwork, customer service, and entrepreneurship, building real-world skills and confidence.
• Large-scale community festivals and sports events proved to be powerful tools for inclusion, identity-building, youth leadership, trust, and joy.
• Partnerships with performers, local businesses, and community organizations strengthened visibility, impact, and community bonds.
• Well-organized events demonstrated that even low-cost, community-led efforts can generate high impact when rooted in collaboration and consistency.

Educational and experiential opportunities, such as an Asheboro Zoo trip and a Spelman College tour, giving students exposure to higher education, career pathways, and STEM-related opportunities.

• Built a strong partnership with Asheville Parks & Recreation.
• Provided students with authentic exposure to college life and empowering representation through an HBCU experience.
• Promoted equitable access to higher education while strengthening student confidence and long-term goals.
• Fostered positive group dynamics among students from multiple schools, leading to new friendships and mentor connections.
• Engaged students in science-based field trips that connected fun with hands-on learning.
• Encouraged social mixing across neighborhoods, helping reduce social barriers and strengthen community connections. 
• Promoted youth entrepreneurship and leadership through student participation in community programs and events.

Final Outcomes:

Team Us engaged approximately 5,000–10,000 youth, students, and families, ranging in age from 0 to 100. Participants represented all races, socioeconomic backgrounds, schools (public, charter, and private), neighborhoods, and abilities across Buncombe County and Asheville City.

Through its programs and events, Team Us supported learning, engagement, and connection for youth and families, in alignment with the Bold Community Goal. The organization continues to grow each year, providing lasting positive experiences and strengthening community connections.

Testimonies:

• “It’s like a family reunion coming to Team Us events.”
• “Nobody creates unity like Team Us.”
• “I was able to earn money as a youth vendor because of Team Us.”
• “Our community needed this. Peaceful and fun!”

Sherman Williams & Life’s Creations

Mission: 

Life’s Creations, led by Coach Sherman Williams, empowers youth across Buncombe County through programs that blend sports, STEM learning, and leadership development. Grounded in relationship-building and mentorship, the organization creates equitable opportunities for young people to build confidence, strengthen life skills, and form meaningful connections, supporting growth both on and off the court.

Events and Programs  

Basketball Mentorship, Skills Training, and Tournament: The basketball mentorship program offers a safe, supportive space where youth can develop life skills, discuss real-world challenges, and connect with positive role models, providing holistic support that fosters academic, social, and emotional growth. The Youth-centered 3 on 3 basketball competition was a structured, fun, multi-generational, and community-oriented event designed to engage middle and high school youth from various communities in the City and County. The program provided healthy competition, athletic development, teamwork, leadership, and community engagement while promoting physical health, personal discipline, and social-emotional growth.

Outcomes and Testimonies 

• Promoted health and wellness, inclusivity, and accessibility for students, family, and community; coaches from different sides of town engaged with youth, giving pointers and cheering all students on. This event created opportunities for future engagement, as it built pipelines for youth to engage in other community programs, leadership opportunities, and mentorship initiatives.
• The event strengthened relationships across schools and nonprofit partners, fostered teamwork and skill development, and created pathways for ongoing engagement.
• “I’ve been training with Mr. Sherman for years. At this point, he is my father figure.” -12th grader, Asheville High.
• Testimony from parent: “I have to work and can’t afford after-school, food, and transportation every day to and from school and home, and on weekends. Mr. Sherman is a blessing to so many of our boys.”
• “Coach Williams really helps me see what I can do on and off the court.”

As one grandparent shared, “Our community needed this.”

STEAM workshops provide engaging, inclusive sessions that spark curiosity and confidence while giving historically underrepresented youth equitable access to technology, innovation, and teamwork opportunities in STEM. Delivered high -quality hands-on STEM Programming. Successfully implemented technology modules covering coding basics, circuits, and digital tools. Facilitated student-led project demonstrations, allowing participants to showcase learning and applied skills. 

Testimonies 

• “If my son didn’t have to go to summer school, he would have stayed the entire program. He was more excited to be at your program with friends than at summer school.” -Parent
• “Thanks for giving us something to do!” -Jay 
• “Mr. Sherman always makes sure we eat, have fun, and learn. I’m thankful he looks after us.” Adam, Senior, Asheville High.
• “These workshops show me I can do things I didn’t think were possible.”

HBCU College tours and leadership development sessions introduce students to higher education, financial literacy, public speaking, and leadership skills, helping them envision new possibilities and prepare for future success.

Outcomes and Testimonies

• After exposure to the HBCU events, students could then imagine themselves going to various colleges they formally knew nothing about. They learned about veterinary programs, engineering programs, agriculture, fashion and design, and many fields in which they already have an interest.
• These experiences helped students imagine new possibilities for their futures while building confidence, life skills, and meaningful connections with peers and mentors. 
• “I want to go to A&T! I know homecoming is going to be lit!” -1oth grade student.
• “Thank you, Mr. Sherman, for loving our kids as if they’re yours.” -Parent of 9th-grade students.

KL Training Solutions

Misson:

Support youth, families, and community through advocacy, education, and mentorship. We surround youth and families with wrap-around services, and resources that empower youth and community to be productive members of the community and to achieve their goals and dreams.

Vision:

The vision of KL Training Solutions is to create a society in which youth and families have access to resources so they can overcome barriers and limitations that impede achievement of their full potential.

Core Values:

1. Righteousness - We walk the walk and strive to be the best version of ourselves. 
2. Respect - We are a family and treat each other as such. Our choices and behaviors reflect respect for ourselves and others. 
3. Results - We are committed to kids excelling and doing whatever it takes. 
4. Responsibility - We keep our word and are accountable to ourselves and others.
5. Redemption - We know life is a journey; there is always a way back. Learning from mistakes is how we develop life-skills. 

KL Training Solutions (KLTS), the umbrella organization for programs with My Daddy Taught Me That (MDTMT) and My Sistah Taught Me That, empowers underserved youth in Buncombe County, through mentorship, academic enrichment, Job training, and enrichment through life change events. The organization provides programs and community events that build confidence, life skills, and meaningful connections, helping youth strengthen decision-making and interpersonal skills while accessing opportunities for growth both inside and outside the classroom. Through discussion groups, tutoring, experiential learning, career preparation, and community service, KLTS guides young people toward becoming empowered, responsible, and productive members of their community. KLTS is proud to serve a diverse group of youth across all age levels—elementary, middle, and high school. Students represent a wide range of racial and ethnic backgrounds, including Black, White, and Hispanic youth, and both male and female participants are welcome.

Events and Programs:

After-School Program: Launched in August 2024, the year-round after-school program is open to the entire community, not just participants in My Daddy Taught Me That (MDTMT), My Sistah Taught Me That (MSTMT), or the Junior program. Serving approximately 35–40 elementary and middle school students, the program provides academic support in reading and math, along with a nutritious dinner, creating a safe and supportive space for learning and growth.

Summer School Program: KL Impact Academy: The KL Impact Academy, launched June 23, 2025, exceeded expectations with 65 youth enrolled on the first day, including elementary, middle, and high school students from across Asheville-Buncombe. Running Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM–1:30 PM, the program includes breakfast and lunch and follows a four-block academic schedule covering Reading/English, Math, STEAM, and Recess. Weekly hands-on field trips further engage and inspire students while reinforcing classroom learning. The program addresses the achievement gap by providing consistent academic reinforcement, serving a diverse group of youth across age, race, ethnicity, and gender, and ensuring that all participants have the tools and support needed to thrive academically.

Mentorship, sports, and recreational programs that offer safe spaces for youth to develop leadership, social skills, and positive relationships with role models.

Community events and initiatives that engage youth of all ages and foster connections with local schools, organizations, and public figures.

Outcomes:

• Youth participants gained confidence, developed life skills, and built strong connections within their schools, neighborhoods, and the broader community. Events like the US Attorney Dena King programs offered inspiring moments that encouraged self-belief, reflection, and exposure to leadership and role models, helping students envision positive futures for themselves.
• KLTS played a critical role in community resilience, particularly in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. 
  
  • The organization opened its doors as a Power & Charging Hub, transformed its warehouse into an Emergency Distribution Center, and ensured ongoing access to water and sanitation supplies. 
  • Youth leaders were directly involved in logistics, outreach, wellness checks, and cleanup efforts, gaining hands-on experience in crisis response and public service. 
  • Academic initiatives, including Gap School for elementary students and the Future City Project for middle schoolers, provided structured, high-quality learning and project-based experiences. 
  • Through these efforts, KLTS not only met urgent community needs but also strengthened youth leadership, civic engagement, and long-term community resilience.

Testimonies:

• “I can’t wait for the next event!”
• “I learned a lot and had fun while doing it.”
• “The programs help me stay focused and motivated in school.”

Project Lighten Up (PLU)

Mission: 

Project Lighten Up empowers youth in Asheville and the Shiloh community through educational enrichment, recreational experiences, and strong community connections. The organization nurtures curiosity, confidence, and leadership skills, providing equitable access to learning and enrichment opportunities while fostering intergenerational connections. Programs are designed to support academic success, social-emotional development, and family engagement, helping youth thrive both in school and in life.

Events and Programs:

Year-round After-School Tutoring provides homework support, and STEAM-based enrichment activities for K–8 students to foster creativity, leadership, and confidence. Participants engage in hands-on STEM and Expeditionary Learning experiences that strengthen reading, math, and technology skills while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and social development. Mentoring, tutoring, and positive group interaction are central to creating a safe, supportive environment that promotes academic success and personal growth.

 

The Summer Learning Academy combined academics, enrichment, and hands-on field experiences to provide consistent, high-quality educational support for PreK–8 students. The program was staffed in part by public school teachers and high school mentors and served students from the Reynolds District, the City of Asheville, Buncombe County, and the Pisgah View community, with a focus on strengthening foundational skills across grades K–8.

Another notable success was the continued implementation of Project Lighten Up’s three-day Pre-K program, now in its second year. Through partnerships with retired educators, the program provided early-learning support for families whose children lacked access to other preparatory opportunities. Parents and educators observed measurable gains in kindergarten readiness, including letter and number recognition, confident counting, and the ability to follow structured routines. 

• As one educator noted, “By the end of the program, most of the children could identify letters and numbers, count confidently, and follow structured routines.”

• As one parent shared, “This program gave my child a head start I couldn’t provide on my own. I saw real growth in just a few days.”  “By the end of the program, most of the children could identify letters and numbers, count confidently, and follow structured routines.” 

   

PLU supports workforce development by employing high school and college students as tutors and mentors from Buncombe County, Asheville City schools, and Mars Hill University. 

Host community and family events, including recreational outings, cultural celebrations, and activities that strengthen family bonds and intergenerational connections. Shiloh Community Day, PLU demonstrated strong community impact through service, learning, and intergenerational engagement. In partnership with Shiloh Community Association and Habitat for Humanity, Project Lighten Up youth participants supported maintenance of the Shiloh Community Garden by painting picnic tables, spreading mulch, organizing tools and storage areas, and assisting with the Bounty and Soul and Buncombe County Community Engagement Market as a resource.

Final Outcomes:
 

PLU programs show strong and consistent youth engagement, with most students attending regularly and participating actively in both academic and recreational activities. Families report meaningful improvements in academic performance, including grade increases and honor roll recognition for some students. Youth also demonstrate increased confidence, leadership skills, and motivation, reflecting the programs’ holistic approach to development. Parents and caregivers consistently express satisfaction with the balance of learning and enrichment, noting the programs’ ability to support academic, social, and emotional growth while fostering strong connections with peers, mentors, and the broader community.

• “I enjoy coming every week and learning new things; it makes me feel confident.”
• “PLU helps me connect with people in my community and gives me opportunities I wouldn’t have anywhere else.”
• “The programs are fun, educational, and make me feel supported by my mentors and peers.”