I’ve been both a donor and a volunteer with United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County for many years. Like you, my contributions of time or resources have ebbed and flowed as my own life circumstances have shifted, but this organization and its mission have remained a core commitment of mine. Today, I’m proud to serve as board chair.
During this time, United Way has also evolved. What has remained constant is our commitment to bringing people, partners, and resources together to tackle tough challenges that no single organization can tackle alone. What has changed is how we do that work.
Last year, as our staff pivoted once again to address the emerging crisis brought about by Hurricane Helene, our board of directors finalized the 2026-28 Strategic Plan. This plan was solidified as a historic and regional crisis required us to be even more intentional, more connected, and take our efforts to a greater scale. It challenged us to think not only about how to supercharge our long-standing commitment to strengthening Youth Opportunity, but also about how United Way’s infrastructure can support our Community’s Resiliency in the years to come.
I’ve been especially struck by how much of our strength lies in what we build every day. The partnerships we cultivate and the infrastructure we invest in are the very things that allow us to respond with clarity and coordination when it matters most.
I also love that, even with more than 100 years of experience, United Way sees itself as a learning organization. We continue to learn from communities across the country and from those individuals and organizations deeply rooted in our own backyard.
Serving as board chair has provided an incredible opportunity to engage, interact, and listen in our community. We can lift up our community when we work together in a coordinated and strategic way is infectious, and real. I believe that as United Way increases its capacity to work with and support community partners across all sectors, we will see lasting and meaningful change. It is an exciting time to be a champion of our United Way.
As you read this report, I hope you see not only what we’ve accomplished with your support, but how we are growing—more strategic, more connected, and better prepared for what comes next.
With gratitude,
Heather Whitaker Goldstein
Attorney, The Van Winkle Law Firm
Board Chair, United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County