Recently, a teacher shared something that has stayed with me. She talked about the tremendous difference just one adult made for her elementary students. For some children, that person is a teacher. For others, it's a coach, a neighbor, a mentor, or a volunteer who simply keeps showing up.
The truth is that every young person needs someone in their corner. That's exactly why United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County invests in programs like Journeymen.
Recently highlighted by Mix 96.5, Journeymen has become an important partner in several of our Community Schools, creating spaces where boys can build confidence, process emotions, and develop meaningful relationships with peers and trusted mentors.
This isn't the first time we've had the opportunity to share Journeymen's work. A few years ago, we joined students during one of their community garden projects, where we saw firsthand how hands-on experiences create space for conversation, confidence, and connection. Read our earlier story about that day here.
"A lot of times they're coming to us because they're connected to school groups," said Joel, Executive Director of Journeymen.
That connection doesn't happen by accident.
Through our Community Schools strategy, school staff, social workers, and Community School Coordinators work together to identify students who could benefit from additional support outside the classroom. They help connect students with enrichment opportunities, mentoring programs, and community organizations that fill gaps schools can't address alone.
It's one example of what makes Community Schools different. Education doesn't stop when the last bell rings.
Across the 2025–2026 school year, 1,701 students participated in after-school clubs and enrichment activities supported through United Way's Community Schools initiative.
Whether students are learning new skills, exploring interests, or finding a place where they belong, these opportunities help young people build confidence both inside and outside the classroom.
For many boys participating in Journeymen, the experience starts with outdoor adventures and hands-on activities. But it quickly grows into something much deeper.
"We've built a shared language that we can use to talk about our feelings, which is very difficult for a 13–15-year-old boy," Joel shared. That shared language creates something every young person needs: connection. "They come out with shared communication language; they have more confidence...and finally they have community."
Community has always been one of the strongest protective factors for young people. When students know they belong, when they have adults they trust and peers who encourage them, they're more likely to succeed in school and in life.
Removing barriers is also an essential part of that work.
"We receive generous donations from United Way and Dogwood, so we do everything on a sliding scale. We don't want any boy turned away because of economics."
Journeymen's work directly supports one of United for Youth's key focus areas: ensuring every child has caring, trusted, and engaged adults in their life. It's a goal shared across our county by schools, nonprofits, businesses, volunteers, and community leaders who understand that no single organization can do this work alone.
At United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, our role is to bring those partners together. Through Community Schools, we help connect students with organizations like Journeymen, coordinate services, and ensure young people have access to the relationships and opportunities they need to thrive.
Because youth opportunity isn't built by one program or one person. It's built by an entire community showing up together.
Thank you to Journeymen for being part of our United for Youth network and for the lasting impact you're making in the lives of young men across Buncombe County.
Show Up for Our Students
- Donate to support the work of our Community School and partners like Journeymen
- Learn how United Way is working alongside schools and community partners to build brighter futures. Explore Community Schools
- Read more about Journeymen's work here