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Friday, December 1, 2017
From our community partner, Pisgah Legal Services:
In what is being termed the "sneaky repeal," the U.S. Senate is set to vote on a tax bill that will repeal the individual mandate under the Affordable Care Act. A vote is expected as early as TONIGHT!
The Senate tax bill is another effort to pull apart the ACA. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates that at least 13 million people will lose health care coverage if the mandate-- the requirement that all people have health insurance or pay a tax penalty, unless exempt-- is repealed. The result will not simply be people opting out of coverage on their own terms, but millions being...
Thursday, November 16, 2017
At this time of year we get a flurry (pun intended) of requests for volunteer opportunities for the holidays.
Some people are looking to connect with others in what can be a lonely time of the year. Others are wanting to create a shared experience and a culture of service for their children.
Whether it is serving a meal or helping wrap gifts, there are ways to connect with others this holiday season. If you haven't already explored our volunteer center's website, check out this special page dedicated to holiday related volunteer opportunties throughout our community.
Thursday, October 26, 2017
Advocacy Alert from the NC Center for Nonprofits:
Please take 3 minutes on Monday, Oct 30 to tell your U.S. Representative Not to Make Nonprofits Political Tools
As Congress focuses its attention on federal tax reform this fall, the ability of charitable nonprofits, houses of worship, and foundations to stay out of partisan politics is under attack. It is urgent that nonprofit staff, board members, and volunteers make our voices heard on the importance of protecting nonprofit nonpartisanship.
Please take three minutes on Monday to call your U.S. Representative and tell him or her:
"Don't use tax reform to weaken or repeal the Johnson...
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
On October 25, Owen Middle School's Natural Impact Initiative hosted a ceremony to officially dedicate a new mural depicting Appalachian natural and cultural images as well celebration of the re-introduction of river cane on the campus.
The mural was completed by more than 70 Owen Middle School students under the guidance of Warren Wilson College professor Lara Nguyen and her students from WWC. The re-introduction of native river cane is a part of a campus wide effort to eradicate invasive plants, re-introduce native species and create a vibrant and engaging learning space for students and the surrounding community. Once the river cane...
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
In partnership with Asheville Middle School (AMS), United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) seeks a local community organization to coordinate a Parent Leadership Program at Asheville Middle School. The program will be piloted in the spring of 2017 with plans to continue long-term.
What is a Parent Leadership Program?
The Parent Leadership Program is an evidenced-based and equity-focused initiative designed to build and encourage strong school and parent/family partnerships. The program will engage and support parents from low-income communities and neighborhoods who have often felt disengaged and/or disconnected from their...
Friday, October 13, 2017
In September, the Asheville Buncombe Middle Grades Network held its annual fall convening at the YMI. Here a few highlights from a day filled with celebration, relationship building and sharing of best practices between parents, teachers, administrators, non-profits and cross-sector community leaders:
Our Partnership Honored
The Coalition for Community Schools and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation recognized the Middle Grades Network as one of five community school initiatives from across the country leading the way in creating a strong culture of health.
Local Initiatives Highlighted
A panel of local experts shared experiences from the...
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
United Way Worldwide (UWW) and United Way of North Carolina continue to advocate to protect the charitable deduction. In the federal tax reform framework released a few weeks ago, the charitable deduction was preserved but it was retained as an itemized deduction. This would have a significant impact on charitable giving due to the proposed increase in the standard deduction. It is expected that 28 million people would lose their tax incentive to give, potentially resulting in $13.1 billion less in giving each year.
UWW has been advocating to move the charitable deduction above the line and make it accessible to ALL American taxpayers.
Late...
Thursday, October 5, 2017
Owen Middle School held its Open House Celebration and Tailgate (PHOTOS) on Wednesday, October 4th. The event also served as an open invitation to learn more about the new relationship United Way’s Middle School Success Initiative and Asheville Buncombe Middle Grades Network will have in the community. The event drew large crowds, as folks from the surrounding community poured in to learn more, enjoy hot-dogs fresh off the grill and attend the evening’s football game.
In addition, Hands On Asheville-Buncombe mobilized groups of volunteers prior to the event to help further build-out the school’s ropes-course. The course plays an important...
Thursday, October 5, 2017
United Way is one of a number of participating sites in a community-wide art installation project called the Still Standing Project. This installation is being brought to our community through a partnership with the Buncombe County Family Justice Center agencies. Survivors of domestic and sexual violence are sharing their stories of hope and strength to help inspire our community to stand up against domestic and sexual violence and give victims the courage they may need to come forward.
Come by our lobby and see the installation yourself or follow this link to learn more.
You Can Help
Contact the Family Justice Center (828) 250-6900 if your...
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
On Thursday, September 21, Owen Middle School had a very special guest, Congressman Patrick McHenry, Representative for North Carolina’s 10th District. With the House out of session that week, Mr. McHenry was in district touring and speaking with a number of organizations, one of which was Owen Middle School.
Specifically, Mr. McHenry was at Owen to find out more about the incredible work being done through the Asheville Buncombe Middle Grades Network and our Middle School Success Initiative. While on site, the Congressman spoke with a variety of community members about what it takes to help ensure every middle school student reaches her or...