EdNC: Helene Recovery at Owen Middle

The work of one United Way community school in the Swannanoa Valley during and after Helene

by Caroline Parker EdNC | Sept 25, 2025

 

“When you see all the things that happened last year, you know people are like, ‘It’s just unbelievable.’ And I’m like, it’s absolutely believable. We knew we could do it. You just hope you never have to be put to that test.”

Bradley McMahan, Principal at C.D. Owen Middle School

Block Party in Photos: Scroll through the Gallery

On Friday, August 22, Pack Square Park in downtown Asheville came alive as United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County hosted the annual United for Youth Block Party. The event brought together more than 75 community partners, families, and hundreds of young people for a day of music, games, and connection—all centered on uplifting youth and the trusted, caring adults who support them....