7 Of Our Favorite Moments in 2024

As we close out 2024, it is almost impossible to remember life before the storm. So much has happened, and so much has been lost. Yet, we need to reflect and note moments worth remembering and, yes, even celebrating.

This year, we expanded our work to nine Community Schools in Asheville City and Buncombe County Schools, ensuring even more students and families have access to vital support and opportunities to thrive. We celebrated the opening of the Enka Health Hangar, a new health clinic that will remove barriers and build healthier futures for so many. We also launched the United for Youth Leadership Team, amplifying community voice and our shared commitment to the Bold Community Goal.

Hurricane Helene continues to test our region but has also revealed the incredible strength and power of unity. The response from partners, volunteers, supporters, and neighbors was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we act as one.

To mark the close of this year, we’ve reached back for seven stories that chronicled key moments of the year. They reflect the spirit of our work and the people who make it all possible: our partners, our volunteers, our students and families, our supporters… and you.

Each moment reminds us: This is your impact. Your commitment has created real change, strengthened connections, and inspired hope.

Thank you for being part of the story.

With gratitude and appreciation,

all of us at United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

 

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1. Enka Health Hangar Unveiled

In August 2024, we celebrated the launch of the Enka Health Hangar—a brand new school-based health center that’s set to transform student care in the Enka School District! Just in time for the new school year, this center will provide essential medical, dental, counseling, and prescription services to students, families, and staff, regardless of their ability to pay.

If you’ve ever wondered whether or not your support is having an impact, consider the following: In 2023-24, over 1,100 students received health and behavioral health services through our School-Based Health Centers. You helped to achieve that!

Read this story 


 

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2. Planting Seeds of Volunteerism with Hekmat

Find inspiration alongside Hekmat Bessio, a Palestinian mother and local volunteer whose journey from her homeland to Asheville is imbued with resilience and a profound commitment to giving back. Hear her inspiring outlook on volunteerism and see how her unwavering dedication to serving others carries her through difficult times.

Read Hekmat's Story

 


 

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3. The Pillars of Community Schools Explained 

 If you’ve heard about United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, you’ve most likely heard about the community school strategy, which guides a large portion of our work. In this Community School Pillar series, we take a closer look at each one of the four pillars that support ALL Community Schools. Here is our blog about expanded and enriched learning time.

Read this explainer here! 


 

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4. United For Youth and Inclusive Governance 

Since its inception, United for Youth has been a community-led movement, guided by United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County, with partners driving decisions from its purpose to its Bold Community Goal and shared measurement practices. The formation of the United for Youth Leadership Team marks a major milestone, establishing a diverse, equity-centered governing body poised to set strategy, priorities, and focus for the network. Supported by robust local and national research, the Leadership Team will rely on key voices from youth, educators, families, and advocates at the table.

Learn how the Leadership Team formed with community input 

Hear the latest from United For Youth after Hurricane Helene 

 

 


 

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5. Riverlink and Community Schools

We can see how collaborative leadership and community engagement sparked an extraordinary after-school program at Erwin Middle School. Students explored nature and built lasting friendships and connections during Community Nights. This story is just one fantastic beacon showing how Community School Coordinators are dedicated to enriching students' lives.

See this amazing afterschool program in action!


 

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6. The First Meeting of the Long-Term Recovery Group

In late November, the first meeting of the Long-Term Recovery Group (LTRG) was held. The packed room at Trinity Episcopal Church overflowed with people ready to support recovery efforts for those affected by Hurricane Helene. United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC), alongside Thrive Asheville, helped lead this important first step. But what is an LTRG, and why does it matter? We invite you to explore the photographs from the event to see the incredible turnout and learn more about how this group will coordinate long-term support for individuals and families.

Check out the gallery from the meeting here.

 


 

7. Volunteers See Us Through Hurricane Helene 

Our recent video about how our amazing volunteers got connected through Hands On Asheville-Buncombe. In the first few weeks after Hurricane Helene, volunteers from near and far stepped up to support our partners and neighbors—sorting donations, managing warehouses, and filling vital roles. Watch our video, Volunteers See Us Through, to see their inspiring work in action.

 

 

 

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We hope you found some inspiration in these stories and decide to keep up with us by signing up to get our monthly newsletter and following us on social, or make a gift today: