Asheville-based Team Us is making waves as part of the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County's (UWABC) inaugural United for Youth Community Grant awards. This dynamic organization has been busy creating positive change in the community, exemplifying UWABC's vision of "A united and resilient community where everyone belongs and everyone thrives."
In May, Team Us hosted their signature event, the Shiloh Fun Day, which brought together people of all ages to enjoy music, learn about social programs, and foster community connections. Despite rainy weather, the event radiated warmth and enthusiasm. UWABC was invited to participate, further strengthening the partnership between the two organizations.
In addition to community events, Team Us has been providing students with transformative travel experiences. These opportunities, detailed in a recent City of Asheville article, are expanding horizons and creating lasting impacts on young lives. Read more about this here!
The selection of Team Us as a 2023-2025 United for Youth Community Grant recipient reflects UWABC's evolving investment strategy. After a century of supporting various health and human service providers, UWABC has shifted its focus to align with Community Schools principles, emphasizing educational excellence and equity as inseparable goals.
This new approach is the result of UWABC's internal equity journey, which began with staff discussions and has grown into a commitment to center equity in all aspects of their work. The organization recognized that their previous granting system, while well-intentioned, wasn't equally accessible to all community members and organizations.
By supporting initiatives like Team Us, UWABC is putting its equity-centered philosophy into action, ensuring that their investments truly reflect and serve the diverse needs of the Asheville and Buncombe County community. As Team Us continues to make a difference, it stands as a shining example of the positive change that can occur when community organizations and funding bodies work together with a shared vision of inclusivity and empowerment.
Stay tuned to hear more latest news from our partners and for deep dives into their work in the future.
