Centennial Archive

In June 1921, in the immediate aftermath of WWI, a crippling pandemic, and a historic 100-year flood, community leaders from five civic organizations came together to form the Asheville Community Chest. The first of its kind in North Carolina, the idea was both simple and powerful; they would unite their fundraising efforts into a single community-wide fundraising campaign, the proceeds of which would support local agencies engaged directly in vital community recovery efforts.

Staff Inspirations: Tatyana Barrett

Tatyana Barrett has worked in Asheville High School/ SILSA for almost two years as UWABC’s Community School coordinator...

Her role includes bringing in local organizations and leaders to connect with students, as well as working with administrative staff to provide students and families with the resources, opportunities, and support systems they need to succeed, working toward our vision that every person in our community lives free from poverty and injustice.

Volunteer United: Community Engagement Markets

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County has no shortage of volunteer opportunities...

"Putting On for the City": UNCA Volunteer Basketball Clinic

On the second floor of the Stephens-Lee Recreation Center, there are names carved into the paneled wood walls that line the entrance to the basketball court.

Built into the Culture: How the Eaton Corporation Gives Back

For over half a decade, employees at Eaton Corporation have filled the conference spaces at both of their locations in Buncombe County, N.C.

URGENT NEWS: Public Service Student Loan Forgiveness Available

Attorney General Josh Stein's office has asked that organizations across the state of NC share the following information about Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

Take Time This Week To See If You Can Benefit From an Important, Time-Limited Chance to Reduce or Eliminate Student Loan Debt for Public Service Workers!

The Youth Who Unite Us

“I realized I hadn’t seen a group that quite looked like this. With people from these different backgrounds doing all sorts of different work… I realized we are United for Youth but truly it is the youth who united us”.

-Joseph Jamison

2022 School Supply Drive Success is Best When Shared

For the first three days of August, over 160 volunteers at Harrah’s Cherokee Center’s warehouse sorted and packed over 2,300 backpacks. By the end of the three days, dozens of rows of elementary and middle school backpacks were waiting to be picked up by one of our School Supply Drive distributors.

Benefits Cliff Calculator Tool Released to Help Community

Asheville, NC—Even now, in 2022, women and particularly women of color continue to make significantly less than white male counterparts in the workforce, across all industries. In fact on August 3, as communities across the country mark Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, we know that Black women earn 58 cents for every dollar paid to a white, non-Hispanic man. Women as a whole earn an average of $.73 for every dollar.

All Good Things Come to an End

Closing Our Centennial Year With You, Our Neighbors

Across the street from our home office at 50 S. French Broad Avenue, is Aston Park; a small public park with sweet views of our beautiful mountains and the gorgeous mural that Jenny Pickens is painting on the side of our building. It is also where we chose to celebrate with you, our supporters, partners, and neighbors.

"I am having so much fun watching my grandchildren run around and dance. Thank you for including us."

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