Liz Britton is a Manager at Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP. She also serves on Highlands Circle's Executive Committee. Highlands Circle is a group of young professionals making an impact in Asheville and Buncombe County. We get to know her in this month's HC Spotlight.

Samantha Little is a Personnel Technician at Buncombe County Health and Human Services. She also serves on the Chair of Highlands Circle's Executive Committee. Highlands Circle is a group of young professionals making an impact in Asheville and Buncombe County. We get to know her in this month's HC Spotlight.

It’s embarrassing I haven’t thought of this before…it is such an important thing to understand. United Way staff members were asked to think about and share their own story of why they “Live United.” Several folks had very compelling experiences that made them aware of how important community is when something bad happens. And it is true that what drives many of us every day to do this work is remembering how difficult life is for so many.

by Wendy Logan Cuellar, MA.Ed., LPC
School Counselor, Enka Middle School

Growing up, my family didn't have a lot of money, but we always had food on the table and a consistent, stable home to live in. Unfortunately, as a school counselor for Enka Middle School, I see far too many students in my school and across Buncombe County who are not as fortunate.

On Friday, September 26, Buncombe County folks will be celebrating! The celebration is for our Culture of Health. Come to Kimmel Arena at UNC Asheville at 4 p.m. to not only celebrate, but learn more about what many individuals and groups are doing collectively to improve the health of all our residents.

TO RSVP FOR THE CELEBRATION, VISIT BUNCOMBE COUNTY'S WEBSITE>

In February, I wrote a piece about a school in another state that took lunches away from students who weren’t paid up.  Thankfully, I learned then that Buncombe County Schools has a policy of ensuring each student has a lunch, even if his or her parents haven’t covered the cost for that day. Now, it’s even better news over the summer with the announcement that for the third year in a row, schools are offering free lunches at 16 different sites scattered around the county.

by David Bailey
President/CEO

Wellness is a goal we all strive for, even if we aren’t terribly consistent in our approach. Most of us need encouragement to participate in the activities that foster good health and wellness. Be it organized sports, a brisk walk each morning with the dog or some yoga or meditation, people need and wish for healthy living.

I spent Sunday afternoon at Carrier Park, along with hundreds of my neighbors, in pursuit of just such a healthy activity, and the chance to give back to a community I love.