2015 Brochure

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

UNITE PEOPLE. IMPROVE LIVES.

STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY.

Charlie’s Story

Becca’s Story

“Charlie” called 2-1-1, concerned for his father who had been in a nursing home for three months with no initial assessment performed. Charlie wasn’t getting answers from the nursing home staff and he didn’t know where to turn for help.

When her school counselor suggested she attend an after-school club called Girls In Charge, “Becca” wasn’t exactly thrilled. Becca is quiet and doesn’t like big groups, but she went anyway, and by the end of the 8 weeks admitted to having had fun.

Our 2-1-1 referral specialist listened to his story and connected Charlie with an agency that specializes in assisting seniors.

Her teacher at Enka Middle School is amazed.

“I can’t believe how much more confident Becca is since she’s been in this group. She’s raising her hand in class and less afraid of making mistakes.” Becca’s overall attitude, confidence and grades are improving. Which is the whole point of this self-esteem building program that members of United Way’s Women’s Leadership Council help run.

When our 2-1-1 referral specialist followed up with him, Charlie told us that his father was about to be discharged. The agency 2-1-1 referred him to was able to help; ensuring an assessment was completed and that his father had what he needed to safely move back home.

It happens to us all. A situation arises and we don’t know where to turn. With one call, 2-1-1 connects people to programs that can help them navigate a crisis and search for opportunities to build a better life. be a part of the change, join us!

Best moment? When the group ended, Becca stood up and told the volunteers “I know you are busy ladies and you could be anywhere but you chose to be with us. Thank you.”

Concentrating support for middle school youth, their families and neighbors is one way United Way reduces the impact of poverty on people’s lives and strengthens our community. because great things happen when we live united.

When you choose to donate or volunteer with United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County YOU ARE INVESTING IN SOLUTIONS that make our community strong.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is committed to REDUCING THE IMPACT OF POVERTY on people’s lives and STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY by improving the EDUCATION, INCOME and HEALTH of our neighbors.

We use four key strategies to accomplish our goals:

BECAUSE WHAT HAPPENS TO OUR NEIGHBORS, MATTERS TO ALL OF US.

COMPETITIVE GRANTS

Companies like NTCA use volunteer projects as a way to build their staff and our community.

We invest your gifts in high-quality programs that improve the Education, Income and Health of our whole community. Last year we supported 81 programs that help people - from infants to senior citizens. Each program measures results, in fact last year more than 63,000 people improved their lives with your help.

Learn more: unitedwayabc.org/education-income-health

MIDDLE SCHOOL SUCCESS INITIATIVE

When you give to United Way YOU SUPPORT ISSUES THAT MATTER TO YOU: the education, financial stability and health of our whole community.

BECAUSE EDUCATION, INCOME AND HEALTH ARE THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF A GOOD LIFE. One of a dozen new clubs and activities supporting students, families and community at Enka Middle.

JOIN US AND HELP FULFILL OUR MISSION TO: UNITE PEOPLE. IMPROVE LIVES.

STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY.

LIVE UNITED

unitedwayabc.org/give unitedwayabc.org/volunteer

In our community, children who live in poverty graduate from high school at an average rate of 77% while their classmates graduate at a rate of 90%. These numbers have improved greatly in the last few years, but a clear disparity still exists. This is one reason why United Way is rallying partners and resources to support middle school students. How? We are working in partnership with the Asheville Buncombe Middle Grades Network (Asheville City Schools, Buncombe County Schools and great local nonprofits) to create hubs of service at Asheville, Enka and Erwin middle schools that will not only support the students, but also their families and neighboring community.

LEARN MORE: unitedwayabc.org/middle-school-success

NC 2-1-1 ASHEVILLE CALL CENTER

We connect people to ways to get the help they need to build a good life. Our highly trained staff members are available 24/7 - and the service is free, confidential and available to speakers of all languages. Last year our staff handled more than 52,000 calls - connecting people to services like affordable housing, medical care, educational advancement and emergency services.

FIND HELP FOR YOURSELF OR OTHERS: Dial 2-1-1 or visit nc211.org

HANDS ON ASHEVILLE-BUNCOMBE

We believe that together, we can do anything, and that’s why we connect people to ways to GIVE, ADVOCATE and VOLUNTEER. Hands On Asheville-Buncombe is our volunteer center and we connect people to ways to help others. We list short and long term projects that fit any schedule. Some are kid friendly and many can accommodate groups. Last year 3,000 people gave more than 22,000 hours to our community.

FIND A PROJECT THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS AND INTERESTS: handsonasheville.org United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County is 100 percent local. Your gifts of time and money are used to improve the lives of our neighbors, right here in Buncombe County.

CONNECT 50 S. FRENCH BROAD AVE. ASHEVILLE NC 28801 828.255.0696

WEB UNITEDWAYABC.ORG FACEBOOK.COM/UNITEDWAYABC TWITTER.COM/UNITEDWAYABC

INFO@UNITEDWAYABC.ORG

UNDERWRITERS - THANK YOU! COMMUNITY INVESTMENT P L AT I N U M

GOLD Blue Ridge X-Ray Company Duke Energy Progress TD Bank Foundation

LEADERSHIP GIVING GOLD Dixon Hughes Goodman LLP Northwestern Mutual Asheville S I LV E R The Van Winkle Law Firm

MEDIA PREMIER GOLD

&

Asheville Citizen-Times

CAMPAIGN GOLD AB-Tech CarePartners Health Services UNC-Asheville USDA Forest Service Southern Research Station S I LV E R Allergy Partners of WNC Arby’s Asheville Savings Bank Bank of America Beverly-Hanks & Associates Carolina Alliance Bank HomeTrust Bank Mills Manufacturing