In rural communities, relationships matter — and we are calling on local leaders, parents, retirees, business owners, and community-minded residents to help shape the future of mentorship for children in by serving on a local advisory Council. We need Advisory Council…
Archives for January 2026
Nantahala Health Foundation helps us address Littles’ mental well-being
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Macon, Jackson, Swain, and Graham counties has received a $33,500 investment grant from Nantahala Health Foundation to fund its High School Bigs and Middle School Group Mentoring initiatives. Grant investment funds from the foundation will…
“Life-changing,” says a grateful mother of a newly matched son
Mom Sarah’s son, Michael waited five years to get a Big. And when he did, he found “a life mentor, a role model, and a steady, positive presence,” Sarah said. “This program changes lives,” Sarah said. And Bigs are transformed…
Project MARS members serve a school to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Project MARS/AmeriCorps members performed a host of “to do” tasks at Francine Delany New School For Children on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in January. After they finished tidying up, they wrote letters of appreciation to all the school staff.…
Vision boarding exercise helps Littles chart their future
On Jan. 10, matches participated in “Calm and Create,” a vision-boarding exercise. The event, held at the United Way building in Asheville and facilitated by BBBSWNC staffer Tessa Valladares and Project MARS member Audrey Crowl, focused on wellness, mindfulness, and…
A tiny student steels a Project MARS member’s nerves for challenge ahead
My first day at Ira B. Jones, I was quite nervous. I was new to Asheville, AmeriCorps, Project MARS. After getting some introductions out of the way, this little girl walked up to me in the hallway. I call her…
Big & Little of the Year – testaments to love, courage, and commitment
Some stories remind us why showing up matters. Of how one caring person can change a life forever. This year, BBBSWNC is honored to recognize our Big and the Little of the Year, John and Mikayla, both from the Polk/Rutherford…
BBBS staffer’s magazine story explains why kids need mentors
“These locally rooted mentoring relationships do more than help youth set goals,” says Danielle Hernandez, Regional Program Director, in The Laurel magazine. “They teach essential life skills – communication, problem-solving, planning, responsibility, and the courage to keep going. They give…
