October 2024

Welcome to Nantahala Health Foundation's monthly newsletter. There's no shortage of newsletters you can subscribe to, so THANK YOU for reading ours today. If you find value in this content, please share this information with your friends and colleagues.

In This Edition

• Hurricane Helene's Aftermath
• Is $5 a Month Too Much To Ask?
• Meet Our New Board Members
• Apply Today for 2025 N+N Cohorts
• One-Day Now + Next Available to Orgs
• NHF Partner Services Available

A Message from Lori about

Hurricane Helene's Aftermath

It has been nearly a month since Hurricane Helene tore through Western North Carolina, leaving immense devastation, grief, and suffering in its wake.

Like many of you, we find ourselves navigating a complex mix of feelings of gratitude and deep sadness. We are grateful that the storm's impact in our region—Clay, Cherokee, Jackson, Macon, Swain Counties, and the Qualla Boundary—was less severe than it could have been. Yet, our hearts are heavy for the communities to the east and across the broader region of Appalachia, where the effects of the hurricane have been devastating.

To our friends and neighbors still recovering from this disaster, we extend our deepest sympathy and unwavering support. We recognize the significant challenges that families, businesses, and entire communities are facing as they work to rebuild their lives.

We want to express our profound gratitude to the countless first responders and volunteers who have rushed to aid the affected areas. Your dedication to rescuing those in need and beginning the recovery process does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your tireless efforts during this difficult time.

We are proud to see many from our region stepping up to support our neighboring communities. Your commitment to helping those displaced by the storm is inspiring, and we honor your hard work and resilience. Thank you for representing our region with such compassion and dedication.

Together, we will continue to stand by our neighbors in their time of need, fostering a spirit of unity and support as we all strive for recovery and healing.

With hope for the future,

Lori Bailey

Executive Director

First responders working in Bat Cave on September 30. Photo credit: Marco Bello, REUTERS

Help Us Create Generational Change for At-Risk Youth, Young Adults

Five years ago, Nantahala Health Foundation joined the WNC nonprofit community with a singular goal: To catalyze innovative and collaborative approaches to improving the health and well-being of those living in NC's westernmost counties. Since then, we've invested $3.5 million into 179 projects, including multiple initiatives directed at support for youth and young adults.

After spending much of 2023 drilling down on how to maximize our effort, we decided to laser-focus our work on support for vulnerable youth ages 5 - 24, those who have for far too long fallen through the cracks. Taking to heart the concept that "children are our future," we have embarked on a journey that will require far-reaching support and decades to complete.

TODAY is the best time for YOU to join our effort. In recognition of our fifth anniversary, we are asking you -- if you are able -- to commit $5 a month to help us transform futures and create a ripple effect that will impact generations.

Our region faces many unique challenges, chief among them is a lack of opportunities for at-risk youth to break the cycle of hardship they were born into. Many young people, especially those living in underserved communities, require guidance, mentorship, and the skills to navigate life's challenges.

With your small but powerful donation, we are committed to investing locally in essential services such as academic support, career readiness programs, mental health resources, and mentorship opportunities.

Each $5 monthly donation will go to initiatives designed to equip young people with the tools they need to thrive. Your contribution will provide what our partners tell us is needed most -- access to quality healthcare and education, organized after-school programs, and mentoring for those who might otherwise fall through the cracks.

With consistent support, we can foster leadership, resilience, and ambition in our youth, empowering them to build better futures for themselves, their families, and their communities.

Imagine the lasting impact your gift leave on WNC... Your monthly donation could help a young person graduate high school, secure their first job, or find the courage to pursue their dreams. By investing in the next generation, you’re investing in the future of Western North Carolina. Together, we can break cycles of poverty, foster hope, and build stronger communities.

Please consider joining us by donating $5 a month. It's a small commitment that can make a world of difference for those who need it most.

Bradley, Wiggins Join NHF Board

Our Board of Directors welcomed two new members this summer: Samantha Bradley of Sylva and Latisha Wiggins of Robbinsville.

Samantha Bradley is a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. Samantha

works as a peer support specialist for Sunrise Community for Recovery and Wellness, as the RCO Director, and Siquo Danvhna “They are Living” Re-entry team program director.

She describes herself as being dedicated to improving the wellness of her EBCI community and building a supportive ecosystem within NC’s western counties.

Latesha Wiggins, a Robbinsville native with deep ties to her community, began her career at Tri-County Community College after earning a degree in Speech Language Pathology and a minor in Special Education from Western Carolina University. She later transitioned to public schools in Cherokee County, where her passion for helping children and families led her to pursue a master’s degree in School Counseling. Upon completing her degree, Latesha returned to Robbinsville to serve her local students. In 2008, she was hired as the elementary school counselor, a role she held until 2015.

In 2015, Mrs. Wiggins moved to the Graham County Schools Central Office to become the preschool coordinator, building strong connections with Pre-K staff and students. In 2021, she embraced a new role in Student Support, overseeing counselors, social workers, and nurses. By 2024, she had taken on the position of Director of Staff and Student Support Services.

Join a 2025 Now + Next Cohort

Two upcoming Now + Next training dates and locations have been announced. Register today to ensure you have a seat at this table.

Winter 2025

January 9, 23, and February 6

Murphy

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lunch provided

Spring 2025

April 9, 23 and May 7

Franklin

10 a.m. - 4 p.m., Lunch provided

Features of this unique-to-WNC organizational and individualized capacity-building program include:

• Small, in-person cohorts of 10-14 professionals
• Diverse, intergenerational participation
• Representation from multiple organizations
• Applied + personalized learning
• Highly collaborative environment
• Networking + community building
• Manageable three-day schedule
• Informative + interactive sessions
• Actionable practices to apply immediately
• Reflective + applied work to complete before, during + between sessions
• Optional meetups to provide support

We offer Now + Next at no charge to participants or their organizations because financial resources should never stand in the way of building community + fostering deep connections, both of which are essential to growing a healthier community in our region.

Use the link below to indicate your interest in joining a session; we'll ask you to finalize your registration after you have been assigned to a session.

SPECIAL NOTE: Please share this information with a friend or colleague who is as passionate about improving health and well-being in our region as you are.

Organizational Workshops Available

Nantahala Health Foundation and Strategic Leadership Consulting have partnered to bring Now + Next training to your organization.

Now + Next alumni and Nantahala Health Foundation partner organizations are invited to host a one-day workshop for their leaders. This training is designed to help organizations capitalize on the power of the Now + Next leadership experience.

Benefits include…



●     Improving listening skills and presence to create more intentional leadership.

●     Developing coaching skills to support growth throughout the organization.

●     Becoming aware of change processes to bring organizational alignment.

Our grant-making priorities are designed to create a strong network of organizations by investing in your strategies to remove barriers to health.

At Nantahala Health Foundation, we build partnerships with forward-thinking organizations focused on improving the overall health of the region. 

Our Values Statement

Our values speak to who we are as an organization and how we intend to achieve our mission. Read our full statement of values and let us know what you think.

Grantmaking | Capacity Building | Elevating Leaders

About Us | Our Priorities | Our Values

Financial information about our organization and a copy of our license are available from the N.C. State Solicitation Licensing Section at (919) 807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.