This year's Drums & Dragons fundraiser, hosted by WNC Bridge Foundation, has gone virtual! Be sure to visit this website to see all the amazing work the participating organizations are doing in our community! Help Irene Wortham Center reach our fundraising goal of $5,000 by donating what you can before October 19th. All funds raised benefit the children and adults in our programs. Can't donate? Sharing the fundraiser with your friends and family is another great way to support the cause. Paddles up!

Be sure to check out the silent auction too! 100% of contributions go back to the participating organizations.

The Early Learning Center transitioned from the essential workers program back to regular enrollment at the beginning of this month. Staff continue to prioritize the health and safety of the children by enforcing social distancing, temperature checks, masks, and hand washing. Each child is required to have 5 masks, making a grant from Dogwood Health Trust to purchase masks for the children and staff incredibly helpful!

We are constantly replenishing the PPE supply in the Residential Homes, Adult Day Activity Center, Early Learning Center, and Administrative Office. The PPE support we have received from community partners throughout this year has been amazing and we are so grateful. If you are able to donate PPE supplies to Irene Wortham Center, please contact Sydney Reichert at sreichert@iwcnc.org or 828-274-6053.

The financial challenges of raising a child with special needs can be overwhelming. Parents are often faced with extra costs including therapy, specialized doctors, rehabilitation, medications, and even hospitalizations. The Irene Wortham Early Learning Center provides care for children ages 6 weeks to 5 years, with and without developmental disabilities. 90% of the children live at or below poverty level, with 40% also having developmental disabilities. You can support a child and their family this holiday season by donating to the Irene's Elves holiday donation drive!

Contact Sydney Reichert at sreichert@iwcnc.org or 828-274-6053 to get involved! You will receive a wish list with sizes and preferences for each child you "adopt" this holiday season. If you prefer to make a monetary contribution, we will do the shopping for you! Gifts will be collected on site and distributed to families in time for the holidays. Irene's Elves is a wonderful way to spread love and happiness this holiday season!