Hope is in Bloom - Tickets on Sale Now!

Hope is in Bloom tickets are on sale now — and this year, we're doing something new! Join us for an inspiring luncheon as we celebrate 25 years of providing accessible mental health care in Western North Carolina. This special milestone gathering will be held at The Crest Center and includes a catered lunch with a keynote address by bestselling author and mental health advocate Dr. Kevin C. Snyder, who will be visiting from Raleigh with a powerful message about resilience, recovery, and the life-changing impact of accessible care.

Get your ticket now — seating is limited, and registration is required by April 30 at noon. We look forward to welcoming our friends, community partners, supporters, and govenment, businses, and educational leaders who help us raise awareness and resources to continue this critical work. We can't wait to enjoy this special time with you!

Mental Health Moment

While March can still be a month of wind and winter cold here in the mountains, one warm and indoor way to brighten your mental health is the daily practice of gratitude journaling. This can be as simple as listing 3-5 good things in your life — for instance: a great cuddle with your pet, an unexpected phone call or text from a friend, or something beautiful you observed going to work or school.  Most find this habit sticks best when built into a consistent routine. For example, whether you keep a journal on your nightstand or use a gratitude app like Peerless, writing over morning coffee or just before sleep is a natural way to bookend your day.

Studies show that gratitude can make people feel happier and more connected to things outside themselves, like other people, nature, pets, or a higher power. And the benefits can extend beyond mood; gratitude journaling has even been linked to improved learning outcomes. Whether you prefer a paper journal or a note on your phone, jotting down even a few positive moments each day takes less than five minutes — and gives you something warm to return to whenever you need a lift.

Join our dynamic, compassionate team! We're changing lives in Western North Carolina. Our non-clinical staff plays a significant role in creating and leveraging collaborations across WNC, hosting events to normalize conversations around seeking help, coordinating community meals and education opportunities, engaging volunteers, and securing the resources to fund direct services and programs. If you would like to be a part of this impactful mission — or you know someone who would thrive in this role — we'd love for you to share or explore the position listing. Click below for the link on our website. Application deadline is March 24.

This month we focus on a practice that goes back centuries called Loving Kindness. There are many ways to go about utilizing this practice but, in this episode, Adam explores a basic way to offer positive or loving thoughts toward individuals in your life. This includes someone that's easy to love, yourself, and all beings throughout the world. Click below to listen – and check out the standalone practice recording. Then, tune back in mid-month on Apple Podcasts or Spotify for Episode 10 on Meditation 101 which will also offer a standalone practice recording.

All Souls in the Community

On February 20, we hosted our eleventh free community meal at the Weaverville Public Library. We were warmly received by their staff and our guests alike! Following a fantastic meal by Maggie B's, our group connected around a meaningful program with Adam Lewis, LCSW, All Souls' Clinical Director. Adam led us through a centering exercise and discussion about small daily acts of awareness and mental health self care that can support greater mental and emotional resilience. We are incredibly grateful to Duke Energy for the post-Hurricane Helene grant that allows us to continue offering this program in the community.

Coming up soon on Monday, March 16th, please join us for or share the word about our next free meal in the Fairview area. Catered by Del Vecchios, doors open at 6 PM for a supper at Covenant Community Church. These meals are a way for us to gather in places impacted by the storm to provide nourishment for body and soul — food shared in community, followed by a an accessible, inclusive presentation by an All Souls therapist. Registrations are required by Friday, March 13 at 5:00 PM. Click the link below to join us, and please share with your friends!

Volunteer Spotlight and Opportunity

We couldn’t do this work without our volunteers! They bring vital energy to our annual events and act as dedicated mental health champions for our neighbors in need. Because of them, our staff can stay focused on what matters most: fostering collaborations across WNC like community meals and education programs that make it easier for everyone to access help.

Mike Pesant is a volunteer on an All Souls standing committee and was also a key supporter at last fall's Mental Health Matters 5k, keeping our participants cool and hydrated. Check out what he's shared about supporting our work.

Would you like to be a part of this impactful mission? If so, email mary@allsoulscounseling.org. We would love to find a volunteer opportunity that is perfect for you.

Sponsorship Opportunity

All Souls Counseling Center (ASCC) | 828-259-3369 | allsoulscounseling.org

ASCC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization (EIN: 56-2200862).

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