Dear Eblen Community Members-
It’s an honor to introduce myself to you as Eblen Charities Executive Director. I’m thrilled to join the dedicated staff, volunteers, donors and supporters of Eblen as we celebrate our 30th year of operation in WNC. We continue to serve our neighbors with assistance for housing, energy and transportation, food, clothing, toys, and medical needs.
I’ve spent the last decade working in the local nonprofit community, most recently with Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity. I’ve witnessed how many of our community members are struggling with basic needs – and I’ve been privileged to work with amazing volunteers, donors and staff to meet those needs. Eblen’s history, deep service to our community and nimbleness drew me here.
Our staff are remarkable, and under the leadership of Susan Riddle, have continued to serve our community amid tremendous change and uncertainty. They are hardworking and efficient and treat our clients with dignity and respect. It is humbling to see.
Our volunteers are similarly awe inspiring. Whether answering the phones, bringing in service dogs (and cookies), serving on our Board or filing hundreds of documents, their gift of time and service is a huge benefit to our work, and the people we serve.
It’s obvious that Eblen’s services are needed more than ever. In 2021, an additional 800 new people applied for help with us. And in the first 4 weeks of 2022, we’ve already had 260 applications for assistance.
I can see so much strength in the programs, the dedicated and kind staff and volunteers. I can also see where Eblen needs more resources and public awareness to continue to meet the needs of our community. We’ll need your support in this work.
I would love to connect with you and learn about your relationship to Eblen - and to hear your thoughts and hopes for our future. Please feel free to email me at brusso@eblencharities.org or call me at 828.255.3066. I’m thrilled to be part of the Eblen family, and I’m looking forward to getting to know you.
Beth
