Friends,

A community is defined by the stories it tells. At IAM, we hear those stories every day.

We hear heartbreaking accounts of neighbors struggling as the costs of food, housing, childcare and medical care continue to rise. We see worried parents trying to provide for their children and seniors wondering how they will make it through another month on a fixed income.

And we meet people like Martha, whose story you’ll read in this newsletter. After her fourth cancer diagnosis, she spent two months in the hospital without income. Now facing Stage 4 cancer and unable to work, she came to IAM for help with her rent. Her experience reminds us that hardship can arrive suddenly—and that none of us knows when we may need a helping hand.

But we also see what happens when our community responds.

This summer, more than 200 children from over 140 families received new school clothing through Back-to-School Blessings. At our Healthy Heroes Kids Carnival, seven generous barbers and hairstylists provided more than 80 free haircuts. For a child entering a new classroom, new clothes, new shoes or a fresh haircut can offer confidence, dignity and the knowledge that someone cares.

We see that same compassion in Trinity Presbyterian Church's $10,000 matching gift to launch Building Hope: Keep Neighbors in Their Homes, a community matching challenge; Lake Pointe Landing’s Bistro Day; and the Knights of Columbus’ continuing support of the IAM Pantry. Each reminds us that IAM’s work is truly a community effort.

On September 19, you can become part of that effort at the Henderson County Hunger Walk. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps organizations like IAM put food on our neighbors’ tables. I hope you’ll register, walk with Team IAM, invite a friend and give generously.

Thank you for helping write a larger community story—one of compassion, grace and generosity for neighbors in need.

Gratefully,

Matt Hutcherson

IAM Executive Director

For years, Martha* made her living caring for others. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, she worked with patients, helping people through illness and uncertainty with compassion and dignity. 

Today, Martha is the one who needs help.

In January, she was diagnosed with cancer for the fourth time. She spent two months in the hospital, unable to work and without income. Now facing Stage 4 cancer, Martha can no longer return to the job she loved. She receives disability benefits and travels regularly to Durham for treatment.

Her employer has generously kept her on the employee rolls so she can maintain her health insurance through November. But months without a paycheck have taken their toll. When Martha came to IAM, she carried a demand letter from her landlord for $1,023 - one month’s unpaid rent.

For someone already fighting for her life, the possibility of losing her home was one more burden she should not have to carry alone. Martha’s story is a reminder that a crisis can overwhelm even someone who has worked hard, cared for others and done everything she could to remain independent.

Because of the generosity of IAM’s donors, Martha found a place where she, too, could be cared for.

*Name and image changed to protect our neighbor’s privacy.

Walking a few miles can make a meaningful difference for neighbors facing hunger.

Registration is now open for the 44th Annual Henderson County Hunger Walk, and IAM is inviting our supporters, volunteers, friends and families to walk with us on Saturday, September 19 at Lennox Station in Hendersonville.

The Hunger Walk is one of Henderson County’s longest-running community efforts to fight hunger. Funds raised are distributed among local nonprofit organizations - including IAM - helping provide food and other essential assistance to neighbors struggling to make ends meet.



There are two ways you can help: walk with us and give. Choose the Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM) team when you register, then invite your family, friends and coworkers to join you. Participants can choose either a one-mile or three-mile route, and the first 300 registered walkers receive a free event T-shirt.

Can’t walk? You can still make an important difference by donating to the Hunger Walk and supporting the organizations working every day to ensure our neighbors have enough to eat.

44th Annual Henderson County Hunger Walk

Saturday, September 19

Registration: 8 a.m. | Walk: 8:30 a.m.

Lennox Station, 441 S. Whitted Street



Sign up. Give. Walk with Team IAM. Together, we can help fight hunger in Henderson County.

Even a summer downpour couldn’t dampen the spirit of IAM’s Healthy Heroes Kids Carnival in August. During the event, more than 80 children received free haircuts, along with school supplies to help them get ready for the new school year. 

At the heart of it all were the generous barbers and hairstylists who worked nonstop for more than three hours—and stayed beyond the

scheduled ending time to make sure every child was served. 

For families facing the considerable expense of preparing several children for school, those free haircuts mattered.

IAM is deeply grateful to the barbers and hairstylists who donated their time and talents, to Grace Lutheran Church for graciously hosting us, and to our nonprofit partners and volunteers who made the day possible. It was a day of haircuts and school supplies - but also smiles, dignity and the reassuring message that our community cares.

When our neighbors need support, our community responds. IAM’s Pantry and Clothing Needs lists show how you can help right now. Donations of food, clothing, and essential items help us support neighbors facing crises throughout Henderson County.

Bring your donations to 310 Freeman St. (off Four Seasons Blvd.). We accept donations Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thank you!

If you are not currently an IAM volunteer and would like to be part of this vital work, we invite you to consider joining our team. Even a few hours of your time can make a meaningful difference.

Would you like to help our neighbors in need?

Mail your donations to:

IAM

PO Box 2562

Hendersonville, NC 28793

Or donate online now.

Every gift to IAM helps provide essential assistance to neighbors across Henderson County. Through strong community partnerships and careful stewardship, your generosity stretches farther than you might imagine.

For example, when used to support our food programs, your gift can provide the equivalent of:

$1,000 – provides 2,380 meals

$500 – provides 1,190 meals

$250 – provides 595 meals

$100 – provides 238 meals

$50 – provides 119 meals

$25 – provides 60 meals