Joining in fellowship with like-minded individuals, listening to and learning from each other, finding common ground, and implementing strategies for the betterment of our community. These ideals define what it means to be involved in a United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County (UWABC) Affinity Group.
On June 7, nearly 30 older adults came together for this very purpose, launching UWABC’s newest Affinity Group, Retire United. We would like to thank them for their commitment and resolve. Adding their voices to the conversation will help ensure that all students graduate from high school ready and fully prepared to pursue their goals and dreams. In addition, UWABC would like to extend a very special thank you to Givens Communities for sponsoring Retire United this year.
“Retire United is a way for UWABC to expand its reach into the community and connect retirees with each other while contributing time and financial resources to support the work and initiatives of United Way.”
-- Steve Shoaf, Chair, Retire United
Wise, Experienced, and Ready For Action
Many of those in attendance have already been active in groups and efforts such as the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, and United Way’s investment committee, as well as addressing food insecurity and supporting student learning in the Shiloh community. All of them came ready to give their time and feedback on how we as a community can support students and families.
When asked what they wanted their community to be, phrases such as valuing the wisdom of age, intergenerational participation and planning, anti-racist and diverse, and a place of opportunity and equity were given. In addition, when queried, the group provided concrete strategies like training for community volunteers to become student tutors, lobbying for state funding for K-12 education, and expanding the scope of school garden initiatives.
Most importantly, this group came prepared to roll up their sleeves and dive into the actual work of supporting local students by assembling snack packs that were delivered to Project Lighten Up Summer Day Camp.
Be The Solution: Join Us
We invite retirees (or those soon to be) to join us in developing and implementing strategies that help us reach our Bold Community Goal:
By 2035 ALL Asheville City and Buncombe County students
graduate from high school ready and fully prepared to pursue their goals and dreams.
For more information, and to join, visit our Retire United page.
Thank you to our Retire United Presenting Sponsor, Givens Communities.
