2025 Community Needs Assessment

Shape the Future of Your Community with WAMY’s Needs Assessment Survey

WAMY Community Action is calling on Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey County residents to make their voices heard by participating in the 2025 Community Needs Assessment Survey. This survey, conducted every three years, plays a crucial role in shaping the programs WAMY offers to meet the unique needs of the community.

Whether you’re a local business owner, a community organization, or a resident, your input matters. The survey helps WAMY identify areas where vital programs and services can make the most impact. By sharing your thoughts, you become part of the solution to address pressing challenges in western North Carolina.

Click HERE to complete the Community Needs Assessment or scan the QR code below

W.A.M.Y. Community Action's 'Santa for Seniors' Gift Drive Transforms for 2024

As the holiday season nears, W.A.M.Y. Community Action announces a transformative shift in its 'Santa for Seniors' initiative for 2024. This year, the focus moves from delivering physical gifts to collecting monetary donations, aimed at rebuilding homes for low-income senior citizens affected by Hurricane Helene in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.

Over the last five years, 'Santa for Seniors' has successfully spread joy by partnering with local businesses and individuals to deliver nearly 5,000 gifts. However, recognizing the community's pressing needs, W.A.M.Y. is now dedicated to providing a lasting impact through the restoration of homes and lives.

Director of Development, Allison Jennings, emphasizes the opportunity to make a profound difference by offering the security and comfort of a stable home. Community members are encouraged to contribute by donating through W.A.M.Y.'s website or mailing a check to their Boone office. For those wishing to give physical gifts, Allison Jennings is available to connect you with other local organizations in need. Reach out to her at allison@wamycommunityaction.org or call 828-264-2421 ext. 107.

Join W.A.M.Y. Community Action in embracing this new initiative, and help rebuild homes and restore hope to our senior neighbors. Your support continues the legacy of community spirit that 'Santa for Seniors' embodies.

Hurricane Helene Relief Assistance

In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, WAMY Community Action is dedicated to supporting those affected. We provide assistance through limited financial aid, housing repairs and weatherization, and some essential supplies. Our goal is to help individuals and families recover effectively.

If you or someone you know needs help, applying is easy. Click HERE to access the application for assistance. WAMY Community Action is committed to being a reliable partner in your recovery journey. Together, we can rebuild stronger.

WAMY's 2023-24 Annual Report

Check out W.A.M.Y. Community Action's Annual Report. Read about the impact we have made on the communities we serve because of your support.

Be a G.E.M.

Join the G.E.M. Club: Transform Lives, One Month at a Time

Imagine a world where your contributions create a ripple effect, touching lives and nurturing communities every single day. At WAMY Community Action, this vision is realized through the power of Giving Every Month (G.E.M.). By becoming a member of the G.E.M. Club, you are part of a movement that champions consistent support, ensuring that our projects not only survive but thrive.

Why Give Every Month?

1. Reliable Support for Ongoing Projects:

Monthly donations offer a steady stream of resources, crucial for maintaining and expanding our initiatives. Whether it's providing educational supplies, supporting local food banks, or funding skill development programs, consistent contributions from G.E.M. members ensure that our work is uninterrupted and impactful.

2. Making a Lasting Impact:

A monthly gift might seem modest, but its cumulative effect is profound. These donations empower us to plan and execute long-term projects that foster sustainable growth and development within our communities. With your help, we can strategize better and achieve more substantial outcomes that transform lives over time.

3. A Community of Compassion:

Joining the G.E.M. Club connects you with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to making a difference. It’s more than just giving; it’s about being part of a compassionate community that stands together to uplift those in need. As a G.E.M. member, you'll receive updates on how your contributions are making a tangible difference, along with exclusive insights into upcoming projects and initiatives.

Be Part of a Movement

Your monthly contribution, no matter the size, is a building block of hope and change. By signing up for monthly giving, you become a crucial member of a dedicated network that believes in the power of collective action. Together, we can tackle challenges, support vulnerable populations, and bring about enduring positive change.

Take Action Today

Join the G.E.M. Club and be the difference you want to see in the world. Your ongoing generosity will help us turn dreams into reality for countless individuals and families. Visit our website to sign up for monthly giving and take the first step towards becoming a beacon of hope in your community.

Let's transform lives, one month at a time. Your consistent support can ignite change and build a brighter future for all. Embrace the power of giving every month and see just how far your kindness can go. Together, we are unstoppable.

W.A.M.Y.’s 'Santa for Seniors' Spreads Joy to Over 1400 Senior Citizens

As we closed out 2023, W.A.M.Y. Community Action celebrated a milestone - the fifth year of our “Santa for Seniors” gift drive. Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, organizations, and individual donors, we successfully delivered holiday cheer in the form of over 1,400 gift bags to senior citizens in assisted living facilities, under hospice care, or homebound in Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, and Yancey counties.

These gifts, filled with comforting items like blankets, puzzle books, and treats, were personally handed over by dedicated volunteers. Allison Jennings, our Director of Development, emphasized the importance of remembering our homebound seniors during the holiday season. Since we launched this initiative in 2019, we've delivered over 4,900 gifts, bringing joy and warmth to their lives.

Our heartfelt thanks go out to sponsors like The High Country Area Agency on Aging, AmeriHealth, Walmart, Mast General Store, Blowing Rock Community Foundation, UNC Health, The Rotary Club of Blowing Rock, and numerous other local businesses and individual donors who made this project possible.

"Santa for Seniors" is our only annual service project that reaches all four counties we serve, and as we look forward to 2024, preparations for the next round are already underway. We're grateful for the continued community support and eagerly anticipate another year of making a positive difference in people's lives.

URGENT NEED FOR ELDERLY COUPLE IN MITCHELL COUNTY

 Urgent Appeal: Help Us Support an Elderly Couple in Desperate in Need of Water

Hello dear readers & WAMY Community Action supporters,

We are reaching out to you today with an urgent request on behalf of a family who is part of our WAMY community. We hope you can help us make a significant difference in their lives.

This family, consisting of a hard-working man with an ostomy bag and his wife, who lives with disabilities and recently fought off sepsis after a three-month hospital stay, is facing dire circumstances.

They have been without water for over a week due to a broken well pump.

This has further complicated their already challenging situation, making their daily lives even more difficult.

We are aiming to raise funds for two critical needs this family faces:

1. A new well pump ($2,500)

   Clearing a property tax delinquency ($3,000)

Without these, they cannot move forward with their lives.

They are under review for a total home replacement by Mitchell County, but the delinquent taxes are a roadblock to this much-needed upgrade. The current condition of their mobile home is such that WAMY could put $60,000 into its rehabilitation, but it still wouldn't be enough.

WAMY already invested $5,000 into getting their well connected, including a new switch, in-ground electrical wiring, and a pressure tank. Unfortunately, the well pump went dead soon after.

Now, we need your help. Can you contribute towards raising the $5,500 required to help this deserving family? Any amount helps and will go a long way in providing them with the basics we often take for granted.

Please reach out to us if you have any questions or would like to contribute. Thank you for your continued support!

Allison Jennings, WAMY Community Action

828-406-0593

allison@wamycommunityaction.org

Add the Note "Mitchell Water Issue" when donating

The Beginning of Community Action

As WAMY Community Action begins to celebrate our 60th year, we look back to the birth of Community Action:

The following six minutes represent one of the most important speeches in the history of the United States. Here, President Lyndon Johnson declared the War on Poverty and within 45 days, a blueprint for the War would be drafted and the Community Action roles would be determined.

Preserving Affordable Housing for Renters in Watauga County

In a recent meeting, the Watauga County Board of Commissioners approved a new rental repair program in partnership with WAMY Community Action. This initiative aims to aid low-income landlords and renters with minor repairs, preserving the county's housing stock. The program ensures that rents aren't raised post-repairs while the current tenant occupies the property. Commissioner Ray Russell highlighted the potential of the program to stabilize the fragile rental market, prevent displacement, and cost less than replacing units. Initially running as a pilot, its success will be evaluated for consideration in the next budget cycle, with the potential for additional partnership opportunities. The proposal received unanimous approval from the commissioners.

If you know someone who could benefit from this program, contact WAMY's Housing & Energy Coordinator, Danielle Moreland.

danielle@wamycommunityaction.org

828-264-2421 

Save Your Seats! Get Your Tickets!

Learn More

A Day of Community and Connection: WAMY's Informational Cookout in the Junaluska Community

Hello, friends!

Today was a day filled with sunshine, smiles, and lots of valuable information at our WAMY Community Action cookout in the heart of the Junaluska Community in Boone, NC. We gathered as neighbors, not just to enjoy some good food and fun times but also to learn about how we can better support each other.

At WAMY, we believe that everyone deserves a helping hand. That's why we're here - to lend that hand, help. We all need a little boost sometimes, right?

During the cookout, our team shared stories about the work we do and the Housing & Weatherization programs we offer.

But today wasn't just about us talking. We also listened. We heard your stories, your challenges, and your dreams. We learned so much from you all, and we're excited to use this knowledge to better serve our community.

We want to give a big shout-out to everyone who attended the cookout. Your presence and participation truly made this event special. It's clear that the Junaluska Community is filled with caring, committed individuals who are ready to support their neighbors. This is what community is all about!

Remember, WAMY is here for you. If you or someone you know could benefit from our services, please don't hesitate to reach out. Let's continue to work together, support each other, and make our community the best it can be.

Until next time, take care of yourselves and each other.

WAMY's Brittany Luxton Honored With 4 Under 40 Award

FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ ALL ABOUT IT

Brittany Luxton nominated for 4 under 40 Award

Thank you to the Boone Area Chamber of Commerce for nominating Brittany Luxton as a candidate for the 4 Under 40 award. Brittany is part of a wonderful group of nominees! We look forward to seeing you all on Thursday, April 6th at 5:30pm for red-carpet arrivals, reception and the 7th annual awards ceremony.

To read more about the amazing group of emerging, VISIT HERE.

WAMY Community Action Executive Director Melissa Soto Announces Retirement

WAMY Community Action’s executive director Melissa Soto announced recently that she will be retiring effective July 1^st, 2023, after more than three decades of service with the organization. “Melissa has devoted herself completely for 31 years and thousands of lives have been positively impacted forever because of her kind and caring spirit,” said Tom Hughes, WAMY’s Board President and Director of Watauga County Social Services.

"Under Melissa’s leadership, WAMY has created goals and objectives and hired talented staff. The Board of Director’s is confident WAMY Community Action will continue to be a nonprofit dedicated to helping others and changing lives for decades to come. The search process for WAMY’s new executive director will begin next month,” said Hughes.

“Melissa is a collaborative leader, working alongside the staff she oversees,” said Allison Jennings, director of development at WAMY. “She is a unifying leader and well-respected among employees. Melissa has created a workplace of trust, encouraging us, and asking for our perspective and ideas,” said Jennings. “To put it in simple terms, Melissa is a lot of fun,” said Jennings.

Established in 1964, W.A.M.Y. (Watauga, Avery, Mitchell, Yancey Counties) is a Community Action Agency and was the first human-service non-profit to come to the High Country’s four-county area. WAMY’s mission is to partner with families and communities to provide the disadvantaged the support they need to become self-sufficient. WAMY conducts a community needs assessment every three years and programs are designed according to the needs of the community. Currently WAMY has four programs- Youth Development, Food & Nutrition, Housing & Energy, and Total Family Development. Its programs are designed to fill gaps in the community between the needs of the low-income population and the services that are already available.

Soto has seen many changes in the nonprofit’s history. WAMY originally brought the creation of transportation authorities, senior centers, Head Start and other initiatives that branched off to operate as other organizations. WAMY programs adapt to the needs and priorities of the community, which may change from year to year. “2023 will be a year like many others offering opportunities of change,” said Melissa Soto executive director of WAMY. “The organization is identifying strategies that can best help serve the community’s well-being. It has been my honor to work with WAMY Community Action for 31 years and I am proud to have been a part of an organization with such a bright future,” continued Soto.

Soto began working at WAMY in 1992 as a case manager in a job training program. “I had a desire to work with clients one-on-one to help them navigate through the journey from being unemployed to finding a meaningful career. I loved the interaction with people and the ability to inspire hope in someone who didn’t think they had options or a future,” Soto said.

Soto was named executive director of WAMY in 2012. She manages a staff of 11 employees across a four-county area, leads fundraising efforts and community outreach and manages agency grants.

In a recent interview with writer Jan Todd, Soto said, “My staff members are the true superheroes of WAMY. They give their jobs everything they’ve got. Not only do they all make monthly donations back to the agency, but they have worked on housing projects, served food, painted school walls, and cleaned client homes.”

Soto attended Appalachian State University in the late 1980s, studying accounting and business management. Prior to joining WAMY, Soto worked at the Region D (High Country) Council of Governments, administering job training programs across a seven-county area.

“For the past 31 years, Melissa has devoted her career to helping others by offering them the tools and resources needed to overcome poverty,” Jennings said. “Her vision, wisdom and leadership have changed the lives of thousands of people in the High Country and made our community a better place for us all to grow and thrive.”

Asked what she will miss most about retiring, Soto said, “My staff. I am so proud of the work they do every day. I will miss our gathering of morning coffee in the break room, solving all the world’s problems in one day, laughing hysterically, and transforming someone’s life for the better the moment they walk in our door,” shared Soto.

The Melissa Soto Honorary Fund has been established. All donations given in her honor will support WAMY’s poverty-fighting programs. To donate, visit WamyCommunityAction.org or contact Allison Jennings at allison@wamycommunityaction.org or 828-264-2421 ext. 107

Gifts made in Melissa’s honor can also be mailed:
WAMY Community Action

225 Birch Street Suite 2

Boone NC 28607

The Promise of Community Action

Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

Celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr

Baby It's Cold Outside-December 23, 2022

READ THE LATEST NEWS FROM WAMY COMMUNITY ACTION

Thankful For You

Check out this link for our Monthly Update

Operation: Kids Ready to Roll

            

LEARN MORE ABOUT OPERATION: KIDS READY TO ROLL

Prize Winning Produce from our Community Garden

Check out the Prize Winning Tomatoes and other goodies grown in our very own WAMY Community Action garden in Avery County. Board Member Arlene Weiner submitted these entries to the Avery A&H Fair 2022. Last year, with help from volunteers, WAMY was able to provide more than 835 pounds of fresh produce to local food pantries. Arlene is still tallying the numbers for 2022 but she sure has a green thumb and our neighbors are getting the best produce around!

BINGO!!!

WAMY's MONTHLY ENEWSLETTER- August 2022

Check out our latest news & updates and read a heartwarming story about one of WAMY's Community Housing clients. Click this link to read all about it!

Celebrating WAMY's Executive Director-Melissa Soto

Give a meaningful gift in honor of WAMY’s Executive Director, Melissa Soto. For the past 30 years, Melissa has devoted her career to helping others by providing them with the tools they need to overcome poverty. Her vision, wisdom and leadership have changed the lives of thousands of people in the High Country and made our community a better place for us all to grow and thrive.

WAMY Accomplishes Big Goal

Click here to read this great article in the Watauga Democrat that shares an awesome WAMY update!  Thank you North Carolina Community Foundation for all your help!  

Great Story From Our Local News- Watauga Democrat

Commissioners show support for WAMY grant

WAMY's Denim & Diamonds 2022 BIG SUCCESS!

Thanks to everyone who helped make WAMY's Inaugural Denim & Diamonds a success! Check out this great article from Jan Todd detailing what a fun night we had raising money to help send kids to summer camp and helping low-income families receive much-needed home repairs.  We are making plans to do it again next year so SAVE THE DATE- Thursday, May 18th, 2023!  If you want to be a part of our WAMY's Denim & Diamonds Planning Committee (famously known as the Dream Team), contact Allison Jennings at allison@wamycommitteeaction.org or 828-264-2421 ext. 107 or 828-406-0593.  Denim & Diamonds success was due to the efforts of our amazing team, so come join the fun! 

Awesome Dream Team Members:
Cynthia Dillon

Susan Geldmeier

Monica McDaniel

Yolanda Roberston

Christina Fryzel

Dona Dowlan

Kelley Harrison

Jenny Miller

and many more!