Our Back to School Blessings event is off to a great start and we are seeing dozens of excited school children every day as we help them prepare for the upcoming school year!

Our Clothing Assistance Department is providing school clothes for children enrolled in kindergarten through 5th grade. Students will receive new and gently used shirts, pants, and shoes as well as new underwear and socks. We want to make sure that all our Henderson Country students can start the new year feeling confident and prepared for success!

Thanks to everyone who so generously donated items for this event. And it's not too late if you still want to contribute to the success of our children. Thank you!

Aurora* is a former teacher’s aide who was forced into retirement by her failing health. She has suffered from small strokes in the past and has high blood pressure and diabetes. The lack of a reliable income and her medical bills have made it difficult to make her mortgage payment. She lives in a Habitat for Humanity home and has relied on her son to help with her payment, but he has financial difficulties of his own. 

Aurora arrived at IAM asking for one-time assistance to help her past this financial hurdle. She will be eligible for Social Security at the end of the year and will be in a better place financially to meet her housing expenses. 

IAM’s assistance with rent and mortgage payments can often be the difference between individuals and families remaining safe and healthy in their homes - versus homeless and facing a cascading number of financial and health issues caused by the stress of housing insecurity. A relatively small investment in a neighbor’s future can prevent a much greater need for substantial interventions by the social services sector in Henderson County. 

With IAM’s help and the support of our many volunteers and donors, Aurora has a chance for a better life in the future.

*Name Changed for Privacy

Would you like to help our neighbors in need?

Mail your donations to:

IAM

PO Box 2562

Hendersonville, NC 28793

Or donate online now.

Terri Richter has been a volunteer at IAM’s Thrift Store since it opened two years ago. Recently, she accepted a position as IAM’s Clothing Coordinator in charge of the clothing closet and making sure that our neighbors in need can find the items they need to stay warm, safe, and healthy.

It’s a very busy job and she loves it. “I’m not good at sitting still,” she laughs. She also loves the feeling of helping others. “Your heart just vibrates when you know you're helping somebody that is going through a tough time. I love it here!” When she’s not working at IAM, Terri still volunteers with the Thrift Store helping price jewelry and maintain the jewelry display. Thank you, Terri!

Billy Johnson joined IAM as a HOP Delivery Driver after more than 20 years with FedEx. Originally from New England, Billy lived in Florida for 13 years before moving to western North Carolina this year.

“I enjoy working here with really good people. And when I’m making deliveries, it’s good to know you are providing a service for somebody that really needs a helping hand.” He also enjoys the chance to meet the people receiving the HOP (Healthy Opportunities Pilot) deliveries. “They are very thankful for the work IAM is doing.” Thank you, Billy!

Michael Koba has joined the IAM Team as a HOP Delivery Driver. Michael and his partner Lindsey volunteered for several months as local delivery drivers and when IAM needed additional help for the growing HOP program, he agreed to join our busy team. 

Michael and Lindsey own a business creating curriculum content for students in kindergarten through 2nd grade. Previously, Michael worked with UPS and FedEx. After working primarily from home for a few years, Michael appreciates the opportunity to be out in the community more. “I like IAM’s mission and it feels good to get out and help people.” 

Welcome, Michael!

Do you know anyone who would like to help make the world a better place, meet lifelong friends, give-back, and have fun at the same time? Then please send them our way!

The need for crisis assistance in Henderson County is greater than ever - and IAM is in critical need of volunteers to help us meet that need. We have several departments and several positions within each department. We also have volunteer opportunities with our IAM Thrift Store.

IAM volunteers can choose one or more roles within one or more departments.

• FOOD ASSISTANCE WORKER: Receive and stock food donations. Assist neighbors shopping in the pantry.  
• CLOTHING ASSISTANT WORKER: Sort incoming clothing donations. Fill clothing orders for neighbors in need.  
• INTAKE INTERVIEWER: Interview clients to determine their needs and eligibility for assistance. Computer skills required.  
• INTAKE FILE MANAGER: Assist Intake Manager, Intake Interviewers and Client Receptionist.
• THRIFT STORE VOLUNTEER: Sort donations, price items for sale, serve as store cashier, stock and maintain store shelves/racks. 

Most volunteer shifts are four hours in either the morning or afternoon, once a week. But we are flexible and are happy to discuss any specific needs you might have.

Tour the IAM Facility to see what we do! For more information or to make an appointment with Volunteer Manager Marcia Crabtree, please call 828-697-7029 ext. 224 or email marcia@iam-hc.org

Offering traditional and Latino foods, IAM’s Mobile Pantry serves neighbors who have limited access to transportation and are unable to visit our pantry at 310 Freeman St. Hendersonville in person. 

See and download our monthly schedule here.

Impact of Your Gift

(Equivalent nutrient-dense meals for our neighbors in need)

$1,000 – provides 320 meals

$500 – provides 160 meals

$250 – provides 80 meals

$100 – provides 32 meals

$50 – provides 16 meals

$25 – provides 8 meals