Giving that transcends the seasons
For just about every challenge facing the people of Madison County, a local group has formed to find ways to overcome the obstacle. That just a handful of the people, projects and programs that serve all corners of the community can be depicted here, exemplifies the enormous spirit of support present in this county.
Below find short profiles detailing the work of some of the organizations engaged in issues affecting the Madison County community.
The Appalachian Barn Alliance (ABA) (a 501(c)3 organization) formed in 2012 with a mission to preserve the rural heritage of the southern Appalachian area. Based in Madison County because of the county's history as the largest producer of burley tobacco in the mid-1900s and because there are over 10,000 barns still standing here. The ABA realized that losing these barns would mean losing part of the agricultural history of this place as well as the stories that go with them. As a result, their work is to document the barns through oral histories, photographs and architectural drawings. This information is available on a searchable database on their website. Additionally, in order to share these stories and barns with the public, they offer self-guided driving tours. Over the years using grant money, fundraising events, and donations from both individuals and businesses, almost 100 historic barns in Madison County have been documented. The long-term goal is to establish a Heritage Farmstead with the information (and donations of implements and barns themselves) so that future generations will be able to appreciate the heritage of this area. More information can be found on their website, appalachianbarns.org or by emailing, info@appalachianbarns.org. The ABA Annual drive begins in November each year for the following year and includes a membership in the organization which allows discounts on certain events in 2019 (Barn Day and the Farm to Table Dinner). Donations start at $20 ($30 for a family). Details on levels of support are on the home page of their website. Checks can be made out to Appalachian Barn Alliance and sent to, PO Box 1441, Mars Hill, NC 28754.
Beacon of Hope (BOH) has worked to end hunger in Madison County for the past 21 years. Through weekly food distributions, (Mondays 8-3 p.m. and Fridays 1-6 p.m.) they provide food for roughly 500 families each month. The food packages include a box filled with shelf stable items, a second box filled with meat, dairy, eggs, etc. and a third box filled with fresh produce. In July 2018, BOH unveiled their Client Choice pantry; a food pantry set up a like a small grocery store enabling clients to shop around and choose the items that go in their monthly food boxes. This transition restores respect and dignity to the process of receiving food assistance, while also enabling BOH to better meet the needs of their Clients, especially those on special diets. BOH has outgrown the building they currently rent from Calvary Worship Center and has purchased land on Hwy 213. They are now working to raise funds to cover the cost of a new facility. Their new home will include not only a larger food pantry and thrift store, but also a community space and kitchen. To make a donation to Beacon’s Building Fund, please visit their website: thebeaconofhopemarshall.com or mail a check to Beacon of Hope, P.O Box #547, Marshall, NC 28753.
Community Housing Coalition of Madison County's (CHC) mission is to promote and facilitate healthy, safe and affordable housing through advocacy, education, and resource development. They facilitate urgent home repairs by leveraging grant dollars, volunteers, and donations to support and empower Madison County neighbors to help them remain in their homes. In 2018, CHC served 129 neighbors with accessibility improvements, new roofs, flooring, decks, well, and septic systems and more. Currently, over 116 families are waiting on assistance. In order to meet the growing needs of Madison County neighbors, CHC is working to increase their capacity in 2019 by reopening a full service hardware and salvaged building materials store in downtown Marshall. This space, called "Reclaim Madison", will serve the community by keeping dollars local, providing affordable building materials and housing a community space with workforce readiness programs and other outreach projects. As they work toward opening this space and continue working alongside Madison County neighbors, they hope you will consider supporting CHC to help reclaim Madison County and address the nationwide affordable housing crisis right here in your community. To donate and to learn more, please visit: chcmadisoncountync.org or call: (828) 649-1200
Empowering Madison Youth to Succeed (EMYS) is an in-school tutoring program at Madison Middle School and Madison High School. Formerly known as Communities in Schools, EMYS works to establish a greater bond between the participants and their school by providing mentoring, attendance monitoring, and class make-up assistance. The program utilizes paid staff, peer tutors and community volunteers to create a support structure aimed at helping at-risk students avoid adjudication and stay in school. 28-percent of 2016-17 Madison High School graduating class received assistance from EMYS tutors or mentors during their middle and/or high school years. Your support allows EMYS to place caring staff and adult volunteers alongside students who struggle with academic and life choices. For more information, visit emysnc.org and to donate directly, contact Bruce Murray, executive director, at bmurray@madisonk12.net or call 649-9276 ext. 248.
FATE Foundation, a non-profit charity, is devoted to advancing educational opportunity and enhancing the quality of life in WNC. Its programs assist those in need and expand opportunities for Madison County student’s future success through the FATE (Future Achievement Through Education) Scholar award. The first FATE Scholar Award of $500 was presented to one MHS student in 2015. In 2018, four students were awarded scholarships of $2,000 each. In 2019, the scholarship is available to students at Madison Early College and Madison High School. FATE Foundation’s goal in 2019 is to launch the FATEful 20 (20 donors of $500 each annually) which will provide a $2,500 renewable scholarship to one student in order to help students not only their first year but in their second, third and fourth years. With your support, they look forward to awarding the outstanding students of Madison County with scholarships in 2019. For more information email fatefoundation@yahoo.com. You can send a donation to FATE Foundation, 4625 Meadow Fork Rd., Hot Springs, NC 28743. FATE Foundation accepts checks, credit cards and bank transfers.
Friends of Madison County Animals (FOMCA) has been the only animal welfare nonprofit in Madison County, since 1995, helping residents living at, near or below the poverty level. Their commitment to saving lives by reducing the number of unwanted puppies and kittens has not wavered. Their low cost Spay/Neuter clinics benefit everyone. They have distributed over 10,000 pounds of food, for low-income families, through their Pet Pantry program. FOMCA's low cost Vaccination Clinics and their Dog Training classes are designed to keep pets in their homes and out of the shelter. Year to date FOMCA has spayed and neutered 734 dogs and cats and they project adding at least 90 more animals for an estimated total of 824 pets in 2018. FOMCA has a generous donor who will match your donation, dollar for dollar, up to $10,000, through December 31, 2018. These lifesaving services can continue with your support. Donations can be made online at FOMCA.org. or via PayPal. Please send checks to PO Box 191, Marshall, NC 28753.
Friends of Madison County Library support the Madison County Public Library system in its mission as a resource for the citizens of Madison County. Donations, membership dues and fundraising activities help the Friends in their sponsorship of literacy programs, educational events, technology and other offerings to all County residents through the Madison County Public Library. Find out more and support the library at friendsofmadisoncountylibrary. org or by calling 649-3741.
Hospice of Madison’s mission is meeting the primary health care needs of the people of Madison County and the surrounding areas through an organization oriented to and directed by the community. Donations will support hospice services providing symptom management and comfort measures for the terminally ill of Madison County and surrounding communities. Contact Pam Gregg by phone, 649-9566, or email, pamg@hotspringshealth-nc.org or mail, Hot Springs Health Program, PO Box 69, Marshall, NC 28753 to learn more and to make a donation.
Hot Springs Health Program’s mission is to meet the primary health care needs of the people of Madison County and the surrounding areas through an organization oriented to and directed by the community. Donatations help patients with medication assistance and primary care services. Contact Teresa Strom 649-9566 or tstrom@hotspringshealth- nc.org or Hot Springs Health Program, PO Box 69, Marshall, NC 28753 to learn more and to make a donation.
Hot Springs Volunteer Fire Department’s mission is to provide fire protection and medical services to the community at a professional standard. Donations will support the continuing need for equipment to keep members and the 600 citizens in their community, safe. Make a donation directly to the department by mailing it to Hot Springs VFD, PO Box 218, Hot Springs, NC 28743 or by contacting Fire Chief Joshua Norton at 206-7419.
Madison County Animal Services provides a safe haven to homeless cats and dogs, operating the only animal shelter in Madison County. Contributions help provide them with a warm shelter, good food, clean water, and superior daily care from dedicated animal professionals. To learn more, please visit madisoncountync.org/- shelter.html or call to 649-3190.
Madison County Arts Council’s (MCAC) mission is “Strengthening Community Through the Arts”. They do this by providing programs for kids like Junior Appalachian Musicians (JAM) and First Stage Youth Theatre. They also support artists through annual art fairs and gallery space. Additionally, they present the annual Bluff Mountain Festival, among other notable concerts in the region. MCAC is responsible for keeping wART FM, "The Voice of Madison County", on the air. MCAC is excited about creating a home place at 90 S. Main in Marshall and they hope you can be a part of this legacy for Madison County. Your contribution will make an impact, whether you donate $5 or $500. They are currently having their annual membership drive. Donations can be made on their website at madisoncountyarts.com or by calling 649-1301. The Board of Directors, Erich and Laura, thank you.
Madison County Department of Social Services works to improve the safety, health, well-being and independence of children, the elderly and disabled, and families in Madison County by helping them maintain and/or enhance their quality of life and to prevent abuse, neglect and exploitation. Donations are used to help meet the needs of children in foster care which are not otherwise met by federal, state or county dollars. Learn more by contacting Connie Harris at charris@madisoncountync.gov or 649-2711.
Madison County Community Services provides a host of support programs to local veteran, senior and fragile populations. The department creates resources for veterans, directs eight meal site/senior centers, provides in-home aide services and coordinates Madison County Transportation Services. Donations will provide an opportunity for meals to be served or delivered to the local senior population, allow the expansion of the number of home bound individuals served with aides, create connections for veterans with much needed services and support medical and general transportation programs Learn more and donate directly by contacting Dee Heinmuller, director at 649-2219 or email dheinmuller@madisoncountync.gov.
Madison County Habitat for Humanity’s mission is to help provide decent and affordable housing to the residents of Madison County. Donations of money, time and talents will help build or improve a place they can call home. The mailing address is Madison County Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 113, Mars Hill, NC 28754 and the phone number is 206-4882.
Madison County Health Department is dedicated to the purpose of disease prevention and health promotion for all Madison County residents. Donations will support efforts to provide health education and services (medical, dental, nutrition) to the most vulnerable children and adults in this community. Learn more about specific programs at madisoncountyhealth.org. To donate directly, contact Becky Webb, administrative officer at 649-3531 ext. 229.
Madison County Partnership for Children’s mission is to enhance family and community resources to nurture the development of every child. Donations are used to fund essential programs to nurture children in Madison County including Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R), Supporting Family Choices: Kith and Kin Care K&K), Early Literacy (ROR & DPIL), Smart Rewards, Training Coaching & Mentoring (TCM) and Subsidy. For more information, call 689-1525, mail Madison County Partnership for Children, PO Box 1657, Mars Hill, NC 28754 or visit madisonss.org.
Madison Substance Awareness Coalition (MSAC) formed in 2014 and is dedicated to the purpose of substance abuse prevention and health promotion in Madison County. Through educational programs, skill development and outreach in both our schools and community, MSAC is committed to addressing and reducing substance use among our youth and across our broader community. In 2018, MSAC formed Madison Patriots Prevention Partners (MP3), a teen leadership and prevention group based at Madison Middle School, to help empower our youth to live a healthy, substance free life. MP3 students have attended conferences and workshops, participated in two youth summits, volunteered at drug take-back events, and educated their peers on the dangers of substance use. MSAC needs your support to increase our community efforts and engage more youth, in order to further our mission. Please contact Heather Sharp at 779-7243 or hsharp@madisoncountync.gov for more information on how you can make a contribution.
My Sister’s Place promotes domestic peace and safety through advocacy, support, and community education. The Marshall-based organization strives to effect change that eliminates violence and empowers all people to live to their fullest potential. My Sister’s Place spends 100% of funds received to assist victims of domestic violence/sexual assault and their families from Madison County. Visit mysisters.place for more information or donate directly by contacting Executive Director Joyce Cody at 649-2582.
Neighbors in Need is a volunteerbased crisis organization providing assistance to Madison County residents with meeting their basic needs. Donations are used to fund a food pantry and provide assistance with heat and utilities. Learn more by contacting Connie Harris via email, charris@madisoncountync.gov or by phone, 649-2711.
Partnership for Appalachian Girls Education, or PAGE, is designed to support girls in this rural mountain community with high-quality, innovative learning opportunities. Their mission is to inspire, educate and empower girls so they can become leaders in a new Appalachia. Each year, PAGE serves 50 or more girls in grades 6-9, all from Madison’s most rural communities. Learn more about PAGE and discover how to support the organization at carolinapage.org.
Special Olympics’ mission is to provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Special Olympics Madison County (SOMC) is the local delegation supporting special needs athletes in Madison County. SOMC athletes are never charged a fee of any kind to participate in Special Olympics, so the organization relies on generous support from individuals, businesses, foundations, and civic groups in the community. To learn more, please contact Sharon Cupstid, local coordinator, at mightymadisonspecialolympics@gmail.com. Direct donations can be mailed to SOMC, PO Box 2133, Mars Hill, NC 28754.
The Lord’s Harvest is a non-profit feeding ministry dedicated to helping with hunger relief in response to the immense need for food in Madison County, where 30-percent of children are food insecure. Donations provide the means to purchase potatoes, pinto beans, cornmeal, rice, and grits which are distributed to 1,594 families each month in Madison, Buncombe, and Yancey Counties in North Carolina andin Washington County, Tennessee. 100 percent of donations go directly to hunger relief. Learn more and donate directly by visiting lordsharvestforthehungry.org or by contacting Bill Welsch, director, at 808-5002.
Walnut Creek Community Club’s mission is to achieve to make the community a better and more desirable place to live. Dnation will support the efforts to our walking trail for better health and wellness for our community. Learn more and donate directly at walnutcreekcommunity@gmail.com or by calling Sue Peek, 206-9808.