Buncombe County Partnership for Children (SmartStart) encourages local partnerships which set goals that benefit our community's families and children.

Buncombe County Council on Aging is a non-profit corporation consisting of senior citizens groups, organizations, and individuals that provide services to older people. Visit this site to find a list and descriptions of local programs for older adults.

Buncombe County Friends for Animals operates an animal shelter which is run as an adoption center for animals; their focus is humane care and population control. Check out their photos of "animals seeking humans" and consider adoption.

Family Self-Sufficiency This is a wonderful program administered by the Asheville Housing Authority; it assists families in creating and acting upon a plan that leads them to economic independence.

Literacy Council of Buncombe County is a great organization to volunteer for. They offer tutoring in basic literacy skills as well as assistance for individuals for whom English is a second language.

Meals On Wheels of Buncombe County Largely volunteer-run, Meals on Wheels provides low-priced home-delivered meals to an average of 350 local persons daily.

Our Voice provides support and counseling for survivors of sexual assault. Our Voice also has a growing educational department which offers programs to local schools and organizations. They have a well-designed training program for volunteer advocates and a very friendly staff.

United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County allocates Community Fund dollars to 85 local health and human service programs, impacting the lives of more than 60,000 people in our community.

WNC Regional Child Abuse Center provides a safe, warm, home-like environment where children can be interviewed and receive child medical evaluations.

World Market Place helps low income craftpersons in developing nations by marketing their handicrafts.