FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1, 2025 — ASHEVILLE, NC: Asheville-based nonprofit Resources For Resilience™ (RFR) has collaborated with a variety of state agencies, managed care organizations and mission-aligned nonprofits to generate a major expansion in resiliency programming and education across 25 Helene-impacted counties in Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene.
RFR’s signature trauma-informed training and community support are made possible thanks to a collaborative effort from several local and regional entities including: The NC General Assembly, The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS), The Governor’s Recovery Office for Western NC (GROW-NC), Vaya Health, Americares, Direct Relief and the Evergreen Foundation NC.
The contributions from these generous strategic partners, totaling nearly $3 million, support a year-long strategy for the organization to deliver hundreds of FREE resiliency-building trainings, professional development workshops, and community events.
To date, over 4,200 individuals in the region have already been reached this year through RFR’s programming aimed at equipping individuals, families and teams with practical tools for healing, resilience, and recovery.
“Resources For Resilience is proud to support the helpers and heroes who have been pivotal to Western North Carolina’s recovery after Helene,” said Ann DuPre Rogers, Executive Director of RFR.
“This project is our way to give back and show our appreciation for everyone that works to keep our communities safe, healthy, informed, and connected.” She continued, “Thanks to our generous partners, we’re able to expand and deepen our impact, ensuring that the selfless public servants and other dedicated professionals across our region have access to the tools they need to thrive.”
With this increase in funding, Resources For Resilience has already put several projects and systems into place to support their expanded reach. This includes hiring new staff and consultants, launching an updated website, and coordinating an inaugural professional development event with a focus on culturally-responsive resiliency education.
Most importantly to their mission, Resources For Resilience is continuing to offer trauma-informed programming for local residents, agencies, and organizations at no cost. These sessions are designed to help participants regulate their nervous systems, restore emotional balance, and foster overall resilience.
The organization is targeting these free trainings to a variety of service-based audiences, including first responders and emergency personnel, behavioral and public health providers, utility and communications professionals, and other essential workers supporting rural and underserved communities across WNC. A complete list of these offerings can be found here: bit.ly/GROWNC-Offerings
Resources For Resilience has also implemented a series of recurring virtual events that are also completely free to WNC residents impacted by Helene:
- EVERY WEDNESDAY | 12-1pm: Weekly Virtual Community Listening Circles: Practice Tools to Reset the Nervous System
- EVERY THURSDAY | 12-1pm: Weekly ‘Reconnecting Through Hard Times’ Training: Learn Tools to Help Others De-stress
- FIRST FRIDAYS OF THE MONTH | 12-1pm: Monthly ‘Reconnect for Better Days’ Training: Learn Tools to Help Yourself De-stress
Interested participants may visit resourcesforresilience.org/events to see a full calendar of upcoming programming and scheduled events.
About Resources For Resilience
Resources For Resilience™ is a Western North Carolina-based nonprofit organization specializing in sharing simple strategies and research-based resources to help individuals, teams and communities manage stress, prevent burnout, and build resilience in themselves and others. Founded in 2017, RFR is proud to work closely with those who serve at the center of our communities to ensure that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive. Their signature trainings and professional development workshops help participants keep themselves, their loved ones, and the people they serve healthy and connected.
Media Contact
Michelle Tyler, Director of Operations
marketing@resourcesforresilience.org
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