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Helping The Helpers: Resiliency Education Expands in WNC Amid State-wide Recovery Efforts

Helping The Helpers: Resiliency Education Expands in WNC Amid State-wide Recovery Efforts

by | October 1, 2025 | Resources for Resilience

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:

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

Further Reading

“Vaya Health & Resources for Resilience Partner to Deliver Trauma-Informed Support Across WNC Following Hurricane Helene” (May 2025)

 

What ‘Wellness’ Means to Us

What ‘Wellness’ Means to Us

by | August 5, 2025 | Resources for Resilience

Every August, National Wellness Month reminds us to take proactive steps toward better health. While the word “wellness” is often associated with physical fitness, it’s much more than exercise and diet—it’s also about emotional balance and mental clarity.

At Resources for Resilience, we believe wellness is more than self-care—it’s community care. It’s about the collective power of connection and healing.

Wellness is Holistic AND Collective

Wellness and mental health are deeply connected. When our emotional needs are neglected, our physical health often suffers—and vice versa. Stress, burnout, trauma, and isolation can all take a toll on mental wellness, potentially leading to or worsening conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance use disorders.

That’s why prioritizing mental wellness means making space for rest, connection, support, and healing. It’s about learning how to manage emotions in healthy ways—and building the confidence to reach out when help is needed.

When we care for ourselves, we also strengthen the communities around us.

Tools for Personal Wellness

Wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency. Even the smallest steps can make a big difference in how we feel about our lives, connect with others, and cope with stress.

Here are a few ways to prioritize wellness all year-long:

     

      • 🤝 CONNECT with others who support healing and growth

      • 💧 CARE for your body with hydration, nutrition, rest, and movement to boost your mood and energy

    Remember: true wellness doesn’t mean feeling great all the time. It means showing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.

    Building Resilient Communities

    When we invest in our well-being, we’re better equipped to handle stress, solve problems, maintain relationships, and perform at our best—both personally and professionally.

    Our minds and bodies are incredibly resilient. Sometimes, they just need a little support and guidance to get to a good place. Whether you’re just beginning your wellness journey or maintaining your progress, Resources for Resilience is here to walk alongside you.

    Together, let’s commit to building communities where everyone feels safe, seen, and supported. Every act of care and connection matters.

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