Supporting Our Friends in WNC
On Doing What You Can
I have talked to multiple friends in Western North Carolina in the last few days. While the extent of the devastation in this region and beyond is incomprehensible, each person has shared stories of how their communities are coming together, how strangers are helping each other out, and how people, including my badass friends, are tirelessly working to recover from this tragedy. I cannot wrap my mind around the depth of the destruction, and my heart aches for those who have been affected.
The last few days, I have been thinking of Theodore Roosevelt's quote, “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” I want to use this newsletter as a call to action. I want to highlight some of these people I know and love and share ways YOU can support them!
In 2019, I moved to Asheville to work at an inpatient care facility that treats men with substance abuse disorders and mental health issues. I met Rachel and Ben at this job and immediately loved them both.
Rachel is a feisty Italian with a loud laugh, a huge heart, and a sense of humor even cruder than mine. She is currently working at a transitional living home in Asheville. Since the storm, she has been working full-time. Still, during her time off, she has been purchasing and transporting supplies to those in need, cooking and providing food to neighbors and friends, doing other people’s laundry, helping people fill out FEMA forms, doing wellness checks, and meeting the needs of those around her as they arise.
When I asked, “Are you taking care of yourself?” She laughed at me and said, “What do you think?” For the past week, Rachel has been pouring her love, energy, and money into her community nonstop. Please support Rachel by following her on Instagram, where she reports what she needs, and by sending her money via Venmo.
I met Ben at the same job. Ben has a sweet, Buddha-like presence and wisdom. He feels ancient but also youthful, funny, and playful. He once told me that he had never heard anyone use the word “triggered” as much as me (thank you?), which, for some reason, I thought was hilarious. Ben has a way of telling you the truth and calling you out with such grace and love that you can’t even be pissed. He is also a beacon of love and has spent years supporting his community in Asheville. Ben is a living angel. Since the day after the storm, Ben has been making supply runs to Charlotte, purchasing and distributing goods, and is now transitioning to helping communities clean up. He accepts Venmo donations that will directly support local communities and is updating his needs via Instagram (look for the shirtless hottie).
My dear sister-friend Allie is another woman in the Asheville area whose boots are on the ground. I met Allie a few years back, and her depth and warmth allowed us to become instant sisters. She is currently doing supply runs to Charlotte, gathering with neighbors, supporting those in her direct community, and amplifying the efforts of local organizations such as Beloved Asheville. Allie is also part of the Long Branch Environmental Education Center. For more information on how to support them, please visit this link and follow Allie on Instagram for updates on what they need!
These precious friends of mine have all stepped up and into these roles without question. They immediately took action after the storm and have been doing what they can for themselves and those around them. They are heroes! I am proud to call them my friends. If you want to support locals, please consider giving directly to Ben, Rachel, or Beloved Asheville.
I have heard many other stories from friends supporting those in WNC and beyond this past week. Some took chainsaws and cut down trees; others volunteered with aid organizations. A friend took a truckload of gas up to one of his buddies. People are letting strangers shower in their houses. These are stories of generosity, hope, and community. I have also heard stories of death and destruction that have made me weep. I want to take a moment here to honor those who died in this terrible disaster and all those affected.
I pray that those who lost their lives during this disaster have peacefully transitioned into the light. I pray that those who have witnessed these tragedies, who have lost loved ones, who have seen the devastation can heal from their experiences. I pray that these communities be held and that this tragedy catalyzes a deep coming together and healing in Appalachia, the Southeast, and beyond. I pray for the survivors and for everyone who is supporting them. I pray that all those pouring their souls into the recovery of this region and beyond be divinely guided, healed, and whole. I pray for miracles. I pray for a full recovery for all beings, animals, nature, and entities affected by this disaster. Thank you. And so it is.
For anyone who has spent time in Western North Carolina hiking her mountains, driving her elevated, weaving roads, or taking in the burst of autumnal color in the fall, I invite you to consider supporting my friends, Beloved Asheville, or some other aid organization. Please reach out to your friends in these regions. Please consider donating time or money. And please keep this region, as well as other areas affected by Hurricane Helene, in your thoughts and prayers.
As always, thank you for reading and witnessing me. I love y’all.
CURRENTLY
DOING: Well, I met a man a few weeks ago, and that’s been a WILD RIDE in all the best ways!
WRITING: I have been a little distracted ^^^ lol, but I am getting back on track this week.
READING: I am reading anything and everything by Annie Ernaux, my favorite French memoirist, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2022.
I AM CURRENTLY OFFERING:
I am launching my first course, Free Woman, a nine-week course for women seeking liberation by becoming the most authentic versions of themselves. The course starts on October 21st and takes place on Monday nights on Zoom from 7-8:30pm EST. Early bird pricing is $600. Please email me for more info.
Intuitive Guidance and Coaching sessions.
Tarot Card readings via Zoom and in-person. I am available for parties and events, too.
Please email me for more details or to schedule: carleyjuelstanley@gmail.com
If you feel called to contribute, please subscribe to my newsletter or visit my Venmo page. Thank you!
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