News + Events
Laughter, Hotdogs and Mental Health Support For Asheville’s Food and Beverage Workers
What a day! On Saturday, August 9th our team had a blast at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ’s Big Wiener Party — an outrageously fun hot dog showdown in the heart of Asheville’s South Slope.
Nine creative teams went all out, dressing up hundreds of hot dogs with wild and whimsical toppings, all vying for the coveted title of King or Queen Wiener. Congratulations to The Vault for taking home the top prize with their Pickle Tickler — a dill pickle cream cheese, pepper relish, fried potato strings, and bacon dust creation that was as delicious as it sounds!
Best of all? The event wasn’t just about laughs and loaded dogs — it was about supporting mental health in our community. Proceeds from the day benefit Bear’s Foundation’s Linked4Life initiative, which funds 6 free sessions of mental health counseling for Asheville’s food and beverage workers through All Souls Counseling Center.
A huge thank you to Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, Linked4Life, the Asheville Comedy Festival, and everyone who came out to eat, cheer, and make a difference. Together, we’re feeding more than appetites — we’re feeding hope.
Crane ChemPharma and Energy supports Mental Health in WNC!
Each year, Crane ChemPharma and Energy, with a manufacturing plant in Marion, NC, gives back generously to the community and the summer recipients are selected after an employee nominations process to identify non-profits doing good in their community. We were selected again this year and could not be more grateful for the $3,500 donation through the Crane Charitable Fund to support outreach, therapy work, and mental health education initiatives here at All Souls. Thank you Marion Crane team members!
ASCC Hosts 6th Community Meal in Weaverville, NC
On July 31st, we hosted our 6th Free Community Dinner at First Baptist Church in Weaverville, with a warm meal provided by Twisted Laurel and a powerful message on resilience from ASCC therapist Shawna Ohle, LCMHC.
Shawna shared that resilience is like a scale—and our daily experiences, both positive and negative, can tip it one way or the other. She reminded us that as humans, we often have a negativity bias and may overlook the small positive moments in our day-to-day lives.
To help counter that, Shawna offered simple, practical tools to support our nervous systems, including grounding exercises like 5-4-3-2-1, the practice of pausing to look at a favorite photo on the background of our phone for 40 seconds, and having self-compassion during hard times.
We’re grateful to the Duke Energy Foundation for supporting this outreach, and to the First Baptist Church staff for creating such a warm, welcoming space. These dinners are about more than food—they’re about healing together.
ASCC Exceeds our Spring Appeal Goal!
During unpredictable times, community trust and support for All Souls and our mission is manifested in the generous outpouring of gifts. It is with grateful hearts that we announce the successful results of our 2025 Spring Appeal campaign. Thanks to each and every one of our friends who put their trust in our work and recognize the growing need to care for our community. Appeal gifts of all sizes this spring and summer helped us raise almost $24,000 in unrestricted funding and exceed or goal! Together we are making a difference in Western North Carolina.
Announcing ASCC’s New Podcast: Soul Sessions!
We’re excited to launch Soul Sessions, a new monthly podcast from All Souls Counseling Center. Each episode will offer accessible mental health education, guided breathwork or grounding techniques, and practical tools you can add to your mental health toolbelt.
In our first episode, therapist and mental health educator Adam Lewis introduces the foundations of mindfulness through the lens of Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). Listeners will learn the “WHAT” skills of mindfulness—observe, describe, and participate—as developed by DBT founder Marsha Linehan, PhD.
Tune in every month with intention and gain insight. Soul Sessions is now available on many favorite podcast platforms.
Click Here to listen to episode 1!
Meet Our New Donor Relations Coordinator: Ela Twigg
We’re excited to introduce Ela Twigg (she/her) as the newest member of the All Souls Counseling Center team! Originally from the West Virginia/Maryland area, Ela has lived in Asheville since 2013 after spending time in places as varied as Maine, New Mexico, and Oregon. She brings a rich background in social services, healing arts, fundraising, and nonprofit administration—along with a BA in anthropology and studies in peace, sociology, and business.
Ela was drawn to ASCC because of our mission to provide compassionate, accessible care to all, and she’s most excited to grow her skills in nonprofit development while supporting the expansion of our services. Outside of work, she’s a birdwatcher, gardener, language learner, and lover of local trails and eateries. She also serves on the board of Just Economics and runs a part-time healing arts practice.
Please join us in giving Ela a warm welcome!
ASCC Hosts Free Community Meal in Bat Cave, NC
On June 5th, our team wound through the mountains into Bat Cave, NC—an area still healing from the devastation of Hurricane Helene. Along the way, we passed signs of the storm’s impact: landslides, evidence of severe flooding, downed trees, and roads still under repair. But when we arrived at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, we were greeted by something powerful—resiliency in bloom.
Surrounded by lovingly tended flower gardens planted by community members, this community welcomed us with the utmost warmth. Thanks to a generous grant from the Duke Energy Foundation, we were able to host a free community dinner for nearly 30 guests, catered by the wonderful team at Lured Market.
During the meal, ASCC therapist Adam Lewis, LCSW, led a mental health session on “Grounding 101”, sharing calming techniques like breathing exercises, butterfly tapping, walking, gardening, and more—simple ways to regulate the nervous system and reconnect with the present moment. We are deeply grateful to the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration for their partnership and hospitality, and to the Bat Cave community for showing us what strength and care look like in action.
June is Pride Month!
Mental health challenges disproportionately affect LGBTQ+ individuals at higher rates, with young people facing evaluated risk of depression, anxiety, and suicide. Young LGBTQ+ individuals are not inherently prone to higher suicide risk due to their sexual orientation or gender identities, but rather are placed under high risk due to their mistreatment and stigmatization in society.
In the 2024 WNC Healthy Impact Community Health Survey from the WNC Health Network Inc., responses indicated LGBTQ+ adults are almost 3x as likely to experience suicidal thoughts an behaviors as their straight peers. Older LGBTQ+ adults (especially in rural WNC) often struggle with isolation, limited access to culturally competent providers, and the long term effects of discrimination. They are also disproportionately affected by substance use disorders, including tobacco, alcohol and other drugs.
Providing affirming, inclusive mental health support that recognizes the unique experience of LGBTQ+ individuals across the lifespan in WNC is a core goal at All Souls Counseling Center. Pride is not only a celebration, but also a call to ensure all people, regardless of age or identity, have access to the care and community they deserve.
Explore our Mental Health Resources to find local support and national support, or call our Center at (828) 259-3369 to get connected with a therapist.
ASCC Therapist’s Jessica Ringle (left), Susan Elaine (middle), and Adam Lewis (right) at the Blue Ridge Pride Festival in downtown Asheville September 2024.
ASCC Hosts Three Free Community Meals in Western North Carolina in May
During the month of May, ASCC had the privilege of hosting three free community meals across WNC—each one offering a space for connection, reflection, and healing in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. These gatherings were made possible through the generous support of the Duke Energy Foundation and our dedicated community partners.
In Saluda, NC, we hosted our second Free Community Dinner at the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, where nearly 40 community members gathered for a delicious meal catered by Green River BBQ. ASCC therapist Adam Lewis, LCSW, led a session titled “Grounding 101,” introducing simple, everyday practices to reduce stress and cultivate calm. The evening was filled with warmth and welcome, a true reflection of Saluda’s close-knit and caring spirit.
At the Land of Sky Church of Christ in Asheville, ASCC participated in “Lament at the Intersections of Loss”—a full-day event hosted by the Emotional & Spiritual Wellness Committee of the Buncombe County Long-Term Recovery Group. The day included painting stations, seed planting, community resources, and an evening vigil, offering space to grieve and heal together. ASCC was grateful to provide free boxed meals from Lenny’s Grill & Subs for participants throughout the day.
Our third meal took place at the Swannanoa Library, where we partnered with Resources for Resilience to bring together community members for conversation, nourishment, and support. These events are about more than food—they’re about showing up for one another, sharing tools for emotional resilience, and fostering a sense of hope and belonging.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who made these meals possible—from our hosts and partners to each person who attended. Together, we are helping communities reconnect, rebuild, and restore mental well-being.
Interested in learning more about the free community dinners? Reach out to Victoria Hensley, Outreach & Community Engagement Manager at victoria@allsoulscounseling.org.
Meet our Summer Intern: Kylie Cackovic
We’re excited to welcome Kylie Cackovic to All Souls Counseling Center as our Marketing and Communications Intern this summer!
Kylie is a rising senior at UNC Asheville, majoring in Psychology and passionate about pursuing a career in mental health. A standout on and off the court, she plays for the UNCA women’s volleyball team, serves as an athlete representative for the Mental Health Ambassadors, and was recently elected Student-Athlete Welfare Executive on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
When she’s not studying or playing volleyball, Kylie enjoys spending time with friends and family, exploring the outdoors, and discovering Asheville’s local coffee shops.
Kylie shares, “I plan to continue my education in graduate school, pursuing my passion for mental health. I’m so excited to be interning with All Souls this summer and to learn more about the important work they’re doing in the community!”
Join us in giving Kylie a warm welcome!
Fred Anderson Subaru Shares the Love with All Souls Counseling Center
We are thrilled to share that All Souls Counseling Center was awarded a generous gift of $22,754 from Fred Anderson Subaru as part of their Share the Love Campaign!
Our team had the pleasure of visiting their brand-new, state-of-the-art facility and was truly blown away—both by the warm welcome and the incredible support shown for mental health access in Western North Carolina.
As a selected nonprofit partner for this year’s campaign, we are deeply grateful to the amazing team at Fred Anderson Subaru and to every Subaru customer who made this gift possible. Thank you for sharing the love with All Souls Counseling and helping us continue to provide affordable, high-quality mental health care to those who need it most.
New Community-Based Therapy Program Launches in Downtown Asheville
All Souls Counseling Center is excited to announce a new partnership with First Baptist Church of Asheville, launching a 6-month pilot community-based therapy program that brings mental health support directly into the heart of an already thriving network of care.
Every Thursday from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM, First Baptist opens its doors for a remarkable community outreach effort. Community members are invited to enjoy a hot meal, access to a “free grocery store” stocked with pantry staples, fresh produce, eggs, and meats, as well as donated clothing and essential hygiene items for both men and women. Compassionate volunteers are on hand throughout, creating a warm and welcoming experience for all.
Now, with the presence of Shawna Ohle, LCMHC, a full-time therapist from All Souls Counseling Center, community members will also have access to on-site mental health support. Whether someone simply needs a listening ear or prefers a quiet, private space to talk, Shawna offers a gentle, nonjudgmental presence—ready to meet people where they are with empathy and understanding.
We’re honored to be part of this holistic, community-rooted effort to support those facing challenges with food insecurity, housing instability, and emotional stress—and to be part of a model of care that truly reflects our mission: mental health for all.
ASCC Therapist Shawna Ohle (left) with First Baptist Church Coordinating Pastor Casey Callahan (right), pictured at First Baptist Church in Downtown Asheville.
Meet Shawna Ohle, LCMHC – Our New Full-Time Therapist
All Souls Counseling Center is proud to welcome Shawna Ohle, LCMHC, as our newest full-time therapist. Shawna earned her Master of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling in 2021 and is both a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist. With a background that includes providing support to individuals impacted by incarceration and working with local domestic violence and reentry programs, Shawna brings a deep commitment to trauma-informed, person-centered care. She specializes in treating anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic stress, incorporating mindfulness, attachment theory, and acceptance and commitment therapy into her work.
As Shawna shares, “I chose to become a therapist because it feels important to me to bring more safety and connection into a world that can sometimes be full of suffering. Connecting with others has always been something that has brought me great comfort and it’s a great honor to be able to be with people, and support people as they navigate life’s challenges.” We’re thrilled to have Shawna join our mission to expand access to affordable mental health care in our community.
The Spring Green Ribbon Society Reception at Terra Nova
On March 26, All Souls Counseling Center board members and staff gathered at Terra Nova Brewing Company to honor our 2024-2025 Green Ribbon Society members—individuals, couples, foundations, and businesses committed to leadership giving. More than 55 guests enjoyed an evening of conversation, new and renewed connections, appetizers from Mission Pizza, and insights from ASCC clinicians on their recent work in the field.
We are especially grateful to First Bank, our 2025 Green Ribbon Society events sponsor, for making this gathering possible. Rusty Edwards, Senior Vice President and Regional Executive, shared why First Bank prioritizes mental health access and its commitment to building strong, healthy communities.
The generosity of our Green Ribbon Society members enables critical mental health counseling, training, and education across WNC. To learn more about becoming a supporter, click here or contact Mary at (828) 259-3369 ext. 109 or mary@allsoulscounseling.org.
Swipe to see some highlights from the Green Ribbon Society Spring Reception at Terra Nova!
All Souls Counseling at One Buncombe Helene Recovery Series
Buncombe County recently hosted the One Buncombe Helene Recovery Series to assist those needing help recovering from Hurricane Helene. Community members were invited to drop-in and ask questions about various resources and apply for support. All Souls Counseling Center was grateful to be present and share mental health resources at three out of the four events in the series (Barndardsville Fire Station, Owen High School, Reynolds High School, and Leicester Community Center). Our 18 licensed therapists offer compassionate counseling in both a virtual and in-person format. We encourage folks who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not adequately cover mental health services to give us a call at (828)259-3369.
Bank of America names All Souls Counseling Center 2024 Neighborhood Champion!
On Feb. 15, 2025, Bank of America announced that All Souls Counseling Center has been recognized as the 2024 BofA Neighborhood Champion® in Asheville. As part of Bank of America’s Neighborhood Champions programs, the organization will receive leadership training resources and access to a national network of nonprofit peers, in addition to $50,000 in flexible funding.
“All Souls Counseling Center plays a vital role in helping ensure increased access to critical mental health services, regardless of income.” said David Dowd, President, Bank of America Asheville. “Considering what families across Western North Carolina have experienced in recent months, we know our support for All Souls Counseling Center and its work will create a lasting impact in our community.”
We are deeply grateful for this new partnership with Bank of America and for their investment in the community’s well being by supporting our compassionate and high quality mental health services.
Members of the ASCC staff, family, and donors joined Bank of America’s Asheville representatives at the February 15 UNCA Homecoming Men’s Basketball game. All Souls is grateful to everyone who turned out to support our organization and the university’s team (who won their game in the final seconds of a high energy and scoring game against the Charleston Southern Buccaneers. Way to go Bulldogs!
Mountain Xpress Spotlights ASCC’s Post-Hurricane Helene Mental Health Response
In December, Mountain Xpress featured our Executive Director, Meredith Switzer and the importance of self-care. Meredith shares how All Souls Counseling Center is meeting the growing mental health needs of Western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene – from placing therapists at community care stations to offering free Psychological First Aid training. ASCC remains committed to fostering resilience and hope. Read the full article to learn more about our work and how you can support our mission.
ASCC Executive Director, Meredith Switzer, speaks on the importance of self-care in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in a Mountain Xpress article.
Honoring Dr. King’s Legacy at the 44th Annual MLK Prayer Breakfast
Photos from the 44th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast at the Crowne Plaza Hotel
ASCC Therapists Supporting the Community in the Wake of Hurricane Helene
In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, All Souls Counseling Center (ASCC) has been deeply committed to supporting those impacted by the storm. Our therapists have been on the front lines, offering compassionate care and mental health support to help individuals and families navigate the challenges of recovery and displacement.
One particularly meaningful moment came during a Christmas event for families in Hot Springs. Susan Elaine, one of our dedicated therapists, shared her experience:
“Thinking I would provide support for the families at the Christmas event in Hot Springs, I was instead deeply moved and overwhelmed by the enthusiasm of the volunteers, the abundance of the gift donations, and the mood of joy and hope that this event provided. It was a deep act of healing for our broken community.”
ASCC therapists continued in December to be stationed at key locations, including the FEMA site at the Asheville Mall and the YMCA, providing immediate support to those seeking assistance. Additionally, ASCC had a presence during meal time at three Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) sites, meeting with individuals and families in hotels who received vouchers through the program.
This spirit of resilience and connection drives ASCC’s mission. Together, with our supporters, we are working to ensure that no one faces these hardships alone. Thank you for your continued support of ASCC as we help our neighbors find healing and hope.
Photo featuring ASCC therapist, Susan Elaine, and UNCA volunteers at the Christmas outreach event in Hot Springs, NC.
ASCC will be Closed Monday, January 20th in Honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.
All Souls Counseling Center will be closed on Monday, January 20th, in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Psychological First Aid Training
On Tuesday, Nov 12th, we partnered with the Linked4Life Foundation (the charitable arm of Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ) and Vibrant Emotional Health to host an impactful training on emotional recovery in the aftermath of a natural disaster. Dr. Robin Gurwitch of Duke University led the session, Psychological First Aid Support after a Natural Disaster, guiding participants through the 8 core actions of Psychological First Aid. The training also introduced practical coping strategies and a new framework for self-care: PRN (Pause, Reset, Nourish) which offered essential tools for both personal resilience and supporting communities in recovery.
Announcing Mental Health Mondays
Mental Health Mondays are hosted by All Souls Counseling Center every Monday from 2:00 to 3:00 PM through early November at the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce. Community members can also join Mental Health Mondays virtually via Zoom.
Register using the link below:
https://forms.gle/ifq6YLyXVNXEgk6d7
ASCC’s Executive Director, Meredith Switzer, interviewed by WLOS News 13
Thank you to WLOS News 13 for inviting our Executive Director, Meredith Switzer, to share how All Souls Counseling Center is responding to the impact of Hurricane Helene. As highlighted in the coverage, our community is facing both physical and mental hardships in the wake of this disaster. The trauma of these experiences has significantly impacted our community’s mental well-being, making it more important than ever to know that support is available. If you or someone you know is seeking counseling, please call us at (828) 259-3369 to get connected with a licensed therapist.
Click HERE to watch the full video.
ASCC Celebrates a new brand launch!
Thanks to the incredible team at and generosity of Kudzu Brands, we recently unveiled our brand new logo and celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at our Center in partnership with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce! Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special moment including our Green Ribbon Society members. We’re thrilled to share this milestone with our community!
“All Souls is more than this building. It is the outreach that we have going on. It is the other organizations that we work alongside of. The name itself speaks to how inclusive we are – it is ALL SOULS! All souls should have an opportunity and deserve quality mental health services, and I think that this [new logo] speaks to that.” -Heather Johnson, Owner of Kudzu Brands and All Souls Counseling Center Board Chair
2024 Mountain Xpress GiveLocal Campaign – Now through Dec 31!
All Souls Counseling is one of 52 local nonprofits chosen this year for Mountain Xpress’ Give!Local campaign, which seeks to raise funds for worthy causes in WNC. Between now and December 31st, donations of $100 or more to All Souls Counseling Center will be entered into a raffle to win a gift basket, which includes $200 worth of gift cards to area grocers and/or restaurants, as well as two bottles of wine from Biltmore Wines (or nonalcoholic sparkling beverages).
Please click here to make a donation to enter the raffle!
ASCC Celebrates Pride
Our team had so much fun representing All Souls Counseling at the Blue Ridge Pride Festival on September 21, 2024. We are proud to stand with the LGBTQIA+ community and provide compassionate, inclusive mental health support to all. Together we celebrate diversity, promote acceptance, and work to ensure that everyone has access to the care they deserve.
Asheville’s Red Tree Builders raise over $13,000 for All Souls Counseling
In summer 2024, Asheville’s Red Tree Builders joined the Alair Homes North American network of luxury homebuilders and celebrated with a glittering party at The Radical Hotel with ASCC as special guests. The event was the official welcome for the talented team from Red Tree and an opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the community. Alair, Red Tree, and their trusted vendor partners raised over $13,000 for All Souls Counseling to support mental health services in Western North Carolina. We are incredibly grateful to Red Tree for championing the importance of mental wellness throughout the year.
Linked 4 Life partnering with ASCC to provide mental health support to food and beverage workers
Exciting News! We’re partnering with Linked 4 Life to launch a new program that will support Asheville’s food and beverage workers with a mental health peer support network and up to six free counseling sessions. Our board members and staff attended a lunch and learn kick off event at Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and we couldn’t be more excited!
Check out this featured article from WLOS!
Click the link below to learn more and find out how you can support this new programming!
https://www.linkedforlife.org/initiatives/ashevillejunelaunch
Celebrating Hope is in Bloom: A Recap of Our Springtime fundraiser
On May 22nd, we held our much-anticipated springtime fundraiser, “Hope is in Bloom”, at Highland Brewing Company’s beautiful Event Space. The evening brought together a vibrant community of supporters dedicated to improving mental health care in Western North Carolina.
Guests enjoyed an evening filled with the upbeat swing of live jazz performed by Queen Bee & the Honeylovers. The culinary experience was elevated by a selection of mouth-watering appetizers from local favorites: Twisted Laurel, Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ, and Chestnut.
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Pam Penland Mental Health Champion Award. This year’s recipient, Chad R. Donnahoo, Esq., a long-time ASCC Board member and Board Chair, was honored for his unwavering dedication to enhancing the mental health landscape in the region.
The event featured insightful speeches from notable community partners, including Chief Mike Lamb from the Asheville Police Department, Cheryl Antoncic from Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ and a dedicated mental health advocate, and Tessa Scarborough from the MAHEC Clinical Psychiatry Department. Their words underscored the importance of collaboration and community support in addressing mental health challenges.
We are immensely grateful to our staff, counselors, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who have been instrumental in ASCC’s growth and impact. Your support and enthusiasm at Hope is in Bloom were palpable, and together, we’ve taken significant steps towards raising awareness and expanding resources for mental health care. Thank you for making this evening memorable and for helping us continue our critical work in the year ahead.
May 2024 Outreach and Community Engagement
- Given’s Estates Health Fair: Full-time therapist, Adam Lewis, and Outreach and Community Engagement Manager, Victoria Hensley, attended the Given’s Estates Health Fair where Adam presented on “When the Emotional Becomes Physical” and led two mindfulness exercises.
- Asheville Chamber Challenge 5k: Our team laced up our sneakers for the annual Asheville Chamber Challenge 5k. We are proud to be apart of a team that values both physical and mental health!
- Botiwalla Mental Health Presentation: We were invited to come speak to the staff at Botiwalla restaurant about our sliding scale mental health services and the importance of destigmatizing seeking help and talking about mental health.
- Reynolds Middle School Mental Health Expo- We were invited to the Reynolds Middle School Health Fair where we presented on coping skills and activities that are good for mental health, such as practicing self care and mindfulness.
- Noah Kahan Concert Nonprofit Community Partner: We were thrilled to be selected as one of Noah Kahan’s mental health community partners and were able to table and attend two of his concerts at Harrah’s Cherokee Center.
February 2024 Outreach & Community Engagement
- Our Outreach & Community Engagement Manager, Victoria Hensley, attended a Women for Women Lunch & Learn: Mental Health Spotlight – Preventing Youth Suicide with presenters from Youth Villages and MAHEC. She learned about services that provide mental health support to youth and families who may be struggling, such as in-home care, assessments and school-based therapy programs. Did you know that suicide is the leading cause of death for ages 15-25 in Buncombe County?
- After many years of preparation and hard work, Haywood Street Community Development officially broke ground on construction for a 41-unit affordable housing project in downtown Asheville. We are honored to be apart of the Ground Blessing Ceremony.
- Victoria and Mary stopped by Grind AVL for a coffee break where they met one of their staff members, Mark, who gladly offered to post an All Souls Counseling Center flyer on their community bulletin! Thanks for the support, Grind AVL!
- As Asheville Area Chamber Members, Victoria was able to attend the PROpel Grow Series: ‘Mastering Influence: Transforming Leadership Dynamics‘ where presenter Jennifer Germaine uncovered how to effectively navigate and reshape interactions and foster a culture of empathy, effective communication, and impactful leadership.
- For the second year in a row, our team attended the Craggy Correctional Transitional Fair where we engaged with around 70 inmates who will soon be released. Along with several of our community partners, we showed up to highlight resources and services that are available and encourage inmates to reach out for support.
Welcome New Staff Member: Janet Shelton!
Janet joined our team in February 2024 as our Finance and Operation’s Support and we are thrilled to have her as our newest staff member! Janet has over 20 years of experience working in the healthcare arena as an administrator and also runs her own bookkeeping business. As an Asheville native, she loves to explore the brewery and restaurant scene, as well as enjoy the beautiful outdoors that surround our area. She is a proud cat-mom to two cats and is currently undergoing a 1972 Corvette restoration project in her free time!
Welcome New Board Member: Brandy Mills!
We’re thrilled to announce the addition of Brandy Mills to our Board of Directors! As Owner and Executive Coach of Brandy Mills Consulting, she brings over a decade of experience of helping businesses grow and succeed. In addition to her role as a consultant, Brandy’s 20+ years of experience as a Registered Nurse with regional hospitals and deep understanding of behavioral health enriches our mission and is a huge asset to our leadership team.
Meredith Switzer Participates on Mental Health Safety Net Panel at Legislative Health Policy Fellows Event
On Monday, February 5th, our Executive Director had the honor of serving on the Mental Health Safety Net Panel for the Legislative Health Policy Fellows at the Casso Hotel in Raleigh. Hosted by the NC Institute of Medicine, the Legislative Health Policy Fellows Program brings together legislators from the NC Senate and NC House to dig deeper into the data, information, policy options, and knowledge necessary for effective health policy decision-making. This was an opportunity to not only raise awareness around mental health safety nets – health care providers designed to support those in our community who are most vulnerable – but also represent the important mission of All Souls Counseling Center in the western region of our state.
Celebrating Unity at the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast
Our team members celebrated Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy by attending a truly impactful morning at the 43rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast. The theme for this year, “Still Marching Forward: Fighting for Justice Never Ends,” resonated with our shared commitment to celebrating equality, pursuing justice, and embracing the strength of unity. The keynote address by Asheville native James E. Ferguson II left a profound impact on us, and witnessing North Carolina Attorney General Josh Stein present James E. Ferguson with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine was a particularly awe-inspiring moment for our team.
Exciting News! Join us in welcoming our new Development Director, Mary Waller!
Mary brings creativity and diverse expertise from her roles in large and small non-profits, including team leadership at an urban church and a statewide conservation project. She was also co-owner and operator of an award-winning PR firm and was a lead storyteller for a cancer hospital and an NIH-funded brain research institute.
Originally from Oklahoma, Mary was drawn to Asheville’s nature-forward culture. She’s a mom of three, loves hiking, historical fiction, coffee, and hopes to expand her nascent fly fishing skills.
Want to reach out to Mary and extend a warm welcome or share ideas? Drop her an email at mary@allsoulscounseling.org or give her a call at 828-259-3369 x 109. She’s excited to hear from you! 📧📞
Meredith Switzer, ASCC Executive Director featured on the Asheville Area Focus podcast!
Our Executive Director, Meredith Switzer, was invited as a guest speaker on the Asheville Area Focus podcasted, hosted by Melanie and Michael from Asheville Radio Group. They discussed the state of mental health in Western North Carolina, the challenges with accessing affordable services, the intersection of homelessness and mental health, and how you can get involved! To listen to the full episode, please click the link below:
https://mymix965.com/podcasts/all-souls-counseling-center-11-26-2023/
Wednesday November 1, 2023: ASCC featured on Asheville’s ‘The Overlook’ Podcast!
We are so excited to be the featured guests on an episode of The Overlook Podcast hosted by Matt Peiken! Our Executive Director, Meredith Switzer, along with Brendan Hughes, discussed the rise in demand for mental healthcare, normalizing conversations around mental health struggles, and how All Souls Counseling Center is evolving and breaking down barriers to access quality mental health services! Check out this week’s episode by clicking the link below!
ASCC is working with Equity Over Everything’s Aisha Adams on a DEI audit!
Celebrating World Mental Health Day with Bear’s Smokehouse BBQ in Asheville!
-Guided Watercolor Painting
-Messages of Hope
-Games and Activities
-Craft Beer, Mocktails, & Cocktails
-Award-Winning BBQ
-Drink ticket included in $10 entry donation
All Souls Counseling Center Awarded $10,000 Grant from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce!
We are 1 of 13 local nonprofit organizations who have been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce! Our team had such a fun time celebrating at the Chamber’s 125th anniversary party where their parking lot was completely transformed into Asheville Through the Looking Glass! We are so very grateful for the support from the Asheville Chamber and our community! Thank you to Rusty Edwards from First Bank for presenting our grant award! As Rusty said, “Together we are more resilient!”
Thanks to everyone who attended our first annual 2023 Mental Health Matters: Walk/Run for Awareness!
On Saturday, September 23rd we held our first annual Mental Health Matters: Walk/Run for Awareness at UNCA! We were thrilled to be the first community event at the newly renovated Karl Straus Track and were blown away by the amount of students, athletic teams, families, colleagues and friends who showed up in the spirit of supporting mental health.
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to all our volunteers, community partners, our Presenting Sponsor First Bank and our Media Sponsor WLOS News 13 for making this event possible! We are especially grateful to UNC-Asheville for allowing us to be the first community event at the newly renovated Karl Straus Track. We couldn’t have done it without your support and are looking forward to hosting the Mental Health Matters Walk/Run again next year!
Special thank you to our event photographers, Paul King and John Lesh, for capturing the fun and excitement of the 2023 Mental Health Matters: Walk Run for Awareness! You can visit our event photo gallery here!
Wednesday May 24th: Women for Women Grants $64,650 to ASCC
We are so incredibly grateful to have received the 2023 Women for Women grant through the Community Foundation of WNC! With these funds, All Souls Counseling Center will expand our individual and group trauma-informed mental health services to more women in WNC with a focus on individuals who have experienced domestic or sexual violence. We are grateful to be partnering with Our Voice, Helpmate and Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry (ABCCM) to support survivors of crime. Thank you so much Women for Women Giving Circle for supporting such important work in our community!
Thursday May 18: ASCC 2023 Winner of Sky High Growth Awards
We are honored to be selected as one of the winners of the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce 2023 Sky High Growth Awards! The Sky High Growth Awards celebrates the determination and accomplishments of Asheville’s rising businesses and nonprofits. Honorees are organizations experiencing growth and contributing to our local economy through innovation. We certainly have grown tremendously in the last year and we had a great time celebrating with the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and fellow award recipients at Sierra Nevada Brewery!