Conestee Foundation Inc

WNC Communities is the result of the merger of the two oldest community development organizations in Western North Carolina. For almost 60 years, two community development groups (Western North Carolina Associated Communities and Western North Carolina Development Association) successfully worked to benefit communities across the mountains through parallel efforts. The consolidated organization works to more efficiently serve the needs of communities across the region. The merged entity is now named WNC Communities. The staff and board members of the two previous organizations have been combined. Supporting community development and agriculture initiatives across Western North Carolina are primary goals of WNC Communities. WNC Communities is dedicated to providing a unique forum for leaders in the mountain region of North Carolina to convene, collaborate and carry out innovative programs to improve the quality of life for rural communities and enhance the economy of the agriculture sector. WNC Communities created Regional, Agricultural and Community Assemblies that provide organizations and communities with a means of identifying common issues, exchanging best practices and collaborating to resolve shared difficulties. This process offers the best hope for building consensus by connecting community representatives with regional and state officials and elected representatives who are eager to understand and address community issues. The Regional Agriculture Assembly was formed in March 2005 and consists of current members of the Beef Cattle, Dairy, and Horticulture Commissions. Recognize and Reward Communities The WNC Honors Program celebrated its 59th year in 2008 of recognizing, honoring and rewarding communities across Western North Carolina. The WNC Honors Awards Program serves in a research and demonstration capacity in that it allows WNC Communities to review community best practices, i.e. community programs, initiatives, etc. The process for registration and application into the WNC Honors Awards Program involves a self-examination of communities by their respective leaders. This self-examination, following the guidelines of numerous application questions devised by the Honors Committee, is then submitted in writing with supporting materials to WNC Communities. Through this process, WNC Communities will be able to examine "best practice" communities. In 2008 sixty-two communities received over $34, 000 in cash awards from private donations. Sustainable Economic Development WNC Communities supports economic development by continuing a tradition of collaborating with a wide variety of organizations and agencies including the leaders of the agriculture community, to bring regional and state strategies to the community level. WNC Communities works with a wide variety of regional partners to design and implement community-based strategies around sustainable economic development options for communities and agriculture. Community efforts center on projects to develop sustainable economic options around tourism, agricultural products, crafts, media arts, retirement and technology.

The Alston Wilkes Society (AWS) is a multistate nonprofit organization based in Greenville, SC, dedicated to providing hope and rebuilding lives through rehabilitative and prevention services. They offer a range of supportive services to veterans and their families, individuals with justice system involvement, and at-risk youth and adults in the community. With a focus on youth, veterans, and community services, AWS operates residential reentry centers and transitional facilities, along with community service programs throughout South Carolina. Their impactful work has been praised by clients and advocates alike for their dedication to helping individuals transition back into society as productive and successful citizens. Generated from the website

Outreach Mad Ministry is a community-focused organization based in Greenville, SC, dedicated to providing support and resources to those in need. Through various outreach programs and initiatives, the ministry aims to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals and families in the local area. With a strong emphasis on compassion and service, Outreach Mad Ministry offers a range of services including food assistance, counseling, and community events. By fostering a sense of unity and care, the ministry strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all who seek help. Generated from their business information