For those of you in the Western NC region, or with ties to this place, where were you the moment you realized that things here were forever changed?

My heart has been with all of you whose lives were touched by this storm. Below are some helpful tools, shoutouts to a few heroes, and a list of events that commemorate the upcoming anniversary of Helene.

There are 5 key capabilities that support us through traumatic experiences: 

RESILIENCE allows a person to keep going even when traumatic events like Helene happen. It’s our inner strength that helps us to keep showing up. How to build resilience: Develop a routine that supports stability (sleep, nutrition, movement). Build a support network. Reflect on past experiences where you overcame hardship.

ADAPTABILITY – Trauma often changes how we see the world. Adaptability helps us accept those changes and reshape our lives accordingly. Tools to help you adapt: Accept that change is part of healing. Explore different coping strategies (therapy, art, mindfulness). Try reframing negative thoughts into learning opportunities.

COURAGE – Healing requires confronting painful memories and feelings. Courage helps initiate that process. How to practice: Take small emotional risks (like opening up to a trusted person). Seek professional help when needed. Celebrate small wins — each step forward is a brave act.

PATIENCE – Trauma recovery is not linear. Patience allows space for ups and downs. Practicing patience: Set realistic expectations. Allow yourself to rest. Acknowledge that healing takes time and is not a race.

HOPE provides motivation and vision for a life beyond trauma. Cultivating hope: Visualize a better future. Connect with inspiring stories or people. Practice gratitude for small joys and progress.

Here are a few examples of these characteristics, found in the wake of the storm:

RESILIENCE 

Marquee , in the River Arts District, is home to over 240 curated artisans offering craft, artful decor, unique antiques, and more. During the hurricane Marquee’s building was completely submerged in storm water, leading to a devastating loss. Now, after a year of rebuilding they will be reopening with a celebration this Thursday, September 25th at 6pm.

ADAPTABILITY

East Fork Pottery - One of the top dinnerware manufacturers in the country (headquartered right here in Asheville) instantly set into action after Helene damaged some of their facilities and inventory, and initiated a seconds and overstock sale to keep payroll going. But, they didn't stop there: a percentage of the sales also went to organizations in our region that were supporting the relief and rebuilding efforts.

You can support their company and get some beautiful pottery of your own here. (I drink my Dynamite Roasting Co. coffee in The Mug every morning!).

COURAGE

BeLoved Asheville – After the storm, they became a major distribution hub, sharing millions of pounds of food, millions of gallons of water, and millions of necessities from hygiene, first aid, and tools for clean up and repairs. Some of their volunteers hiked supplies where roads were inaccessible. They provided winter shelters of tiny homes and RVs for hundreds of people. They supported clean up efforts that included mucking out homes, cleaning up debris and even helping restore roads. This year, they have broken ground on a BeLoved Village in Swannanoa for families who lost everything.

You can support their ongoing efforts here.

PATIENCE

Asheville Tea Company - Within the year prior to the storm, they had moved into a 5,000 sqft facility they fully owned, only to have it unhinge off of its foundation and wash down the Swannanoa River. Despite losing everything (production equipment, inventory, herbs, and offices), shutting down was never an option. They have partnered with other manufacturing facilities to keep up production, and they are slowly rebuilding, hoping to open a new, permanent facility for blending teas in Asheville in early 2026.

You can purchase their wonderful tea blends here.

HOPE

Poppy's Handcrafted Popcorn – created the “Popcorn with a Purpose” campaign, which donates $1 from every sale of their Asheville Mix Artist popcorn to the Optimist Ventures (a fund Poppy’s CEO, Ginger Frank established in partnership with Jeffrey Kaplan, Executive Director of Venture Asheville, and backed by the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce, Dogwood Health Trust, Truist Bank, Bank of America, and individual angel investors). Optimist Ventures has awarded grants totaling $1.7 million to local businesses.

Frank also initiated WE ARE (Women Entrepreneur Asheville Recovery Endeavor), a program / raffle supporting women‑owned businesses in the region.

Find their Asheville Mix Artist Bag here, and help support Asheville’s small business community! 

Upcoming events:

• Post-Helene Symposium (Sept. 24–26)
• Heroes of Helene (Sept. 25)
• River Blessings & Art Shows (Sept. 26–28)
• Reunion Concert (Sept. 27)
• Community Tree Giveaway (Sept. 27)
• Community Remembrance & Resilience Day (Sept. 27)
  
• Climate Change & Social Justice Forum (Sept. 27)
• Bee Tree Candlelight Vigil (Sept. 27)
• Anniversary Concert (Sept. 27)
• Stronger Than the Storm Celebration (Oct. 2)

Please visit the Buncombe County Government site to see the full list of events, including details, locations, and times.