COVID may be a nightmare still, but we have never had so many tools for surviving and finding joy at a distance.

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Recognizing the struggles all have endured for 2 years now and realizing the isolation for many we hope to bring some ideas, suggestions and support to the community. If you have other suggestions, then please let us know. We are all in this together.
Jessica Whitehill, Executive Director for Jewish Family Services. The organization offers a variety of programs including counseling, a food pantry and holiday meal service delivery. All are welcome! For more information visit www.jfswnc.org.
Stephanie Stewart, Aging Program Specialist with United Way shared some advice and the very interesting idea of laughter yoga. Stephanie reminded us that there are still many volunteer opportunities even during this period of Covid. To learn more visit https://www.unitedwayabc.org. To learn more about laughter yoga visit laughteryoga.org.
Daniel Mendez, Elder Justice Navigator at the Council on Aging of Buncombe County is new to the area but has a wealth of information. To reach out to her please go to https://www.coabc.org/programs/elder-justice/.
There are still many opportunities for volunteers, and they are Covid safe. AARP is happy to provide more information (https://www.aarp.org/giving-back/) or become a volunteer for Blue Ridge Pride (blueridgepride.org)

Take a Virtual Break

Sometimes you just need a break, a laugh or maybe some interesting information. How about trying some of these resources:

  • Virtual Museum Tours- famous Museums –offer tours from the couch

Other Online experiences 

And, of course, please know there is help for our LGBTQ+ community. Do not be afraid, don’t be ashamed. We are all in this together.

Suicide Prevention Resources

Local Resources

  • Our Voice 35 Woodfin Street, Asheville NC Hotline: (828) 255-7576. Our Voice has a great page summarizing local resources available in Buncombe County [link]. It covers all sorts of COVID crisis-related resources: healthcare, food, housing, children, pets, unemployment, etc.
  • All Souls Counseling Center 35 Arlington Street | (828) 505-7353
  • NAMI Western North Carolina 356 Biltmore Avenue | (828) 505-7353 | Website

Other Resources

  • Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386. The Trevor Project is a nonprofit organization that provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ youth ages 13-24, educates young people and adults on detecting and responding to suicide risk among LGBTQ youth, and advocates for laws and policies that will reduce suicide among LGBTQ young people. Offers support via chat and text as well.
  • National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) or text HELLO to 741741.  We can all help prevent suicide. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
  • Veterans Crisis Line 1-800-273-8255 or text to 838255. Offers chat service
  • American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – North Carolina Chapter  Focuses on eliminating the loss of life from suicide by advancing research and by delivering prevention programs to educate the public.   [NC Programs Page]

Web Resources

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

  • Help Yourself Provides a framework for getting help and making a plan. Includes links to therapists, support groups, and planning tools.  Includes links specific to LGBTQ+, COVID, Veterans, Youth, Native Americans, Loss Survivors, Spanish-Speaking, and others.
  • Help Others Includes Warning Signs, Dos and Don’t’s, 5 Action Steps.
  • Suicide Prevention on Social Media Includes practices and links for helping people on social media.

National Institute for Mental Health

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