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Connecting Community Stories & Resources for Better Health — September Edition

Check out some of our September highlights with interviews, photos and videos from your community reporters at JMPRO Community Media!

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I. Events

1. West Asheville Massage Students Expand Access to Affordable Therapy

Hope DeVall, director of the School of Massage in Asheville, spoke with JMPRO about the school's training program and the therapeutic benefits available to the community. In the interview, she noted that as the school's students approach graduation, they must provide affordable massages as part of their training.

The process begins with pre-registration by calling (828) 761-1553. Upon arrival, community members can speak with their assigned therapist to customize the experience: massage intensity, room temperature, and lighting level.

While massages are available to all community members, DeVall announced plans to expand the student population by offering classes in Spanish that add bilingual professionals who can better serve our Latino community. Massages not only help reduce daily stress but also support disease prevention and overall well-being.

Enjoy this tour through the Massage School facilities at 707 Haywood Rd in west Asheville with our reporter Wendy Reyes.

2. Education with a Purpose: Kimberly Nava and the Teacher Education Program at UNC Asheville

Dr. Kimberly Nava shared with JMPRO some of her history as an educator with over 19 years of experience and ongoing passion for teaching at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Nava is also an active member of LatinxEd, a group that promotes Latino leadership and participation in higher education.

Estela Ralios and Joaquín Tordoya interviewed Kimberly at UNC-Asheville about the Teacher Licensure Program and its opportunities for aspiring educators in the state. Students can earn a bachelor's degree in a variety of disciplines, such as psychology, biology, or literature, while simultaneously preparing for their teaching license.

Learn more about this meeting and Dr. Nava's life as an assistant professor at UNCA in our video.

3. Step Into Wellness: How 'Walking Football' Supports Healthy Aging in Asheville

Asheville Parks & Recreation offers soccer classes for seniors 50 and older to encourage healthy living. Ben McKinney, who leads the 'walking football' program, says it encourages inclusion and improves health and social connections for adults.

While summer has ended, the arrival of fall paves the way for similar upcoming activities. Asheville Parks & Recreation publishes quarterly guides with information on walks, clubs, meetings, and other events that provide opportunities for community members to support their health and wellbeing.

'Walking football' is a modified version of soccer that prohibits running and physical contact, focusing on the safety of the players. The benefits range from improving mobility, balance, and cardiovascular health to combating isolation and depression.

Learn more about walking football and Ben McKinney in the following interview conducted at Memorial Stadium in Asheville.

4. United After the Hurricane: A Celebration of Culture and Ongoing Recovery

On September 13, Centro Unido hosted the “United Cultures Festival 2025” in Marion to honor the resilience of Western North Carolina communities following the impact of Hurricane Helene. The event brought people together through live music, traditional Latin dances, and booths showcasing local entrepreneurs and culture.

With the theme “United After the Hurricane,” the five-hour festival was a vibrant celebration of strength and community spirit. Attendees enjoyed food, artisan crafts, raffles, and resources provided by local organizations—all while sharing in the joy of recovery and connection.

A highlight of the day was the return of "México en el Corazón," whose stunning performance featured over 70 guest artists from Guadalajara, captivating the Marion audience once again.

The festival also included a moment of reflection: a small vigil was held in honor of those affected by last year's storm—reminding everyone of the shared journey through hardship and healing.

Community reporters joined the festival to gather stories from the community and participating artists.

5. Project Access: Free Healthcare Support for Uninsured Community Members

Project Access is a network of volunteer physicians providing free, comprehensive healthcare to uninsured and low-income patients in our region. Services may include preventive screenings, medications, and essential medical equipment like crutches and eyeglasses.

JMPRO reporters spoke with Julie Schneier, Director of Project Access, who explained that the enrollment process begins with a referral from a primary care provider. Once the referral is received, Project Access sends the patient an application, which must be completed along with the appropriate documentation.

For community members who need help with language access, the Western Interpreter Network (WIN) at 828-274-0950 is available to bridge that gap. A professional interpreter can assist with scheduling appointments by phone and can also attend the visit with community members in person.

Keep in mind: Project Access is not health insurance, but it’s a valuable resource for accessing medical care—another way we support one another as a community.

If you'd like to learn how to apply for Project Access and what the requirements are, click the following video.

6. ‘Voices for Economic Justice’ Launches This Month

Just Economics Executive Director Vicki Meath and Ariana “Seimy” Mendoza spoke with JMPRO reporters about critical issues affecting our community—fair wages, housing, and healthcare access across the state. Their conversation also covered important topics like labor rights and employee benefits.

They highlighted the free “Voices for Economic Justice” program, running through November 6, every Thursday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. This program aims to educate the community on economic issues while building leadership skills. If you’re interested in participating, call (828) 280-8628 for more details.

Meath emphasized that Just Economics is seeking dialogue with companies to promote fair pay for workers. A directory of certified companies committed to fair wages is available on the Just Economics website.

To learn more about the organization's work and the "Voices" program, click the video below.

7. Guiding the Journey: Pregnancy Support Across 19 Counties

Sistas Caring 4 Sistas is a Western North Carolina organization dedicated to supporting families from preconception through parenthood, in part by offering professional doula services. A doula is a trained expert who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

Kahlani Jackson, the doula program manager, shares that their services extend across 19 counties, offering education and comfort techniques such as exercises, movement, and massage that expecting parents can use on their journey. The organization’s primary goal is to reduce stress and promote relaxation throughout pregnancy, helping families feel empowered and supported.

In January, a community doula training program will be offered for bilingual Latinas who wish to become doulas.

8. A Place to Learn, Play, and Grow: Inside the Canton Library

The Canton Library at 11 Pennsylvania Avenue is an inviting space to enjoy reading and activities with friends and family. The community has access to a wide variety of resources, including books, audiobooks, DVDs, computers, graphic novels, and manga for youth.

The library’s calendar features monthly events such as youth chess tournaments, reading groups, creative writing clubs, Lego building sessions, and much more. As part of the Haywood County Public Library system, Canton offers a landing space and wealth of resources to the community.

Library assistant Dennin Holmes Mora shares that Canton also provides online courses for learning English and improving computer skills. Residents can obtain a library card granting free access to books, movies, and the Zoom Pass program, which offers complimentary entry to select museums and zoos.

To learn more about the library and its facilities, watch this video interview with branch manager Jennifer Stuart.

9. IAM’s Vision of Hope and Stability

Interfaith Assistance Ministry (IAM), based in Hendersonville, supports individuals and families in crisis by providing food, hygiene items, clothing, and financial assistance.

The organization plays a vital role in the community, serving over half of Henderson County’s Latino population and assisting 100 to 150 families each day through its financial services. According to Executive Director Elizabeth Moss, each case begins with an interview to better understand a family’s specific needs.

For more than eight years, Elizabeth has helped local families facing financial hardship—especially with rent and utility assistance. Before joining IAM, she had a successful career in investigative journalism in Miami and San Francisco, later moving to North Carolina with her husband. She went on to teach journalism at UNC Asheville before stepping into her current leadership role at IAM.

II. Publications of the month

Salud y Bienestar

Discover how Project Access helps those without health insurance, get affordable massages from the WNC Massage School, and see how Bounty & Soul tackles food insecurity. Don't forget to explore the Doula program thanks to Sistas Caring 4 Sistas among other stories. Read the post here.

Nuestras Historias

Learn how to get fair wages and employee benefits at Just Economics, sign up for free photography classes with JMPRO, participate in community events, enjoy readings at the Canton Library, and explore many interesting stories.

You can read our publication here.

III. Community Reporters

Free photography classes in your neighborhood thanks to JMPRO

JMPRO offers free basic photography courses in Asheville, supplying all equipment and graphic materials for students’ learning.

The initiative aims to empower and strengthen the community and foster creativity and expression through photography. If you would like more information about the classes, please send a WhatsApp message to (828) 785-9206 or through JMPRO's social media channels. Remember, these classes are designed for those with little or no knowledge of photography.

We share some photographs of the workshops we have offered this month.

JMPRO Community Media Highlights!- SEPTEMBER 2025/ ANDREW Click here for an update from JMPRO Community Media!