In the rugged beauty of far Western North Carolina, thousands of young people face nearly insurmountable challenges with the power to define their futures. Poverty, lack of access to healthcare, limited educational opportunities, economic instability, and disengaged communities create roadblocks that prevent these youth from realizing their full potential.
With your support, however, we have the power to remove the barriers holding them back and secure brighter futures.
At-risk youth are growing up in environments with limited opportunities. They live in rural communities with high poverty rates, where their families and caregivers struggle to meet basic needs. Quality healthcare remains out of reach for many due to cost, transportation barriers, and a shortage of providers. Schools often lack the resources to provide the comprehensive education required to compete in today’s world. Economic instability forces many young people to postpone their dreams to help support their families. A lack of community engagement and mentorship leaves them navigating hardships alone.
Children growing up in struggling households face challenges that affect their future well-being and opportunities. Without adequate support, they may encounter educational, employment, and societal barriers that hinder their ability to reach their full potential and contribute to their communities. Without intervention, these young people risk higher rates of dropping out of school, substance abuse, and mental health issues, diminishing their potential contributions to the economy.
Investing in youth support programs is far more cost-effective than dealing with long-term consequences. Neglecting these children and young adults isn’t just a moral failure—it’s an economic and social crisis with lasting repercussions.
Change is achievable. When youth receive the appropriate support, their outcomes are transformative. Access to nutritious food, healthcare, and mental health services results in healthier, more resilient young people. Quality education, including early childhood programs, after-school support, and initiatives for college or career readiness, opens doors that once seemed locked. Economic stability is attainable when young adults receive job training, financial literacy education, and employment opportunities. Community engagement programs, mentorship, and leadership initiatives help young people feel connected, valued, and empowered to give back.
Every young person deserves a chance to thrive. With your financial support, we can fund healthcare initiatives, strengthen educational programs, and create safe spaces where youth can learn, grow, and dream big. Your investment isn’t just a gift—it’s a commitment to changing lives and shaping the future of Western North Carolina.
Together, we can remove barriers and create a pathway to success for the next generation. Join us in this vital mission and be a part of the change these young people need.
In recognition of our sixth anniversary, which we reached in February 2025, we invite you to make health and well-being available for all, especially for WNC’s most vulnerable residents.
With a $6-a-month investment, you will help us build on our past success and ensure more children and young adults thrive.
Our goal is to raise $50,000 in 2025. It’s lofty, but with your help, more children will grow up knowing what it means to be healthy, happy, and cared for by their community.
Nantahala Health Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible. Federal Tax ID # 83-2682447.
Our mission to support local nonprofits, faith-based leaders, and government agencies as they work toward improved health outcomes for all citizens of Western North Carolina will require a significant commitment of resources over many years.
We invite all who embrace our mission to support upstream solutions to barriers to better health to invest in our work and to be a part of our results. At any level of giving, your support ensures our effort will continue until every resident of Western North Carolina has equitable access to better health outcomes. Whether you can help today with a one-time gift, help every month with sustained giving, or help us well into the future by making health and wellness for all your life’s legacy, we invite you to contact us for more information.
Financial information about our organization and a copy of our license are available from the N.C. State Solicitation Licensing Section at (919) 807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
