Our Organization in the News
The community forums have resulted in new partnerships between grassroots and institutional leaders to address shared challenges; policy changes at the city, county, and town of Old Fort related to housing and transportation; more unity across race and class; cultural shifts related to healthy eating and active living; and better access to existing resources. In addition, a robust set of recommendations were made to local policymakers for strategies to create a healthy, resilient, and inclusive McDowell County. Check out this project report: Recommendations for a Healthy, Resilient, and Inclusive McDowell County, NC.
Watch the UNC TV episode featuring this work titled, '“Access to Healthcare in McDowell County, NC.”
Read an article featuring this work in the Standford Social Innovation Review, “Healthy Eating and Active Living Through an Equity Lens,” by Dr. Laural Gerold, Summer of 2019
Read an Innovative Rural Leadership article on West Marion Community Forum’s Executive Director, Paula Swepson-Avery
News Stories from 2023
Businesses, organizations, individuals can become a Back to School Buddy
From Staff Reports Updated July 25, 2023
Both the McDowell Access to Care and Health (MATCH) and West Marion. Inc are asking local business owners, churches and organizations to help students get off to a good start for the coming school year.
Dogwood Health Trust invests $6.6M in McDowell County in 2022
From Staff Reports Updated July 17, 2023
During 2022, the Dogwood Health Trust invested a total $6.6 million in McDowell County. That amount includes $2.67 million in grants to 12 dif…
Residents join for 2023 Juneteenth Freedom Festival
MIKE CONLEY Updated June 26, 2023
McDowell County’s second annual Juneteenth celebration took place last weekend.
Juneteenth celebration in McDowell County planned for this week
From Staff Reports Updated June 13, 2023
The Juneteenth festival in McDowell County will again be held with a four-day schedule of special events celebrating diversity, equity and inclusion.
MTCC Training Room dedicated to NAACP McDowell County
MICHAEL LAVENDER Director of Communications, MTCC Updated Jun 14, 2023
The board of trustees of McDowell Technical Community College, on recommendation from the MTCC Foundation’s board of directors, has named the …
Ray McKesson honored with Order of the Long Leaf Pine
MICHAEL LAVENDER Director of Communications, MTCC Updated May 27, 2023
Ray McKesson, retired vice president of finance and administration at McDowell Technical Community College and member of the college’s board o…
'One School, One Book' program underway at Marion Elementary
Dan Crawley Updated April 18, 2023
The West Marion Community Forum, Inc. announced this week it received a $300,000 grant in support of an ambitious campaign to advance health e…
West Marion Community Forum announces Juneteenth festival for 2023. Now seeking sponsorships
From Staff Reports Updated April 14, 2023
West Marion Community Forum Inc. will host the second annual Juneteenth Freedom Festival, happening Thursday, June 15, through Sunday, June 18.
Marion artist Emily Roberts makes a difference with her work
MIKE CONLEY Updated June 26, 2023
A Marion graphic designer and illustrator is among the western North Carolina artists whose work is adding some color to seed packets.
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