WNC -- September 2, 2026: As Western North Carolina marks the two-year anniversary of Tropical Storm Helene, local mental health nonprofit Resources For Resilience is hosting free community workshops to help residents process ongoing disaster trauma, grief, and nervous system fatigue.
The two-hour "Reflect & Reconnect" sessions are specifically scheduled in communities heavily impacted by the September 2024 floods. The program pairs Resources For Resilience’s Reconnecting Through Hard Times curriculum with facilitated Community Listening Circles. Organizers aim to provide practical, research-backed tools for managing stress and regulating the nervous system, while offering a safe, open space to share personal experiences alongside neighbors, first responders, and local helpers.
Upcoming Session Details
Swannanoa: Wednesday, September 23, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Swannanoa Public Library (101 W. Charleston Ave., Swannanoa, NC).
Asheville: Friday, September 25, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Wrong Way River Lodge & Campground (9 Midnight Dr., Asheville, NC).
What Participants Need to Know
Cost: Free for all Western North Carolina residents, frontline workers, and volunteers.
Registration: Space is limited to preserve small-group discussion; advance sign-up is required via the Resources For Resilience website at resourcesforresilience.org.
Crisis Lines:Anyone experiencing an immediate mental health crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or reach the statewide Hope4NC Helpline at 1-855-587-3463 for disaster-related psychological support.
Local Coverage: Readers looking for ongoing recovery updates and community news across Western North Carolina can find continuous reporting at wnctimes.