Before the flood waters started to recede, NCAE moved into action to support our members and other Hurricane Helene relief efforts. We conducted wellness checks via text message and then through phone banks to provide care, concern, and resources to our members. We sent thousands of texts to members across the region, made more than 700 phone calls, and had hundreds of conversations.
Direct outreach to NCAE members in the affected areas continued in the weeks after the storm with additional emails, texts, and phone calls offering support and information about resources available to members and school communities.
On October 23, a Zoom meeting was held to hold space for those impacted, to share their stories, and connect with each other and with available resources. Through the call, NCAE leadership and staff were able to receive feedback and guidance on what would be the best next steps for our union.
NCAE is proud of its relief efforts, but more inspiring are the WNC members who looked beyond their own challenges after Helene and supported their fellow community members.
The Asheville City Schools Association of Educators (ACAE) and the Buncombe County Association of Educators (BCAE) hosted two community recess events to give families a way to connect while having their children play in a supervised space.
"Surrounded by grief and trauma, BCAE members reached out to check on our students and colleagues, volunteered at distribution sites, and became a trusted source of information when updates were sparse,” said Shanna Peele, BCAE President. “Knowing how much our students needed connection and routine, we organized structured play dates, giving them a chance to come together, find comfort, and simply be kids despite the upheaval.”
BCAE also conducted a survey when they discovered the expediency at which schools were being opened despite the aftermath of the hurricane. Over 400 educators answered the survey, giving their opinions on the best way for the district to move forward with reopening schools.
“In the wake of Hurricane Helene’s devastation, the Buncombe County Association of Educators (BCAE) stands proud of our community’s resilience and the dedication shown by educators and staff across Western North Carolina,” said Peele. “Helene’s worst brought out our best as we came together to support our school families and the wider community.”
NCAE’s charitable arm, the North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children (NCFPSC), also moved quickly into action. In the weeks following the storm, the Foundation raised over $50,000, including more than $20,000 from NCAE members. The Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund has already distributed more than $18,000 to 60 individuals to date, helping to fulfill needs such as replacing clothes, providing food and other essential everyday items. They have spent another $3,500 on school supplies.
In addition, to the Disaster Relief Fund, students impacted by the storm may be eligible for the Foundation’s Children's Fund.
“We can expect to begin receiving Children’s Fund requests after teachers, school nurses, social workers, and other school personnel have had the opportunity to access student needs,” said NCFPSC Executive Director Marca Jones.
An impacted-member leadership committee will also be created to help guide the giving to WNC.
Members from across North Carolina in areas unaffected by the storm have also been eager to support their fellow educators and WNC students. NCAE members rallied statewide on Wednesday, October 9, holding Schools Stand Together events at 25 different schools.
“These families have experienced a trauma, homelessness, and loss of loved ones and food and security, and that all has to be addressed to help the community,” said Wake NCAE President Christina Spears at a Schools Stand Together event held at Fuquay-Varina Elementary School in Wake County.
School Stand Together brought attention to the needs of teachers, public schools, and children after the storm. They raised money for hurricane relief, gathered supplies, and signed a petition calling on North Carolina lawmakers to pass legislation that would support educators, students, and families during this critical time.
“I am so proud of the way NCAE members showed up and showed out for Western North Carolina students, educators and parents,” said Bryan Proffitt, NCAE Vice President. “This is not the end of all the good work that we are doing in this area. There is still so much work left to be done.”
