|
Newsletter Archive
October 2025
Every mile tells a story.
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
September 2025
How one ride kept a birthday alive, and another delivered hope.
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
August 2025
Newsletter
Published: August 2025
This recognition affirms the essential role we play in keeping neighbors connected.
If you see our community van driving around town, know that we’re helping your loved ones get to you and to the places that bring them joy.
Signage courtesy of local graphic designer Arianna Slade-Duncan and print shop Henco North.
Milestones
🚌 Rides to a Destination: 1,002
👥 People Helped: 123
Impact Stories
A Trip to the WNC Nature Center
Join Marnette on a ride-along as she enjoys a day out in nature.
Watch the video above to join Marnette on a ride-along.
“As an 86-year-old stroke survivor with aphasia, I was very impressed with your service. You made me feel comfortable with my verbal handicap by having patience with me and letting me express myself… Socialization is an important part of a stroke survivor’s therapy. Seniors need more services like Better Together.”
– Henry, on going to eat with friends
“It feels good to go out. I haven’t been anywhere in six months.”
– Laurie, on a trip out shopping
“It was scary at first to meet people and socialize. But it feels better to get out and do some fun stuff.”
– Pamela, on attending a writing club at the Harvest House Community Center
Next Steps
When someone tells us, “I’d like to volunteer as a driver,” we hear, “I want to care for the people in my community.”
We’re launching a pilot program for Community Caretakers—volunteers who support transportation in their own neighborhoods across Buncombe County.
While the program takes shape, we’re looking for neighbors willing to help in other ways:
Mechanics
If you’re a trusted mechanic in Buncombe County, we’d love to connect. When our van is out of service, we need a local partner to get it back on the road.
Dispatchers
Volunteers to answer calls and schedule rides. You keep things running and help people get where they need to go.
Mobile Companions
Join a senior on their outing—whether it’s helping with groceries, sharing a meal, or simply being present with them. As a Mobile Companion, you bring friendship and connection to our riders.
If any of these roles interest you, please email us at:
volunteer@ridebettertogether.org
Your time and care can change a neighbor’s life.
A Personal Note from the Executive Director
People often ask me, “Why do you do this work?” The answer comes from a place of deep emotion. I hope you’ll take a moment to listen. – Gino
Help Us Reach More People
Every ride is made possible by community members like you. Your gift helps seniors and people with disabilities stay connected to what matters most.
© 2025 Better Together Transportation • Buncombe County, NC
April 2025
Newsletter
20 April 2025
Better Together Transportation began service on February 11, 2025. Since then we have given 230 rides (115 round-trips) to over 57 people in Buncombe and Madison counties.
Milestones
Rides to a Destination
230
People Helped
57
Partnerships
We partnered with MountainCare and give rides to seniors, Monday through Friday, to attend their Adult Day Services. This program helps seniors maintain their cognitive ability as they progress through the stages of dementia.
We will soon begin working with ABCCM’s Transformation Village to give rides to the women and children in their program. We will offer them access to their community to help them continue on their journey toward permanent housing.
Impact Stories
- David and Naomi, husband and wife. On Sundays we transport David from a nursing home in Asheville to visit his wife at their house in Burnsville.
- Victoria, 99-years-old, who lives in Asheville and was brought to be in attendance at her son Jody’s funeral.
- Pamela who was able to attend a Tea Party organized by the Harvest House Community Center. First time she has socialized in months, “It feels good to not be isolated.”
- Ellen Scott who is taken to church on Sundays and is now able to be a part of her congregation at the Church at Asheville on Chunn’s Cove Road.
- Anita who was taken to the DMV to obtain a license plate for her car. She is now able to drive and has gained mobile independence.
- Ruth and Frank, elders who live at a retirement housing authority, were able to use their pass to the Arboretum to see the gardens for a day.
- Tom, a senior who saw our ad in the Mountain Xpress, was brought to the Haywood Street Congregation to get a free haircut. He has also been brought to Ingles to buy groceries.
Click below to listen to Tom speak
about the value that our trips bring him.
Every mile tells a story.
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
How one ride kept a birthday alive, and another delivered hope.
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Newsletter
Published: August 2025
This recognition affirms the essential role we play in keeping neighbors connected.
If you see our community van driving around town, know that we’re helping your loved ones get to you and to the places that bring them joy.
Signage courtesy of local graphic designer Arianna Slade-Duncan and print shop Henco North.
Milestones
🚌 Rides to a Destination: 1,002
👥 People Helped: 123
Impact Stories
A Trip to the WNC Nature Center
Join Marnette on a ride-along as she enjoys a day out in nature.
Watch the video above to join Marnette on a ride-along.
“As an 86-year-old stroke survivor with aphasia, I was very impressed with your service. You made me feel comfortable with my verbal handicap by having patience with me and letting me express myself… Socialization is an important part of a stroke survivor’s therapy. Seniors need more services like Better Together.”
– Henry, on going to eat with friends
“It feels good to go out. I haven’t been anywhere in six months.”
– Laurie, on a trip out shopping
“It was scary at first to meet people and socialize. But it feels better to get out and do some fun stuff.”
– Pamela, on attending a writing club at the Harvest House Community Center
Next Steps
When someone tells us, “I’d like to volunteer as a driver,” we hear, “I want to care for the people in my community.”
We’re launching a pilot program for Community Caretakers—volunteers who support transportation in their own neighborhoods across Buncombe County.
While the program takes shape, we’re looking for neighbors willing to help in other ways:
Mechanics
If you’re a trusted mechanic in Buncombe County, we’d love to connect. When our van is out of service, we need a local partner to get it back on the road.
Dispatchers
Volunteers to answer calls and schedule rides. You keep things running and help people get where they need to go.
Mobile Companions
Join a senior on their outing—whether it’s helping with groceries, sharing a meal, or simply being present with them. As a Mobile Companion, you bring friendship and connection to our riders.
If any of these roles interest you, please email us at:
volunteer@ridebettertogether.org
Your time and care can change a neighbor’s life.
A Personal Note from the Executive Director
People often ask me, “Why do you do this work?” The answer comes from a place of deep emotion. I hope you’ll take a moment to listen. – Gino
Help Us Reach More People
Every ride is made possible by community members like you. Your gift helps seniors and people with disabilities stay connected to what matters most.
© 2025 Better Together Transportation • Buncombe County, NC
Newsletter
20 April 2025
Better Together Transportation began service on February 11, 2025. Since then we have given 230 rides (115 round-trips) to over 57 people in Buncombe and Madison counties.
Milestones
Rides to a Destination
230
People Helped
57
Partnerships
We partnered with MountainCare and give rides to seniors, Monday through Friday, to attend their Adult Day Services. This program helps seniors maintain their cognitive ability as they progress through the stages of dementia.
We will soon begin working with ABCCM’s Transformation Village to give rides to the women and children in their program. We will offer them access to their community to help them continue on their journey toward permanent housing.
Impact Stories
- David and Naomi, husband and wife. On Sundays we transport David from a nursing home in Asheville to visit his wife at their house in Burnsville.
- Victoria, 99-years-old, who lives in Asheville and was brought to be in attendance at her son Jody’s funeral.
- Pamela who was able to attend a Tea Party organized by the Harvest House Community Center. First time she has socialized in months, “It feels good to not be isolated.”
- Ellen Scott who is taken to church on Sundays and is now able to be a part of her congregation at the Church at Asheville on Chunn’s Cove Road.
- Anita who was taken to the DMV to obtain a license plate for her car. She is now able to drive and has gained mobile independence.
- Ruth and Frank, elders who live at a retirement housing authority, were able to use their pass to the Arboretum to see the gardens for a day.
- Tom, a senior who saw our ad in the Mountain Xpress, was brought to the Haywood Street Congregation to get a free haircut. He has also been brought to Ingles to buy groceries.
Click below to listen to Tom speak
about the value that our trips bring him.
https://bettertogethertransportation.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/TomTalk.mov
See Most Recent Update