New Executive Director, Ben Williamson!
We are thrilled to announce that the Board has unanimously approved Dr. Ben Williamson as API’s new Executive Director, and that he has accepted!
Having lived in Asheville for 20+ years, Ben is deeply invested in this community and has been connected to API since its early days. He is passionate about empowering people through community building and fostering environments where relationships can lead to transformation. Coming to us with previous experience as an organizer and manager, educator, administrator, and interim director of a non-profit, Ben is looking forward to employing his diverse skill set to provide leadership for API. Ben honed his operations and management skills working as the Western Region Organizing Manager of Down Home North Carolina, which builds power among working people in North Carolina’s small towns and rural communities, and as the Interim Executive Director for Green Opportunities, Asheville. While working at Down Home, Ben completed his Ed.D. in educational leadership with a focus on building working-class power and civic agency in Appalachia. Agreeing with Nelson Mandela’s statement that “education is the most powerful weapon we have to change the world,” Ben also has a background as an educator and educational administrator, most recently having worked as the Dean of Students and Director of Service at the Asheville School. He is excited not only about our amazing community at the 12 Baskets Café but also about our Realities of Poverty Education Program, which he sees as having the power to change narratives about scarcity and poverty in our community. Ben’s first official day as our new Executive Director will be Monday, January 22 (although you may see him around the Café before then). Please join us in welcoming Ben!
Upcoming Events:
Social Justice Book Club Tuesdays at 6pm
Art Group Thursdays at 1pm
Writing Group Fridays at 1pm (pictured here)
Tech Tuesday with Jensen from Asheville Digital Lifestyle Tuesday, 1/16 at 1-3pm
Community Forum 1/18 at 6 pm
Interested in getting your event here? EMail us at contact@ashevillepovertyinitiative.org
Get involved!
You are invited to come for a meal on Monday or Thursday from 11am to 1pm. Be part of the community and build relationships around our tables. Or come by on Tuesday or Friday at the same time for grocery items, conversation, and coffee in the garden. You can also help with food pick ups from food partners such as Earth Fare or Whole Foods. Email us at Contact@ashevillepovertyinitiative.org
Connect With Us:
12 Baskets Café and Garden is located at 610 Haywood Road.
mailing address: 789 Merrimon Ave, Asheville NC 28804-2447.
Donate link: www.ashevillepovertyinitiative.org/donate
Marketing/communications: shelly@ashevillepovertyinitiative.org
Instagram: @12basketscafe - Facebook: @ashevillepovertyinitiative