Achieve WNC

Achieve WNC Achieve WNC ( former The SPARC Foundation) ignites connections to strengthen the well-being and freedom of people and families in need. You are welcome here.

SPARC ignites connections to education, employment and mentorship to strengthen the well-being and personal freedom of people and families in need. Our programs keep people out of institutional care - adults out of jails and mental health institutions, kids out of foster/group homes and long term care facilities. SPARC is a a partner of Buncombe County’s Safety Initiative and we work with and in the community to build connections and increase safety. SPARC is committed to reflecting, empowering and celebrating our staff and
the communities we serve. We value the unique insight and strengths earned through
lived experience. Our mission, in the community and within our organization, is to strengthen the well-being and personal freedom of individuals and families. We are
united by our commitment to equity and inclusion across race, gender, ability,
age, faith, identity, and experience. At SPARC, being authentic is a priority. We are building a culture of inclusion.

Team SPARC attended back in July the NC Office of Violence Prevention Western Region Convening.We are always looking fo...
09/15/2026

Team SPARC attended back in July the NC Office of Violence Prevention Western Region Convening.

We are always looking for opportunities for growth to be able to serve our clients better.

Some points the conference focuses on are:
• Taking a Strategic Approach to Partnership-Building: This resource summarizes the key information and materials shared during the presentation “Building Stronger Partnerships for Safer Communities.” It outlines NC OVP’s recommended stages of partnership-building and strategies and resources to support each stage.

• Community Asset Mapping: A Tool for Developing Partnerships: This resource highlights key information about community asset mapping, including background about what it is, steps to conduct an asset mapping process, best practices, and resources to support asset mapping. Feel free to use NC OVP as a resource to connect to for additional support around asset mapping.

• Collaborative Multiplier Analysis Diagrams from Breakout 2 and 3: This document includes digital copies of each Collaboration Multiplier Analysis diagram created during the first and second breakout activities. While the diagrams should serve as examples of how to strategically align efforts to create shared goals, we encourage you to follow through on any joint projects or strategies that were created by your groups.

• West Region Contact List: Utilize this resource to follow up with those you connected with at the regional meeting!

The Domestic Violence Offender Management (DVIP) Committee convened on 8/26/26. A committee of the North Carolina Domes...
09/10/2026

The Domestic Violence Offender Management (DVIP) Committee convened on 8/26/26. A committee of the North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission (DVC), DVOM's purpose is to provide oversight and support of the Domestic Violence Intervention Programs (DVIPs) in the state. This includes advising the DVC on matters related to domestic violence offenders, and supporting the Department for Women & Youth (DFWY) in investigating complaints made against a certified DVIP and reviewing applications for new programs.

Currently the DVOM continues to work on updating the North Carolina Administrative Code governing state DVIPs. If approved, it will be the first revision to this portion of the code in over 22 years.

A significant milestone was achieved last week with the announcement of a full-time DVIP Oversite Coordinator position for North Carolina. For nearly the past 20 years, responsibility for all DVIPs in NC have fallen to the Western Regional Director of the DFWY, who is also responsible for overseeing the Victim Servies Agencies in Western North Carolina. The creation of a full-time position dedicated solely to DVIPs is a goal DVOM was worked towards for the past 8 years. Its' creation signal recognition at the state level of the importance of offender programs and their role in addressing domestic violence. This position is being filled by Jessica Benson, who has worked with DFWY Western Regional Director, Lori Ge**er, for the past several years. She brings much needed experience and working knowledge of these programs to this position. Up

Monday, September 7th, is Labor Day, and the SPARC office will be closed in observance of the holiday.Labor Day is an op...
09/07/2026

Monday, September 7th, is Labor Day, and the SPARC office will be closed in observance of the holiday.

Labor Day is an opportunity to recognize the contributions, dedication, and hard work of people who show up every day to strengthen our workplaces and communities. At SPARC, that feels especially meaningful.

The work we do is deeply rooted in people—supporting families, advocating for our community, creating connection, and showing up in spaces where our presence matters. None of that happens without each of you and the unique gifts, energy, and commitment you bring to this work.

We’ll be back to doing what we do on Tuesday, September 8th.
Enjoy your Labor Day weekend, SPARC.

We are honored to announce that we have completed our CARF Accreditation survey, reaffirming our commitment to providing...
09/05/2026

We are honored to announce that we have completed our CARF Accreditation survey, reaffirming our commitment to providing high-quality services and continuously improving the support we offer.

This achievement belongs to our entire team, whose dedication and hard work make a difference every day. We also want to thank the individuals, families, and communities we serve for their continued trust and confidence.
To celebrate, Board Member Madeline Tormey generously treated our team to lunch. Thank you, Madeline, for recognizing this milestone and helping us celebrate together!

Here are some recent images of trainings with our newest FCT-R Practitioners. The fidgety items are what our trainees do...
08/27/2026

Here are some recent images of trainings with our newest FCT-R Practitioners. The fidgety items are what our trainees do sometimes to stay engaged during trainings that are more instructed.

Most of the time, we keep explaining things to a minimum and make our trainings more experiential. Sometimes we'll use art within the actual trainings. Sometimes it just happens impromptu. Timber and Sara are pictured doing an FCT Skills Lab on how to use "sculpting" and physical movement in sessions.

These pictures are from the 6/27/2026 Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Community Event that was held at the Wesley ...
08/24/2026

These pictures are from the 6/27/2026 Gun Violence Awareness and Prevention Community Event that was held at the Wesley Grant Center. This event had many community partners involved and tabled to pass out resources, Both Buncombe County Sherrif's dept and APD were present interacting with youth, playing ball, racing, and holding conversations. A DJ was present, lots of dancing, a local talent was present for entertainment, a time was had!!!

Also, our Sheriff and Asheville Police Department Chief spoke on how Law Enforcement and community leaders/ partners can work together and collaborate on violence prevention and invest in our communities.

What a great event!

Here is the CHW Team (including RJ Poore our Community Connector) participating at a community market in Pisgah View Apa...
08/21/2026

Here is the CHW Team (including RJ Poore our Community Connector) participating at a community market in Pisgah View Apartments. They were setting up for the market to help get food to people in the neighborhood that needs some extra support feeding families.

We are out and about in our communities supporting however we can to make sure they can thrive.

08/19/2026

Jackie, our fearless leader, talks a little about why does our organization does what it does. Why is this work so important for our communities to heal and thrive. With our support and help, WE KNOW our world can be a little bit less harsh to a lot of folks that live in conditions that are hard to get out of without some kind of support.

We are here for YOU! Let us help you. Reach out.

Client successes:GG states he and his wife are communicating so much better and he owes it all to our program.AR: Reache...
08/18/2026

Client successes:
GG states he and his wife are communicating so much better and he owes it all to our program.

AR: Reached out to GE without being prompted and is now working with Gene, our DVIP CHW. AR as an interview set up at Safe Shelter, as he wants a job where he can give back to the community.

SF: Received final approval from the County Inspector and has officially opened up his own barbershop.

On 6/12/26, the North Carolina Domestic Violence Commission held its' quarterly meeting.
A take away was the discussion of a Senate Bill and a House Bill that would increase funding for domestic violence and r**e crisis centers. NCDVC supports both bills.

NC Victims of Crime Assistance Act (Senate Bill 719) establishes a dedicated fund and competitive grant program to offset major losses in federal victim assistance funds. To generate revenue, the bill proposes increasing criminal court costs (fines on convicted defendants by $3.50) and raising marriage license fees by $5.
Strip Club "Pole Tax" (House Bill 1121) is a bipartisan-backed measure proposes charging a $10 entry fee at sexually oriented businesses (adult venues serving alcohol). All proceeds would be dedicated directly to the state's Sexual Assault and R**e Crisis Center Fund to clear counseling backlogs and support survivors.

Address

225 E Chestnut Street
Asheville, NC
28801

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+18285523771

Website

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