A note from Executive Director Ben Williamson

Friends,

“Community cures poverty.” 

As most of you know by now, these three words have become our de facto motto over the last few years. Of course, poverty is rampant in our world today, and also here in Asheville. We don’t mean just financial poverty, but also a poverty of purpose, of fulfillment, of spirit, of companionship and connection. Many of us walk among each other isolated, distrustful, lonely, and fearful. Our connections are reserved for devices, not our neighbors.

API began in 2016 as a way to counter this, to provide a vessel for folks from all walks of life and backgrounds to experience the reality of abundance, through food, education, access to resources, dignity, and, most importantly, connection with each other. For 10 years, our small non-profit has been a living example of how we all could live if we chose to, if our priorities were different. I’m so glad API models this reality each day and am excited for us to continue that work for the next 10 years and beyond. 

At the end of this month, I’ll be stepping aside as Executive Director at API. Serving in this role has been the biggest honor and responsibility of my professional career, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have done so. I look forward to continuing to serve API in other non-staff capacities over the coming years, and I’m excited that the organization will benefit from new ideas, energy, expertise, and leadership in its next important chapter.

API has never been about one person. Our strength lies in the collective, of so many that continually show up in so many ways, be it through service, financial donations, taking a poverty walk, or enjoying a meal and having a conversation with strangers. We need that collective strength now more than ever. I hope to see you at the cafe in the coming years, and at one of our education activities. If you can donate to help us wrap up our For the Next 10 campaign, I hope you’ll do so if you haven’t already. 

Mostly, I hope you’ll continue to be a champion of beloved community, as it’s the only path through the difficult days we face. 

Thank you so much for your support and the opportunity to lead at API. I’ll see you soon!

Sincerely,

Ben

Ben & Shelly (operations coordinator) at the API 10 year anniversary party.