March Advocacy Conversations with Asheville Area Tenants Union
Monthly Advocacy Conversations with Asheville Poverty Initiative
Tenant's Rights: Asheville Area Tenants Union with Jen Hampton
April Advocacy Conversations with DeepTime
Monthly Advocacy Conversations with Asheville Poverty Initiative
Second Chance Employment: Employment & Re-entry after Incarceration with Deep Time
Westival - A Festival for the West of Us
A new event showcasing West Asheville food will occur at Archetype Brewing on Saturday, March 14, 2026 from 5-8 pm. “Westival” is a fundraiser for 12 Baskets Cafe and the work of Asheville Poverty Initiative (API), and will allow participants to sample from over 10 West Asheville-based food businesses.
“There is so much to celebrate about West Asheville,” said Ben Williamson, Executive Director of API, which operates 12 Baskets Cafe at 610 Haywood Road. “We wanted to design an affordable, casual event that highlighted the many exceptional food businesses we are surrounded by, as well as the amazing sense of community that exists,” Williamson said. Besides access to the food, Westival will include a DJ, information tables, a raffle, and other activities.
“12 Baskets Cafe serves without judgment,” said Tony Franco, Owner and Executive Chef at Food Experience. “Their focus is on the simple task of filling people’s bellies with an extended hand of love. It’s a clear, unambiguous effort to ease suffering, and anything we do to help is appreciated and accepted as well. We love working with 12 Baskets!” said Franco.
Individual Poverty Walk
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/30E0445AEAB2AA0F94-50301386-asheville#/
‘Love Never Leaves’
Tucker Cooke Gallery, Room 101 | Late February – March 2026
Introduction
‘Love Never Leaves’ isn’t just another campus exhibition—it’s a community welcome. Rooted in the heart of UNC Asheville, our show is a hometown celebration of strength, imagination, and the healing journey through trauma. The gallery walls will carry the stories and artwork of Kelly Redfern and Nico Adams, two visionaries whose creative spirits have weathered adversity and emerged more vibrant, more human—and forever inspiring. This is a show about resilience, unity, and the kind of love that refuses to fade, even in the hardest seasons.
Collaborators
Moonlight Cheese Alliance (Professor Leslee Johnson, Founder): Our partners in community-building and creative energy. Plus assistant/ interns like Elle and more in her dept.
The Love Project (Joni Lamb): Lifting up narratives of trauma and renewal through art.
Brent: Bridging connections between campus teams and heart-forward creators.
UNC Art Department: Keeping us grounded in the university’s artistic spirit and academic tradition.
Haywood Congregation (with Hank+ Joni): Providing a space that welcomes everyone, especially those who feel different, eccentric, or outside the box.
@12basketscafe and Asheville Poverty Initiative
February Advocacy Conversation
Turning awareness into action!
Conversation about resiliency and racial justice in Western North Carolina with David Greenson of People's Place AVL and Nina Ireland, Tiffany DeBellott & Lindia Pearson of GAP AVL.
David has been a community organizer for over twenty years, working as a Lead Organizer and Deputy Director for MoveOn.org, the Training Director for Rootskeeper, and the Advocacy Director for the Racial Justice Coalition of Asheville. As an ordained interstitial chaplain, his primary calling is to engage white people in the spiritual work necessary to dismantle white supremacy and bring about racial justice.
Evening flow:
6:00: Folks arrive and mingle.
6:15: Mae Welcome and introductions.
6:30: Conversation (30 - 60 minutes)
7:30 (or immediately following): Q&A
7:50: How to activate and closing
Sketch Book Club
🎨•Sketchbook Club Asheville•🎨📖
Spencer Beals hosts a sketchbook club in Asheville for anyone who wants to build creative community! It is a great opportunity for people who want to develop their creativity and be around other creative people! All levels and ages are welcome, it’s every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Its $10 for a class and you should bring a sketchbook and art supplies! He looks forward to sharing inspirational artists, collaborating on drawings, and intentionally creating creative community space
Sketch Book Club
🎨•Sketchbook Club Asheville•🎨📖
Spencer Beals hosts a sketchbook club in Asheville for anyone who wants to build creative community! It is a great opportunity for people who want to develop their creativity and be around other creative people! All levels and ages are welcome, it’s every 1st and 3rd Monday of the month. Its $10 for a class and you should bring a sketchbook and art supplies! He looks forward to sharing inspirational artists, collaborating on drawings, and intentionally creating creative community space
Unlabel Poverty: A Panel Discussion and Photo Experience
Event Details
At this event Asheville Poverty Initiative's Realities of Poverty Educators will share their lived experience in poverty and houselessness focusing on the human experience, systemic barriers and the strength of community.
Attendees will have the opportunity to attend an educational walk (weather permitting), view a photography and film exhibit, eat snacks provided by 12 baskets while learning more about food systems, and hear from a panel of speakers on the topic of poverty and houselessness.
This is a multi-part program, so you can choose which parts you'd like to attend if you can't stay for the whole time. Below is the event schedule:
3:00 PM- leave for a guided walk-through downtown where the realities of living in poverty in Asheville will be discussed
5:00 PM- Arrive back at the library, warm-up, eat some snacks and view the photography and film exhibit
5:30-6:30- Speaker Panel
6:30-7:00- Questions
Christmas Day at 12 Baskets Cafe
We will be open and serving lunch Thursday December 25th
Community Celebration
Join Asheville Poverty Initiative & 12 Baskets Cafe for a Community Celebration!
THURSDAY December 4th from 5 to 8 pm at One World Brewing West (520 Haywood Rd, Asheville, NC 28806).
This event will feature ...
Readings from our community writing collective & performances by local musicians
The first edition of The Intersection street paper
Delicious food for purchase from The Smokin’ Onion food truck
Raffle prizes
Your chance to grab our annual limited-edition t-shirt or hoodie, designed by local artist Kamryn Nordsiek
Saturday Co-Work
Join us for Saturday Co-Work at 12 Baskets Cafe this weekend!
📅 When: Sunday, 11-1 pm
📍 Where: 12 Baskets Cafe
Bring your laptop, notebook, or any project you’re working on, and enjoy a focused, supportive space to get things done. Whether you're tackling emails, brainstorming ideas, or just want to be productive in good company, this is a great time to work alongside others in the community.
See you there! 💻✨
Thanksgiving at 12 Baskets Café
The café will be open and serving a Thanksgiving meal during our normal Thursday hours from 11 am to 1 pm. As always the garden will be open at 10 am for coffee and community.
ORIENTATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:00 am and Sunday mornings at 9:00 am for an orientation specifically designed for those new to volunteering at 12 Baskets Café. Learn about our mission, the impact we make, and how you can play a crucial role in serving the community.
Reiki with Judith
We will be starting sessions around 11:30 and will be able to accommodate 3-4 people per day. Please come early to get on the list if you would like Reiki Healing. Our healers will have the agency to monitor and accommodate who and what they can.
Saturday Co-Work
Join us for Saturday Co-Work at 12 Baskets Cafe this weekend!
📅 When: Sunday, 11-1 pm
📍 Where: 12 Baskets Cafe
Bring your laptop, notebook, or any project you’re working on, and enjoy a focused, supportive space to get things done. Whether you're tackling emails, brainstorming ideas, or just want to be productive in good company, this is a great time to work alongside others in the community.
See you there! 💻✨
ORIENTATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:00 am and Sunday mornings at 9:00 am for an orientation specifically designed for those new to volunteering at 12 Baskets Café. Learn about our mission, the impact we make, and how you can play a crucial role in serving the community.
Reiki with Judith
We will be starting sessions around 11:30 and will be able to accommodate 3-4 people per day. Please come early to get on the list if you would like Reiki Healing. Our healers will have the agency to monitor and accommodate who and what they can.
Saturday Co-Work
Join us for Saturday Co-Work at 12 Baskets Cafe this weekend!
📅 When: Sunday, 11-1 pm
📍 Where: 12 Baskets Cafe
Bring your laptop, notebook, or any project you’re working on, and enjoy a focused, supportive space to get things done. Whether you're tackling emails, brainstorming ideas, or just want to be productive in good company, this is a great time to work alongside others in the community.
See you there! 💻✨
ORIENTATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:00 am and Sunday mornings at 9:00 am for an orientation specifically designed for those new to volunteering at 12 Baskets Café. Learn about our mission, the impact we make, and how you can play a crucial role in serving the community.
Reiki with Judith
We will be starting sessions around 11:30 and will be able to accommodate 3-4 people per day. Please come early to get on the list if you would like Reiki Healing. Our healers will have the agency to monitor and accommodate who and what they can.
Zine Fest
Our in-house writing collective was selected as one of the vendors at this years AVL Zine Fest!
“This year’s fest will be held on September 27, 2025 from 12-5pm at The Center for Craft in downtown Asheville (67 Broadway St).
This event is free to attend!
We believe that great zine fests are made even better when everyone feels welcome. Our aim is to create an inclusive and vibrant space where all individuals feel comfortable, respected, and free to be themselves.
Whether you’re a seasoned zinester, a curious newcomer, or just love independent art, you belong here. We’re committed to fostering an environment free from discrimination, harassment, and judgment. No matter your background, identity, or beliefs, you are an essential part of what makes our zine community rich and diverse.
To ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone, we reserve the right to ask anyone to leave who is engaging in behavior that disrupts the inclusive and respectful atmosphere we strive to maintain.
Come as you are, connect with fellow creators and enthusiasts, and discover amazing voices. We can’t wait to welcome you to the fest!”
Pride Festival in Downtown AVL
Pack Square from 11am-6pm on Saturday, September 27th. - Blue Ridge Pride Festival Downtown
**from 11:00am – 6:00pm we will be in Pack Square talking about 12 Baskets and selling fun things.
Fundraiser Event at the Whale
We will be the round up event for the entire month of September at our favorite local spot. To celebrate this we are going to have a party! Think art, snacks, trivia, and more!
Date/Time: Sept 12th, Friday - The party at 5 pm with trivia starting at 6 pm
Bring a friend, drink a beer, have some fun!
Asheville Drag Brunch FREE Classic Rock Drag Show Fundraiser
The Classic Rock “Frock of Ages” Drag Show is ready to bring the house down on Sunday, September 7th at 1:00 p.m. at New Belgium Brewing. Asheville Drag Brunch cranks up the volume with a free, all-ages drag spectacular featuring some of Asheville’s most electrifying performers. Guests can enjoy food and beverages available for purchase on-site, with proceeds benefiting the Asheville Poverty Initiative. While admission is free, advance reservations are required at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com.
“Frock of Ages” promises a high-voltage fusion of classic rock and dazzling drag. This show is a glitter-drenched tribute to power chords, platform boots, and pure performance energy. From air guitar anthems to glam rock grandeur, the cast is ready to deliver a spectacle of sass, sparkle, and show-stopping drama. Attendees are encouraged to throw on their leather and lace, channel their inner rock legend, and get ready to shout for an encore.
New Belgium has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ communities for over 20 years. They employed the first Diversity + Inclusion specialist in the craft beer industry and now have a DEI Director leading this work across our fast-growing business. They are a member of the Human Rights Campaign Business Coalition for the Equality Act and advocate against discriminatory public policy. They are proud to support organizations working for LGBTQ+ health, education, and equity year-round (https://www.newbelgium.com/).
Asheville Poverty Initiative has been a steadfast presence in the community for over a decade. Their mission is to build community and promote economic justice from their community center at State Street and Haywood Road. Their programs, 12 Baskets Café and Realities of Poverty, focus on prioritizing inclusivity, abundance, and dignity to address hunger, housing, and poverty. Find out more at https://www.ashevillepovertyinitiative.org/.
See this and various other fundraiser shows planned for the year at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com. Bags and backpacks are subject to search. Seating at this event is first-come first-served table-sharing style. Produced by Bearded Lady Productions 501(c)3.
Can't make it but still want to help? Donate at https://www.ashevilledragbrunch.com/donate.
Tickets to all upcoming shows at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com
All profit goes to charity!
Perfect for celebrations
A wonderful gift idea
Professional entertainers
Fabulously fun hosts
High energy events
Delicious food
Reserve online at www.AshevilleDragBrunch.com
ORIENTATION FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS
Join us on Thursday mornings at 10:00 am and Sunday mornings at 9:00 am for an orientation specifically designed for those new to volunteering at 12 Baskets Café. Learn about our mission, the impact we make, and how you can play a crucial role in serving the community.