2023 Community Partners Impact Report
Hi! Patty here, the Community Impact Coordinator at East Fork Pottery. Since moving to Asheville in 2014, I have been deeply involved in social justice work, especially language justice work. I joined East Fork in 2023 to further this mission. In my role, I connect East Fork’s vision with various local grassroots organizations, leveraging our platform to support and highlight their incredible work.
Our Community Partner program is designed to collaborate with local organizations to address pressing issues. Each year, our directors select a theme to guide our efforts, and our 2023’s theme was “home.” As an immigrant, I understand the importance of feeling included and rooted, which made this theme particularly meaningful to me.
Read the full 2023 Impact Report
The Impact Report showcases the outcomes and achievements of these collaborations, as well as internal data such as the diversity within our company and other metrics. This effort to be transparent both internally and externally is crucial in building trust and accountability within ourselves and our local community. In 2023, we raised over $229,000 for our communities, something we are proud of. These funds were gathered through direct donations, raffles of unique collection items, in-kind donations, and other contributions. We are incredibly thankful for our customers who walk hand-in- hand with us, making a significant impact in our local community. Witnessing the tangible difference our partnerships make in the community has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m excited to continue bringing my passion to ensure that East Fork remains a strong ally to those striving for positive change.
2023 in Numbers
Racial Justice Coalition
RJC is a vital alliance dedicated to dismantling systemic racism and advocating for those marginalized by poverty and mass incarceration. Through initiatives such as educational workshops , community outreach programs, and awareness campaigns, RJC works tirelessly to promote racial equity and foster inclusive communities.
Beloved
BeLoved is renowned for its transformative initiatives, including the development of the BeLoved Micro Homes Village, which provides stable housing for marginalized individuals. They also run street pantries, free farmers markets, and advocate for affordable housing and social justice.
Asheville-Buncombe Community Land Trust
ABCLT is dedicated to transforming real estate practices and addressing the injustices of urban renewal. They focus on establishing permanently affordable residential, commercial, and community spaces to empower marginalized communities.
Poder Emma
Poder Emma focuses on preventing displacement and preserving mobile home communities. PODER Emma empowers residents through leadership development, advocacy, and community building initiatives while addressing issues such as gentrification, housing insecurity, and access to resources.
In-Kind Donations
Part of our community strategy is our dedication to supporting local grassroots organizations through in-kind donations. By providing these organizations with the flexibility to allocate resources according to their needs, we empower them to address pressing issues within our community as they see fit. Read the full report to learn more about our 2023 in-kind donations.
