Mountain Projects, Inc.

🇺🇸 HONORING JUNETEENTH: A Celebration of Freedom ✨

Mountain Projects is closed tomorrow in observance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday that marks a pivotal moment in American history—the end of slavery and the enduring strength and resilience of Black Americans. We will reopen on Monday, June 22, 2026.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, it wasn’t until June 19, 1865, that enslaved people in Texas learned they were free—two and a half years later. When Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas, the news spread, and celebrations began with prayer, song, feasting, and dance.

That powerful day became known as Juneteenth, and it has been celebrated ever since as a day of liberation, reflection, and joy. In 2021, Juneteenth was officially recognized as a federal holiday.

💡 Why “Juneteenth”? The name blends “June” and “nineteenth,” honoring the day that freedom was finally realized for so many.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

Because of you, help was ready when it was needed most.

When families in our mountain communities faced unexpected hardships—from natural disasters and housing instability to food insecurity and rising utility costs—your generosity makes a difference.

Donations to Mountain Projects helps provide emergency housing assistance, food support, transportation, utility assistance, and critical services to help local families navigate difficult times.

Every gift, no matter the size, represents a neighbor helping another neighbor.
Together, we strengthen our community and ensure that thousands of individuals and families do not have to face hardship alone. Thank you!

Your support remains as important as ever. Help us continue providing essential assistance by making a gift today at www.MountainProjects.org/giving.

Thank you to Haywood County Public Library, MemoryCare, Haywood County Sheriff's Office - North Carolina, DisAbility Partners - Sylva Office and all the other organizations and Haywood County Senior Resource Center leaders for being a part of the Open House today!

🎉 CELEBRATING 6 YEARS OF SERVICE — Thank you, Maggie! 🎉

Please join us in recognizing Maggie Leftwich on her 6-year anniversary with Mountain Projects!

As the Program Manager for Smoky Mountain Housing Partnership , Mountain Projects’ affordable housing division, Maggie works alongside a dedicated team to help individuals and families navigate pathways to stable, affordable homeownership throughout Western North Carolina.

During her time with Mountain Projects, Maggie has served in several impactful roles, including WIOA Case Manager, Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator, and HUD-certified Housing Counselor. Each position has reflected her passion for helping people achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.

Thank you, Maggie, for six years of leadership, service, and dedication to strengthening our communities. We appreciate all that you do and look forward to the impact you’ll continue to make in the years ahead!

MEN'S HEALTH WEEK — Mountain Projects is proud to recognize International Men’s Health Week (June 15–21, 2026) in support of improving the health and well-being of men and boys in all phases of life.

Did you know? Men continue to experience higher rates of preventable illness and premature death.

In the U.S., men die on average 6 years earlier than women, often from conditions that are preventable or manageable with early detection and consistent care. This gap underscores the importance of education, awareness, and proactive engagement.

Men’s health awareness includes, but is not limited to:
• Heart disease and stroke, leading causes of death among men
• Prostate and testicular cancers, where early detection improves outcomes
•Colorectal and lung cancers, which disproportionately impact men
• Diabetes and metabolic conditions, often linked to preventable risk factors
• Mental health challenges, depression / su***de, where men face higher mortality rates
• Substance use disorders, contributing to preventable deaths
• Workplace-related injuries and safety concerns
• Healthy aging and chronic disease management across the lifespan

Improving men’s health outcomes requires a comprehensive approach that promotes preventive screenings, early intervention, mental and emotional well-being, and open health conversations.

For more information or available resources, visit www.MensHealthMonth.org.

🎉 Happy 3-Year Anniversary, Chris Stevens! 🏡

Please join us in celebrating Chris Stevens, who is marking his third year as Construction Supervisor for the Smoky Mountain Housing Partnership, Mountain Projects’ affordable housing division.

In his time with SMHP, Chris has played a critical role in supervising construction for the self-help housing process — helping create safe, attainable housing for families in Haywood and Jackson Counties.

Thank you, Chris, for your commitment to this important work. Here’s to many more milestones ahead!

💜 A WALK IN THEIR SHOES 💜 — Tonight, community members joined the 14th Annual Elder Abuse Awareness Walk at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center —a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for our older adults.

At 6 PM, every county in our region walked together, making this the largest coordinated elder abuse awareness walk in the nation. 👟

Kim Marion, Adult Protection Supervisor, shared that Haywood County received 584 Adult Protective Services reports in the last year for elder abuse, which encompasses physical abuse, caregiver and self neglect, and exploitation.

"The majority of the reports that we get here in Haywood County are self-neglect reports and caretaker neglect," Marion said

One of the most impactful moments came from our guest speaker, Ira Dove, director of Haywood County NC Health and Human Services who reminded everyone how important it is to make a report no matter what ages are involved.

"Everybody sooner or later can be vulnerable," Dove said. "A lot of what happens is the financial exploitation end of things, which keeps us and other law enforcement agencies in town very busy. So if you are suspicious, or you think about it and you're worried, make a report, because anybody who has reason to believe that has a duty to make that report to us."

We were proud to participate in the Elder Abuse Awareness Walk and stand in solidarity with our older adults. Together, we’re committed to protecting and honoring those who have given so much to our community!

💜 WORLD ELDER ABUSE DAY! 💜

We hope to see you this evening at the Haywood County Senior Resource Center or at another location for a "Walk in their Shoes" the Awareness Walk - coordinated by the Southwestern Commission Area Agency on Aging!

Stay tuned for photos of the walk! 👟

WORLD ELDER ABUSE DAY — As the Governor’s proclamation reminds us, “each resident has a responsibility to report any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.”

If you ever have concerns, you can contact local law enforcement and/or your county’s Adult Protective Services (APS). Find your APS office here:
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/.../adul.../adult-protective-services.

Today, June 15th, is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). I’m grateful that North Carolina is recognizing this important day through an official proclamation from Governor Josh Stein. It sends a clear message that our state values its older adults and takes the issue of elder abuse seriously.

As the Governor’s proclamation reminds us, “each resident has a responsibility to report any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.” If you ever have concerns, you can contact local law enforcement and/or your county’s Adult Protective Services (APS). Find your APS office here:
https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/adult-services/adult-protective-services.

My office works closely with the NC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to train APS staff statewide on how we can support cases involving suspected investment, charity, notary, and trademark fraud. These types of fraud can be reported directly to the Secretary of State’s Office. Complaint forms are available at: https://sosnc.gov/forms/bytitle/TipAndComplaint.

Together, we can help protect North Carolina’s seniors and strengthen the safety of our communities. (~EFM)