One year ago, the unimaginable became reality. Hurricane Helene swept through Western North Carolina, leaving devastation in its path and displacing families, schools, and entire communities. Some of those most deeply affected were families connected to the Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County (BGCHC). Today, the Club reflects on the trials and triumphs over the past year, honoring the resilience of its members and families while celebrating the transformative role the entire community has played in recovery.

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, the Club acted quickly to meet urgent needs, such as opening the Club during disaster relief efforts to provide a safe space for the children of first responders. Club Staff worked tirelessly with Henderson County Public Schools to provide a temporary location for Atkinson Elementary School after flooding damage caused the school to require months of repairs. In just four days, Club staff partnered with Henderson County Public Schools to transform the Club into a dual-purpose space. Through this partnership, the Club facility became a school for Atkinson Elementary School by day and a Club for all by afternoon.

Of course, the road to recovery goes far beyond immediate disaster relief. In an effort to meet the yet unknown needs of recovery, the Club’s donors contributed over $230,000 to the Club’s newly created Restore & Rebuild campaign.  Through the Restore and Rebuild fund, the Club was able to provide immediate relief and, more importantly, “hope” to the families that were hit hardest by the hurricane. Over $135,000 in direct support was provided, including four families receiving cars and 18 families receiving housing-related assistance. Some families continue to receive support from the Club and will continue to do so until their lives have been fully restored to their pre-Helene state.  

This support was not just financial; it was deeply personal, built on relationships and trust that the Club had already established with families.

“Most importantly, these families were invited to sit with someone they already knew and trusted,” said Kylee Rose Frye, Resiliency Coordinator. “They weren’t just another case number; they were heard, cared for, and supported.”

Araceli Huapilla, K-5 Unit Director, witnessed the relief efforts firsthand. As she reflected on the experience, she says, “The beauty I took from this is that I have never seen a community come together to help each other in this way. On top of that, the Club was always making sure we were supported. I can confidently say that working here has been the best experience, because it has created a home, not only for me, but for the kids and my family. The Club has always made us feel welcomed and heard.”

For Club staff, the experience of supporting families through this crisis has been very meaningful. “Helping our families recover after Helene has been the most rewarding experience of my career. To see kids back in school, families safely in their homes, and our community rally together, it reinforces our mission, which is to help those that need us most,” said Jackie Kemp, Restore & Rebuild Project Manager.

CEO Kent Parent emphasized that the hurricane underscored the Club’s mission of resilience and community. “Helene tested us, but it also revealed our strength,” he said. “We became not only a safe place for kids, but a partner in restoring hope for families. That spirit continues to guide us as we grow and seek other opportunities to serve the community.”

In the year since Helene, the Boys and Girls Club has not only fully recovered but it also began to flourished, embodying the very spirit of resilience they witnessed in their families:

• Daily attendance has surged, climbing from an average of 225 children in 2024 to 345 in 2025, with a record-setting 418 members walking through the doors on a single school day in May. What began as a place of refuge during the storm has since become a beacon of stability and hope for even more children.

• When faced with the challenge of eliminating a huge summer waitlist the club opened the Teens on Main (TOM). By eliminating summer waitlists, TOM enabled enrollment to grow from 450 registered members in 2024 to 750 in 2025. A facility once envisioned as a dream became a reality in the shadow of Helene, ensuring that no teen seeking connection, mentorship, or a safe space would be turned away.

As the Club looks ahead, leaders say the work is far from over. “The storm may be behind us, but the needs of our families continue,” said Carlos Vega, Chief Operations Officer and former Club kid. “The growth we’re experiencing is proof of how vital this Club is. Every smile, every meal, every hug reminds us why we do this work.”

The Boys & Girls Club of Henderson County remains committed to its mission: empowering local youth to become caring, productive, and responsible citizens. On this one-year anniversary of Hurricane Helene, the Club honors the resilience of its families, the generosity of its supporters, and the enduring strength of a community united in healing and hope.