Blue Ridge Takes Proactive Approach in the Community

Blue Ridge Community Health Services has partnered with other local entities to provide assistance to those most in need during the recession:

The Community Foundation and a team of agencies that help the poor are not waiting for things to get worse.

They have formed a response team to try to identify those who are struggling in this deep recession and who may have never had to ask for help before.

The new initiative, called Neighbors Helping Neighbors, was formed to help meet emerging needs in shelter, food, light bills, health care and mental health issues.

Jennifer Henderson, CEO of Blue Ridge Community Health Services is part of their review team:

The Community Foundation has a business-oriented DNA and a results-based approach. Its Interagency Review Team is made up of Jennifer Henderson of Blue Ridge Community Health Services, Department of Social Services Director Liston Smith, Anthony McMinn of Hendersonville Rescue Mission and Steve Kirkland of the United Way.

Aside from covering basic needs for needy families, the primary goals include looking after the most vulnerable people — children and the elderly — and providing health care assistance, medicine and mental health aid.