Community News

IAM wins national recognition for Helene response

Volunteers at IAM pack boxes of healthy food for needy families.

By Bill Moss, Published: October 15, 2025

Interfaith Assistance Ministry, a nonprofit crisis assistance agency, received a national award today from The Courage Project for “bravely stepping up to help its community in times of need.”

IAM was honored alongside 19 other individuals and organizations across the nation that “reflect the best of the American spirit by helping their neighbors and building bridges across communities,” The Courage Project announced.

After Hurricane Helene struck Henderson County in September 2024, IAM’s staff quickly mobilized to provide food, clothing, financial aid, hygiene supplies, and even pet care to at-risk residents. Building on decades of service since 1984, the organization continues to be a trusted anchor where volunteers and partners come together to ensure every neighbor in need has the support they need to recover and thrive, according to The Courage Project.

“On behalf of IAM’s staff and volunteers, we are so proud and humbled to receive this national award for our work to provide basic needs to our hurting neighbors immediately after Hurricane Helene destroyed and damaged thousands of homes, roads and businesses in our Blue Ridge Mountains community,” said Elizabeth Willson Moss, Interfaith Assistance Ministry Executive Director. “The courageous and tireless acts of our team, including some who had lost their homes, underscored IAM’s 41-year history of lifting up our neighbors in need with compassion and respect in times of crisis — especially through this horrific natural disaster.”

IAM did not apply for the honor. Moss recently learned of the award in a letter from The Courage Project.

“You were nominated by United Way Worldwide for your organization’s work supporting Henderson County in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene and your dedication to community wellbeing through initiatives, like the Healthy Opportunities Pilot,” the award letter stated. 

Angela F. Williams, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide, leads the organization and oversees the global network, which serves millions of people across 35 countries. On Nov. 8, 2024, Williams toured IAM and other United Way partner agencies that sprang into action in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

“The afternoon concluded with a tour of IAM where she (Williams) was able to see the positive impact that IAM creates in the lives of our Henderson County neighbors in need — neighbors helping neighbors, that’s what they do,” said Kat Carlton, executive director of the United Way of Henderson County. “This distinguished award shines a national light on the incredible impact that they make every day in our community.”

Launched in May 2025 with an initial $5 million commitment, Courage Project awards are announced throughout the year to align with moments of civic reflection — including commemorative dates, cultural observances and milestones that reflect the values at the heart of the project. Awards of $10,000 to $50,000 are distributed to organizations and individuals who exhibit acts of courage and compassion in their communities by standing up for what they believe in, helping their neighbors and building bridges across communities. 

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To donate to IAM or volunteer, visit www.iam-hc.org. Checks may be mailed to IAM, P.O. Box 2562, Hendersonville, NC, 28793.

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