My ABIPA Story

JéWana Grier-McEachin
Executive Director

My first interaction with ABIPA was in 2007 as a result of me partnering with them to fund  access to swimming lessons at the YWCA for the children enrolled in the Fit 4 Life after school program I founded at my church. In 2008 I was hired as a Program Manager and in 2012 I transitioned into the Executive Director. With  25 years of business management experience, I take pride  in having the opportunity to live my life with passion and  purpose to support my community. My greatest joy comes in knowing that I have the opportunity to utilize the strengths of my organization to support community  and team members in a holistic fashion to find balance and success in their physical, mental, financial and social health.  I have innately and intentionally embodied the mantra of my alma mater Oakwood University, “Enter to Learn. Depart to Serve.”

JaíEssence McEachin,  MPH

Health Education Program Coordinator

My ABIPA story starts with taking swim lessons at the YWCA when I was 8 years old that ABIPA sponsored for the Fit 4 Life Afterschool program my mother founded at our church. When she joined ABIPA my little sister and I were always in tow at ABIPA events.  We literally grew up with ABIPA.  I went on to college and majored in Health Science.  When I went to Graduate School at the University of Alabama, “Roll Tide!”,  I was pursuing my Masters in Physical Training.  Many of my instructors said I would really excel in Public Health, and that’s where I actually landed receiving my MPH from NC Chapel Hill. I have been nurtured by the Asheville Community and consider it a honor to be able to come back home and serve.

Yvette Jives, MSW, LPN

Community Health Worker Specialist

Programming Partner: HERS, LLC https://www.hersnc.org/

Jennifer Poore, BSW, CNA, CHW
Social Worker,
Community Health Worker

I started volunteering with ABIPA after I was able to host the Sistas Class through WNCAP in their office space on the Block. I was able to join the team in 2013 as a Community Service Navigator. After raising my 3 children and 3 grandchildren, the team at ABIPA encouraged me and have supported me in continuing my education. I am now finishing my senior year as a Social Work Major. 

 

Johnetta Ross, CHW

ABIPA Free Sunday Shop Coordinator

 

Anika Williams, CHW

Housing Specialist

Photo Credit: Red Angel Photography