COVID-19 Information

All YES Scholars

Dear YES Scholars and Families in the High Country,

This is a unique time, to say the least, as we navigate decisions to be healthy and secure within our homes, schools, communities, and around the world.

Rebeca and I want to make sure that you know that

1. we care about you

2. we want to communicate clearly and

3. please feel free to contact us.

If any needs arise, for any reason, please reach out. We may not have the answers, but we can brainstorm solutions and look for other resources with you. We have created this “COVID-19 Resource” page for you to streamline communication. Please do not hesitate to call, email, or text resources that we have not included that could be helpful to others. We will update the page on a daily basis.

Contact us for any reason, we’d love to hear from you! Please email us and we can do a Google Hangout or Zoom session with 1 or more of you. We’ll keep checking our emails – you keep checking yours!

If you have any pictures of how you are creatively and productively spending your time, please email or text them to us.

We are grateful to know each of you,

Susan Saule (ssaule@yesscholars.org) & Rebeca Figueroa (rfigueroa@yesscholars.org)

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UNC-TV & PBS REMOTE LEARNING SCHEDULE

At-Home Learning resources are available through UNC-TV and PBS. You can access their content Monday through Friday from 8am-6pm on TV or watch live online. Here is a schedule of programming that you can download. Along with the programming, you can access free resources that go along with educational lessons here. Finally, you can watch the programming live here.

CREDIBLE SOURCES FOR COVID-19 UPDATES

We urge you to please stay informed via credible sources that provide real-time updates. Some of the websites that families should visit for any new information include:

Ashe County Students

Local Resources to Access Food & Other Essentials

  • Ashe Outreach Ministries has a food pantry, community and mobile delivered meals, as well as their Fish Fry (scheduled for Friday, March 20th with call-in order ONLY!)

      • Main Contact: Mr. Dillon Culbreth

      • Office Phone Number: (336) 385-1314

      • Physical Pantry Address: 11719 HWY 88 W, Creston, North Carolina 28615

      • Very responsive via Facebook Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/AsheOutreach/

  • Ashe County Sharing Center, Inc. is a local food pantry that has a once-a-week pickup service and schedule mobile delivers for people who live in Creston, Lansing, and Warrensville.

Financial contributions may be sent to P.O. Box 705, Jefferson, NC 28640 for donations to be purchased through the Second Harvest Food Bank.

  • Ashe Really Cares offers shelf-stable items, dairy, meats and the fresh produce shared from local farmers, as well as clothing, household appliances, and children's books and toys.

  • Jefferson Odd Fellows Lodge #38 has a small stash of food (mostly canned, non-perishable items) available for local Ashe County residents in needs. While it is not a food pantry with steady hours, they are committed to assisting anyone in need. You can reach them via phone or email to set up a food pick up time.

Local Online resources

  • Ashe Post & Times: https://www.ashepostandtimes.com/covid19/

      • They are offering free, unlimited access to their COVID-19 webpage that will provide daily updates regarding Ashe County's Operational Changes

  • Ashe County Schools website: https://www.asheschools.org/Page/9

      • Superintendent Yates will continue to post any announcements on the homepage. Additionally, she stated that she will be making phone calls with updates every weeknight this week. PLEASE BE SURE TO LISTEN TO THE DAILY PHONE MESSAGES FROM SUPERINTENDENT YATES.

  • Ashe County Public Library: "Stuck at Home?" -- Online resources to keep you engaged

Watauga County Students

Local Resources to Access Food & Other Essentials


  • Hospitality House provides 3 meals a day and has a food pantry available 7 days a week (6:30-8:30 am, 11:30 am to 1 pm and 5:30-6:30 pm). The food pantry is open seven days a week (9-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.) with a limit of two pickups a month.

  • The WeCAN crisis assistance program open Monday - Friday and Day Services (showers, laundry and locker available for 7 days a week until further notice.

      • Phone Number: (828) 264-1237

      • Email Address: info@hosphouse.org

      • Physical Address: 338 Brook Hollow Road, Boone, North Carolina 28607

      • Websites with more information:

Food can be dropped off / delivered 7 days a week between 7am - 7pm.


  • Hunger and Health Coalition provides drive-thru food pantry. Available Monday - Friday 10 am - 3pm

The pharmacy is open on Tuesday and Thursday 10 am - 3 pm.

    • To qualify for food assistance, the client will be asked to provide a photo I.D. and proof of a Watauga County address.

    • To qualify for our pharmacy services, the client must provide proof of income (i.e. W-2, paycheck, etc.).

Non-perishable food donations may be dropped off at the Hunger and Health Coalition. A list of most needed food items may be found here.


Those wishing to make food donations may contact the church office at 828-264-2441 to make arrangements.


  • Casting Bread provides free access to food every Wednesday and Thursday 10:30 am - 3:00 pm.

When you arrive stay in your vehicle, because someone will come to you to ask if you prefer beef, chicken, or pork. Boxes are prepackaged and will be brought to you and placed near the trunk of your vehicle. Please wait for our staff to return to the building before loading.

Families may get food boxes twice a month.


F.A.R.M. Cafe - Grab & Go Lunch available Tuesday - Friday 11 am to 2 pm

Accepting donations for meals, while committed to Feed All Regardless of Means.

The Public House - Grab & Go Breakfast for all children available Monday - Friday 8 am - 11 am

Local Online resources to receive updates

Updates for High School Scholars

COLLEGE VISITS

While we are disappointed that we had to cancel YES-App's Route 81 College Tour trip, we want you to know that there are still many invaluable ONLINE resources that you can use to learn more about universities that you might want to add to your college list. You should continue to research and learn more about universities that might be a good fit for you and your educational goals.

RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Take virtual college tours through the following websites:

  • Visit official college websites & follow colleges on social media platforms

      • This is how you can learn more about scholarship opportunities, admissions updates, and many other important institutional announcements.

  • Contact College Admissions offices

      • Remember that colleges want to know that you have a genuine interest in their institutions. This would be a good time to reach out to admissions officers at the colleges that you are interested in, completing each institution's "interest form," or simply signing up for their mailing list.

      • Be strategic and thoughtful of how you approach admissions officers. For some helpful tips, read this brief article.

Food Pantries & Meals in the High Country

Food Pantries and Meals in NWNC