NCCCR

The North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement reaches out to the community by providing programs which enhance the understanding of our region and foster community involvement.

Leadership Asheville Seniors, now in its nineteenth year, is a program for retirement aged people in Buncombe County. During eight day-long sessions in a variety of locations around the community, participants meet with community leaders, activists, and politicians to gain in-depth understanding of the area's history, people, institutions, challenges, and opportunities. Leadership Asheville Seniors participants often use the program to reevaluate their choice of volunteer roles or to find new ones.

Leadership Training for Older Persons is a leadership training program for underserved adults aged 50 years and older from low-income or minority communities. The program is designed to enable participants to gain the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to become effective leaders and to advocate for their peers in the community. Through classroom sessions and time spent on community projects, participants learn practical skills such as how to organize and lead meetings, public speaking, utilizing community resources, teamwork, and advocacy strategies. The Center for Creative Retirement has sponsored two Leadership Training for Older Persons programs in the past and “graduated” over 50 new community leaders.

The Blue Ridge Naturalist offers classes, field studies, and workshops designed to provide residents of western North Carolina with an opportunity to learn more about the natural world and cultural heritage of our mountains. This intergenerational educational program was developed and is coordinated by the North Carolina Center for Creative Retirement at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. Course content is based on current research and literature and taught by experts in each field of study. Classes are offered throughout the year, both during daytime and evening hours.  Participants may choose to take all courses and fieldwork necessary to receive a certificate of completion or elect to take only classes that meet their particular interest. 

Intergenerational Computer Mentoring is supported by a grant from Smith Barney/Citigroup Foundation, this program is offered for low-income and minority seniors. Classes are taught by UNCA undergraduates and provide Beginner and Advanced Beginner computer skills.

For more information on the Community Education division of the Center for Creative Retirement, contact Denise Snodgrass at 251-6188 or snodgras@unca.edu

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