Dec. 4, 2003 Online Since 1996 Vol 78 No. 25
The Appalachian | Spotlight
High Country Amigos Helps Hispanics Adjust

by Leslie Rasimas
Staff Writer

The Hispanic population in the High Country is consistently increasing. High Country Amigos, a non-profit organization, offers programs and services to Hispanics in Watauga and surrounding counties.

Marta P. Virella, director of High Country Amigos, said she thinks it is important Hispanics have an agency to help them adjust to the area.

“The mission of a non-profit organization is to help the community so to better the community,” she said.

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Knowledge is power with ADC
by Hugh Kellenberger
Staff Writer

Since 1994, the Alcohol and Drug Council (ADC) of Watauga County has sought to work with the community to prevent and reduce substance abuse. Initially created by a couple seeking information, Dr. Lucya Sonek carries on their mission today.

Sonek is the executive board member of the Board of Executives for the Alcohol and Drug Council, as well as the only paid employee.

The Alcohol and Drug Council has a four-fold approach to their services. They provide workshops, informative presentations, exhibits, films and educational literature devoted to the prevention of alcohol and drugs, according to the Alcohol/Drug Council’s official pamphlet. All services are provided free of charge.

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Hunger Coalition offers volunteer opportunities for students
Carrie Baker
Associate Editor

Some come seeking medicine, others for nourishment and some just want a friend to share time with.

Whether it is for an important prescription refill or a hot dinner, they all come to the same place. The Hunger Coalition in Boone, N.C. provides those in need in Watauga, Avery and Ashe Counties with the necessitates many others overlook.

“We feed about 1,000 to 1,200 people a month. It’s not the same people. We have over 6,000 families in our data base,” Diane Tait, executive director for the Hunger Coalition, said.

Those 6,000 families receive aid from the Hunger Coalition in the way of food and medication they could not otherwise afford.

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Small Volunteer makes big difference
Jessica Hines
Associate Editor

At merely 5-foot-2-inches she may seem small, but Nichole Dezan leaves a big footprint. Her time and effort provide homes for families in the High Country through her participation in the Appalachian State University chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

“I feel there’s a lot of people—especially families—who deserve to have a house like the rest of us,” Dezan said. “These people work really hard to get these houses and they haven’t always been given the best of luck.”

Last year, the Appalachian chapter of Habitat built two houses for local families. The houses were completed and dedicated.

Dezan said she organized groups to visit elementary schools with Habitat books. She said the books focused on subjects like being a good friend.

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