2025 has been a long, challenging year for rural Americans—a time of uncertainty and mistrust. Logging mills and production plants in the Southeast are closing at an alarming rate. Snap benefits were delayed for a few weeks, further impacting one’s stress. However, cooperatively, the Winston County Self Help continues to be a beacon of light to the surrounding communities. Cooperatively, we are growing leafy greens and passing out the harvest to families to improve food security. Additionally, we have gifted sweet potatoes. Our mantra is to help “Save Rural America”, and we strive to accomplish our mantra.
As we prepare to wind down for 2025, we met cooperatively on November 18, 2025, to reflect on this year and to determine what we would do next year to help enhance the community in 2026. Most individuals were grateful for their ability to attend the day’s festivities, they were grateful for their families, and for their health. Ms. Cooper said, “I am so grateful to be a part of the WCSHC. This organization gives me hope and strength, and I encourage those who are not members to join!” Another attendee said, “I planned to be here next year; therefore, I am going to eat less this year so I can eat more next year?’ Indeed, the crowd erupted in laughter.
For many, Tuesday was a preemptive to individuals’ upcoming thanksgiving holiday. T’arie Todman of the WCSHC, encourages the group to be mindful to tell someone they love them, to offer their assistance to those in need, to be more loving, and to be more graceful to individuals because we do not know what the nest person is going through. Everyone that attended agreed to become better version of their current selves next year.
We also discussed upcoming events such as the SRAC, gardening 101, harvesting greens, and the upcoming end of year celebration culminating our 40th year in serving the community.
Additionally, members of Taylor’s funeral home came over to encourage members to visit Taylor’s funeral home to select a preneed. A preneed helps family to breath during the most difficult time of their life. It truly allows family to start the healing because all the guesswork is removed.
We ended the event with thankful hearts. Ms. Ann Kelly, WCSHC, blessed the food. Sharone and Duck, as usual, did their thing on the grill. We had BBQ chicken and ribs, corn on the cob, green beans, and rolls.
