Asheville, August 14, 2025
News Summary
Volunteers have renovated an old classroom into a serenity room at T.C. Roberson High School to provide teachers a peaceful space to relax. This initiative by the Christos Foundation and community partners aims to reduce stress for educators. The room, which features a calming atmosphere, is part of a broader program to support teachers, especially important as they start a new school year. Plans are in motion for additional rooms in other local schools affected by Tropical Storm Helene, building on the community’s collaborative spirit.
Asheville
Volunteers have successfully transformed an old classroom at T.C. Roberson High School into a new serenity room aimed at providing teachers with a peaceful space to relax and recharge. This initiative, led by the Christos Foundation in collaboration with various community partners, seeks to alleviate stress for educators in a high-pressure environment.
The project involved extensive renovations, including the sanding and painting of bookshelves, arranging greenery, and placing new furniture and lamps to create a cozy atmosphere. The completion of this project is particularly timely, as teachers start the new school year and are in need of a designated area for respite during hectic days.
Buncombe County Schools Chief Communications Officer Ken Ulmer has highlighted the significance of this serenity room as a vital space for teachers to unwind. The Christos Foundation, which initiated the Serenity Room program last year, already established similar rooms at Valley Springs Middle and Koontz Intermediate schools. The foundation plans to extend the program this school year to include additional serenity rooms at North Buncombe Elementary, W. Estes Elementary, Haw Creek Elementary, Cane Creek Middle, and Fairview Elementary, particularly in schools affected by Tropical Storm Helene.
Meredith Baldwin Williams, a co-founder of the Christos Foundation, expressed her personal connection to T.C. Roberson High School, emphasizing her family’s history with the establishment. Volunteers from the YMCA’s Togetherhood program participated in the makeover, signifying a community effort that brought together students and residents to support local educators.
Stephen Abel, the communications director for the YMCA of Western North Carolina, described the event as a designated launch for community engagement initiatives. Nicholas Lovelace, director of community partnerships at the Christos Foundation, supervised the transformation, which included the creation of a “gratitude wall.” This wall aims to encourage students and families to express their appreciation for teachers through thank-you notes.
The serene atmosphere created in the room is intended to help educators reset throughout the day, fostering a more balanced approach to their demanding responsibilities. Student volunteers mentioned the importance of giving back to the community and expressed enjoyment in the hands-on work they contributed to for the benefit of both teachers and students. Meanwhile, adult volunteers, like Terri Brne, shared their motivations for supporting teachers in crafting an inviting and relaxing environment.
As of 1 p.m. on the day of the launch, the room was scheduled to be ready for furniture delivery, marking a significant enhancement in support for teachers returning to their roles at the start of the new school year. Lovelace emphasized the important role that community collaboration plays in instigating enduring change through initiatives like Togetherhood, underscoring the potential of collective efforts in making a meaningful impact.
FAQ
What is a serenity room?
A serenity room is a designated space where teachers can relax and recharge during stressful days, providing a calming environment away from their usual responsibilities.
Who led the transformation of the serenity room at T.C. Roberson High School?
The transformation was led by the Christos Foundation in collaboration with the YMCA of Western North Carolina, 828Strong, and Rooms to Go.
What future plans does the Christos Foundation have for serenity rooms?
The foundation intends to establish additional serenity rooms at several other schools, including North Buncombe Elementary and W. Estes Elementary, among others affected by Tropical Storm Helene.
Key Features of the Serenity Room Project
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Transformative Space | Old classroom renovated into a calming environment for teachers. |
| Community Collaboration | Involvement of volunteers from YMCA, students, and local partners. |
| Gratitude Wall | Space for students and families to express appreciation for teachers. |
| Future Expansion | Plans for additional serenity rooms in schools across the district. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- 828 News: Serenity Room for Teachers
- 828 News: Wage Complaints in NC
- 828 News: French Broad River Brewery Reopening
- Wikipedia: Social Impact
- Google Search: Serenity Rooms in Schools
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
