It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Marshall, NC is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during”
“I'm a new hire and the office staff is wonderful, informative and thorough. I feel”
“I am a current client of this provider I couldn't have a life without them. They”
“I am a current client of this provider This helps us both be more refreshed and”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped tremendously with her sadness. I like”
“Always Best Care was always responsive to our family’s caregiving and respite needs. They created”
“I am a past client of this provider They have helped the most with just providing”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most by talking to him. They're”
“I am a current client of this provider They provide me with company. They make you feel”
“I am a current client of this provider I can depend on her coming and being”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones”
“I am a current client of this provider They help with the needs that we have. It gives me time to go to the grocery store.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like my caregiver. They've made my experience positive by sending me Barbara.”
“I am a current client of this provider I feel comfortable with them so far. I don't have any problems getting things done when the caregivers show up.”
“ABC has provided care for my client for 5-6 years. They have been great! Melisa and Autumn have given extra effort and care to assist with managing my client's needs. I don't know how I would have made it without them.”
“Always Best Care for Seniors has served my clients well based on feedback received. They take the time to assess the needs of caregivers and care recipients alike and establish a detailed person-centered plan of care that addresses the care needs and wellbeing of the care recipient. This approach builds rapport and confidence with the caregiver and emphasizes respite for the caregiver while meeting the care recipients’ needs.”
“I am a current client of this provider Belinda has done everything I have asked and more. Belinda has gone above the call of duty.”
“I am a current client of this provider They are courteous, polite, kind and hard-working. It helps keep him interactive with people.”
“I am a current client of this provider I liked the intake interview lady. Mary, the nurse, is very encouraging. Their presence is helpful because I can't be there.”
“I am a current client of this provider I like that they are flexible and the people that they provide have been good so far. They have removed a lot of stress from my life.”
“The team with Always Best Care were instrumental in the assistance with my mom during her decline and eventual passing. They were thoughtful, kind, supportive, considerate and readily available. Mary, one of the nurse managers at the Asheville location, was so supportive it is as if she became family. She would come without hesitation as I navigated through this difficult time offering tremendous support. She not only foresaw what was needed, but understood what I needed and catered to that need. She is a tremendous asset to your team! I am forever grateful for her.”
“I'm a new hire and the office staff is wonderful, informative and thorough. I feel like this will be a most rewarding opportunity.”
“I am a current client of this provider I couldn't have a life without them. They do the cooking and everything for me. One was a poor caregiver and the other was good.”
“I am a current client of this provider This helps us both be more refreshed and get breaks from each other. I like the fact that they seem to be a Christian-based organization. That comes through with the care that is provided.”
“I am a current client of this provider They have helped tremendously with her sadness. I like how I can call, get a person and not just a recording.”
“Always Best Care was always responsive to our family’s caregiving and respite needs. They created a thorough and detailed individual care plan with us that addressed all of our concerns and caregiving requirements. Our caregiver Elaine was fantastic. She is genuinely caring, compassionate, friendly, and engaging. My father was always excited when Elaine came to the house. They would talk for hours, laugh, play games, do puzzles, look at photo albums, and watch all kinds of sports together including tennis, football, soccer, and basketball. He said that Elaine made the best peanut butter and jelly sandwiches too. She even stopped by to check on us after hurricane Helene to make sure that we were ok. I fully recommend Always Best Care to any family needing respite and caregiving services for their loved ones. They are truly the Best!”
“I am a past client of this provider They have helped the most with just providing me really good care and there was a never struggle with them. I liked that Always Best Care was always very kind and worked with me very easily.”
“I am a current client of this provider They help the most by talking to him. They're very good about doing what they are supposed to be doing.”
“I am a current client of this provider They provide me with company. They make you feel comfortable.”
“I am a current client of this provider I can depend on her coming and being there. They are very responsive and do what they say they're going to do and are dependable.”
“I am a past client of this provider Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting staff to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“I'm so happy to have such a professional and reliable agency that I can refer my caregivers to and know that they will receive the service they need to assist with the care of their loved ones with dementia,”
“Always Best Care Seniors Services provide the personal touch in-home care! From our initial call inquiring about services, to meeting the owner Jim Smeaton to discuss our unique family needs, to the caring compassionate and understanding caregivers we are thoroughly impressed. Its such a relief knowing our loved ones are receiving the care they deserve.”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“Highly professional and very caring. A great company”
“I love this company. They are always very responsive. They truly care about the ones that they care for.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
Request More Information
While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Marshall, NC, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Marshall, NC understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Marshall, NC 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
MARSHALL, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein visited Marshall in western North Carolina on Thursday morning to announce a new round of aid for the state's river basins, including those affected by Helene.What You Need To Know Joined by Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson, Stein announced that $6 million in grants have been allocated to 11 flood prevention projects at river basins across the state.“Today's grant to the Land of Sky Regional Council will restore approximately 4,000 li...
MARSHALL, N.C. — Gov. Josh Stein visited Marshall in western North Carolina on Thursday morning to announce a new round of aid for the state's river basins, including those affected by Helene.
Joined by Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Reid Wilson, Stein announced that $6 million in grants have been allocated to 11 flood prevention projects at river basins across the state.
“Today's grant to the Land of Sky Regional Council will restore approximately 4,000 linear feet of stream channel plant, two and three quarters acres of riparian buffer and add 11 acre-feet of floodplain water storage along the French Broad River,” Stein said.
The North Carolina Flood Resiliency Blueprint was developed by the DEQ in 2021.
It is aimed at offering support to local leaders to assist in the wake of disasters and is the state’s largest flood mitigation investment.
Local leaders and business owners say knowing the town where they live and work is going to have better protection in the future is comforting.
“It feels like a relief because we have all rebuilt. And then, I mean, there's always this nagging thing in the back of your mind, like, is it worth it? Is it going to happen again? I mean the river is right there,” said Mal’s Bar owner Mallory McCoy, who reopened her business after eight months of repairing flood damage.
About $789,000 will go to the French Broad River Basin in Marshall.
“I couldn't be more excited for this in the town and our state leaders that, you know, to help us out. You know, the hurricane just really devastated our town,” Marshall Mayor Aaron Haynie said.
“It's just amazing how expensive things are, and we've got great groups and organizations that will be able to put this money together and use it for a good,” Haynie said of the grants.
Wilson said so far the blueprint has funded 72 projects around the state totaling $35 million, including Thursday’s $6 million announcement.
NC State Senior Cornerback Devon Marshall met with the media after practice today before the Wolfpack plays at Pitt on Saturday. You can watch the video above, and read the transcript below.The defense has been beaten up for most of the season. What’s it been like seeing some of the younger guys step up into positions that they’re not used to playing in?I mean, it’s just football. It’s going to happen every season. We say at the beginning of the season to stay ready so you don’t have to get ...
NC State Senior Cornerback Devon Marshall met with the media after practice today before the Wolfpack plays at Pitt on Saturday. You can watch the video above, and read the transcript below.
The defense has been beaten up for most of the season. What’s it been like seeing some of the younger guys step up into positions that they’re not used to playing in?
I mean, it’s just football. It’s going to happen every season. We say at the beginning of the season to stay ready so you don’t have to get ready. The young guys have been ready for the moment. It’s just their time to go out and show them what they can do.
You guys on the outside have been pretty solid and steady all year. How much have you guys embraced that, knowing that the guys in the back end just keep going down and keep getting around?
Yeah, in the corner room, the three of us who have been playing we’ve been healthy, thankfully. We’ve just been trying to do our part every week and play the best that we can play and just try to pick up the back end as much as we can and try to make as many plays as we can and really just help the safeties too because all the safeties are young. So we’re just communicating to them, just showing them how to play and what to do.
How important has that communication between you guys been, not only on the field but in practice, trying to figure out where everybody’s going to be?
It’s been extremely important. Like you said, the safeties haven’t played much, so we have to constantly talk and really speak after the play. If we blow an assignment or mess something up, we have to really sit there and install it in their minds because we can’t have that mistakes on game day. We’ve been on it a lot recently, so we don’t blow any coverages.
Was the bye good for you? How did you enjoy the bye week?
The bye week was good. It was a good time to recover and get our bodies back. We did a lot of meeting and talking as the back end too, so I feel like we was able to catch up and get a head start on this Pitt game.
You have a lot of positional versatility in your pass, but what is it about corner that you appreciate the challenges?
I’ve been playing corner my whole life. I just like being on the island. I say Marshall Island. I just like the one-on-one match-ups. I embrace playing press man, off man. I think it’s just fun. I like the challenges we make the play and celebrate.
It’s pretty stressful, isn’t it? Playing one-on-one out there on the island by yourself. How stressful is that?
It’s not really stressful for me. That’s my job. It’s what I do, what I take ownership in. For me, it’s not stressful at all. For other people, it’s not as stressful.
The three of you have been rotating a lot, how much has that helped staying fresh throughout a game?
It helps me a lot. When I go back out there, my legs are ready to go. I’ll probably take one drive off, play three, take a drive off. It keeps my body refreshed. I’m able to see the offense from the sidelines, just look at how they’re moving. I feel like I can play better throughout the game.
Pittsburgh made a quarterback change this season. What have you guys seen from him so far going into this one?
I know he’s a young quarterback. He can run. He’s talented, but he’s young. All the defensive schemes, you’ve just got to switch it up for him.
You mentioned using the bye week as a secondary to meet and get on the same page. What did those meetings look like?
It’s just looking at film, looking at practice. It’s really just looking at the mistakes that we made.
Not really looking good, but all the bad. Just trying to correct those.
Who put that together?
Obviously it starts with the coaches and practice, but as players we did it ourselves too, just so we’re even more locked in. Throughout the season we’ve been meeting as players, but it’s really just the team. Coaches, players, we all know what the issue is and just trying to get that together.
Is there anyone in the secondary that’s really stepped up into a leader role, or is it more of just a group effort of all the guys?
I would say it’s a group effort. In the corner room, three of us that played, me, Jamel, Brian, and you got JJ Vick. So really, and even the guys that’s hurt, like Rente, everyone just, we’re just trying to get better.
What’s your perspective on having possibly six games left? Did you think about that much during the bye week, knowing that it’s that point of the year?
Obviously I think about that. There’s only six games left in my career. I know this has to be my best six games of my life. So I’m just ready to step into those games and play my best ball.
MARSHALL, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein was in Marshall on Thursday, Oct. 16, announcing new state funding to help communities recover and prepare for future flooding after Hurricane Helene.The governor announced $6 million in new flood resiliency grants through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, part of the state’s ongoing effort to strengthen river systems and reduce flood risk.“Last year’s flooding of the French Broad River after Helene is a somber reminder of h...
MARSHALL, N.C. (WLOS) — North Carolina Governor Josh Stein was in Marshall on Thursday, Oct. 16, announcing new state funding to help communities recover and prepare for future flooding after Hurricane Helene.
The governor announced $6 million in new flood resiliency grants through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, part of the state’s ongoing effort to strengthen river systems and reduce flood risk.
“Last year’s flooding of the French Broad River after Helene is a somber reminder of how damaging flooding can be to an area,” said Stein. “We must stay prepared for future severe weather events, and this funding will help communities become more resilient and less vulnerable to flooding.”
Stein said the grants are part of DEQ’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint, a statewide program that uses data to identify areas most vulnerable to flooding and invest in long-term mitigation. The funding will support 11 projects statewide, including several in western North Carolina.
“When it came time to choosing a place I wanted to come here with some good news,” Stein said.
Three of the funded projects are located in the French Broad River Basin, where crews plan to restore about 4,000 feet of riverbank through vegetation and stabilization. The goal is to strengthen the river’s natural defenses after last year’s catastrophic flooding.
“That bridge was underwater. It’s just hard to imagine an impact of that scale,” Stein said during the announcement.
The governor said the Blueprint and today’s announcement are the result of years of planning and bipartisan cooperation.
“The encouraging thing about this program is that there was foresight in the legislature; this blueprint was actually authorized years ago, and as you heard, not all of this round of projects are in the West because there has been a great deal of flooding, as we know in the East as well,” Stein said.
Sarah Noah, Program Coordinator for the Mountain Valley Resource Conservation and Development Council, said the restoration work will make a tangible difference for local families.
“All of these banks were completely scoured in the storm. Vegetation was entirely stripped. The trees that you see remaining are the few survivors,” Noah said.
“What it will mean is a restoration of hope for people who have really lost a tremendous amount during and since the storm. A lot of people experience drastic land loss, sometimes up to 40 feet. So, stabilizing the banks is going to put a stop to that land loss and help with safety and housing security,” Noah said.
Marshall’s mayor, Aaron Haynie, said local governments could not have afforded these kinds of projects without state support.
“With the cost of everything, it’s just so expensive nowadays, and how our budget is, it just wouldn’t have been able to withstand anything of that magnitude without the support of the state and these grants,” Haynie said.
Secretary Reid Wilson called the blueprint the largest investment ever in flood mitigation in North Carolina.
“Recent storm events, including Hurricane Helene, have highlighted the need for continued flood resilience initiatives across North Carolina,” Wilson said. “These targeted investments will strengthen resilience and help local governments reduce the costs, extent, damage, and disruption from flooding events.”
Stein said the goal is to make communities safer and more resilient before the next major storm.
“We’ve now had three 500-year floods in the last decade. We know there will be more to come and we want to make sure that when those floods come, we can minimize that impact the best we can,” Stein said.
Wilson said in the coming weeks, the state will announce another $9 million in funding, much of it focused on additional flood prevention projects across the French Broad River Basin.
MARSHALL, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Standing along the banks of the French Broad River in Marshall on Thursday morning, Gov. Josh Stein announced $6 million in state grants to reduce flood risks across the state and strengthen communities hit hard by Tropical Storm Helene last fall.The funding, provided through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint program, will support 11 projects across the state — including major work to restore stream channels and riverbanks in the French B...
MARSHALL, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Standing along the banks of the French Broad River in Marshall on Thursday morning, Gov. Josh Stein announced $6 million in state grants to reduce flood risks across the state and strengthen communities hit hard by Tropical Storm Helene last fall.
The funding, provided through the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Flood Resiliency Blueprint program, will support 11 projects across the state — including major work to restore stream channels and riverbanks in the French Broad River Basin.
“Last year’s flooding of the French Broad River after Helene is a somber reminder of how damaging flooding can be,” Stein said. “We must stay prepared for future severe weather events, and this funding will help communities become more resilient and less vulnerable.”
In Marshall, the Land of Sky Regional Council will receive $789,000 for the Rollins and Fortner Hollow Riverbank Restoration Project. The work will stabilize nearly a mile of stream channel, restore about 2.75 acres of streambank vegetation and create 11 acre-feet of floodplain water storage to reduce future flood impacts.
“Investing in resilience and enhancing the French Broad River Basin will help us to better protect towns like Marshall from future flooding and protect rivers from pollution,” Stein said.
Sarah Noah, of Mount Valley’s Resources Conservation and Development Council, said as soon as the flood waters receded, people in the Marshall area rolled up their sleeves and got to work.
“And in less than 13 months, with a tremendous amount of support, we moved mountains on our path to recovery,” Noah said.
Two additional projects in the French Broad River Basin will receive funding:
DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson said the investments are part of a long-term plan to make North Carolina more resilient to worsening storms. “These targeted investments will strengthen resilience and help local governments reduce the costs, extent and disruption of flooding events,” Wilson said.
Local leaders in Marshall described the funding as a turning point for the community. Floodwaters from Helene sent the French Broad River surging more than 25 feet, inundating homes, bridges and businesses across Madison County.
“This project represents our region’s commitment to rebuilding smarter, stronger and with natural disaster resilience at the forefront,” Jane Margaret Bell, of the Land of Sky Regional Council, said. “By restoring the French Broad’s floodplain, we’re protecting people, property and the river itself.”
The Flood Resiliency Blueprint, created by the General Assembly in 2021, guides flood mitigation efforts statewide. To date, DEQ has funded 72 projects totaling $35 million, with more rounds of funding expected in the coming months.
As Stein looked out over the French Broad, he called Marshall a fitting place for the announcement.
“I’ve been to Marshall a handful of times, and I’m inspired every time I come. These folks have worked incredibly hard to recover,” he said. “When it came time to bring some good news, I wanted to come right here to Marshall.”
RALEIGH — To be a lockdown cornerback at any level, it takes confidence and ability. NC State senior defensive back Devon Marshall doesn't lack either quality and has taken full advantage of his increased role with the Wolfpack in his final season.With just five games left, the veteran corner is trying to lead the Wolfpack defense to bowl eligibility by any means possible. As the leader of a veteran-laden cornerback room, he's been the standard for NC State's secondary throughout the 4-3 start....
RALEIGH — To be a lockdown cornerback at any level, it takes confidence and ability. NC State senior defensive back Devon Marshall doesn't lack either quality and has taken full advantage of his increased role with the Wolfpack in his final season.
With just five games left, the veteran corner is trying to lead the Wolfpack defense to bowl eligibility by any means possible. As the leader of a veteran-laden cornerback room, he's been the standard for NC State's secondary throughout the 4-3 start.
During fall camp in August, Marshall made his first bold proclamations about his play.
“I’m just ready to take what I learned last year and take it to the next level," he said.
He proved himself right throughout the first seven games. Marshall allowed just 15 receptions, but it was his ability to prevent wideouts from turning catches into more that stood out. He allowed a measly 38 yards after the catch on those receptions.
Months later, Marshall isn't feeling any different. If anything, the veteran cornerback has never been more confident. He went toe-to-toe with elite receiving talent from Duke and Notre Dame and stood tall. Part of what allowed that to happen was his feeling that he's the best player on the field at any given moment. He embraces each opportunity he gets alone with the opposing receivers. In fact, he's created his own nickname.
"I've been playing corner my whole life. I just like being on that island. I say 'Marshall Island,'" he said Tuesday. "I just like the one-on-one matchups... I think it's just fun and I like the challenge."
The senior has a workmanlike mindset about the position as well. He's turned what might be a high-octane and overwhelming position for many players and made it his own temple.
"It's not really stressful for me. That's my job. That's what I do, what I take ownership in," Marshall said. "For me, it's not stressful at all, but for other people, it might look stressful."
The Wolfpack experienced a plethora of injuries in the secondary, but the cornerback group remained mostly unaffected. The three veterans, including Marshall, Jamel Johnson and Brian Nelson II, were forced to step up and help a young group of safeties and nickels learn the defense on the fly. Marshall already began to show signs of being the group's leader over the summer, but his words Tuesday solidified his status as the group's alpha.
"The three of us who have been playing, we've been healthy, thankfully," Marshall said. "We've been just trying to do our part every week, play the best that we can play and just try to pick up the back-end as much as we can ... And really just help the safeties too, because all of the safeties are young."
Having 'Marshall Island' in front of them has helped young safeties like Ronnie Royal III and Asaad Brown Jr over the last three weeks. While the defense hasn't been perfect, Marshall and the other outside corners plugged a lot of holes during the first seven games. If the Pack wants to play beyond the 12th game, Marshall and his crew will need to keep doing what they're doing.
Want more NC State football content during the 2025 season? Follow on X (Twitter) @WolfpackOnSI and @SennettTucker and never miss another breaking news story again. Want to reach out with questions about the Wolfpack? Send an email to [email protected] to potentially be featured on mailbag stories in the future.Â
Please let us know your thoughts when you like our Facebook page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.
828-676-2939
