Andrews – It’s astonishing what a group of women can accomplish.
One Dozen Who Care, which was established in 1999, grew from an effort to increase recognition of the contribution everyone makes to Cherokee County – in particular, those from backgrounds who are often overlooked.
“The dominant cultural groups are celebrated for their contributions, while others have contributed all along,” Janell Walden Agyeman said. The group supports and recognizes those already “busily engaged in providing acts of service in their communities. We are all God’s children, and we all have something to offer.”
Founder Ann Miller Woodford, a black woman and local native, saw a need to unify her community to honor and respect diversity. While working as a local businesswoman, she said you can, “Go to the banks, any store and you rarely see diversity. We had to work hard to show we are qualified.”
The organization has blossomed into multiple community projects, including a yearly women’s conference that “focuses on women as cultural keepers; those who keep households going; those who often are not given enough room to relax, reflect and renew themselves,” Agyeman said.
While women-centric, the group has expanded its reach into an educational initiative aiming to teach children about diversity. The Purel Miller Reading Challenge, co-sponsored with the Nantahala Reading Library, focuses on a donated book collection housed at the Andrews Public Library.
“The point is to encourage younger people to check out stories they might not typically hear and see images not readily available to them,” Walden Agyeman said.
Woodford simplifies their mission, saying, “We are making the invisible, visible.” Readers are awarded a cash prize for each book they read and review.
The group hopes to teach a greater understanding and respect for the variety of cultures within their community. For details, visit www.onedozenwhocare.org.