Cornbread and Roses, a local nonprofit organization, offers a variety of resources for the Western North Carolina community including therapy services, a food pantry, a gender/size inclusive thrift store and community events.
CBR’s mission is “to promote inclusive, vital community services throughout Western North Carolina by focusing on service gaps experienced by marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+,” according to its website.
CBR offers individual and group therapy sessions for all indi
viduals. CBR currently accepts most major insurances and is working to accept all forms of insurance. The organization also offers a sliding scale payment options for individuals without insurance.
“We offer therapy services trained on working with the specific needs of LGBTQ people, gender expansive individuals and neurodivergent individuals,” Destri Leger, CBR’s director of marketing and development, said. “We also offer a variety of non-talk therapy options so somatic therapy and play therapy.”
CBR currently hosts two monthly group sessions. It’s Giving Community Care is a support group for transgender and gender expansive youth. This group meets 6-7:30 p.m. every second Tuesday. The second monthly support group, Raising LGBTQ+ Families, is for parents and guardians of LGBTQ+ children. This group meets 6:30-8 p.m. every third Thursday.
Another resource CBR has is a free food pantry available to anyone. The pantry is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. The pantry is also available by appointment.
“We try to make it as close to a grocery shopping experience as we can,” Leger said. “Folks can come in and select items that make sense for them in their household, they don’t have to any intakes or provide any kind of documentation, and they are welcome to take what they need.”
The food pantry also provides limited food delivery services for those unable to physically pick up food. Currently, the delivery service is on a waitlist.
CBR is actively building a larger space for the food pantry on their property. The larger space will be able to accommodate more food and supplies.
CBR also runs Edna’s Closet, an inclusive thrift store. Edna’s Closet is located inside Wildkitchen Supply in downtown Sylva. According to Edna’s Closet’s Instagram page, all proceeds from the thrift store go to CBR’s services.
Enda’s Closet is dedicated to providing affordable size and gender inclusive clothing options, according to Leger.
CBR created the Rainbow Directory to highlight LGBTQ+ friendly organizations and businesses in Jackson County. The Rainbow Directory includes all types of organizations from churches to repair services. The full directory is available on the CBR website.
CBR provides harm reduction supplies for anyone in need. These supplies are located inside the CBR building in Sylva.
Leger encourages anyone interested in CBR to sign up for the organization’s digital monthly newsletter. The newsletter shares upcoming community events and ways to get involved with CBR. The newsletter also shares information about current LGBTQ+ news such as new legislation.
“I am really proud to see folks that haven’t had the opportunity to build community elsewhere find that here,” Leger said.
CBR has many volunteer opportunities for community members and students. The food pantry needs volunteers to work in a variety of positions including food delivery, sorting and facilitating open pantry days. More information can be found on the Cornbread and Roses website.
