RENEW Bryson City  

RENEW Bryson City

Subtitle

About Us

RENEW Bryson City is a 501 c-3 non-profit organization committed to addressing the devastating consequences of the opioid crisis in our community. We are proud members of the Swain County Chamber of Commerce.

Mission

The mission is to support and encourage a community of hope, help and healing.

Vision

The vision is to promote public education, treatment, recovery efforts, harm reduction and to change the social environment by promoting community norms to decrease substance use.

Purpose

  • Provide hope by believing in positive possibilities for everyone and supporting more youth and adult programs to assist and recognize and change risky behavior.
  • Create a healing environment by working to provide a safe space where people feel accepted.
  • Follow the N.C. Opioid Action Plan.

Board Members

Kaye Blanton McConnell

     Kaye Blanton McConnell has been involved in drug prevention and counseling since 1977 in Polk County, Florida, where she worked as an addiction counselor, trainer and educator. She is retired, but continues to use her experience and expertise in substance abuse prevention/intervention/recovery, to help those in our community who are affected by all drug use. She is willing to give her time to RENEW Bryson City to make our community more aware of the ill effects and help make Bryson City a place of positive social norms for our youth.

Andrea Clapp

     Andrea Clapp moved from Knoxville to Bryson City in 2002. Her working career spans three decades in the field of medical administration. She managed pre-hospital emergency medical programs to develop state-of-the-art first responder, emergency medical services and advanced life support services in Virginia, prior to moving to Knoxville. She advocated Virginia state legislators for the passage of statewide seat belt and infant/child/toddler car carrier laws. A small but vital portion of her pre-hospital/in-hospital work at the University of Tennessee Medical  Center in Knoxville was lobbying state legislators for regional designations of emergency department services which include air ambulance services transporting critically ill or injured patients to the nearest trauma center for optimum health outcomes. In 2001, she left the hospital setting and launched a career as a massage therapist specializing in therapeutic bodywork. She currently contracts with the Cherokee Indian Hospital for massage work services in the Complementary Medicine Department. A portion of her massage therapist work deals with clients experiencing chronic pain conditions. And in 2018, RENEW's organizer asked her to serve on its newly formed board of directors and function as RENEW's secretary. 

Roy Burnette

     Sensing a need to address the addiction issue in Swain County and across the nation motivated my involvement with Renew Bryson City. The broadcast media is in my opinion the best way to bring attention to this serious and growing problem. As the owner of 94.1 FM WBHN we are committed to cooperating with Renew Bryson City to keep these issues in the minds of our listeners. 

Mike Clampitt

     Mike Clampitt, 64, former NC House Member 119 (2017-2018). Retired as Fire Captain after 28 years of service with the Charlotte Fire Department. Was the Director of Fire/Rescue training at Central Piedmont Community College. Returned to his hometown of Bryson City in 2004, and resides in the Toot Hollow Community. Has had a lifetime of public commitment and service to be part of the solution. 828-736-6222.

Call to JOIN!

     We are in need of a Treasure and those with a passion to make the world a better place for everyone!

Janine Crisp

     Janine Crisp serves as treasurer for RENEW Bryson City. She provides professional services in accounting and income tax preparation, serves as Aldermen for the Town of Bryson City, and is clerk and adult Sunday School teacher at the Bryson City Church of God. A life-long resident of Swain County, community service is an integral part of her life and she believes that it truly takes the whole community working together to see positive results take place. She strongly believes in the vision and purpose of RENEW, seeking to be a positive voice in the solution to a heart breaking problem.

Phil Ammann

     Philip Ammann believes everyone should make a positive difference every day to leave the world a better place than we found it. He has a love for the outdoors and in all it offers.  Has been developing computer programs for small and large companies for over 20 years.

Tammy Williams

     Tammy Williams has been in the Banking industry for the past 24 years and has worked in Bryson City for the past 14 years. She believes that Renew Bryson City is the perfect way to help with the rising issues our youth and adults are facing today. This may be a new organization but it is a great one that will hopefully help many along the way.

Robert Lowe

     Robert Lowe grew up in Bryson City.  He and his wife are raising their two daughters here.  Robert understands the devastating impact that drugs have had on his community. He is committed to working with RENEW to make better lives for the many families that are suffering from addiction.  He urges all parents to take advantage of our parent drug awareness classes in order to teach their children the facts.