Jessie Goodwin

How do you do good in your community?

I am an advocate Way of Asheville-Buncombe County. Through 2-1-1, HandsonAsheville.org, and their Community Schools programs, the organization makes a huge difference in the lives of people in a community. When I’m able, I join in their efforts by volunteering at various events, which have included collecting schools supplies from the public, packing backpacks to give to kids, packing snack packs for kids facing food insecurity, and assisting at homework dinners. Our children are our next leaders, and I hope we support them in all the right ways so that our beautiful community is constantly improving.

When you retire you’re going to…?

When I retire, I intend to live on a small farm. This is truly a dream as I only have experience with vegetable gardening at this time in my life. I want to build up my expertise so that I eventually have chickens and maybe a couple of goats along with a massive vegetable and flower garden. I hope to create a space that is peaceful and inviting where my children and their future families will always be welcome. I hope that between the time you’re reading this and the time I retire, I am able to help countless others to reach their visions of retirement.

Where did you grow up?

I was born in Flint, Michigan and lived there with my family until right before starting high school. I think of it as the place I grew up, but I know I did a lot more growing up in the decade or two that followed. I have a really big family that is full of life and my memories of growing up close to them are some of my favorites. Michigan is a beautiful state with so much to do: my happiest summer memories are of time spent camping, relaxing at the lake or poolside with my cousins, and my best winter memories almost always include hot cocoa and playing in the snow.

Where do you live now?

I have called Asheville home since 2000. I feel grateful to be in this thriving community, and I love raising my children in the Blue Ridge Mountains. My kids both love to be outside, especially my youngest. This is such a beautiful place to find something fun to do outdoors. The culture, the food, the beer, and especially the people are a few reasons I plan to stick around this sweet city for as long as I can.