About us
The people behind the signal.
Through the Trees is a Brevard, NC nonprofit. Our staff, board and volunteers give donated devices a second life and put them in the hands of neighbors across Western North Carolina.
Our mission: bridging the digital divide, one signal, one device, one neighbor at a time.
Our story
It started when school moved online.
On March 14, 2020, schools in our county switched to virtual learning, and gaps that had been there for years became impossible to miss. Many rural students didn’t have reliable internet at home. People who used to commute suddenly had to work online, and without decent speeds, that was hard or impossible.
The digital divide is the gap between people who have devices, internet access and digital skills, and people who don’t. In the rural parts of our county, that gap grows the longer it’s left alone. Through the Trees started to close it.
- 2020: March 14. Schools go virtual, and the idea for Through the Trees takes root.
- 2021: 95
- 2022: 195
- 2023: 175
- 2024: 419
- 2025: 541
- 2026: 420 so far
Devices given away each year
1,845 devices given away since we started, and counting.
Our action plan
How we’re closing the gap
- Pay expansion fees to bring internet service lines to new areas.
- Help cover monthly internet bills for households with low or no income.
- Expand the free Wi-Fi map across the county.
Our vision
A community where everyone is connected, knowledgeable, and supported in the digital world.
Our staff
Meet the team
The staff who run the shop, the bench and the programs.
Yvette Brooks
Founder & Executive Director
“Helping my community in a meaningful way brings me joy. We all have a role to play in something greater than ourselves.”
Daniel Rubianes
Technology Operations Manager
“My favorite part about working for Through the Trees is the unique team of volunteers and supporters who work together to improve technology access in their community.”
Landon Brown
Client Services Coordinator
“Working with Through the Trees helps me give back to a community I grew up in and learn tips and tricks with tech I didn’t know prior to being here.”
Shane Welsh
Technology Services Specialist
Leadership
Board of directors
Margaret Fenton Lebeck
Board Chair
Debbie Dove
Secretary
Tim Marquardt
Treasurer
Tripp Presnell
Treasurer
Jonathan Davis
Fundraising Committee
Cheryl Shulman
Board Member
Paul Cooper
Board Member
Caroline Chambers
Board Member
Our volunteers
The hands behind every device
Volunteers test, repair and refurbish devices, teach digital skills, and keep the shop running.
Volunteer spotlight
Jordan R.
“I came in to fix one laptop and stayed for the people.”
The Bench
Volunteering with us right now
38 active volunteers who test, fix, wipe and teach.
- Abe Z.
- Ava M.
- Bartholomew-Alexander W.
- Bea K.
- Brad N.
- Cal V.
- Dee G.
- Eli B.
- Faye B.
- Gus A.
- Hank P.
- Hugo D.
- Iris J.
- Ivy P.
- Joel W.
- June K.
- Lena O.
- Lila C.
- Lou C.
- Maria Guadalupe S.
- Mae D.
- Marcus T.
- Max N.
- Milo H.
- Ned L.
- Nora F.
- Omar E.
- Opal F.
- Priya S.
- Ray S.
- Rosa L.
- Ruth Y.
- Sam W.
- Tess R.
- Theo R.
- Walt H.
- Wes G.
- Zoe T.
Our partners
Thank you to our partners
These organizations help us get devices, internet access and digital skills to more of our neighbors.
Dogwood Health Trust
A private foundation in Asheville working to improve the health and wellbeing of people across 18 Western North Carolina counties and the Qualla Boundary.
Lake Toxaway Charities
Serving Transylvania County for more than 45 years, helping people facing hunger, homelessness, healthcare needs and abuse, and supporting local education.
Smart Start of Transylvania County
Supports early childhood educators and connects local families with the resources they need.
Get involved
Help us connect the next neighbor
Donate a device, volunteer your time, or stop by the shop on Main Street.