Our Story
CWA was named after Mrs. Christine W. Avery
Christine Avery served the community for over 50 years as an elementary school teacher for the Asheville City School system. She also served as first lady of the Hill Street Missionary Baptist church where she was head of the Christian Education program. During her time as the first lady of the church, Christine Avery founded the Hill Street Church Daycare; the oldest and only black owned daycare in Asheville. She believed that every child was special and deserving of love. Her message to everyone she encountered was to believe that they are loved and capable.
Committed to the edification of the youth, Christine Avery served alongside her husband, Rev. Dr. Nilous M. Avery Sr., to champion discrimination using educational techniques. The two were successful in their attempts to reach the youth by creating many educational programs including the Asheville Student Commission on Racial Equality (ASCORE), and Earning By Learning.
CiCi Avery Weston, born in Asheville, NC to the late Rev. Dr. Nilous and Mrs. Christine W. Avery, took a significant step in community education. In February 2015, CiCi, along with her family, initiated the Christine Avery Learning Center, a nonprofit providing afterschool and summer camp services for K-5 youth and a summer program for grades 6-9. Situated in the Educational Wing of Hill Street Baptist Church, led by her father, Dr. Nilous Avery, Sr., for over 50 years, CWA initially served about 30 students. Named in honor of her late mother, Christine W. Avery, the center reflects her passion for educating youth.
In 2017, CWA expanded by acquiring Hill Street Daycare, adding an early learning program. Continuing the legacy was especially meaningful for CiCi, as Hill Street Daycare, initiated by her mother in the 1950s, stands as the oldest black-owned and operated daycare in Asheville today.
CiCi Weston
Christine Avery’s legacy continues to thrive through the leadership of her daughter, CiCi Weston, who now serves as Executive Director of the Christine Avery Learning Center. What began at the original Hill Street Daycare site has grown into a multi-site organization, expanding its programs, reach, and impact to serve more children and families across the community while remaining rooted in the vision and values established by its founder.