“Everything good begins with someone’s dream,” Frances Coates told the Columbus Lions at a recent meeting.

For the Lion’s-owned McCune Center in Black Mountain, the dream belonged to Marjorie McCune, the first blind caseworker with the NC Division of Services for the Blind in Buncombe County. She dreamed of a “happy home” with a compassionate and caring staff that could assist the blind in their daily chores and activities, while restoring their pride and dignity. She approached the Lions Club with her idea and in 1979, after years of planning and fundraising, the Marjorie McCune Memorial Center became a reality.

Today, it continues as a licensed adult care assisted and independent living facility owned and operated by the Lions of Western North Carolina.  Beginning with 40 beds, it now is home to 64 residents who need assistance due to age, blindness or disabilities. Independent living cottages are also available on the campus.