About Us

In February 2007, Gayle Sovinee and Deborah Nixon-Karistinos, the co-founders of Helios Warriors, met for the first time and began the initial planning.  In October of that year, the doors opened for service operating two Sundays a month until the end of April 2009.  Because of unforeseen circumstances, operations temporarily closed for restructuring. 

In 2010, Helios Warriors was approved as a 501(c)3 non-profit organization and once again opened their doors in April under the direction of Gayle Sovinee, Executive Director.  Gayle has been the owner of a holistic health business for over 20 years as well as the owner of an organizing, event planning and time management business. 

She is currently serving as Chair for the Mayor's Committee for Veterans' Affairs here in Asheville.

Helios is the Greek word for Sun.  The Sun provides warmth, light and life.  A Warrior is a person who shows courage and is experienced in or capable of engaging in combat or warfare.