Update from the Board 6/29/26

Dear Friends,

Since 2012, Hands and Feet of Asheville (HFA) has dedicated its work to two things: the next generation of compassionate service leaders and the nonprofits working every day to serve Western North Carolina’s most critical needs.

During the current program year, Hands and Feet has faced several unexpected challenges that have placed significant strain on our small organization. These circumstances have resulted in more than $20,000 in unexpected costs.

Given this significant financial hardship, the Board of Directors has moved to suspend programming in the 2026-2027 program year and enter a time of intentional discernment and community conversation. Given ongoing program structure and staffing changes, constant upheaval in the local and national non-profit landscape, and the changing needs of today’s service-minded young adults, we hope to engage in a deep conversation that prioritizes sustainability and mission impact. We hope to center the voices of our community partners, program alumni, and prospective participants as we discover what's next.

Support from our community is what drives this work, especially in the face of hardship. Gifts of all sizes enable our ability to gracefully complete the current program year, ending July 31, and provide the best experience possible for our 7 amazing young women. When you make a gift, you enrich the service year experience for Marisa, Icy, Viviana, Landry, Gaby, Riley, and Sarah.

This year's cohort arrived in Asheville in August of 2025 as Western North Carolina continued to recover in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Each fellow stepped into their new role with vigor and a commitment to support WNC's recovery with employer partners at:

• Asheville GreenWorks

• Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville

• REACH of Haywood County

• Asheville City Schools Foundation

• FirstWNC

• Homeward Bound

• United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County

• YWCA

• Black Mountain Presbyterian Church

• Habitat for Humanity

Despite the challenges of this year, Hands and Feet has continued to work hard to provide the resources to ensure fellows have a meaningful program year.

Community Day funds had to be redirected to other financial needs, but Mentorship Manager Chelsea West-Richardson has been able to create opportunities for community, personal, and professional growth.

The group has enjoyed Community Days like:

• Volunteering with local organizations like 12 Baskets, MANNA Food Bank, Bounty and Soul

• Career panels focused on Ministry, Social Work, and Nonprofit work, bringing in professionals from around WNC

• A scavenger hunt for fellows to explore Downtown Asheville

• Public Speaking with board member Rev. Stephanie McLeskey

• Events with employer partners like RSAA and Asheville GreenWorks

• A resume-building workshop and mock interviews with a hiring professional

Chelsea also meets with fellows regularly to walk with them through their personal, professional, and spiritual discernment processes. For personal and spiritual development, one-on-ones provide fellows with a safe, open space to discuss any challenges they are facing. Professionally, these meetings have been able to connect fellows with resources, support as they search for jobs, and professionals in their chosen field.

Hands and Feet wants to develop the next generation of compassionate service leaders for many years to come. Your financial support makes that work possible.

Regardless of what the future holds for Hands and Feet, every gift made will directly enrich the experience of our current Fellows.

Your support allows us to restore funding for important parts of the program, such as Community Days, mentorship check-ins, and shared learning experiences that help Fellows grow as professionals and people committed to service and justice.

Make a gift online via PayPal or mail a check to 789 Merrimon Ave, Asheville, NC 28804.

Hands and Feet of Asheville has always been rooted in relationships - between Fellows, partner organizations, mentors, and the wider community. It is in that spirit that we ask for your support today.

If you are able, please consider making a gift of significance to help sustain Hands and Feet during this critical moment.

In gratitude and hope,

Board of Directors

Hands and Feet of Asheville