Thank you, 828 News NOW, for featuring YouthBuild CORE-2
We’re grateful to 828 News NOW for featuring YouthBuild CORE-2 and helping us spread the word about this opportunity for young people in our community. Special thanks as well to Dee Pridgen for taking the time to cover this story and help shine a light on the work being done. We truly appreciate your support in helping us reach more people across Asheville and beyond.
YouthBuild CORE-2 week 2 recap
Participants took important next steps in their journey. They signed their YouthBuild paperwork, were introduced to instructors and classes, and continued getting set up for the educational path that best fits their goals. Some participants began programs like WorkKeys, adult high school courses, and GED classes, while others are still completing the enrollment process.
We’re proud to share that Hood Huggers Foundation has earned the 2026 Gold Seal of Transparency
This recognition reflects our commitment to openness and accountability, and helps you see what your donations make possible. From Blue Note Junction to workforce development programs that open doors to opportunity, your support helps us keep building a stronger community. 💚
Thank you, Mountain Xpress, for featuring Hood Huggers Foundation!
Thank you, Mountain Xpress and Brionna Dallara, for featuring Hood Huggers Foundation and highlighting YouthBuild CORE-2! 💛
We’re proud to be part of a program that helps young people ages 16–24 access GED preparation, hands-on construction training, leadership development, individualized support, and real career pathways.
YouthBuild CORE-2 week 1: Mental Toughness
Mental Toughness is the first step in the YouthBuild journey, a hands-on introduction that helps both participants and the program decide if it’s the right fit. Taking place this week, this experience gave young people the chance to build confidence, make connections, and show their readiness for enrollment.
Join us for the Blue Note Junction fundraiser on May 14
On May 14 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at One World Brewing West, friends, supporters, neighbors, and community partners will gather for an evening of connection, music, storytelling, and shared vision. This fundraiser is an opportunity not only to support Blue Note Junction, but also to learn more about what it is, why it matters, and how we can grow the future together.
Thank you to our J. Crew volunteers!
A group of volunteers from the J.Crew Distribution Center recently spent time working at the Peace Gardens. On top of that, J.Crew employees also organized a bake sale and raised $500 for HHF, which was matched dollar for dollar by J.Crew, bringing that gift to $1,000. And there’s more.💫 Their team also received confirmation that 27 volunteer hours were converted into dollars through the J.Crew Giving site, resulting in three separate donations of $225 each, for a total of $675. Thank you!
Congratulations to Zee!
Through our Under Instruction Referral Program, he landed a job with Mr. Rooter Plumbing, and we couldn’t be prouder. The UI Referral Program is a career connector: we match participants (ages 18+) with employers who offer paid, hands-on job training plus leadership development in real-world settings. Unlike a structured cohort, this track moves at the pace of your career goals: flexible, personalized, and built around what you’re working toward.
Spring Fling 2026 is coming!
Every year, we host a family-friendly spring celebration that is free to the community and includes live music, local vendors, food trucks/vendors, libations, and the Peace Gardens and Market BIG plant sale. Spring Fling an incredibly magical and fun day filled with music, food, community, and PLANTS! 🪴
Beautiful illustrations from Karine Rupp-Stanko
Karine Rupp-Stanko gifted us some beautiful illustrations of the Burton Street Community. Thank you, Karine! 🌷💗
Jeremiah’s HH story told by his mom, Latonya
The very first time he saw DeWayne “B-Love” Barton, co-founder of Hood Huggers Foundation, Jeremiah was just a kid playing basketball at the Burton Street community center with a friend. DeWayne noticed him, struck up a conversation, and invited him to get involved in the community.
Meet Tah
Tah is 22, and he is building a future with purpose. After earning his GED, he's been accepted into Warren Wilson College, where he plans to study environmental engineering.
“I want to study environmental engineering because you get to work on the land and heal it, plant trees, and make sure nobody messes anything up. That’s gonna be very cool, like a ranger, but on steroids.”
Congratulations to our participants!
They completed their participation in the 2025-2026 Hood Huggers Foundation's Under Instruction Program! We're very proud of their commitment, perseverance, and growth. We celebrated the only way that felt right: pizza, a fun afternoon at Retrocade, and diplomas!
What’s the connection between our workforce development programs and Blue Note Junction?
“Blue Note Junction is the top of the flower. The peace garden is the root; it’s how we started, it’s the dirt, but Blue Note Junction is the flower that everybody will see. That flower will provide a lot of different opportunities for not only the community that lives here, but also for travelers and tourists alike.”
MLK Day of Service 2026 💙
MLK Day of Service 2026 was a powerful day: more than 100 volunteers showed up to HUG our hoods in the Burton Street Community and the South Asheville Cemetery!
