YouthBuild CORE-2 is in full swing!
Our participants are staying busy with educational sessions, leadership development classes, and starting to build tiny homes at WORX Project's campus.
We also welcomed Danielle from Blissful Wizard, HHF's new Resident Wellness Specialist, for movement, grounding, and breathwork exercises to help our youth connect, reset, and build from the inside out.
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.
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.”
