Hawthorn Heights

Hawthorn Heights Our shelter serves youth, ages 12-17, who are exhibiting at-risk behaviors or are in need of respite.

Our professionally trained staff provide basic needs and collaborate with community resources to successfully transition residents to a permanent home. Originally founded in 1976, an estimated 2,250 children have received shelter and support through the Hawthorn Heights residential program.

Join our newsletter to receive monthly updates just like this one!We are excited to share exclusive content with our sub...
06/03/2026

Join our newsletter to receive monthly updates just like this one!

We are excited to share exclusive content with our subscribers and keep our community closely connected to the mission of Hawthorn Heights. Be the first to receive program updates, inspiring success stories, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and behind-the-scenes moments that show the impact your support is making in the lives of local youth.

By subscribing, you become part of a growing network of community supporters helping us create brighter futures for teens across Western North Carolina.

📩 Sign up here: https://www.hawthornheights.org/newsletter

Follow along to watch this mural come to life! Our kids have loved watching this artist in action!
06/02/2026

Follow along to watch this mural come to life! Our kids have loved watching this artist in action!

While housing instability continues to rise across North Carolina, our youth at Hawthorn Heights are continuing to grow,...
05/29/2026

While housing instability continues to rise across North Carolina, our youth at Hawthorn Heights are continuing to grow, heal, and thrive. ❤️

From 2023 to 2024, North Carolina families with children experienced a 26% increase in homelessness - a heartbreaking reminder of how many youth are facing uncertainty and instability. Yet despite these challenges, the youth at Hawthorn Heights are experiencing safe housing, warm meals, supportive relationships, therapy services, life skills education, and opportunities to simply be kids again. 🎣

Whether it’s spending an afternoon fishing, laughing with peers, learning healthy coping skills, or building confidence for the future, these moments matter. Stability changes lives, and every safe day creates space for healing and hope.

At Hawthorn Heights, we remain committed to walking alongside youth and families through difficult seasons while helping create brighter futures for the next generation. Thank you to our community for continuing to support this mission and the youth we serve every day.

Did you know Hawthorn Heights receives an average of 270 youth referrals every year?As a 9-bedroom youth shelter, we wor...
05/28/2026

Did you know Hawthorn Heights receives an average of 270 youth referrals every year?

As a 9-bedroom youth shelter, we work hard to serve as many children and teens as possible - but the need for services across Western North Carolina continues to grow faster than available resources. Even so, Hawthorn Heights remains committed to showing up for youth and families in our community every single day.

Through safe housing, substance use education, individual therapy, life skills groups, family support, and more, we are proud to help create success stories, strengthen families, and provide hope to youth across our county and surrounding areas. ❤️

While the demand may be great, so is our determination to meet it. Thank you to everyone who supports our mission and helps us continue growing to better serve the youth who need us most.

Follow along as we continue expanding our impact, changing lives, and building brighter futures for the next generation.

Our youth had an amazing time strawberry picking at Darnell Darnell Farms!🍓 From giant swings and climbing trees to fres...
05/27/2026

Our youth had an amazing time strawberry picking at Darnell Darnell Farms!🍓 From giant swings and climbing trees to fresh-picked strawberries and delicious Dream Whips, there’s never a shortage of fun on the farm. A huge thank you to Afton and Nate Darnell for always making every visit such a memorable experience for our youth. 🤟

Hawthorn Heights is incredibly thankful for the continued support Darnell Farms has shown over the years. From donating Christmas trees for youth spending the holidays at Hawthorn Heights to contributing over 72 apples for our Chip in for Change Charity Golf Tournament last month, they consistently show what it means to invest in their community and its youth.

We are proud to support this family-owned local farm and grateful for the kindness they continue to pour into our program and our kids! ❤️🌱

Hawthorn Heights is currently seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Part-Time...
05/19/2026

Hawthorn Heights is currently seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated individuals to join our team as Part-Time Youth Care Workers and Interns.

This is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of Western North Carolina youth while gaining valuable hands-on experience in a professional and supportive environment.

Team members play an active role in mentoring youth, supporting daily routines, encouraging personal growth, facilitating recreational and community activities, and helping youth work toward goals related to reunification, emotional wellness, education, and independent living success.

These positions are especially valuable for individuals pursuing careers in:
• Social Work
• Psychology
• Counseling
• Human Services
• Criminal Justice
• Education
• Youth Services

At Hawthorn Heights, we are committed to creating a positive environment not only for the youth we serve, but also for the professionals and students who serve alongside them.

Apply on Indeed today or send your resume to [email protected].
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Hawthorn-Heights/jobs

“Every day is a new adventure!” ☀️🎂🎬🏔️At Hawthorn Heights, your job might look like ice cream trips, cake nights, waterf...
05/18/2026

“Every day is a new adventure!” ☀️🎂🎬🏔️

At Hawthorn Heights, your job might look like ice cream trips, cake nights, waterfall hikes, movie theater outings, volunteering in the community, yard games, basketball competitions, or simply sharing meaningful conversations that help guide youth toward reunification, achieving goals, and successful independent living.

If you’re looking for a part-time job that’s meaningful, fun, and full of unforgettable moments, we’d love to meet you. Our team has the opportunity to build lasting connections while making a real impact in the lives of WNC youth.

We are hiring Part-Time Youth Care Workers and interns!

Apply on Indeed today or send your resume to [email protected].
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Hawthorn-Heights/jobs

What an incredible experience it was to attend the Cherokee Autism/IDD Celebration in Cherokee! It was inspiring to see ...
05/17/2026

What an incredible experience it was to attend the Cherokee Autism/IDD Celebration in Cherokee! It was inspiring to see the community come together in support of the amazing children, teens, and adults who call Cherokee home. From fun activity booths and Kona Ice to a wonderful catered meal from Granny's Kitchen, every part of the event reflected the care and connection that make this community so special.

At Hawthorn Heights, we are honored to serve several enrolled members each year and deeply value opportunities to connect with the communities our youth come from. Building strong partnerships helps us better support each young person and their individual needs while strengthening the relationships that matter most.

A heartfelt thank you to Candy Ross and everyone who worked so hard to organize such a meaningful event. We are already looking forward to next year - and we will definitely be bringing the sensory swing again because it was clearly a crowd favorite! 💙

Looking for a job that’s anything but ordinary?At Hawthorn Heights, our days are structured, but no two days look the sa...
05/17/2026

Looking for a job that’s anything but ordinary?

At Hawthorn Heights, our days are structured, but no two days look the same. This is a hands-on, active, and engaging role where you’re out in the community, spending time in nature, participating in activities, building relationships, and being part of meaningful moments that matter.

From outdoor adventures and recreational activities to mentoring conversations and participating in group experiences, this is work that keeps you moving, thinking, and connecting with others in real time.

If you’re someone who thrives in dynamic environments and wants a role that feels purposeful and rewarding, this is a great opportunity to gain experience in youth services while making a lasting impact in the lives of WNC youth.

We are currently hiring Part-Time Youth Care Workers and Interns.

Come check it out and see what makes this such a unique place to work!

Apply on Indeed or send your resume to [email protected].
https://www.indeed.com/cmp/Hawthorn-Heights/jobs

We would like to extend a HUGE shoutout to our Platinum Sponsor, Pro-Star Plumbing! ⭐🏌️‍♂️Shay and the entire Pro-Star t...
05/16/2026

We would like to extend a HUGE shoutout to our Platinum Sponsor, Pro-Star Plumbing! ⭐🏌️‍♂️

Shay and the entire Pro-Star team have been longtime supporters of the youth at Hawthorn Heights WNC, and we are incredibly honored to have them return for their SECOND year as our Platinum Sponsor for the Chip in for Change Charity Golf Tournament!

Their continued generosity, encouragement, and commitment to giving back to local youth does not go unnoticed. Time and time again, Pro-Star Plumbing shows up for our community and goes above and beyond to support the kids who need it most.

We strongly encourage everyone to support the local businesses that invest directly into making our community stronger. Businesses like Pro-Star Plumbing are helping create brighter futures for youth across Western North Carolina, and we are so thankful to have them in our corner. 💙

Thank you, Pro-Star Plumbing, for believing in our mission and for consistently showing what community support truly looks like! Pro-Star Plumbing LLC

Address

Bryson City, NC
28713

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