I show my love through food, and cooking for others helps me feel more connected to those in my life.
When I joined Professional Women in Building and learned about the chance to cook for the local women’s shelter, Transformation Village, I couldn’t wait to be part of it. Transformation Village provides transitional housing for homeless women, mothers with children, and Veterans. They offer stabilization through basic necessities, life skills training, education, professional training, and reintegration that leads to permanent housing.
The opportunities TrV is providing for women blew me away.
Six other Women in Building and I poured into the TrV kitchen for the first time. A cook’s dream kitchen! We prepared a feast of burgers, fries, onion rings, and all the fixin’s. While cooking, we met S (name removed for confidentiality), who came to TrV 3 years ago seeking sobriety and stability. She shared that she began cooking in that kitchen when she arrived and now helps run the show that feeds over 60 women and children every day. She’s been sober for over 3 years and has two cats, one named Stacey.
The way our Cook Team prepped and cooked was incredible. Never underestimate a group of detail-oriented women on a mission. We got to know each other better, becoming more than the acquaintances we were at the start of the evening.
As the women came down the line for dinner, we were met with smiles and appreciation. One woman shared she had just received her driver’s license earlier that day after serving 10 years in jail. Another asked, “What do you all
build?” and when we replied, “mostly homes,” she thought that was amazing. That conversation led to another
woman opening up about her time in the construction industry and swapping stories from job sites.
I can only speak for myself, but my cheeks were hurting from smiling so much by the end of our shift. A lead staff
member thanked us for our time and shared one last comment from a resident: “Seeing a group of strong women
come together was inspiring.”
– Stacey Sessions, Design & Operations Leader, Forest Millwork
Thoughts from our Cook Team:
“Volunteering in the kitchen at Transformation Village was an incredibly meaningful experience for all of us.
There was such a strong sense of kindness, connection, and dignity – women supporting women in the most
genuine, uplifting way – from the women we served to everyone working side by side in the kitchen. It was
truly fulfilling, deeply human, and something we’ll carry with us long after the evening ended. We’re so
grateful to be part of this community and are already looking forward to returning.”
– Kristy Kepley-Steward Director of Communications, Alair Asheville | Red Tree
“What a lovely, fulfilling experience.”
– Lyn Mabry Owner, Designing Spaces by Lyn
If you are interested in supporting the Professional Women in Building and Builders Association of the Blue Ridge Mountains in supporting Transformation Village, please reach out to ashley.kepley-steward@alairhomes.com.
For more information about Transformation Village, visit: https://www.abccm.org/transformation-village/
During March, Women’s History Month, Forest Millwork will be accepting donations for Transformation Village. Donations can be dropped off at 93B Thompson St, Asheville, 28803. For coordinated pick-up contact: Stacey@forestmillwork.com.
Current needs include:
Seasonal Appropriate Clothing
Postage Stamps
Ethnic Hair Care
Journals/Daily Planners
Pill Boxes
Bottled water
Bedroom Slippers (Boy/Girl Youth/Adult)
Laundry Detergent
Peroxide Mouthwash
Pharmacy/Grocery Gift Cards
Alcohol-Free Mouthwash
