Together for Hope Appalachia

Newsletter - December 2025

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Hatfield & McCoy Joins Together for Hope

The Hatfield McCoy Family Foundation Joins Together for Hope

We met Jack Hatfield, president of the Hatfield-McCoy Family Foundation, at our Together for Hope Annual Meeting in Huntington, WV, this past October. Jackie “Jack” Lee Hatfield Jr. is a direct descendant of William Anderson “Devil Anse” Hatfield, patriarch of the Hatfield family during the infamous Hatfield–McCoy feud. We were immediately impressed not only by his commitment to economic development in the region but also by his unique and compelling family story. Our appreciation grew even more as we learned about the foundation’s mission:

“While promoting the family history conveying our message of Peace, Love, Diversity, Inclusion, Acceptance, and Togetherness, and assisting in aiding the local economies of the Appalachia Mountains.”

Most people are familiar with the legend of the Hatfield–McCoy feud—often portrayed in sensationalized or stereotyped ways. Fewer, however, know about a more recent and hopeful moment in the families’ history: In 2003, businessman Reo Hatfield partnered with the McCoy cousins to sign the Hatfield–McCoy Truce in Pikeville, KY, an effort to promote unity and demonstrate the power of forgiveness in the aftermath of 9-11.

The Devil Anse Hatfield Homeplace & Museum and gift shop—along with festivals, events, branded products, and access to adventure trails set in the beautiful West Virginia mountains—represent just the beginning of the foundation’s vision for economic diversification and tourism in a region deeply affected by the decline of the coal industry. As the foundation notes:

“Due to the economic shift of the natural resources, and coal companies closing because of the nation’s focus on clean energy, there is a greater need for tourist attractions to help the local economies.

Utilizing the Hatfield & McCoy family history will bring additional tourism and tax revenue to the Appalachia Mountains while promoting and preserving our family history.

The Hatfield McCoy name is already a trusted and famous name due to our historic background of the blood feud between the families. This Foundation will become the official Hatfield McCoy entity for both families showcasing the history.

It will be able to expand into various aspects of tourism destinations, products, appearances, and activities in the local community and around the country.

The foundation will be dedicated to promoting peace and showing the world it is possible to love beyond our differences.”

Together for Hope Appalachia looks forward to partnering with Jack and the Hatfield-McCoy Family Foundation in efforts toward poverty alleviation, economic resilience, and community flourishing throughout the region. Welcome to the coalition.

Plan a Visit

Devil Anse Hatfield Homeplace & Museum: Visit the Devil Anse Hatfield Homeplace & Museum – A Top Historical Attraction in West Virginia

hatfieldmccoyfoundation.org/devil-anse-homeplace-museum

Museum Tours: Experience the legendary families of the feud by visiting the last Homeplace of “Devil Anse” Hatfield and area feud sites!

hatfieldmccoyfoundation.org/tourshttps://hatfieldmccoyfoundation.org/tours/

Feud Tour Map and Other Local Attractions:

hatfieldmccoyfoundation.org/our-partners

Learn More:

hatfieldmccoyfoundation.org

Job Opening

Job Opening: TFH Appalachia Director of Programs and Partnerships

Together for Hope Appalachia is currently seeking a Director of Programs and Partnerships for the Appalachia Region. This position plays a key role in supporting our Rural Development Coalition. The person in this role works closely with Keith Stillwell, TFH Regional Vice President for Appalachia, in discovering, enlisting, and supporting coalition members; coordinating programs; strengthening relationships; managing collaborative efforts; and supporting our shared work throughout Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, and Ohio.

We would be grateful if you could share this opportunity within your networks, especially among individuals who are committed to asset-based community development, rural empowerment, and collaborative ministry.

Job Description: tfhope.org/work-with-us

Position Objective: The responsibilities of the Director of Programs and Partnerships for Together for Hope’s Appalachia Region are to assist with day-to-day organizational functions and tasks; assist with the recruitment and management of the churches, towns, nonprofits, and other partners in Together for Hope Appalachia’s Rural Development Coalition; assist with the creation and management of all Together for Hope Appalachia programs; assist in creating and managing strategic partnerships in states and across the region; assist with grant applications, management and reporting; and manage office services by implementing administrative systems, procedures, and policies.

Qualifications: A Bachelor’s Degree or Higher preferred, but not required. The ideal candidate will have experience in nonprofit management or community organizing and a knowledge and affinity for Appalachia. The salary will ultimately be negotiated along with a package that includes: Healthcare, Retirement, PTO and Business Travel. We are essentially looking for the best candidates and welcome all applicants that can help grow our coalition and the good work in the Appalachia Region.

How to Apply: Send a professional email with a clear subject line, such as “Application for Director of Programs & Partnerships, Appalachia Region.” Also attach a brief letter of interest addressed to Keith Stillwell along with a copy of your resume. Please highlight any experience with nonprofit management, community organizing, marketing skills, and special knowledge of Appalachian region, if any. Forward your application or questions keith@tfhope.org. We will receive applications through December 31, 2025. Thanks for your interest.

Together for Hope is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Learn more about Together for Hope Appalachia: tfhope.org/Appalachia

Together for Hope National: https://tfhope.org

Inquiries:

Keith Stillwell - keith@tfhope.org

Please share in your networks and with anyone you think might be a good fit.

Together for Hope Box

Order Your HopeBox

The new Together for Hope Box will include options for products from three of our TFH Appalachia coalition members:

One Voice, One Cup - Coffee with a Mission
Appalachian Gold - Mama's Meat Sauce (barbeque sauce)
Y'all Sauce - Mississippi Comeback Sauce

Also Koinonia Farm and Nick's 26 all-purpose seasoning,

Redbird Mission

Keith Visits the RedBird Mission in Beverly KY

I had a wonderful visit with Red Bird Mission in Eastern Kentucky, and I’m so inspired by their legacy and ongoing work. I enjoyed meeting Jamie Collett—who had just the day before been named Executive Director after serving as interim—and catching up with Tim Crawford, Development Director.

Since 1921, Red Bird has been strengthening this mountain community through education, health care, and deep-rooted service. They operate a K–12 Christian school, and their clinic provides medical, dental, and community health services, including a great partnership with the University of Louisville that brings dental students to serve in the region. Their Work Camps continue to bring mission teams to repair and rebuild homes, offering real, lasting support to local families.

I was especially impressed with their commitment to economic opportunity. They support local artisans through their craft program, operate a community store with clothing and household goods, and host a farmer’s market. I wrapped up my visit with a delicious lunch at the Cardinal Café and a conversation with Kelton Adams, who leads their economic development program.

Red Bird is more than a mission — it’s a living, breathing community hub rooted in faith, compassion, and sustainability. I’m grateful for their 100+ years of service and excited to see what the next century brings.

Learn more: www.redbirdky.org

Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/RedBirdMission

The TFH Appalachia Coalition

The TFH Appalachia Coalition at Work

Partnership Housing is Seeking Applications for a Rental Manager

Our Coalition Members are on Facebook During this Holiday Season

This is a busy season for many of our coalition members. Here are a few recent pictures and posts for you to enjoy. Follow them on Facebook.

M.O.C. Mullens Opportunity Center (RAIL)

Wyomning County, WV

Come see the train, the trees, work on the puzzle, check out the ceramics and have a cup of hot chocolate. See you at the MOC!

www.facebook.com/groups/156195011168505

Scarlette Jasper & Christmas Boxes for Appalachia

Corbin, KY

What a week! Approximately 3,000 Christmas Boxes for Appalachia were delivered this week. We still have about 1,000 to get out next week. Thanks to Trinity Baptist Church team and University of the Cumberlands Students for all the hard work this week!! Trinity helps get these Boxes delivered and it’s a job!! The gymnasium at First Baptist Church of Corbin, KY is getting cleaned out, but there is still a lot to accomplish! Thank you to all of the individuals and churches who support this project! It is not possible without all of you!!

www.facebook.com/scarlette.jasper

One Voice - One Cup

Oceana, WV

Stop by today and grab a delicious cup of special blend One Cup coffee, speciality drinks, and scrumptious sour dough cookies made by Savannah ! Check out our menu and prices of holiday cookie trays.

www.facebook.com/onecupwv

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship Virginia

How are you journeying this Advent? Have you found a devotional you love? Or maybe you are still looking. Our friends at Cooperative Baptist Fellowship created a wonderful daily devotional that can be used by individuals, families, and churches.

Download all materials at cbf.net/advent "

www.facebook.com/cbfva