Haywood Vocational Opportunities

02/01/2026

❄️We will be closed tomorrow!❄️

01/30/2026

✨ The Heart of HVO: Lisa ✨💙

"There really isn’t a ‘typical’ day at HVO—and that’s what I love most about my job."

Lisa has been part of the HVO family since 2010, starting a temporary position in payroll, and growing into her role as HR Manager. Today, she also serves on the HVO Leadership Team, helping guide the organization while supporting employees, supervisors, and clients every step of the way.

Her favorite part of the job is helping people feel seen, heard, and supported. Whether it’s answering questions, working through challenges, or simply being there, those moments are what make HVO feel like a true community.

For Lisa, leadership is built on trust, consistency, and doing the right thing—even when it’s hard. Leading with empathy and keeping HVO’s mission at the center of every decision is what drives her each day.

Lisa’s dedication and care truly reflect the heart of HVO. 💙

01/30/2026

The Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley for this Saturday, January 31, 2026, has unfortunately been cancelled.

Please note, the Cool Jazz Concert and Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville are still on.
Out of an abundance of caution and for the safety of all, we have made the very difficult decision to cancel the Ice Extravaganza in anticipation of incoming winter weather, travel impacts, and extreme cold.

Ticket purchases will be refunded. Those refunds will be processed automatically and require no action on your part.

If you have purchased Ice Fest merch and have not yet picked up your order, please let us know if you would like your order shipped for a shipping fee, or if you would like a refund.

We hope all those who are able will join us at the Ice Block Party in Downtown Waynesville tomorrow, Friday, January 30, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Follow Visit Haywood Ice Fest for the most up-to-date event updates and weather-related changes.

01/29/2026

HVO Spirit Night at Chick-fil-A Waynesville 🐓❣️

Support HVO by dining with us at Chick-fil-A Waynesville on March 10th!

✨ Dine in with us from 5:00PM–8:00PM and be sure to mention HVO when ordering.

📱 Mobile orders are valid ALL DAY from 6:30AM–10:00PM

➡️ Use promo code HVO26 when placing your mobile order.

Proceeds from Spirit Night will support HVO programs and help further our mission.
Thank you for supporting HVO—we can’t wait to see you there! 💙

01/27/2026

Strength, strategy and a little bit of chaos..🤪❣️

01/26/2026

Due to the potential for icy conditions, HVO will be on a 2-hour delay tomorrow, January 26, 2026. Please use your best judgment and travel with caution.

01/22/2026

💙 Heart of HVO Spotlight: Lamond 💙

Lamond has been apart of the HVO family since 2017, starting on second shift in converting. From the very beginning, HVO has been his home, and over the years, the friendships he’s built and the connections with his coworkers have made that feeling even stronger.

In the spring of 2025, Lamond transitioned to first shift, giving him the chance to spend more time with clients. Being closer to them over the past eight months has been especially rewarding - he says their smiles never fail to brighten his day.

As a Lead Machine Operator, Lamond leads by example, supporting his team and helping ensure everything runs smoothly. His dedication, positivity, and care for both coworkers and clients make him an essential part of the HVO family.

We’re grateful for Lamond and all he brings to HVO every day!💙

01/16/2026

💙✨ We’re excited to launch a brand-new series: The Heart of HVO! ✨💙

Each week, we’ll be shining a spotlight on the incredible people who make HVO such a special place—from our clients to our dedicated staff who bring heart, joy, and purpose to everything they do.

We’re kicking off the series by introducing Kara, who has been part of the HVO family for 17 years. Kara says she loves everything about HVO and shares that being here makes her happy—a feeling she spreads to everyone around her. 😊

Stay tuned as we continue sharing the stories, smiles, and voices of the people who are truly the heart of HVO. 💙

01/15/2026

We’re excited to be at Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley on January 31st! ❄️
Visit HVO and check out one-of-a-kind handmade items made by our clients. Support a great cause while enjoying all the winter fun! ⛄🛍️

01/13/2026

Your support = jobs, confidence, and opportunity. Help us make an impact today!💙

By Haywood Vocational Opportunities, Inc.

12/23/2025

Notice of Cancellation: Due to forecasted snow, the Ice Extravaganza in Maggie Valley has been cancelled. Please consider visiting the HVO booth at our next event to support our initiatives and meet our team.

12/17/2025

This video shares the mission behind HVO and the impact made every day. Thank you for taking the time to watch — we hope you enjoy it. ❣️💙

Founded in 1972, Haywood Vocational Opportunities, Inc. (HVO) is a private, not-for-profit social enterprise corporation providing vocational training and em...