Only Hope Announces Leadership Changes to Safeguard Mission Serving Homeless Youth

IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Only Hope Announces Leadership Changes to Safeguard Mission Serving Homeless Youth
August 18, 2025 (Hendersonville, North Carolina) – The Board of Directors of Only Hope
WNC, Inc., a Hendersonville nonprofit dedicated to providing support, housing, and life skills
training for homeless youths, announced today that Michael Lee Absher, its former Chief
Executive Officer, has been formally removed from all positions of authority. This decision
follows his recent arrest. Mr. Absher is no longer affiliated with the organization. While the legal
process has not yet been resolved, Only Hope’s Board recognized the need to act swiftly to
ensure the continued stability and integrity of the nonprofit’s operations.
“The safety, well-being, and trust of our clients and the community are our highest priorities,”
said Kyle Barker, Interim Chair of the Only Hope Board of Directors. “While this is a difficult
moment, it is necessary for Only Hope to completely separate itself from Mr. Absher. We are
committed to transparency, stability, and moving forward with purpose.”
In addition to removal from employment and involvement in Only Hope programs, the former
CEO will no longer reside at nor have contact with Only Hope’s residential facility. The Board of
Directors has begun development of short- and long-term plans for Only Hope programs,
implementation of safeguards to prevent future issues, and potential expansion of staff to provide
additional oversight. The Board will meet weekly to actively manage daily operations, to engage
with community partners, and to ensure that the organization remains a safe, supportive, and
trusted community resource.
The Board of Directors urges community members to continue supporting Only Hope’s mission
during this transition period.
About Only Hope WNC Inc.
Only Hope WNC, Inc. is a Hendersonville-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit charity whose mission is to
promote the value of education, honor individuality and diversity, nurture respect for self and
others, and provide hope for young people in need in the community. Since 2010, Only Hope has
aided more than 19,000 young people, including the estimated 300+ homeless students in
Henderson County