Haywood Vocational Opportunities

08/10/2026

Please see below for information regarding Rick’s arrangements. Our thoughts are with everyone during this difficult time. ❤️

Friends-
Please join us as we gather to remember and celebrate our friend Anthony Richard “Rick” Cira and the joy, laughter, music, and friendship he brought to our community.

Saturday, August 22 at 2:00 p.m.
Pinnacle Church
415 Fibreville St.
Canton, NC 28716

Rick loved people, music, dancing, and, of course, a little sparkle. This will be a time for Rick’s friends, family, and community to share stories, laugh, remember, and celebrate his life together.

We’d also love for you to help us fill the room with memories and messages for Rick.

Before you come, make a heart, sign, or note with something you’d like us to remember about him. It might be a favorite memory, something you loved about Rick, something that made you laugh, or simply a few words about what his friendship meant to you.

Bring it with you, and together we’ll create a collection of messages from the many people whose lives Rick touched.

Rick was one of us. He was part of our community, part of our stories, and part of our lives. We invite you to join us as we celebrate his life.

08/08/2026

Our hearts are heavy. ❤️ Rick will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Sending love and prayers during this difficult time. 🕊️

08/07/2026

✨The Heart of HVO: Donald ✨💙

For more than 18 years, Donald has been an important part of the HVO family. Since joining us in 2008, he's been known as someone who works hard, greets everyone with a smile, and is always ready to lend a helping hand.

Donald truly enjoys coming to work each day. Whether he's assembling products or running a machine on the production floor, he takes pride in staying busy and doing his best. But it's not just his work ethic that makes him special, it's his sense of humor. Donald is always ready with a funny joke or a playful comment to brighten someone's day, and his laughter is contagious.

When the workday is over, you'll likely find Donald playing his favorite video games or cheering on his favorite team, Carolina Panthers.

Donald reminds us that a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and a little laughter can make every day a little brighter. Thank you, Donald, for all you do and for being such an important part of the HVO family. We're lucky to have you! 💙

08/06/2026

🐾 Meet Olive!

Olive made her first visit to HVO today and brought lots of smiles, tail wags, and some impressive tricks! We loved welcoming our new four-legged friend and can’t wait to see her again. 🐶✨

08/04/2026

Come see us at Caffeine & Chaos today and support HVO! 💙

Stop by for your favorite coffee or sweet treat, say hello, and help make a difference in our community. Every purchase supports HVO, and we'd love to see you!

📍 Caffeine & Chaos
🕕 6:00 AM–9:00 PM (Drive-thru available!)

08/03/2026

🍦☕ Tomorrow is the day!

Stop by Caffeine and Chaos and support HVO while showing some love to a local business! 💙

They’ll be open 6:00 AM–9:00 PM, and the drive-thru is available for those with a busy schedule. Grab a treat, enjoy some coffee, and help make a difference in our community!

07/31/2026

✨The Heart of HVO: Kylee 💙✨

This week, we're proud to spotlight Kylee, our Pre-Employment Transition Services (Pre-ETS) Program Assistant!

Kylee has been part of the HVO family for 4½ years. Before stepping into her current role, she served as a Direct Support Professional, giving her the opportunity to support individuals in different ways throughout her time at HVO.

For Kylee, the most rewarding part of her job is watching students and clients grow in confidence as they learn new skills, overcome challenges, and work toward greater independence. Seeing them achieve goals they once thought were out of reach is what inspires her every day.

She also says one of the best parts of coming to work is the joy and positivity our clients bring. Their enthusiasm and determination make every day meaningful, and she is proud to be part of an organization that creates opportunities, empowers individuals, and makes a lasting impact in our community.

When asked to describe HVO in three words, Kylee chose: Inclusive. Supportive. Meaningful.

Thank you, Kylee, for your dedication, compassion, and the encouragement you give to every student and client you serve. You are truly one of the many hearts that make HVO such a special place. 💙

07/27/2026

There is nothing more meaningful than hearing directly from the families we serve.

A heartfelt thank you to one of our HVO parents for sharing their story and trusting us to be part of their loved one's journey. We hope you'll take a moment to watch. 💙

Shared with Dropbox

07/24/2026

✨ The Heart of HVO: Michael ✨💙

Michael has been part of the HVO family since 1986, and for 40 years, he's been a valued part of our team. He loves coming to work and making sure he speaks to just about everyone he sees.

If you know Michael, you know you're always in for a good conversation, you never know what he's going to say next! With his quick sense of humor, kind heart, and those baby blue eyes, Michael always brings a smile to those around him.

When he's not working or playing Wii Bowling, you'll likely find him watching his favorite shows, The Andy Griffith Show and The Dukes of Hazzard. He also enjoys Harley-Davidsons.

Michael's laughter, kindness, and one-of-a-kind personality have been brightening HVO since 1986, and we're so thankful to have him as part of the HVO family. 💙

07/22/2026

We’re incredibly grateful to the United Way of Haywood County for awarding HVO a $10,000 grant! 💙

This generous support helps us continue providing high-quality services, meaningful opportunities, and life-changing programs for the individuals we serve every day. Because of community partners like United Way, we can continue empowering people with disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive.

Please take a moment to read the article and learn more about the impact this grant will have. Thank you, United Way of Haywood County, for believing in our mission and investing in our community!

Haywood Vocational Opportunities Inc. received a $10,000 grant from United Way of Haywood County that will help sustain essential services for individuals with disabilities throughout Haywood County.