Changing Lives
A NOTE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As I reflect on this past year, I am struck by the resilience and creativity that continue to define Hindman Settlement School. Each of our core programs—whether it’s supporting students with dyslexia, nurturing the next generation of Appalachian artists and writers, or helping families grow and share healthy food—represents a vital piece of our mission to celebrate heritage and change lives.
Because of your generosity, the Settlement remains financially strong and able to meet the growing needs of our region. What gives me the most hope is seeing the ways our programs connect and strengthen one another: a child gaining confidence in reading may also find their voice through music, and a family learning to grow their own food may be inspired to share recipes and stories that preserve culture. These moments remind us that when we invest in people, we invest in the future of Appalachia.
This report offers just a glimpse of the impact you help create. Thank you for standing with us—and please consider continuing your support with a gift today at hindman.org/donate.
Will Anderson
Executive Director
GIVE A GIFT, CHANGE A LIFE
Hindman Settlement School relies on the generous support of friends like you to offer relevant and life changing services for children and families throughout central Appalachia.
By supporting a specific program, scholarship fund, or capital project, you are investing in the future of this region. Learn more about making a difference today!
THE SETTLEMENT'S IMPACT
DYSLEXIA INTERVENTION
Nearly one in five children have dyslexia. Since 1980, the Settlement has been offering tutoring programs for children with dyslexia. These programs include online and in-person afterschool tutoring, an intensive five-week summer program, and daily school-based intervention delivered in collaboration with 24 public elementary schools across 7 school districts in eastern Kentucky. In addition, we provide dyslexia information, training, and support to the parents, tutors, and teachers of children who learn differently.
Seth's Success
Seth has attended our Summer Tutoring Program for three summers. Over that time, he has demonstrated tremendous growth—not only academically, but socially as well. His family recently shared this note with our team:
“He learns more during the five weeks of their summer program than he does in an entire public school year. He has come so far, and Hindman Settlement School has fostered both a love of learning and a confidence in his abilities that he previously lacked. The teachers and staff truly see him—his strengths, his struggles, and his potential. That kind of support has made all the difference. We are forever grateful for the impact this program has had on his life and future.”
TRADITIONAL ARTS
Keeping people mindful of their heritage has always been a significant component of Hindman Settlement School’s mission. Each year, we offer a number of traditional arts programs for local schools and the broader community to honor and pass along these folk traditions. These workshops, residencies, and clubs promote education and story sharing, allowing us to tell the history of central Appalachia in vibrant and unique ways.
Family Tradition
Here’s what one of the parents whose child is enrolled in Pick & Bow, our traditional music education program, had to say about her child’s involvement:
“Neci just wrapped up her third year in Pick & Bow, continuing to grow as a fiddle player under the guidance of Sarah Kate Morgan and Megan Hall. Thanks to the flexibility of Zoom, she’s been able to stay connected and thrive. Pick & Bow has also allowed her to carry on a family tradition of music-making that stretches back to her grandfather and great-grandfather. With a natural ear for music, Neci loves singing at church and at home—but her favorite moments are playing her green fiddle at Pick & Bow recitals.”
STUDENTS IN AFTER-SCHOOL ARTS CLUBS
58
STUDENTS IN PICK & BOW MUSIC PROGRAM
46
EDUCATORS RECEIVING ARTS TRAINING
LITERARY ARTS
Serving as the seedbed of the Appalachian literary tradition, the Settlement provides support, time, and mentoring to emerging and established writers as they seek to hone their skills and understand the connections between self and place. Our programming includes the Appalachian Writers’ Workshop, along with the Ironwood Writers Studio, The Makery Online Writing Studio, our Untelling literary and arts magazine, seasonal retreats, and other initiatives.
Expanding Reach
One of our goals is to continue to nurture our current writing community while bringing in new members. Through Ironwood Writers Studio and programming to help bridge young writers into the broader community, we are ensuring a place for those of all ages who share a love of literature.
This year’s Ironwood was special because Gwen, who was an inaugural attendee, returned as a counselor and mentor for the current students. Having a counselor who has been a participant before and is now a young publishing member of the community helps students see some of the pathways available to them. “Ironwood was such an inspiring experience for me, and I’m so happy to bring that confidence and excitement to other future writers.”
WRITERS' WORKSHOP ATTENDEES IN 2025
47
PARTICIPANTS IN DAILY POETRY CHALLENGE
94
CREATORS PUBLISHED IN UNTELLING
FOODWAYS
Championing local foods and addressing food insecurity is at the core of the Settlement’s emerging foodways programs. The local foods movement brings a multitude of opportunities for producers, food crafters, and entrepreneurs, and Hindman Settlement School is devoted to supporting our local food system through our community gardening program, the Knott County Farmers Market, and educational classes and workshops.
Healthy Eating
Foodways programs like Grow Appalachia and the Knott County Farmers Market help families make healthier choices by connecting them with fresh, local food to try, fill in the gaps, and build healthy habits. One participant shared:
“Grow Appalachia has given me the skills and confidence to grow much of my own food at home, but I still come to the Knott County Farmers Market every week. The incentives make it easier to pick up the extras my family needs, fresh vegetables, eggs, and honey from farmers. Having both the garden and the market helps me stick with healthier choices, and it feels good knowing that what I can’t grow myself, I can still get fresh and local.”
FAMILIES SERVED IN GARDENING PROGRAMS
$27k
SALES AT THE FARMERS MARKET
7
CLASSROOMS SERVED IN MOUNTAIN SPROUTS
FINANCIAL REPORT
Information is based on audited financial statements from September 1, 2023 to August 31, 2024.
RECOGNIZING THE FRIENDS OF HINDMAN
Hindman Settlement School wishes to recognize the following donors who have chosen to financially support the Settlement during the 2024 calendar year. Thanks to the generosity of these individuals, businesses, foundations, organizations, and Daughters of the American Revolution-affiliated groups, the Settlement is continuing to provide life changing education and service opportunities to children and families throughout central Appalachia.
