Dear LAP Community,
 
When I wrote to you in the springtime, many exciting pieces were germinating at LAP.  We had committed to a re-emergence from the pandemic, unsure what that would look like exactly, yet still focused on keeping the torch lit. The past two years have undoubtedly been a challenging time for the world, our participants, and our organization as a whole.  We did not stay in isolation, however.  
 
As I have shared, we've been working with a strategic partner to reimagine and revive the essence of LAP.  After a slow and steady process, I am elated to announce that Light a Path is now a program of the YWCA of Asheville.  The YWCA has been serving the Asheville community and surrounding region for over 115 years. They are dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all by offering programs and advocating for policy change to advance racial justice, empower women, promote health, and nurture children.
 
I am thrilled that we are mission aligned. The leadership team under Chief Executive Officer, Diana Sierra and Chief Program Officer Dr. Amieris Lavender are fantastic, supportive, and committed to carrying out LAP's principles of resilience, trauma-sensitive, and equity-focused programming.
 
In May we restarted our program at the women's correctional facility with two classes a week!  It was the beginning of a positive path ahead.  We also facilitated training for our returning volunteers and reopened the application process. We were taking gradual steps forward.
 
I also made changes in my life and have accepted a new position away from LAP.  While I have stayed closely engaged in this process, former LAP staff members Andie Morgenlander and Kris Moon stepped in this summer to weave the final pieces together Lisa Sherman, Board Secretary has been instrumental as well, and she will now join a new seat we established on the YWCA Board of Directors as our LAP representative.  I am deeply grateful to each of them for showing up,  for the unwavering support they gave me as I stewarded this organization, and to our founder Sierra Hollister for her vision.
 
Now that we are part of the YWCA they have hired a new LAP coordinator, Erika Bowman! She is taking the torch and bringing an experienced and enthusiastic spirit to the work and as a past participant in our program, Erika has a personal commitment to LAP's success. She will manage our volunteer program, partner relations, and overall programming. Please welcome her onboard when she connects with you, we are so excited to welcome her! She can be reached at lightapath@ywcaofasheville.org. Learn more about Erika and her path to this work here. 
 
Finally, a huge THANK YOU to you.  Our community far and wide has been a key element to our sustainability.  Thank you for your encouragement and contributions over the years.  We really couldn't have done it without you!  As the relaunching continues, we welcome your input and invite you to participate in LAP’s new chapter. Good things are blooming all around!  
 
Farewell friends.
 
With appreciation,
Debra Kiliru and the LAP Team

---

​Light a Path's mission is to create resilience through connection.
We do this by bringing yoga, meditation, strength training and running
to youth, the incarcerated, the unhoused, older adults, veterans, and those in recovery.
Through connection to these modalities, and with devoted volunteers,
we facilitate the ultimate connection: to inner reserves of resilience, peace and wellness.
With 50 volunteers offering 30 weekly classes, we are building equity and inclusivity
​by making evidence­-based wellness tools accessible to all.

---