The Mission of The P.E.A.C.E. Team

Community Health Worker /Violence Prevention Professional - SPARC Foundation

Tony is a native of Asheville, NC. He is an advocate of change, an adult mentor, and an entrepreneur. Tony was an all-conference baseball player in his youth and earned a tryout with the Atlanta Braves. He attended Shaw University to study accounting and during that time, Tony describes it as” life stopped going according to plan” and without the guidance and leadership of a mentor, he found himself incarcerated for 7 years. During that time, Tony was introduced to a new form of communication that freed and healed him from what had become a bondage of anger. He wanted to redefine his life.

In prison, Tony attended classes and developed a personal practice to help him deal with real life situations and to offer healing and recovery for himself. Tony became a “hope advocate” upon his release. He knows that the trauma of incarceration cuts deep and that society doesn’t wholeheartedly forgive you fo. your mistakes. He chose to use that rejection as motivation and today, he works to bring value to other people’s lives through positive mentorship, advocacy, group facilitation and more. Tony is dedicated to using his lived experiences, and personal peace and mindfulness to uplift anyone looking for hope and a fresh start.

• Owner - Still Smiling Photography

• Co-founder - YLT Training Program

• Conflict Resolution Instructor - My Daddy Taught Me That

• Coordinator/Director - Western Carolina Rescue Mission

• Racial Equity Facilitator - Building Bridges

• CoThinkk - Member

Community Health Worker / Violence Prevention Professional - SPARC Foundation

Wendy was born and raised in West Asheville. After having two sons, she earned her GED and graduated with honors from AB Tech with an associate's degree in criminal justice technology. Wendy says she still loves to learn. In her free time, she often either has a book in her hand for research or a shovel in her hand for planting something new in her garden. Gardening became Wendy's healing and grounding practice following the death of her oldest son, and that tragedy was also the catalyst for the work she does in our community today.

Wendy's son was shot and killed outside of her home in 2022. Her grief and previous education in criminal justice fueled and informed her commitment to work with women who had also suffered violent losses and trauma. Wendy is now a resource and partner for mothers as they heal, work to change their lives positively, and, in turn, raise healthier families.

In her role as a Community Health Worker, Wendy works with families and individuals of all ages. She says her goal is simple - to prevent another mother or family from knowing the pain of losing a child to gun violence or losing a child to incarceration for committing an act of violence. Wendy is committed to being a healing presence and resource for those looking to re-direct their lives.

• NC State Certified Community Health Worker / Violence Prevention Professional

• Certified Recovery Coach

• Founder/Facilitator L.O.V.E. (Love Over Violence Everyday) Support Group for Women

• Trained in CPR, Mental Health First Aid and De-escalation

• Volunteer - Mom's Demand Action and Forward Justice

Community Health Worker / Violence Prevention Professional - KL Training Solutions

Bio Coming Soon!

Community Health Worker / Violence Prevention Professional - YLT Training Program

Bio Coming Soon!

Community Health Worker / Violence Prevention Professional - YTL Training Program

Bio Coming Soon!

Community Health Worker / Violence Prevention Professional - My Daddy Taught Me That / KL Training Solutions

Michael “Hunk” Arrington, an Asheville native and 2008 TC Roberson High School graduate, has dedicated his life to mentoring and coaching youth since 2011. Through his work and volunteer roles, Hunk has built strong relationships with local families and gained firsthand insight into the unique challenges faced by single-parent households. He finds joy in working with kids, whether on a local football field, in a school, or within the community. His wife often says that helping people is his hobby!

Hunk’s professional training as a Community Health Worker has provided him with the tools and confidence to be a valuable resource in the community. As part of the PEACE Team, he collaborates with his teammates to connect individuals and families with essential resources like grocery boxes, rental assistance, and employment or educational support. Hunk takes pride in not just sharing information but ensuring people get the help they need through follow-ups and strong community connections.

Focusing primarily on children aged 7-10, Hunk has seen how consistent mentoring positively impacts kids' lives, and our entire community, in the long term. With over a decade of experience working with young men, he knows that planting the seeds of a healthy lifestyle and instilling good values early—before the pressures of adolescence take hold—helps develop well-rounded individuals and prevents youth from becoming involved in violence in their community.

Hunk’s personal life is deeply intertwined with his work. With a daughter entering high school and a son in preschool, he is fully immersed in youth activities. He says the birth of his daughter was a turning point in his life, steering him away from trouble and towards a path of responsibility and positive influence. Hearing the word “Daddy” motivated him to make better choices and strive to be present for his children, unlike many of his peers who tragically fell victim to life on the streets or ended up incarcerated. Through his professional dedication, Hunk Arrington continues to make a significant impact on the lives of young people in our community, promoting a brighter and healthier future for the next generation

• Founder & President, Carolina Storm Athletics