Investing in Potential: Furnish Hope Internship Program
Several years ago, Don and Nancy Smith established Our Legacy Fund to support Furnish Hope with flexible funding for operational needs and other priorities. As we got to know them and their shared passion for young people, we began to see an opportunity for their legacy to become something even more personal.
Both Don and Nancy have backgrounds in education and have spent much of their lives investing in young people, especially those who may not thrive in a traditional environment. They believe every young person deserves the opportunity to recognize their strengths, discover their potential and understand that their life has purpose.
That belief resonated deeply with us at Furnish Hope.
Together, we began imagining how Furnish Hope could become a place where young people could gain real-world experience, learn practical skills, work alongside people who believe in them and discover the confidence that comes from realizing, I can do this.
That shared vision led to the development of the Furnish Hope internship program.
More Than a First Job
We're not necessarily looking for young people with experience or a perfect résumé. We're looking for curiosity, passion, a willingness to learn and potential. When we can connect a young person's interests with meaningful work and pair them with someone willing to teach, coach and encourage them - something special can happen. Since the program began, we've watched interns build skills and confidence, discover new interests and take on responsibilities they never imagined for themselves.
And the investment goes both ways. Our interns bring energy, creativity, fresh perspectives and ideas to Furnish Hope while contributing meaningful work to our mission.
Meet Our Interns
The best way to understand what this program can mean is to hear from the young people experiencing it firsthand.
Furnish Hope Interns (from left to right):
Emily Gerber, Ella Jastram, Mykyta Vasylchenko and Lew Adams.
EMILY GERBER - Summer 2026 Intern: Emily is a junior at Oregon State University studying accounting and finance. This summer, she has gained hands-on experience with bookkeeping and financial operations while working alongside our Development Manager, while also learning how the mission is reflected throughout the organization.
“Furnish Hope's mission is consistent throughout every part of the organization - from the office to the warehouse, the trucks, and the store. Everyone brings real strength, and when that excellence is multiplied across the organization, the mission becomes reality.”
- Emily | FH Intern, Summer 2026
ELLA JASTRAM - Creative Intern: Ella joined Furnish Hope in 2025 as a Creative Intern, bringing her passion for photography and videography as an integral member of the marketing team. Today, she continues to capture the people, stories and moments that bring the Furnish Hope mission to life.
“There is something special about Furnish Hope. It was founded out of a need, and that need was people caring about people. Furnish Hope redefined what showing up for your community means. What a beautiful sentiment I get to be a part of.” -Ella | FH Creative Intern
MYKYTA YASYLCHENKO - TRANSPORTATION INTERN: One of Furnish Hope's first interns, Nikita joined the team after moving to Central Oregon from Ukraine. Over the past three years, he has grown from riding along with the transportation team to safely driving a truck and trailer and confidently interacting with donors and community members. Nikita recently graduated from high school in Bend while completing his Ukrainian education online and is now preparing to attend college to study mechanical engineering.
“Furnish Hope has given me a lot of experience communicating with people and how to act in difficult situations. My favorite thing about Furnish Hope is how we help people and give furniture a second life.” - Mykyta | FH Transportation Intern
LEW ADAMS - SUMMER 2026 INTERN: A junior at Caldera High School, Lew learned about Furnish Hope through her dad who helps us with financial and accounting needs. This summer, she has worked across the organization, helping the transportation team, office, store and new property.
“Being part of an organization that helps people in need makes it so meaningful to be here. I’m glad I chose somewhere where I could make a difference.” - Lew | FH Intern, Summer 2026
An Investment in What’s Possible
That's what makes Our Legacy Fund such a meaningful name. Don and Nancy's investment is creating opportunities for one generation to invest in the next - giving young people a place to discover what they are capable of and people who believe in them along the way.
It is an investment in potential. An investment in purpose. And ultimately, an investment in hope.