The Hearth

Ashland, OR · Founded 2014

Creates community storytelling events that strengthen local connections through personal narratives, song, and shared service

Primary audience
Community Members
Work area
Community Building
Topic
Storytelling and Connection
Contact
Ben Bellinson
Website Contact

About Organization

The Hearth facilitates community storytelling events and training programs in Southern Oregon. Based in Ashland, OR, the organization operates with 4 employees and 100 volunteers, generating $228,008 in annual revenue. The organization trains small and mid-size communities to develop their own local storytelling programs.

What They Focus On

Community Storytelling

Facilitates personal narrative sharing events that strengthen social bonds and create understanding across diverse community members

Facilitator Training

Develops and delivers training programs that equip other communities to launch their own local storytelling initiatives

Social Connection

Builds empathy and relationships through structured story circles that bring together people from different backgrounds

Financial Information

Form 990 data showing organizational financial health and growth.

Revenue (2022)

$228K

-48.2% vs 2021

Expenses (2022)

$267K

+4.2% vs 2021

Assets (2022)

$316K

-11.1% vs 2021

Employees (2022)

4

+0% vs 2021

Year Revenue Expenses Assets Employees
2022 $228,008 $267,244 $315,522 4
2021 $440,555 $256,553 $354,821 4
2020 $211,313 $193,861 $186,312 3
2019 $199,579 $133,366 — —
2018 $144,578 $123,321 — —

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. All figures in USD.

How They Work

Learn more
  • 01

    Gather Community

    Invite diverse community members to participate in storytelling events and create safe sharing spaces

  • 02

    Share Stories

    Facilitate personal narrative sharing through guided prompts, incorporating song and reflective practices

  • 03

    Deepen Connection

    Help participants find common ground and build empathy through listening and responding to stories

  • 04

    Train Facilitators

    Equip other communities with tools and training to replicate storytelling programs in their regions

Programs and Initiatives

Services and programs offered by The Hearth

Pilot Training Program

Trains facilitators in small and mid-size communities to launch their own local community storytelling initiatives

Story Circle Facilitation

Guides participants through structured sharing sessions that build empathy and understanding across diverse community members

Team & Leadership

Meet the people behind The Hearth.

Mark Yaconelli

Mark Yaconelli

Founder and Executive Director
Full-time
Compensation: $78,000
Katy Wagner

Katy Wagner

Operations Director
Susannah Cole

Susannah Cole

Part-time Bookkeeper (former Director of Operations)
Ken Crocker

Ken Crocker

Story Coach
Tecca Thompson

Tecca Thompson

Story Coach
Laura Hudson

Laura Hudson

Story Coach
Sylvia Poareo

Sylvia Poareo

Curandera/Consejera, Co-facilitator
BB

Ben Bellinson

President
2 hrs/week

Milestones

2014

Organization Founded

2014

The Hearth received IRS tax-exempt status and began community storytelling work in Southern Oregon

2018

Program Expansion

2018

Increased revenue to $144,578 and expanded community storytelling event offerings across the region

2021

Peak Growth Year

2021

Achieved record revenue of $440,555 and launched pilot training program for external communities

2022

Training Program Established

2022

Stabilized operations with 4 staff and 100 volunteers, focusing on training facilitators nationwide

Associated People

Board members, advisors, and key contributors

Board of Directors

AR
Alma Rosa Alvarez Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
DW
Davis Wilkins Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
ES
Emily Strong Board Member 2.00 hrs/week
MD
Mark Dirienzo Treasurer 2.00 hrs/week
MA
Monse Alegria Board Member 2.00 hrs/week

Information compiled from IRS Form 990 and organizational materials.

Executive Compensation

Top compensated officers & key employees from IRS Form 990

Total Reported (2022)

$78K

Highest Paid

$78K

Mark Yaconelli

Compensated Officers

1

Name Title Base Other Total Hrs/Wk
Mark Yaconelli Executive DIR. $78,000 — $78,000 40

Source: IRS Form 990 filings. Compensation includes base and other reported compensation.

Individual Political Donors

People from this organization who contributed to political campaigns

$200 Total Given
Republican $200 (100%)
1 Contributions
$200 Avg Each

Top Individual Donors

1 Individual Donor
WP
William P. Sullivan 1 contribution • $200 avg
$200

Quick Insights

🏆
Most Active Donor William P. Sullivan with 1 contributions
🎯
Top Recipient NRSC — $200

Data from Federal Election Commission • Individual contributions only

COVID-19 PPP Loans

Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Fully Forgiven

Total Approved

$39K

Total Forgiven

$39K

101% forgiven

Jobs Retained

6

Loan Details 2 loans

$23,954
Forgiven
Forgiven: $24,040 100%
Approved Feb 14, 2021
Lender Peoples Bank of Commerce
Jobs Reported 3
Forgiven On Jun 29, 2021
$15,200
Forgiven
Forgiven: $15,354 100%
Approved Apr 15, 2020
Lender Peoples Bank of Commerce
Jobs Reported 3
Forgiven On Apr 29, 2021

Source: Small Business Administration • Paycheck Protection Program (2020-2021)

Contact

Get in touch with The Hearth

Phone

(541) 261-4398

Social

Visit Website
400 Morton Street Ashland, OR 97520