July 24 - 31, 2010

What's it all about?

Our summer volunteer program is in the Appalachian Mountain Region of Kentucky and provides a Christian service opportunity for adult Catholic women. The week is sponsored by past volunteers who have formed the nonprofit corporation Women In Service to Appalachia.

Where are we going?

We will travel to Clay County, which is in the southeastern corner of the state and has history of coal mining. Life there also has been shaped in part by the isolation of the mountains, resulting in a rich culture of individualism, religious faith, as well as love of the land, family and music. This isolation, however, has made development of a stable economy - including employment, education, health care, and housing very difficult.

We work in cooperation with Kentucky Mountain Housing during the week. This organization works to provide and maintain affordable housing options for people in the area. Our volunteers contribute their labor hours on various construction sites, depending on the need that week.

What will I do?

You will live in community with the other volunteers at the dormitory-style volunteer house provided by St. Ann Catholic Church in Manchester, KY, experiencing first hand working with people in Clay County. Projects may include home improvement, working at a community center, or visiting and helping out at an adult day care center. We send volunteers where they are needed during the week, and cannot always accomodate everyone's work site preferences - we ask that you come with an open heart and mind.

The week requires hard work, but education is an important part of the experience. We discuss the values of the culture and the socioeconomic conditions and challenges of the area. It is a time of service, education, prayer, reflections and community sharing.

What does it cost?

The total cost is $250, but we only ask volunteers to contribute $195. If you are able to contribute the full amount, it will be gratefully accepted. If you would like to volunteer, but can't contribute $195, financial aid is available upon application. Volunteers also are responsible for their transportation to our gathering place in Cincinnati. Transportation supplements are available for people living beyond a 350-mile radius of the Greater Cincinnati Airport upon application.

How do I apply?

Click HERE for an application.

Still have questions?

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