The Appalachia Help Weeks is now facilitated by Certain Place Ministries. Our former Youth Minister, Fred Mercadante, who started the program, is now President of the non-profit, Certain Place Ministries. During the summer, youth, college students, and adults travel to Preston County, West Virginia to help renovate dilapidated homes owned by our brothers and sisters living with the unfortunate situation of rural poverty.
Originating in 1986 as a flood relief effort, Saint Patrick Youth Ministry has collaborated with the Catholic Church of Preston County in this outreach effort. Applications are received throughout the year for home repair. The Social Concerns Committee of the Catholic Church of Preston County then follows up with visits to each family. Lastly in July, we send groups into Preston County to work for a week on some of the applicants' homes.
The Appalachia Project is funded through donations and fund-raising projects, such as an annual golf outing, car wash and other events.
Interested in taking part in this meaningful outreach service?
Visit: www.certainplaceministries.org/appalachia
The Appalachia Help Weeks are a part of the Justice & Service component to Youth Ministry. The whole process fosters the faith development of all who participate and provides an opportunity for our community to be the Body of Christ for others. It is one of the major projects sponsored by Youth Ministry. During the summer, youth, college students, and adults travel to Preston County, West Virginia to help renovated dilapidated homes owned by our brothers and sisters living with the unfortunate situations of rural poverty.
Appalachia Help Weeks project is funded through donation and fundraising projects. Confirmed students in high school and college are welcome to join in the outreach project. Adults and adult chaperones are also needed and welcome.Donations for the Appalachia Help Weeks must be made directly to Certain Place Ministries. Please visit their website to make a donation or through this link: Appalachia Help Weeks Donation
Confirmed teens and adults are invited to volunteer to participate in the Appalachia Help Weeks program each summer. To register, please click here: Register for the Appalachia Help Weeks