Members of St. Joseph's in Mantua have been participating in this outreach effort since 1998. Participants volunteer for a variety of household repairs at owner occupied homes of low-income residents of southwestern Virginia and eastern Kentucky.

2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 2009 • 2008 • 2007 • 2006 • 2005 • (No Parish Group in 2004) • 2003
HISTORY CHART OF PAST TRIPS • HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?
FUNDRAISERS • PRINTABLE FLYER

{For a detailed look & photos of each year since 1998, inquire
about the Appalachian Experience scrapbook at the Parish Center}

Sister Jean Korkisch, C.S.C. (Sisters of the Holy Cross), who is based at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Clintwood, (Dickenson County) Virginia, coordinates the Housing Repair Program. Born in upstate New York and growing up in Maryland, Sister Jean came to Dickenson County, Virginia, in 1983. She first worked with the housing repair program at Binns-Counts Community Center in Nora, VA. In 1998, she began the St. Joseph's Housing Repair Program at St. Joseph's in Clintwood. With her staff she lines up projects suited to the make-up and skills of each work group. Participants do a variety of household repairs at owner occupied homes of low-income residents of southwestern Virginia. Volunteers should be prepared to do some hard work, meet new people, and learn new things. Cultural events, local site-seeing and discussions around Appalachian issues are also a part of the experience. Groups of high school & college students and adults offer their time each spring, summer and fall including people from: St. Anselm College, Manchester, NH; Center for Social Concerns, Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN; Benet Academy, Lilse, IL; McAuley High School, Chicago, IL; 4th World Movement; St. Margaret Mary Parish, Naperville, IL; Academy of the Holy Cross, Kensington, MD; St. Joseph Parish, Mantua, OH; St. Edward the Confessor, Richmond, VA; St. Margaret Mary I, Milwaukee, WI; St. Charles Youth Group, Hartland, WI; St. Margaret Mary Parish II, Milwaukee, WI; St. Joseph, Wisconsin; Christ the King, Norfolk, VA.

St. Joseph's of Clintwood, VA, is one of several churches in the area that has formed a ministerial association to meet some of the needs of local residents. Their community and its people have been greatly impacted by the coal, gas and timber industries, and absentee ownership. Despite the poverty, and land and water devastation, they are determined to assume control of their destiny. St. Joseph's Housing Program offers low-income people home repairs and engages the community in discussions around housing related issues and actions.

St. Joseph's is a Catholic parish located in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. They are part of Region 10 of the Richmond Diocese and known as The Trinity Cluster of Southwest Virginia which includes St. Anthony's (Norton), Holy Spirit (Jonesville), Sacred Heart (Big Stone Gap), St. Joseph (Clintwood), and Nights of Columbus Glenmary Council #7853).
For more information, please visit www.stanthonycatholic.org (click on the St. Joseph Clintwood button), you may call St. Joseph's at 276.926.5451 or e-mail the parish at stjoesclintwood@verizon.net.

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HOW CAN I GET INVOLVED?

Our parish typically sends a group each summer for a week. Average-sized, workable groups are 10-20 people. Adults and high school teens are encouraged to participate. If you have ever pounded a nail, sawed wood, laid tile, painted, hung wallpaper, or performed ordinary repairs and maintenance on your own home, you can handle the work. You won't be asked to do anything beyond your strength or skill level. Our group is unique in that some years we have an individual who stays at the Dorothy Baker House and takes care of the grocery shopping, meal preparation and keeping things tidy (everyone else shares clean up responsibilities).
A tentative commitment from participants is needed in early January in order to "reserve" our group's spot. Participants are required to submit the Agreement & Permission Form and the Emergency Medical Form no later than May 15th. Expenses are covered by the groups fundraising efforts, donations and parish sponsorship. Fees for volunteer groups are $275.00 per person, per week. The fees are used to pay for lodging, materials for work projects, and related expenses. Group members are asked to participate in fundraising activities (non-members of St. Joseph Church are asked to pay or raise entire fee). In addition, food expenses of $50.00 per person for the week are raised by fundraisers and donations. Gas expenses for each vehicle are not included in the above mentioned fees and are provided by drivers, participants and/or St. Joseph Church. To date, all fees, gas and food volunteers have been covered by fundraisers, donations, and parish support (no participant out-of-pocket money has been spent on these items unless they considered it their donation).

Program Brochure • Agreement & Permission Form • Rules & Expectations
Emergency Medical Form • Fundraiser Chart • Driving Directions

Acrobat Reader required to view and print above forms.
Click on the icon below for a free download!

APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE 2012
A group of eleven volunteers from Mantua’s St. Joseph Parish recently participated in the Housing Repair Program out of St. Joseph Church in Clintwood, Virginia. Offering home repairs to the low-income people of Appalachia this outreach effort is coordinated by Sr. Jean Korkisch, CSC, who helps to ensure that those in need are warm, dry, and safe.
The group made the 400 mile trip to the western tip of Virginia and were able to work on the homes of three different families during the week of June 16-23. On Sunday most of the group traveled to The Breaks Interstate Park to enjoy site-seeing and hiking in this recreational area located in  both in Virginia & Kentucky before work began for the week.
The majority of the group, which included Bill Curtin, Joe & Nate Daczko, Dane Engelhart, Dan & Sean Fejes, Patrick Myers, Mike Shilling, and George Trares worked the home of Jason & Mandy who had two young children. The job involved adding a deck with steps, railing, and tin roof to the front of the home. Program helpers Debbie, Leann, and Jeff assisted them throughout the week. They also attached a small porch to the back of their home and stained it.
Caitlin Chartier & Kathi Trares worked with program helper Brandi on the home of Joe who needed repairs to his back porch. The threesome replaced decking boards, painted the porch posts and ceiling, and added skirting. In addition they power washed the house, made lids for two rain barrels, attached down spouting, and installed crawl space vent covers. At the end of the work week, several members of the group went to the home of Larry & Lizzie to attach a ramp to their home. Others helped to clean out and organize the basement storage area for the program.
In addition to a lot of hard work and learning new skills, part of this experience is to learn about Appalachian issues, take part in cultural events, and to do some local site-seeing. Each evening the volunteers had the opportunity to do just that. On Monday the group thoroughly enjoyed the trip on a 10 mile windy and mostly gravel road to Birch Knob Observation Tower just north of Clintwood. At an elevation of 3,144 feet above sea level, the 183 stair climb to reach the top and staying until sunset was well worth the trek. Once the site of a fire tower, the view from a rock outcrop at the highest summit of Pine Mountain allows one to see Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and, on a clear day, Ohio. On Tuesday evening, volunteers enjoyed a picnic hosted by parishioners followed by entertainment from folk singer and storyteller, Jim Mullins, and fellow musician Kathy Reynolds. A visit to the 4th World Movement Co-Op Learning Center was on Wednesday's agenda. A human commitment to ending poverty and exclusion, The Fourth World Movement is an international, non-governmental, anti-poverty organization with consultative status in the United Nations. Vincent and Fanchette Fanelli, who take an active role in their community as well as being members of the organization The Fourth World Movement International Volunteer Corps, are members of St. Joseph Parish in Clintwood. The center hosts a variety of things to assist with employment opportunities, gaining new skills & confidence including computer classes, stress management sessions, woodworking, quilting and weaving instruction, and other workshops. On Thursday, the group traveled to nearby Pound, Virginia to enjoy "Pickin' in the Pound", a bluegrass jam session held at the town hall. Many members even joined in with dancing and singing. On Friday afternoon many of the group enjoyed swimming at nearby Bear Pen Swimming Pool and then later enjoyed an evening bonfire and s’mores at Sr. Jean’s home where everyone shared thoughts of their experience.
Appalachian Experience participants genuinely feel a sense of accomplishment helping the truly needy of this area. Not only did they work hard but they've acquired friendships and a camaraderie with those they worked for and with. You are welcome to join us in future trips as we follow Jesus' example and use our gifts to reach out to others!

APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE 2011
A group of four adults and five high school teens from Mantua's
St. Joseph Church participated in the Housing Repair Program based at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Clintwood, Virginia, the week of June 18-25. Volunteers made the 400 mile, seven-hour trip to the western tip of Virginia for the week-long experience to help low-income residents maintain decent housing for their families by doing household repairs at owner occupied homes. After arriving and attending Mass, the group settled in. On Sunday they traveled to The Breaks Interstate Park to enjoy site-seeing and recreation in the area before work began on Monday.
Paula and Ann Toothman and Jay D'Aurelio worked mostly at the home of a women named Faye. Tasks included replacing her whole floor next to the window, repairs to the under pinning of her trailer and landscaping improvements, and painting trim on the trailer and the wood work on her deck. She was very friendly, sharing stories about her life growing up and things from a time gone by.
Greg D'Aurelio, Corey Riggs, and Dane Engelhart worked mostly at the home of Lucille and Bob. They braced up their porch/deck, put siding up on one side of their house, and scraped the house to get it ready for the next group of people. The homeowners were also very social with the group, making them cookies and fudge!
Mike Shilling, Patrick Myers, and Ryan Bell worked the farthest from town at the home of Catherine and her husband. Their responsibilities included adding to an existing deck and ramp to accommodate a gurney for the gentlemen of the house who is not doing so well. They also dug a ditch to handle water run off to the side of the mountain.
Not only did the experience include some hard work, but also meeting new people, learning new things, local site-seeing, and discussions around Appalachian issues. The group heard a coal miner speak and enjoyed a parish potluck picnic which included storytelling and folk songs from Ken Childress and Jimmy Mullins. They also took a trip up to Birch Knob Observation Tower, once the site of a fire tower that allows one to see Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and, on a clear day, Ohio. On another evening the group traveled to nearby Pound, Virginia to enjoy "Pickin' in the Pound", a bluegrass jam session held at the town hall. Several members even joined in with dancing, singing, and guitar playing. On Friday volunteers enjoyed music and dancing at the Jettie Baker Center, a theater in Clintwood that was built in the late 1940's that now features various entertainment.
All in all, St. Joseph volunteers had a good time. They worked hard and played hard. Each year Appalachian Experience participants genuinely feel a sense of accomplishment helping the truly needy of this area be safe, warm, and dry. Not only did they work hard but they've acquired friendships and a camaraderie with those they worked for and with.

APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE 2010
Continuing their 12 year tradition, St. Joseph's once again sent a group of volunteers to St. Joseph's in Clintwood, Virginia, to take part in Sister Jean Korkisch's Housing Repair Program the last week of June. Helping low-income residents maintain decent housing for their families, the program has groups work on housing repair jobs both inside and out.
Appalachian Experience 2010 began Saturday, June 19, with participants George, Kathi, James & Jeff Trares making the 400 mile journey south. Shortly after arrival at the Dorothy Baker House (house next to the church where volunteers stay) the family was welcomed by program workers, attended Mass, then had dinner. After some grocery shopping, the foursome settled in. Sunday's activities included hiking, picnic lunch and paddle boats at Break's Inter-State Park and then welcoming remaining participants Mike Shilling and Jay D'Aurelio upon their arrival.
Working on the home of Crystal in the nearby town of Clincho, along with program helpers Debbie, Leanne, and Brandi, the group accomplished quite a bit. A small group also finished up at previous week's home in Clintwood the first work day with window frame painting, staining stairs, covering hole in attic, and putting up storm windows. Crystal's double-wide trailer which she shared with her brother, Danny, needed soft spots in the living room and kitchen floors replaced and some reinforcement. A lot of painting and caulking was done in the bathroom, living room, hallway, kitchen, and trim. The kitchen and living room floors then received new luan and stick-on tiles. Sealer coating was applied to the roof, downspouting was installed, and wood siding was added to outside areas that were deteriorating. The bathroom received repairs to the shower and window, the vanity, sink, and toilet were installed, and the newly painted door was hung. A new outside door was put in and the doorway area was repaired and reinforced in preparation for new steps. Finishing touches for the week included blinds being installed in the living room along with a mirror in the bedroom, new bedding, and moving in a donated couch and chair.
Not only do volunteers do some hard but rewarding work, meet new people, and learn new things, but cultural events, local site-seeing and discussions around Appalachian issues are also a part of the experience. On Tuesday evening, volunteers enjoyed a picnic hosted by parishioners in the church hall. Unfortunately, the traditional entertainment from Ken Childress and fellow musician Jim Mullins could not happen due to Ken falling and breaking his hip just prior to the group's arrival. A visit to the 4th World Movement Co-Op Learning Center was on Wednesday's agenda with participants viewing a video and speaker about Tapori, a group focused on children and their families in the struggle against poverty and social exclusion around the world. A human commitment to ending poverty and exclusion, The Fourth World Movement is an international, non-governmental, anti-poverty organization with consultative status in the United Nations. The center hosts a variety of things to assist with employment opportunities, gaining new skills and confidence including computer classes, stress management sessions, quilting and weaving instruction, and other workshops. For more information, please visit www.4thworldmovement.org. Traveling to nearby Pound, Virginia on Thursday, the group enjoyed "Pickin' in the Pound", a bluegrass jam session held at the town hall. Finally, on Friday the volunteers thoroughly enjoyed Sr. Jean's trip on a 10 mile windy and mostly gravel road to Birch Knob Observation Tower just north of Clintwood. At an elevation of 3,144 feet above sea level, the 183 stair climb to reach the top and staying until sunset was well worth the trek. Once the site of a fire tower, the view from a rock outcrop at the highest summit of Pine Mountain allows one to see Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and, on a clear day, Ohio.
Appalachian Experience participants genuinely feel a sense of accomplishment helping the truly needy of this area be safe, warm and dry. Not only did they work hard but they've acquired friendships and a camaraderie with those they worked for and with. High school teens and adults are welcome to join this outreach effort in future trips as we follow Jesus' example and use our gifts to reach out to others!

APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE 2009
Our small but mighty group worked hard, met new people, learned new things & had a rewarding time! St. Joseph's once again sent a group to St. Joseph's in Clintwood, Virginia, to take part in Sister Jean Korkisch's Housing Repair Program the last week of June. Helping low-income residents maintain decent housing for their families, the program has groups work on housing repair jobs both inside and out. Appalachian Experience 2009 began Saturday, June 20, with participants George, Kathi & Jeff Trares and Barb Colin meeting at the Trares' home to begin the 400 mile journey south. Shortly after arrival at the Dorothy Baker House (house next to the church where volunteers stay) the group attended Mass, had dinner, and then met with Sister Jean who welcomed them & showed them their work site. After some grocery shopping, the foursome settled in. They toured the Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center in Clintwood on Sunday and then relaxed, preparing for a busy week.
Working on the 1911 home of Ken Childress, the musician and storyteller who entertains volunteers each week, along with program helpers Debbie, Leanne, Brandi & JT, the group accomplished quite a bit.
This year's project for St. Joe's group was making the family home of Ken easier to get in and out of (he has an artificial leg and uses a cane). George & Jeff built a safer set of steps for him to get to his mailbox. Barb & Kathi installed a patio block pathway from his front door to the bridge he uses to get to his car. George & Jeff then installed a hand rail along the walkway. The ladies also built a new rock pathway from the steps to the current walkway in front of his house. The group thoroughly enjoyed working on Ken's home because of his involvement in the program and the friendship that has developed over the years. Ken's stories, singing, and hospitality were all part of the experience. Being appointed by the court to perform marriages, Ken also conducted two marriage ceremonies during the week.
Not only do volunteers do some hard but rewarding work, meet new people, and learn new things, but cultural events, local site-seeing & discussions around Appalachian issues are also a part of the experience. On Tuesday evening, volunteers enjoyed a picnic hosted by parishioners followed by entertainment from Ken Childress & fellow musician Jim Mullins. A visit to the 4th World Movement Co-Op Learning Center was on Wednesday's agenda. A human commitment to ending poverty and exclusion, The Fourth World Movement is an international, non-governmental, anti-poverty organization with consultative status in the United Nations. The center hosts a variety of things to assist with employment opportunities, gaining new skills & confidence including computer classes, stress management sessions, quilting & weaving instruction, and other workshops. For more information, please visit www.4thworldmovement.org.
Though a rainy evening, the group visited John W. Flannagan Dam and Reservoir on Thursday. The scenic, man-made site helps provide power to the area and hosts three campgrounds, five boat ramps, picnic areas, fishing, hiking, hunting, ball fields, tennis courts, a swimming pool and playgrounds. On Friday evening, Sr. Jean took the volunteers on a 10 mile windy and mostly gravel road to Birch Knob Observation Tower just north of Clintwood. At an elevation of 3,144 feet above sea level, the 183 stair climb to reach the top was well worth the trek. Once the site of a fire tower, the view from a rock outcrop at the highest summit of Pine Mountain allows one to see Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and, on a clear day, Ohio.
Appalachian Experience participants genuinely feel a sense of accomplishment helping the truly needy of this area be safe, warm & dry. Not only did they work hard but they've acquired friendships & a camaraderie with those they worked for & with. You are welcome to join this outreach effort in future trips as we follow Jesus' example and use our gifts to reach out to others!

APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE 2008
Once again St. Joseph's, Mantua,sent a group to St. Joseph's in Clintwood, Virginia, to take part in Sister Jean Korkisch's Housing Repair Program this summer. Helping low-income residents maintain decent housing for their families, the program has groups work on housing repair jobs both inside and out.
Appalachian Experience 2008 began Saturday, June 21, with most of the group meeting at the Shalersville Turnpike entrance to begin the 400 mile journey south. This year's participants included George, Kathi & Jeff Trares, Mike & Barb Shilling from St. Joseph Parish, Jackie Kable, Marisa Grondin & Amanda Scopilliti from St. Ambrose Parish in Garrettsville, and Toni Schill (Jackie's sister) from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Aurora. Shortly after arrival at the Dorothy Baker House the group attended Mass and then met with Sr. Jean who welcomed the group & spoke of plans for the week's work. Settling in activities included planning & shopping for the week's meals, and enjoying Breaks Interstate Park's scenic overlooks, hiking trails and paddled boats, and relaxing.
This year's group of nine participants had some new people and some who have participated in the program for a number of years. Working on mainly one home along with program helpers Debbie, Leanne, Brandi & Josh, the group accomplished quite a bit of work throughout the week. The family home of Wayne, built in 1927, was within walking distance of their home base and at one time had been a town showpiece. With much assistance from the homeowner, volunteers helped to bring it back to life. Members raised and leveled the leaning back porch adding windows, siding, paint and awning-like shutters to open during summer months. The yard received much needed improvements including a new fence, landscaping to walkways and flower beds, and clearing of brush and debris. Window frames and metal lawn chairs were painted and caulking was also done. Some members of the group tackled monumental task of clearing the many years of accumulated items and dirt inside the house. In addition, a couple of the participants finished a few items of the porch of a nearby house worked on in the previous week.
Not only do volunteers do some hard but rewarding work, meet new people, and learn new things, but cultural events, local site-seeing & discussions around Appalachian issues are also a part of the experience. On Tuesday evening, volunteers enjoyed a picnic hosted by parishioners followed by entertainment from folk singer & storyteller, Ken Childress & fellow musician Jim Mullins. A visit to the 4th World Movement Co-Op Learning Center was on Wednesday's agenda. A human commitment to ending poverty and exclusion, The Fourth World Movement is an international, non-governmental, anti-poverty organization with consultative status in the United Nations. Vincent and Fanchette Fanelli, who take an active role in their community as well as being members of the organization The Fourth World Movement International Volunteer Corps, are members of St. Joseph Parish in Clintwood. The center hosts a variety of things to assist with employment opportunities, gaining new skills & confidence including computer classes, stress management sessions, quilting & weaving instruction, and other workshops. It also takes part in house-improvement projects coordinated by Binns-Counts Community Center. For more information, please visit www.4thworldmovement.org.
MAWs (Mountain Art Works) Restaurant & Gallery, was Thursday evening's point of interest where the group enjoyed the homey atmosphere and a mountain music jam session. On Friday evening, the group heard about the coal mining industry from parishioner Larry Kennedy who worked in the mines for over 20 years (he now works for Social Services). Larry brought his tools of the trade & explained his work experience and the impact of mechanization & strip mining on the industry. Poverty remains in this Appalachian region due the impact by the coal, gas and timber industries, and absentee ownership. There are no other industries willing to commit to this area because of a lack of any major interstate system in this remote area in the southwestern tip of Virginia and a state government yet to recognize and/or act on the many of the needs of this part of their own state. Despite the poverty, and land and water devastation, these proud people are determined to assume control of their destiny. St. Joseph's in Clintwood, VA is one of several churches in this area that has formed a ministerial association to meet some of the needs of local residents.
Appalachian Experience participants genuinely feel a sense of accomplishment helping the truly needy of this area be safe, warm & dry. Not only did they work hard but they've acquired friendships & a camaraderie with those they worked for & with. You are welcome to join this outreach effort in future trips as we follow Jesus' example and use our gifts to reach out to others!

APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE 2007
Weworked hard, met new people, learned new things & had a rewarding time! For those of you who don't know, St. Joseph's, Mantua, sent a group to St. Joseph's in Clintwood, Virginia, to take part in Sister Jean Korkisch's Housing Repair Program this summer. Helping low-income residents maintain decent housing for their families, the program has groups work on housing repair jobs both inside and out.
Appalachian Experience 2007 began Saturday, June 23, with part of the group meeting at Eat 'n Park Restaurant in Streetsboro before heading down the highway. This year's participants included George, Kathi & Jeff Trares, Mike, Barb & Jake Shilling, Renee Wiggins, Alex & Nathan DeHoff, and three students from Walsh Jesuit High School, Andrew Burns, Brittany Pallay & Grace Kesic. Members caravanned the 400 mile trip south & arrived at the Dorothy Baker House either Saturday or Sunday. Sr. Jean welcomed the group & spoke of plans for the week's work. Saturday & Sunday's activities included settling in, planning & shopping for the week's meals, attending Mass, swimming at a nearby park, some area site-seeing and relaxing.
This year's group of 12 participants had some new people and some who have participated in the program for a number of years. Working on two different homes along with program helpers Debbie, Leanne, Brandi & Josh, the group accomplished quite a bit of work throughout the week. Group #1, consisting of the Trares family, the Wiggins/DeHoff family, Debbie & Josh, spent the week helping to make the home of an elderly lady who has a little trouble getting around ready to move in to. Alpha's double wide trailer on Reedy Ridge had been vacant for quite some time mainly due to water problems so she was living with a sister across the street. Repairs on her home included water lines being repaired & plumbing leaks were fixed, 5 or 6 layers of old shingles were torn off & replaced on her front porch roof, the front & back porches were power-washed & re-stained, wrought iron porch railings were repaired, scraped & repainted, the unit's underpinning (skirting) & the kitchen floor were painted, windows were caulked, and gutters & down spouts were painted in preparation for reinstallation later. In addition, years of accumulated junk and a non-working refrigerator & air-conditioning unit were removed from the site.
Group #2 with the Shillings & Walsh High School students, Leanne & Brandi making improvements to the modular home on Caney Ridge of Alma, an 80 year old woman living on a remote road with a granddaughter, her teenage son, toddler son & boyfriend. Installation of underpinning with framework, replacement of a rickety handicap ramp, installing a French drain along the front of the home, and adding another set of steps were among the tasks the group did to help the family. Of course, Sr. Jean supervised the work being done at both sites to help ensure that her clients are warm, safe & dry.
Participating in this outreach effort since 1998, St. Joseph's volunteer group has never had any serious injuries or accidents-poison ivy, asthma attack, heat related problems, wasp stings & stepping on a nail are the only incidents. Unfortunately, this year Alex DeHoff became sick early in the week & the family had to leave Wednesday evening.
Not only do volunteers do some hard but rewarding work, meet new people, and learn new things, but cultural events, local site-seeing & discussions around Appalachian issues are also a part of the experience. As an unofficial tradition, several members enjoyed the very popular movie "O, Brother Where Art Thou" (starring George Clooney) that features music of the region. Several of the songs from the movie are sung by Dr. Ralph Stanley who grew up in the Dickenson County area. The Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center, which was opened in 2005, is located in Clintwood.
On Tuesday evening, volunteers enjoyed a picnic hosted by parishioners followed by entertainment from folk singer & storyteller, Ken Childress & fellow musician Jim Mullins. This year a few members of the group even got up during the entertainment to learn how to "flat foot" dance from one of the parishioners.
Group #1 was working right next door to Fanelli's 4th World Movement Co-Op Learning Center. Vincent and Fanchette Fanelli, who take an active role in their community as well as being members of the organization The Fourth World Movement International Volunteer Corps, are members of St. Joseph Parish in Clintwood. On Tuesday the DeHoff boys were able to take part in a musicians' session who let them take a turn on the fiddler & steel guitar. The center also hosts stress management sessions, computer classes to assist with employment opportunities, new skills & gaining confidence, and take part in house-improvement projects coordinated by Binns-Counts Community Center. A human commitment to ending poverty and exclusion, The Fourth World Movement is an international, non-governmental, anti-poverty organization with consultative status in the United Nations. In 2005, the volunteers heard a presentation about the organization & saw the beginnings of a learning and resource center, both for the local area and for the U.S. Movement. In 2006 the group toured the then nearly complete center which includes living quarters for the couple (their previous home on the property will be used for the organization's activities as well). For more information about the Fourth World Movement, please visit www.4thworldmovement.org.
On Thursday evening, the group heard about the coal mining industry from parishioner Larry Kennedy who worked in the mines for over 20 years (he now works for Social Services). Larry brought his tools of the trade & explained his work experience and the impact of mechanization & strip mining on the industry. Poverty remains in this Appalachian region due the impact by the coal, gas and timber industries, and absentee ownership. There are no other industries willing to commit to this area because of the lack of any major interstate system in this remote area in the southwestern tip of Virginia. Even state capitol officials fail to recognize and/or act on the many of the needs of this part of their own state. Despite the poverty, and land and water devastation, these proud people are determined to assume control of their destiny. St. Joseph's in Clintwood, VA is one of several churches in this area that has formed a ministerial association to meet some of the needs of local residents. St. Joseph's Housing Repair Program offers low-income people home repairs and engages the community in discussions around housing related issues and actions.
You are welcome to join us in future trips as we follow Jesus' example and use our gifts to reach out to others!

APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE 2006
We did some hard work, met new people,
learned new things and had a great time! For those of you who don't know, St. Joseph's, Mantua, sent a group to St. Joseph's in Clintwood, Virginia, to take part in Sister Jean Korkisch's Housing Repair Program this summer. Helping low-income residents maintain decent housing for their families, the program has groups work on housing repair jobs both inside and out.
Appalachian Experience 2006 began Saturday, June 24, with most of the group meeting at Bob Evans Restaurant in Streetsboro before heading down the highway. This year's participants included Bill Curtin, Mike, Barb & Paul Shilling, George, Kathi, James & Jeff Trares, Jessica Lovick, and Linda Dvorak. After a hearty breakfast, most caravanned the 400 mile trip south and arrived at the Dorothy Baker House about 3:30 p.m. (Shillings arrived Sunday). Sr. Jean welcomed the group and spoke of plans for the week's work. Saturday and Sunday's activities included settling in, planning and shopping for the week's meals, attending Mass, and visiting the home the group would be working on.
Although, this year's group was smaller than previous ones, the ten representatives of our parish along with program helpers Jarvis, Debbie, Brandi and Josh (grandson of one of the parishioners visiting from North Carolina) accomplished quite a bit of work on the home of Chris and Misty, a young couple with three children ages 9, 7 and 3. Living in the nearby town of Clincho, the family needed repairs made to a leaking roof which caused damage to their kitchen ceiling and front porch. Working as a bus driver for the County and at Clintwood Lumber Co. during the summer, Chris and his family live in a small home tucked into the hillside that was two structures pieced together to make one small house.
Volunteers stripped the old roofing off, repaired damaged areas and re-shingled the roof. Work was also done on flashing around the chimney, some of the siding, fascia and eaves. The badly damaged kitchen ceiling and insulation was torn down, new joists and insulation were installed, drywall was hung, new trim was added and the entire room was painted. Lighting fixtures were updated and a window was installed to replace an unused door. The front porch roof was replaced and re-shingled, flashing was added where the porch roof met the house, and both the front and back porch ceilings received a coat of paint. A set of steps was also added to the back porch. Additional work will be needed on the siding, doors and windows which will be handled by groups coming later in the summer.
Bill Curtin also traveled to the town's Community Health Wagon to install dead bolts and locks to areas of the facility. He also added some much needed lighting to the stairway of the the Kennedy's home, St. Joseph parishioners.
Participating in this outreach effort since 1998, St. Joseph's volunteer group has never had any serious injuries or accidents-poison ivy, asthma attack and heat related problems are the only incidents. This year was no exception. Aside from Bill receiving a couple of wasp stings and Jeff stepping on a nail (the wound barely broke the skin and a tetanus shot was given simple as a precaution), the group remains accident free.
A special and unique aspect of our parish's group this year was the volunteer work of Linda Dvorak who served as cook. Suffering from asthma, Linda is unable to go to the job sites so she offers her wonderful talents of baking and cooking. Instead of coming back after a long, hot day of work, having to clean up and then prepare supper, volunteers were treated to homemade, gourmet meals each evening (not to mention hearty breakfasts and very appetizing lunches to pack). Our group is the only group who gains weight during their week!
Not only do volunteers do some hard but rewarding work, meet new people, and learn new things, but cultural events, local site-seeing and discussions around Appalachian issues are also a part of the experience. On Tuesday evening, volunteers enjoyed a picnic hosted by parishioners followed by entertainment from folk singer and storyteller, Ken Childress and fellow musician Jim Mullins.
After the day's work and supper on Wednesday, the group drove to the nearby home of Vincent and Fanchette Fanelli who take an active role in their community as well as being members of the organization The Fourth World Movement International Volunteer Corps. A human commitment to ending poverty and exclusion, The Fourth World Movement is an international, non-governmental, anti-poverty organization with consultative status in the United Nations. In 2005, the volunteers heard a presentation about the organization and saw the beginnings of a learning and resource center, both for the local area and for the U.S. Movement. The group toured the now nearly complete center which includes living quarters for the couple (their current home on the property will be used for the organization's activities as well). For more information about the Fourth World Movement, please visit www.atd-4thworld.org.
On Thursday evening, the group heard about the coal mining industry from parishioner Larry Kennedy who worked in the mines for over 20 years (he now works for Social Services). Larry brought his tools of the trade and explained his work experience and the impact of mechanization and strip mining on the industry. Poverty remains in this Appalachian region due the impact by the coal, gas and timber industries, and absentee ownership. There are no other industries willing to commit to this area because of the lack of any major interstate system in this remote area in the southwestern tip of Virginia. Even state capitol officials fail to recognize and/or act on the many of the needs of this part of their own state. Despite the poverty, and land and water devastation, these proud people are determined to assume control of their destiny. St. Joseph's in Clintwood, VA is one of several churches in this area that has formed a ministerial association to meet some of the needs of local residents. St. Joseph's Housing Repair Program offers low-income people home repairs and engages the community in discussions around housing related issues and actions.
As part of this effort, members of the group also learned about the Appalachian area of our country by viewing a 3-hour documentary entitled "The Appalachians" that has been broadcast on PBS television stations. A local college student's film about the environmental concerns of clear cutting and strip mining was also watched. Several members also enjoyed the very popular movie "O, Brother Where Art Thou" (starring George Clooney) that features music of the region. Several of the songs from the movie are sung by Dr. Ralph Stanley who grew up in the Dickenson County area. The Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center, which was opened in 2005, is located in Clintwood (many members of last year's group visited this very nice museum).
As in years past, some of the group visited the people whose homes had been worked on the previous year. In 2005, Appalachian Experience worked on the home of Sr. Bernie Kenny who co-managed the St. Mary's Health Wagon, a non-profit health care corporation delivering quality mobile health services to the uninsured, underinsured and those in need in the Appalachian Mountains. Several members of this year's group stopped by her home in Clincho to visit and see how the repairs done to her kitchen, basement, shed, stairs & other outdoor areas had stood up.
Appalachian Experience participants genuinely feel a sense of accomplishment helping the truly needy of this area be safe, warm and dry. Not only did they work hard but they've acquired friendships and a camaraderie with those they worked for and with. You are welcome to join us in future trips as we follow Jesus' example and use our gifts to reach out to others!


APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE 2005
St. Joseph Parish in Mantua, Ohio sent a group to St. Joseph's in Clintwood, Virginia, to take part in Sister Jean Korkisch's Housing Repair Program the summer of 2005. Helping low-income residents maintain decent housing for their families, the program has groups work on housing repair jobs both inside and out.
Appalachian Experience 2005 began Saturday, June 25, with the group meeting at Eat 'n Park Restaurant in Streetsboro before heading down the highway. This year's participants included Bill Curtin, Mike & Barb Shilling, George, Kathi, James & Jeff Trares, and Jessica Lovick. After breakfast, most caravanned the 400 mile trip south and arrived at the Dorothy Baker House about 4:00 p.m. (Shillings arrived Sunday). Saturday and Sunday's activities included settling in, planning & shopping for the week's meals, attending Mass, and visiting the Ralph Stanley Museum and Traditional Mountain Music Center located within in walking distance. Jarvis, a past recipient of repairs on his family's home who now helps Sr. Jean, welcomed the group & spoke of plans for the week's work.
Although, this year's group was smaller than previous ones, the eight representatives of our parish along with program helpers Jarvis & Debbie, accomplished quite a bit of work on Sr. Bernie Kenny's kitchen, basement, shed, stairs & other outdoor areas. Sr. Bernie Kenny & Teresa Gardner, both nurse practitioners, co-manage the St. Mary's Health Wagon, a non-profit health care corporation delivering quality mobile health services to the uninsured, underinsured and those in need in the Appalachian Mountains. Living in an old "coal town" house near her office in Clincho, VA, Sr. Bernie was in desperate need of repairs to her kitchen floor which had water damage (foundation & wall studs were deteriorating & pipes had burst due to poorly insulated walls). Volunteers removed the damaged flooring, paneling, wall studs & floor joists. After reinforcing the floor & walls, insulation was put in, plywood & luan was laid followed by new linoleum. Repairs were also made to the windows' frames along with the addition of caulking & baseboards. A new sink cabinet & countertop, new dryer vent, and linoleum lining inside all her cupboards & drawers were also installed.
Members of the group also made improvements to Sr. Bernie's dirt-floored basement by cleaning out rotting debris and laying down patio blocks for easier access to the fuel oil tank, furnace & hot water tank. In addition, a ramp was added to her shed, a dozen set of solid concrete block steps were added to the hillside leading to her shed, the wooden steps & railing from the road up the hill to her home were cleaned & re-stained, and a large patio block path to her driveway area was constructed.
On the final day of the work week, Sr. Bernie joined the volunteers for lunch in her yard as she shared her experience with the mobile health wagon which was founded in 1980 & has been improving the health and well-being of the under served for the past 25 years. The areas served by the mobile health services lie deep within the heart of Central Appalachia. Poor health indicators, geographic isolation, unemployment, illiteracy, lack of communication resources and transportation, and a proud culture of independence and self reliance join with a severe dearth of specialty providers and a dedicated but overworked primary care network to perpetuate access problems. All services and medications are provided free of charge; however, clients are encouraged to make voluntary donations to help with the purchase of gas, medication and supplies (a client gave Sr. Bernie some moonshine for services he received!). Each year, St. Mary's Health Wagon organizes a Remote Area Medical Health Expedition (RAM) at the Wise County Fairgrounds. This huge three-day undertaking provides health services free of charge to adults & children. Volunteer medical & trained health care professionals offer dental cleanings, fillings & extractions; complete eye exams, prescription glasses, and treatment/referrals for eye diseases; general medical exams, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, bone density, & cancer screenings, blood & lab work, PAP smears, mammograms, medical assistance; and much more. Appalachian Experience volunteers were able to tour Sr. Bernie's office and the mobile health wagon (a Winnebago specifically designed to meet medical needs). In addition, the group heard accounts of patients they have helped, problems the health wagon has encountered with the coal strikes & law enforcement, and concerns about sponsorship. Truly amazed at the work that was done to her home, Sr. Bernie was genuinely touched by the group's efforts. To learn more about this health outreach effort, please visit their website at www.stmaryshealthwagon.com.
Not only do volunteers do some hard but rewarding work, meet new people, and learn new things, but cultural events, local site-seeing & discussions around Appalachian issues are also a part of the experience. In addition to hearing about the work of the Health Wagon, on Tuesday evening, volunteers enjoyed a picnic supper hosted by parishioners followed by entertainment from folk singer & storyteller, Ken Childress & fellow musician Jim Mullins.
After the day's work & supper on Wednesday, the group drove to the nearby home of Vincent and Fanchette Fanelli to hear their presentation on The Fourth World Movement International Volunteer Corps of which they take an active role in their community as well as being members of the organization. A human commitment to ending poverty and exclusion, The Fourth World Movement is an international, non-governmental, anti-poverty organization with consultative status in the United Nations. Believing that wherever men and women are condemned to live in extreme poverty, human rights are violated, this effort is made up of 370 full-time volunteers and 60,000 active members who are working in 29 countries on six continents. The Fanellis' principal objectives in Appalachia has been to work with and support community efforts to combat poverty and its consequences, to build partnerships with state advocacy groups in order to influence legislation on behalf of the poor, and to welcome other members of the Movement for periods of service to the community as well as a learning experience. At the Binns-Counts Community Center, Vincent teaches a free computer literacy program for adults and Fanchette helps out with clothing sales, which raise funds towards the operating costs of the center as well as providing inexpensive clothing for local people. These volunteers' search for partnership with other organizations and services based in the community has led Vincent to assist the St. Mary's Health Wagon with their computer system, and more recently, with their telemedicine hook-up, a vital tool in an area where access to health care is extremely limited. The couple live in an old five-room frame house purchased by the Fourth World Movement/USA & renovated with the help of friends and outside work groups. The 18-acre mostly wooded land on a ridge slope also has a barn and two outbuildings. The property is currently being developed as a learning and resource center, both for the local area and for the U.S. Movement. Fanchette continues to work on the draft of her book on Joseph Wresinski and his role in developing the Fourth World Movement in the United States. For more information about the Fourth World Movement including an effort called Tapori in which children can become involved in the fight against poverty, please visit www.atd-4thworld.org.
Appalachian Experience participants genuinely feel a sense of accomplishment helping the truly needy of this area be safe, warm & dry. Not only did they work hard but they've acquired friendships & a camaraderie with those they worked for & with. You are welcome to join us in future trips as we follow Jesus' example and use our gifts to reach out to others!

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APPALACHIAN EXPERIENCE 2003
St. Joseph's, Mantua, once again sent a group to St. Joseph's in Clintwood, Virginia, to take part in Sister Jean Korkisch's Housing Repair Program the summer of 2003. Helping low-income residents maintain decent housing for their families, the group worked on several housing repair jobs both inside and out. The group did some hard work, met new people, learned new things & had a great time!
Appalachian Experience 2003 began Saturday, June 28, with the group meeting at Bob Evans Restaurant in Streetsboro for a send off courtesy of Fr. Tom McCarthy. This year's participants included George, Kathi, James & Jeff Trares, Dan Fejes, Mike, Barb & Courtney Shilling, and Bill Curtin (entertainer Ken Childress also in photo). After a hearty breakfast, most drove the 400 mile trip south "caravan-style" and arrived at the Dorothy Baker House about 4:00 p.m. (Shillings arrived Sunday). Saturday & Sunday's activities included settling in, planning & shopping for the week's meals, and attending Mass. Jarvis, a past recipient of repairs on his family's home who now helps Sr. Jean, also introduced the owners on which whose homes the work will be done.
Although, this year's group was smaller than previous ones, the nine representatives of our parish accomplished quite a bit of work on two different homes. The ladies worked on the kitchen of Susan, a divorced mother of a 15 year old son Jake, under the guidance of one of two women employed by the program, Leann. Jobs at her trailer included painting newly installed cabinets and the walls and ceiling, and lining the inside of the cabinets with scrap linoleum after taking care of an ant problem. Bill installed GFCI outlets in the kitchen and bath and helped to replace the front door. Later in the week, trim was added to a kitchen window and front door. Finally, repairs were made to the screen door. Plans are to have other groups replace the kitchen linoleum and hang a wallpaper border.
The Delmar & Diane's $300.00 trailer was the second project on which the group worked with another program employee, Debbie. This young family of Delmar, who was disabled, his wife Diane, who has a part-time job at a nursing home, and their children, 11 year old Julius, and 8 year old twins Denise and Deanne needed multiple improvements on their home. When applying for help, they only asked for skirting for around the trailer. Sr. Jean discovered their floors were collapsing, the water heater was falling in, the roofed leaked and they were in need of more space (the parents sleep in the living room). Our group removed old carpeting, reinforced a bedroom floor, removed and replaced the bathroom sink and cabinet, put down luan and linoleum on the kitchen, hallway and bathroom floors, fixed kitchen plumbing (dishes were being done in the bathtub), added a drain pipe to the refrigerator, installed closet shelf brackets, lined inside of cabinets with scrap linoleum, installed a door for hot water heater area, replaced a fuse box door and repaired electrical outlets, carpeted the girls' bedroom, caulked, installed molding, patched porch roof leaks, finished putting insulation under the trailer, and added temporary steps for the back door. Other groups throughout the summer will tackle putting skirting around outside of the trailer and & adding a 10' x 20' room off the back of the unit.
One evening, volunteers enjoyed a picnic supper hosted by parishioners followed by entertainment from singer and storyteller, Ken Childress. The Trares family stayed for Clintwood's 4th of July festivities which included a Kiwanis pancake breakfast, Civil War demonstration, entertainment, veteran's and community parades, juggler and kids' rides, food and other concessions and a wonderful fireworks display.
Participants genuinely feel a sense of accomplishment helping the truly needy of this area of our country be safe, warm and dry. Not only did they work hard but they acquired friendships and a camaraderie with those they worked for and with. You are welcome to join us in future trips as we follow Jesus' example and use our gifts to reach out to others!

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HISTORY OF PAST TRIPS

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Whether it be volunteering, providing financial support,
offering words of encouragement or your prayers,
we thank you for your assistance.

BAKE SALES • PARISH COOK BOOK • OX ROAST FAIR • DONATIONS

BAKE SALES
Help support our efforts and pick up something delicious, too! The Appalachian Experience Group will be selling baked goods in the narthex each month (typically the 3rd Sunday). All bakers, shoppers and donators are appreciated!

OX ROAST FAIR
The Appalachian Experience Group will be lending a hand throughout the Ox Roast Fair. Pick up an informational flyer at the T-Shirt Booth.

DONATIONS
Financial donations are most welcome and appreciated. Simply drop a check in the mail addressed to:

St. Joseph Church - Appalachian Experience
11045 St. Joseph Blvd.
Mantua, OH 44255

To help the local economy, most supplies for the Housing Repair Program in Clintwood, VA, are purchased in the area. Items that are always needed include nails, work gloves, old coffee cans, and cotton rags. Unfortunately, cargo space for hauling items to Clintwood are usually limited. Please call the Parish Office (330.274.2253) if you need more information concerning donations.

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