West Virginia TripYouth group Service Trip 2017

ProgramWe will be conducting our trip through the Appalachian South Folklife

Center (ASFC)

ASFC is a program mainly focused on home repair in the Appalachian area

ASFC also takes pride in Appalachia's unique culture

Working in collaboration with some other local charities, ASFC is able to offer a well rounded service opportunity

On their website, ASFC states that,

“The program ...allows our volunteers to learn about Appalachian heritage and culture. They gain

valuable teamwork and leadership skills at the same time.”

Location

We will be based from ASFC in Pipestem West Virginia

Appalachia has a rich culture of Mountaineering we are excited to learn about

West Virginia is a vital place to visit as approximately 25% of West Virginia’s families are living below the poverty line.

The homes we repair will be in Mercer County, where approximately 30% of the children fall below the poverty line.

Community Issues

Due to the impoverished state of many families in WV, home damage cannot be easily repaired

Coal companies are turning to Mountain top removal for their coal, which not only damages the image of WV, but also leads to dumping of debris that pollutes local water sources

The incarceration rate in West Virginia is 895 per every 100,000 residents, and prison overcrowding is a central issue

Taking action

We will…

Repair roofs for families whose home have been damaged in recent storms

Visit a hospitality program of families of incarcerated women

Visit a Mountain Top Removal (MTR) Site with a long-time activist from Pipestem

Meet local park rangers for a history on coal mining and its impact on WV

Learn about Appalachian folklife through a music workshop

Learn more

Mountain Top Removal: Appalachian Voices

Prison Overcrowding: Prison Policy Initiative

Damaged Homes: Appalachian South Folklife Center

Hillbilly Eulogy

Speakers!