Since 1994, youth and adult volunteers, mostly from east-side Columbus parishes, have spent the last week in June as part of the Appalachian Project providing service to families in Scioto County.

The program began at Columbus Christ the King Church, and for the past 15 years has also been sponsored by Columbus St. Catharine of Siena Church. Youth have participated from Columbus Bishop Hartley High School, Columbus St. Charles Preparatory School and nearby parishes and schools, while parishioners and others have enthusiastically supported the work for 30 years.

This year, seven worksites and approximately 50 team members were part of the Project.  

Each year, the group has learned (under adult supervision) to use tools needed for the projects, delved into Appalachian culture, which is experienced in Scioto County; and formed Christian community through a formation period and the work week that includes service, faith-building, and prayer and fun-filled evening activities.

More than 500 youth have participated through the years, and many have said it was the best week of their summer. They have declared that helping others in distress is life-changing and challenging.

Youth who participate have met and helped more than 200 families, some with repeat visits, to make life better and homes more secure. Most of the people assisted are elderly, unemployed or under-employed, disabled or whose income simply cannot be stretched to provide repairs. Ramps for wheelchairs, roofs, home additions, plumbing and electrical assistance, painting, replacing flooring and more have been provided during the work weeks.  

The roofing team at the Anawim house includes (from row from left) Rita Frye, Ingrid Bedell, Thai Trinh; (back row from left)  Kaitlyn Acquah, Eva Padilla Barroso and Lisa Horn.

This year’s projects included Anawim House, which began as a small Christian community and received the final portion of a new metal roof begun last year; a new metal roof for Connie, who lives near Shawnee Forest; and repairs to a front porch for Suzanne.

Also, Elmer was given a new shed to store his lawn mowers, which he uses to help others. Elmer, who is elderly, and his sister have previously been assisted with new kitchen cabinets, flooring and a tub to shower conversion. Jackie needed some interior repairs and painting, and new gravel for her driveway. Donna owns and rents an old gas station used for storage for added income but in need of repairs and paint.

Taking a break from work at Betty’s farm are (from left)  Scott Treadway, Jerry Manley, Elle Hauser, Bryanna Treadway, Peter Krajnak, Cathleen Collins and Gus Davis.

Betty lives high on a hill with a beautiful view and runs a wild horse mustang rescue. At one time, Art Koenig owned the property and grew hundreds of tulips there, visited each spring by many people. The tulips are gone, the view is still spectacular, and Betty has a way with the mustangs she provides with sanctuary. Her tiny, cramped shower was replaced with a new, larger shower.

Besides helping families in distress, the Project gives the youth a sense of self-worth and accomplishment. There is a sense of God present among the teams, in the service donated to families, and for the families themselves who are recipients of the work. An abundance of grace is felt by all.   

Khloe Lovell, participating for the second year, said, “I experienced God in the lady we helped this week. You could see how happy and grateful she was for us helping her. I feel I helped someone in need. It made me realize how grateful I am for things I have.”

Chuck Schafhausen explains roofing to Appalachian Project volunteers (from left) Emilee Zoog, Keegan McKnight, Evie Campbell and Grace Eisenstein.

Maggie Fouts, a second-year participant, said she enjoyed talking to Miss Jackie on her worksite while recognizing that everyone longs to be loved and helped. She believes everyone did a good job, and everyone uplifted each other.

Joseph Beckett, a recent graduate of the University of Dayton, has lived his entire life in Scioto County. His family has been involved every year with the Project. “I will share about the joy this Project brings,” he said. “This work truly embodies the paradox that in giving we receive. I continue to learn how important youth formation is as one of the fruits of the project.”

Lisa Horn, a parishioner at St. Catharine, came for the first time as an adult leader with her two teenage sons. She enjoyed spending time with her boys while their phones were turned off. She enjoyed helping others and felt the presence of the Lord.

Gus Davis (left) and Corey Claprood install a new shower.

The Project Mission Statement implies that cell phones should be turned off. It states: The purpose of our Project is to spend time apart from our ordinary life, to develop a better understanding of our relationship to God and to our neighbors, and to express our care in concrete actions according to the social teachings of the Catholic Church. 

An important adult team member who always came to share prayer and wisdom passed away in April. Deacon Peter Labita of Christ the King Church was a co-founder of the Project in 1994.  He is missed, but what he began continues to flourish.

For more information about joining the Appalachian Project, especially youth in grades 9 and up, contact [email protected]. 

Anne Jupinko of Columbus Christ the King Church is the project coordinator.