Saint Joseph’s University students are well-received in many parts of the Appalachian region. They have become known and respected for their service and friendship with communities in Kentucky and West Virginia. In 1997 their example of putting the Ignatian ideals into action in Eastern Kentucky compelled four SJU staff to propose a service trip for a week of building and repairing low-income housing with Habitat for Humanity.
The proposal was approved, an invitation was extended, and a mix of 32 faculty, staff and alumni began the six-month preparation. Like the students, fundraising activities were developed to cover travel, housing, and building supplies for the projects. Faculty lent their expertise on the region’s history, economics, and politics. Team gatherings and fundraising activities allowed members to meet and work together prior to the trip. Also, like the students, the wider community was encouraged to be part of the team by way of prayer support, sharing construction expertise, donating supplies (nails, hammers, gloves), or attending fundraising gatherings.
2009 Alumni Appalachia Fundraiser: Friday, June 5
Join the members of the Alumni Appalachia team on Friday, June 5 at Bourbon Blue in Manayunk and support this year's service trip to Phelps, KY. The special reception features an open bar and appetizers. Proceeds benefit the 2009 Alumni Appalachia trip. For more information, contact Denny Barron at 610-660-3201 or alumni@sju.edu.
There is time to register for the Alumni Appalachia trip - Summer, 2009
Where: Phelps Area Habitat for Humanity, Phelps, KY
(The group travels in vans from Philadelphia; an approx. 10 hour ride)
When: July 12 - 17, 2009
(Leaving early on Sunday and returning late on Friday)
Cost: Approximately $400 per person, includes housing, transportation and food for the week.
The group has sponsored fundraisers in the past to help defray some of the cost.)
What: Days are spent working with the Habitat staff on projects that they have open at the time. Sometimes this involves new construction, sometimes refurbishing of damaged homes. No construction experience is necessary and learning it on the fly is part of the fun. Evenings are generally spent relaxing, checking out the Appalachian valley region and having a good time.
No prior experience with Project Appalachia or the Appalachian Experience is required and the trip is open to all SJU alumni and their spouses.
For more information or to register for the trip, please contact alumni@sju.edu.
