West Virginia

Jason Hall helps a young student at Philippi Elementary School. Photo: Mark Wasser

Philippi, W.Va. (begins August each year)

Nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains, southeast of Clarksburg, this small town of nearly 3,200 people faces high unemployment and its resulting poverty.  A house church with 35 active participants started the unit in 1989. It was one of the first three Service Adventure units established.

Service Opportunities

Tutor for Kid REACH—World Vision
To break the cycle of poverty, we start by focusing on children. At the center of World Vision's work in Appalachia is Vision Youth, a church-based, child-centered program that focuses on education, relationships, and providing young people with a solid foundation to build their future. For the Kid Reach program, elementary-age students are matched with compassionate tutors and mentors who offer academic help as well as emotional and spiritual nurture. Job responsibilities may include assisting the Kid Reach director with administrative responsibilities and recordkeeping, as well as mentoring, lesson planning and teaching during the Kid Reach after school program Monday through Friday. (full-time/part-time)

Volunteer at The Storehouse—World Vision
The Storehouse of Vision Appalachia helps provide families and local organizations with basic necessities such as school and building supplies, clothing, toys, and household items. In the 32 counties served by The Storehouse of Vision Appalachia, one out of five families live in poverty. Throughout West Virginia, 40 percent of people 25 and older have not completed high school, and 18 percent of adults are unemployed. Our vision is to empower rural communities in Appalachia to bring people and resources together to enhance the well-being of local families and children. Full or part time opportunities available for participants include; warehouse worker, office worker, customer service, or volunteer and project coordination.

Doctor's Aide—Myers Clinic
Myers Clinic serves many low-income patients, sometimes at a loss financially.  The doctor's aide receives on-the-job training.  Responsibilities include checking in patients (collect information, take temperature, weight, height), performing basic tests, and obtaining specimens.  This position also provides an opportunity to work in the business office, appointment desk or X-ray, giving a well-rounded orientation to clinic operation.  (full-time)

Heart and Hand
Heart and Hand is a social service agency with a variety of ministries, including food distribution, layette, Christmas toys, and two thrift stores. The available positions support the ministries directly, as well as behind the scenes. On-site evaluation of skills and abilities will help determine additional opportunities.

Responsibilities will include general cleaning, and, based on abilities may also include:

• Assisting thrift store manager with retail outlets through pricing, sorting and displaying items.
• Assisting shoppers, running cash register.
• Utilizing technology and multi-media training for online publicity, sales and promotional activities.
• Assisting in sorting, organizing, and stocking food and other items for distribution.
• Assisting in seasonal programs, such as the Christmas toy drive and Garden Market.
• Doing home repair for low income families.
• Performing vehicle maintenance checks on Heart and Hand vehicles.
• Performing building and grounds maintenance of Heart and Hand facilities.
• Acting as receptionist, answering phones and referring requests to appropriate staff.

Senior Services Worker- Senior Center
The Senior Center is open Monday through Friday where older people come to visit, eat, lunch, play games or do crafts. The senior center worker would relate to the seniors, run errands, as well as help with food preparation and home meal deliveries. If you have musical or artistic gifts, there is also the possibility of regular sessions with a group of senior citizens. (part-time)

Teacher's Assistant—Head Start
Head Start is a child development program offered to preschool children from low-income families.  Children spend four half days each week at the Head Start center, experiencing and learning through play, singing, art activities and socializing.  The childcare worker is an assistant to the classroom teacher and should enjoy being with 3 & 4-year-olds.  This position provides an opportunity to be a patient and loving Christian role model.  (part/full-time)

Teacher's Assistant—Philippi Elementary School
School systems in West Virginia have experienced cutbacks in faculty and programs due to budget cuts and declining enrollment.  The purpose of the teacher's aide is to help lighten the load of the teachers so they can spend more quality time with the children.  Each aide would assist several teachers at Philippi Elementary School by correcting tests and homework, giving personal help to individual students, helping lead small-group activities, and helping with bulletin boards, decorations and photocopying.  (part/full-time)