Kentucky

Booneville, KY
Morris Fork Crafts

SOOP Application To apply for one of the service opportunities below, complete an online application, or print and mail a PDF application (Adobe Reader required) and send it to: Mennonite Mission Network ATTN: SOOP 500 S. Main P.O. Box 370 Elkhart, IN 46515-0370

Service Opportunities: This volunteer position consists of mainly traveling and managing shows at churches for Morris Fork Crafts, a nonprofit corporation dedicated to developing craft skills, marketing handcrafts and returning a higher-than-normal percentage of the selling price to the craft persons. Morris Fork “holler” lies deep in the hills of southeastern Kentucky. The holler is about three and a half miles long and serves as home to about 140 people. The typical eastern Kentucky terrain is very isolated, especially in the winter. Responsibilities include assisting with operation and maintaining the craft center, selling crafts at various churches, civic affairs and festivals, maintaining close contact with the craft producers, corresponding with customers, writing newsletters and speaking to groups when requested. Financially self-supporting persons are preferred.

Lodging: Housing, utilities and travel expenses for the agency are provided. A two bedroom fully equipped mobile home with washer and dryer is available.

Hazard, KY
Lotts Creek Community School

Service Opportunities: Lotts Creek Community School is a nonprofit community school (K-12) located in the Appalachian Mountains. Volunteers help with carpentry, repairs and minor plumbing, light landscaping, tutoring, art, music, sewing, library, office work and playground help. This is an isolated location and is more suitable for small groups.

Lodging: A guesthouse is available for up to six people. Opportunities to serve are available year-round.

Neon, KY
HOMES Inc

Service Opportunities: HOMES Inc. (Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service) is a nonprofit agency located in the Appalachian Mountains of eastern Kentucky. HOMES has a strong Mennonite background with three Mennonite volunteers serving on the board of directors. HOMES builds new homes and repairs existing houses for low-income families in the area. Volunteers with carpentry and repair skills are needed.

Lodging: Dormitory style accommodations for short-term volunteers and one standard house for long-term Volunteers are available. HOMES will accept short-term volunteers throughout the year with the only requirement being that they provide their own tools and on-the-job transportation. Preferred assignment time is September through March.

Whitesburg, KY
MCC Appalachia

Service Opportunities: MCC Appalachia is a Christian relief and development program that works directly in Appalachian communities of Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Appalachia is a beautiful place to visit and there are many opportunities for service. SWAP (Sharing With Appalachian People), a home repair program, is looking for carpenters, cooks, material drivers, site coordinators and persons to lead evening sessions. Volunteers may also serve at a local food pantry and clothing bank. MCC needs assistance in picking up material aid and building supplies from outside locations, such as Akron, Pa. and Goshen, Ind. Trips can be planned year round as volunteers are available. Vehicles and travel costs are usually provided for these trips. MCC owns and uses a number of properties in Eastern Kentucky that are in need of upkeep. Assistance with the maintenance allows MCC workers to focus more time on program work in Appalachia. This maintenance includes cutting lawns, minor building repairs and painting. If there are other skills that volunteers bring, MCC Appalachia will look within the community to match interests with the needs here (i.e. education, reading, crafts, etc.)

Lodging: RV accommodations are available in several locations. Also available are two self-contained small homes and bedrooms in the group facility, which has a large shared space for other volunteers.