For five days in June, a 20-member crew from the Coalfield Development Corporation, (a nonprofit working with young people from West Virginia to create jobs and encourage economic self-sufficiency) salvaged materials from the abandoned homes on our 19 acres. The work was part of a larger effort to provide an alternative to jobs in the coal mining industry for young people in poor areas of West Virginia by helping them acquire construction skills, life skills, and a degree. It was a win-win and win again situation: the salvaged material the crew re-used for their purposes; we got helping taking down the old buildings on our property; and less junk was sent to the landfill.
The nearly week-long effort had another benefit as the Shepherd Village community pulled together to provide logistical support, hospitality, food, and encouragement, drawing upon the churches and organizations with which we are connected. Nan Johnson did amazing and abundant work in coordinating it all, including obtaining not one, but two huge dumpsters. Shepherdstown Presbyterian Church provided meals and hospitality; Rolling Ridge donated the use of their six-bedroom Retreat House. Brandon Dennison, the founder and director of Coalfield Development and Reclaim Appalachia, was able one evening to give a stirring presentation about the vision of the organization, backed up by the testimonies of his crew. All in all, a productive and moving five days. As one of us said, "Life is full!"
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