Summer Service-Learning Program

Education through service. At Grace House, we believe education should be more than books and outreach more than charity. Our work-study program gives groups the chance to learn about Appalachian culture first-hand though the lives of its people.

Cultural exchange. We match you up with the families who live here to learn first-hand what it means to live in a rural coal-mining area. While you’re here, you’ll work with families in the community to help them address critical needs. More importantly, you’ll be learning from them about what it means to live in this region. Through this interaction, you’ll learn about life in your own community, too. You’ll change lives in an area that faces many challenges. They’ll be changing you, too.

Custom programs. We create a program designed to meet the needs and interests of your group. During your stay, you’ll spend the day working on a service project with a local family. Evenings include free time for group activities, reflection and rest. We can provide speakers from the community to talk about Appalachian life or take you on field trips to sites of interest. It’s all about the needs and interests of your group.

Personalized attention. We host only one group of up to 30 people at a time so we can focus on you. Most groups stay a week, but we work with your schedule. Grace House is a program of the Episcopal Church, but we host other denominations and non-religious groups, including college classes. All youth groups must bring enough adult leaders to chaperone their group. We recommend one adult leader for every five youth.

Projects that matter. We’ll work together before you arrive to select a service project for your group. Our work projects center on helping families in need to have safe, warm, dry homes. The family you help will “adopt” your group for the week and include you in daily life in their community. Your group will buy the building supplies for the project. We’ll provide tools for the job and help teach you what you need to know. Each day will include time for reflection and discussion as an essential component of cultural exchange.