Spring Break Immersion Program Sites

Good Shepherd Catholic Church, Whitley City, KY

Volunteers might be engaged in a variety of work tasks including small home repair, assisting with an outreach reading program for pre-school children, helping in the clothing store and visiting people in the area. Days are well organized for the volunteers by Sister Nancy and evenings after dinner are time for reflection and relaxation.

Emmanuel Catholic Church (ECC), Albany, KY

Volunteers will visit people of the region and do home repair tasks ranging from painting and cleaning to building a room onto a house. The objective is not only to accomplish needed work, but also to meet and talk with the people. You will meet extraordinary people and be exposed to a simple, wonderful way of life. After dinner each night, volunteers reflect on their daily experiences. Men and women stay at Holy Cross Church with Fr. Larry. Although the Catholic community in this area is quite small, it is as vibrant and loving as any you will ever see.

Ivanhoe Civic League, Ivanhoe, VA

Volunteers may be engaged in a variety of work tasks including picking up litter, refurbishing houses, painting, working at a used clothing store or visiting the housebound or elderly. The students will participate in a different educational activity each evening to obtain knowledge of Appalachian culture and the work of the Ivanhoe Civic League. Typically, there are multiple groups of college students who will be with you during the week.

Damascus, VA

This small community nestled among the Appalachia mountains is rich in both tradition and heritage. A crossroads town for three Appalachian trails, Damascus displays enormous pride and overwhelming hospitality. The service program flourishes under the guidance of its organizers. Last year's group participated in a variety of social and cultural activities, performed socially oriented community service and helped in reconstructive tasks. These tasks ranged from painting to building, cleaning and landscaping. The group had the pleasure of meeting many of the townspeople and enjoying local culture and scenery. Students stayed at the local Volunteer Rescue Squad Headquarters and had the opportunity to share their week of service with one other school.

Rural Retreat, VA

This town in Whythe County is nestled in the Appalachia Mountains of Southwest Virginia. The town covers approximately one square mile and has a population of 1,083. Service projects restore and improve the overall look of Rural Retreat. The town and its surroundings are filled with loyal, hardworking people striving for a better future for themselves and their children while maintaining a hold on the area's rich heritage. Days include upkeep of the town facilities, dining with the community and attending local events.

Hurley Community Development, Inc., Hurley, VA

ASP visited this old coal-mining town for the first time in 1998. This small community has experienced many financial hardships and widespread unemployment as a large number of coalmines have been closed. However, Mattie Christian and Edna Justus, the two coordinators of the site, have dedicated themselves to improving the spirit and conditions of the community. Students will assist them in their effort to complete community cleanup and building projects while interacting with the residents and families throughout the week. The volunteers at the community center are amazing and inspirational people to talk with and work alongside.

Cape Charles, VA

This is a small community in Northampton County on the eastern shore of Virginia. The Concerned Citizens of Cape Charles was formed to meet the needs of the low-income and elderly citizens in the town who live in deteriorating housing. Cape Charles is a historic town with many sites of interest. The community has decided to paint, rehabilitate and clean up every house in Cape Charles that needs it -- block by block!

Narrows, VA

A small town located in southwest Virginia. This past year, student volunteers helped the town in the development of Camp Success Park. Working with people from the town, students helped construct a small footbridge, paint park benches, clear brush, install signs and spruce up flowerbeds and playground equipment. Overall, it's a warm and generous community that enthusiastically welcomes Holy Cross Students.

District One, VA

New Orleans, LA and Biloxi, Mississippi

After Hurricane Katrina hit, students traveled to the gulf regions to assist with the relief project.