If your group wishes to volunteer with LINKS, please download and read through our 2010 volunteer packet, now available here! (RTF format) Applications and half of your group’s deposit fee must be turned in by March 31st to reserve your group’s desired week.
Also, we’re pleased to announce 2010’s new weekend Missing Link volunteer program!
LINKS volunteer camps provide opportunities for individuals, churches, college or university groups and others to live out their faith or convictions in service to those less fortunate. In our five county area, the unemployment rate is one of the highest in the state and each of the counties is considered a distressed county by the Appalachian Regional Commission, so the need for the efficient affordable housing is an ever increasing struggle.
Hearts and minds of participants are strengthened as they find that they actually receive much more than they give. The people of Appalachia themselves and their way of life will inspire you. The gifts they offer are sometimes hard to see. Some are quite tangible like the best green beans you’ve ever eaten– grown, cooked, and served by the woman whose home you are constructing. Others can only be felt, like the value she places on the time spent talking with friends and family, her warm hospitality and the quiet pleasure she takes in improvements in her home.
As you consider working in Appalachia, you will certainly have personal reasons. Perhaps you enjoy the idea of going to the mountains, or helping someone else, or being with a group of friends, or just getting away from home. You need to spend some time thinking about what these reasons might be so that you know your own motivation, commitments and expectations. The Appalachia culture and its many values will enrich those who bring with them a respect for diversity and willingness to learn.
Appalachia can be the most beautiful place on earth. In Spring, the mountains are dressed in varying shades of green, ranging from the palest to the deepest. Redbuds, dogwoods, tulip, service, cherry, apples and pear trees add their glorious blooms to dress the hills in their spring finery. Birds such as the Blue Jay, Cardinal, Mountain blue bird, Goldfinch, Red-tailed Hawk, Hummingbird and Crow can be seen in the trees and sky. Summer brings deeper shades of green to the hillsides while most of the trees blooms have been replaced by the various berries or nuts they produce. Both Summer and Fall mornings bring out the jewels of dew caught on spider webs. Fall is again a glorious time. The hills look like a quilt with colors ranging from bright yellow to rust interspersed with the green of the pine, rhododendron and cedar. Then, as temperatures drop at night, frost covers the trees on the mountain tops. Winter brings ice and snow which is wonderful to see, but causes treacherous travel. These mountains are the greatest testimony to the existence of GOD! Additionally, Floyd County is home to Jenny Wiley State Park, which offers a variety of activities, including nature walks, swimming, and an open air theatre. The Mountain Art Center in Prestonsburg offers concerts and other entertainment opportunities. Of course, there are local movie theatres and restaurants for anyone interested.
Norma’s Nest is close to many businesses and areas of interest including Jenny Wiley State Park, Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle’s Home place, East KY Science Center, Mountain Arts Center, Archer Park, The Strand Theatre, Jenny Wiley Theatre, Mountain Home place, Paintsville Lake, Dewy Lake, and Stone Crest Golf Course.
There are also many restaurants in the area such as in Prestonsburg, located 6 miles from Norma’s Nest, Reno’s Roadhouse, Billy Ray’s Restaurant, El Azul Grande, Charlie’s Grilled Subs, McDonald’s, Pig In A Poke BBQ, Hardee’s, Peking Buffet, Taco Bell, Jerry’s, Dairy Cheer, Talquepaque, and in Paintsville, located 12 miles from Norma’s Nest, Bob Evan’s, Shoney’s, Ponderosa, Burger King, Dairy Queen, Subway, and many other dining facilities.
We have two sites:
Our 2010 volunteer packet can be downloaded here (RTF format).
LINKS volunteers can be age 14 or above (unless the parent or legal guardian is present or special permission is given by LINKS) , of any denomination or creed, and of any skill level, so long as they have a desire to serve, learn, and work hard. Most volunteer groups stay with us for one week (required in the summer months unless special permission is given by LINKS) , arriving Sunday and departing Saturday morning. We also welcome those who wish to come for two, three or four days (during the rest of the year). With particular work assignments prearranged, we can accommodate up to 180– volunteers weekly. During the Spring, Fall and Winter months, group sizes may vary and dates would be available in advance on a first come, first served basis.
Adults, as well as youth groups are encouraged to participate in LINKS’ program. Safety is very important to us, therefore, a minimum of one adult for every five to seven youth is required.
Please contact our volunteer coordinator, Reachel Jones, at rjones@linkshousing.org, or phone us at (606) 285-9777, to make reservations or ask a question.
Are you a returning volunteer group? If so, your group deposit you paid in 2009 will remain the same for 2010 – call today to schedule your volunteer dates!
