St. Vincent de Paul Conference Opens in Appalachia

Arnie Simonse has provided further background on what is fast becoming a collaborative Vincentian Family Project in West Virginia.Southern West Virginia lies in the heart of Appalachia…an area blessed with its sheltering mountains, warm faith-filled people and strong family life. In the midst of its beauty exists grinding poverty. Southern West Virginia is coal country. As the coal industry has faltered, jobs have disappeared. New employment opportunities have not replaced the coal industry. People have left in search of work, but those who remain face increased poverty. Nearly 40% of the children in this area live in poverty.

Two years ago, disastrous floods ravaged these southern counties. The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Eastern Region came to the aid of the flood victims with funds, food, household items and building supplies. Having been introduced to this part of Appalachia, these Vincentians realized that this was an area of poverty in need of help even during times when there were no natural disasters. This area desperately calls for the ministry of the Society.

How can this be accomplished in the center of the “Bible Belt” where Catholicism is almost unknown and sometimes even suspect? Thanks to the efforts of Rose Hart, the President of the West Virginia Council, a Task Force has been formed. The Task Force consists of representatives of the various Society councils of the Eastern Region. Their task was formidable. Would it be possible to form a local Conference—the basic functioning unit of the Society–to aid the poor in southern West Virginia? Could a Conference be organized and supported by a scarce number of local Catholic parishioners who would be unable to financially support such a ministry?

Calling on God’s guidance and following the innovative spirit of St. Vincent who always found answers when the poor called, the Task Force met and prayed on how this might come about. The Conference of Southern West Virginia was formed on January 1, 2004 to provide help to the poor of this area. Basic funding would be provided by the Society’s Eastern Region conferences and councils.

Arnold Simonse, a professor of Social Work at Mountain State University in Beckley, WV, is the Conference’s President. A Conference office has been established in Pineville, WV staffed by Debbie Stewart who coordinated the flood recovery efforts for the county over the past two years.

During the initial months of operation, the Conference is focusing on building a network of pastors, parishes, and agencies. These people are intimately involved with the residents of the southern counties of Wyoming, McDowell, Mingo, Raleigh and Mercer. In consultation with the clergy and agency administrators, policies and guidelines will be developed to fairly ascertain who is eligible for assistance and how best to deliver aid.

The Conference is also encouraging outside volunteer groups who have been active in the past to return to resume aiding the poor in these counties.

Home furnishings, home repair items and food are being solicited. Future plans include the acquisition of a central warehouse to serve as a distribution center and, perhaps, a thrift store to raise funds for future support.

These plans are ambitious, but the poor whom we are called to serve drive this ambition. We ask for your support. First, we ask for your prayers so that this new Conference of Southern West Virginia will succeed and grow…becoming a truly Vincentian ministry serving these favored people of God so that they can live the fulfilling life that God has intended for them. And pray that the call for aid will be heard and that many will respond.

Secondly, if you would like to become involved in helping these people in need in this beautiful part of Appalachia by volunteering or sending needed items, contact the Conference of St. Vincent de Paul of Southern West Virginia at P.O. Box 1057, Pineville, WV 24874, 304-732-6800 or arnoldsimonse@aol.com.

If you are able to provide financial assistance, please send funds directly to: WV Task Force, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 927 Franklin Street, Johnstown, PA 15905.