Releasing the DOVEs: Appalachia Mission

For the past ten years, the Division of Volunteer Efforts (DOVE) has led an annual weeklong service immersion to Wayne County in the Appalachian region of West Virginia in partnership with the Cabwaylingo Appalachian Mission (CAM). Students travel together by van and engage in housing repair, relationship-building with local families and education about the systemic causes of poverty in this rural and often overlooked region of the United States.

On this mission students are taught to help build and repair houses in this extremely rural and forgotten part of the United States. Understanding the unique culture of Appalachia, building relationships with the families there and learning about the cause of extreme poverty in this region, are all important elements to the mission. In addition to direct service, students participate in pre-trip preparation meetings, community living, shared prayer and guided reflection. These elements foster leadership, vocational discernment and a commitment to lifelong service rooted in Seton Hall’s Catholic mission.

Applicants must be free for the mission during the following dates/times: Sunday July 12 at 7:30 a.m. through Saturday July 18 at 6 p.m. The cost of this mission is $400 which will be collected via Seton Hall marketplace link. These payments are non-refundable and cover all expenses for the weekend including meals. Students should only bring additional money with them if they intend on purchasing personal souvenirs on the mission. If you are interested in attending but are unsure about this monetary commitment please reach out to amanda.cavanagh@shu.edu. 

Categories: Faith and Service