Project Appalachia had its beginning at the Benedictine Grange in Redding, CT. In the 1990’s a dedicated group of volunteers answered the call to assist and work with the underprivileged in Appalachia, they collected and boxed donations needed in Appalachia. For years, a Catholic church in Fairfield, CT provided a space where they could sort, pack, and store the donations until they had enough to pack and fill one or more trucks. Eventually, they focused on the Family Crisis Support Services in Norton, VA. Through personal connections they were able to procure much needed slightly used furniture. When there was a need for temporary housing to shelter people from the harsh winters in Appalachia, they raised the necessary funding. To this day they continue to reach out to others so that we can live the words of the gospel, “Whatever you do for one of my brothers and sisters, you do for me."​

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For 40 years, Family Crisis Support Services (FCSS) in southwest Virginia has been a lifeline for those facing tough times. Whether dealing with domestic violence, sexual assault, evictions/homelessness, or emergency disasters, 313,425 individuals and families have gotten the help they need from FCSS.

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Against the backdrop of the opioid and methamphetamine crisis, coupled with the region's severe economic and social disparities, the demand for FCSS's services has greatly outpaced the capacity. FCSS serves Lee, Scott, Wise, Dickenson, Buchanan and Russell Counties in Virginia. Individuals and families in far southwest Virginia experience disparities that others throughout the state do not. Contributing factors influencing these disparities are healthcare access, opioid and stimulant use, incarceration, domestic and sexual violence, housing instability, unemployment, and extreme poverty.

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FCSS is a beacon of light in a time and place without many beacons. Your contribution will be a lifesaving gift for those in southwest Virginia.

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Connecticut Quest for Peace recognizes that the cost of living in Norton, VA is reported to be 12% lower than the U.S. national poverty level average. CT Quest sends trucks containing clothing, school supplies, first aid supplies, and assorted household items for the kitchen, bedroom and living areas. We do include some furniture, paint and construction materials. The Family Crisis Center distributes the donations to those who need these items. That allows them to use monetary donations to assist the community in other areas.

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The Family Crisis Center has a 3 pronged program that serves Norton, VA and the local communities near Norton, VA.

• Victim Services: They advocate for and aid the victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, past trauma, or addiction due to current or past violence or trauma.

• Prevention: They provide financial assistance, rapid rehousing, and emergency shelter services for individuals or families who are homeless or at risk.

• Education: They visit local schools, churches, and organizations to educate the community about the signs and risks of trauma, violence, and addiction.

 

Checkout their website: https://family-crisis.org