June 19th - 26th 2010

Mission Statement

St Sebastian's Project H.O.P.E. serves God by serving others. It combines the best resources and abilities of its members in a united effort to help the poorest people of the Appalachian region of Kentucky. This is accomplished while providing a meaningful education experience for the high school and college age members of the organization. This education focuses on the values of the Roman Catholic Church as well as practical knowledge of basic construction techniques.

History

A quarter century ago Chuck Taormino took the first group of parishioners down to Bethany, Kentucky to help the poor and the needy. The group was, as it is today, based out of St. Sebastian’s R.C. church located north west of Pittsburgh. Twenty five years later the tradition continues with a new group of enthusiastic workers, able minded crew leaders, and many families supporting them. Although the group has moved from staying in Bethany to Maytown, we continue to improve the conditions of the surrounding geographical area.

Trip Overview

Each year in late June members of Project H.O.P.E. go to the rural areas of eastern Kentucky to renovate, build, repair, and fix the homes of the needy. Our projects in recent years have included but are not limited to the construction of handicap ramps, rebuilding floors, fixing or making roofs, installing bathrooms, creating outhouses, raising additions, and even building an entire dwelling in which a family can live. The group consists not only of St Sebastian parishoners but also members of other local parishes.