Teens Volunteer For Appalachian Service Project With Mendham Church

MENDHAM, NJ — This summer, more than 50 teens and 22 chaperones from Saint Joseph Church in Mendham traveled to Paintsville, Kentucky, as part of the parish's annual Teen Appalachia Mission Trip.

The mission trip took place from June 18 to June 24, as part of the parish's 15th annual Teen Appalachia Mission Trip.

The team worked with Good Neighbors, Inc., a non-profit organization in Johnson County, Kentucky, that serves the working poor.

“Our annual mission trip to Appalachia is a unique experience for us to help others,” says Julia Schoenbrodt, a senior at Mendham High School. “Seeing how others are living just eight hours from our home in Mendham is eye-opening. It reminds me to be grateful for what I have and how impactful trips like this can be in people's lives.”

Every summer, Good Neighbors organizes the work sites for the Mendham Mission Team. The local families served by the team receive no government assistance. People in need contact Good Neighbors for assistance with home repairs, additions, and other projects.

Those who receive assistance are required to go through financial training to learn how to budget and save, and they frequently return the favor by helping others in their community.

This year's projects included roof and foundation repair, painting, siding, building decks and wheelchair ramps, and replacing windows and flooring.

“Watching 15-18 year-olds from my community volunteer to work long days, in the heat and humidity as missionaries was truly inspiring. The collaboration between St. Joseph’s in Mendham and Good Neighbors in Paintsville, Kentucky, obviously benefits the struggling homeowners whose properties are improved, but I would suggest, benefitted those of us who volunteered even more,” Parent volunteer Jill Kendrick said.

During the trip, the mission team forms special bonds with the families they serve, frequently sharing meals and taking the time to learn about the families and their stories. The experience is life-changing not only for the families but also for the volunteers, according to St. Joseph Youth Director Mark Tosso.

"This trip allows our teens to foster relationships and grow in our God-given mission to care for our sisters and brothers in need," Tosso added. "The mission develops community within our parish and connects us all to new friends and wonderful families in Kentucky."