Mendham Teens Build Roofs And Relationships During Church Volunteer Trip

MENDHAM, NJ — Local teens have returned from a “life-changing” volunteer experience in Appalachia.

St. Joseph Catholic Church’s 17th Annual Teen Appalachia Mission Trip concluded this week, after 45 teenagers and 23 adult chaperones lent united hands to those in need.

The volunteers traveled to Johnson County, Kentucky, to work with Good Neighbors, Inc., a Paintsville-based nonprofit, to help make “critical home repairs for families in need.”

Ava Moynihan, a high school junior from Mendham, called the experience a “one-of-a-kind opportunity."

“Not only did this trip help participants form a closer relationship with the Lord and make new friendships, but it also allowed individuals to gain a new perspective on life and the way other people live,” she said. “The mission is also about developing relationships with the residents at your site—not only to make the trip more enjoyable, but to help the homeowner feel more comfortable and appreciated.”

From June 15 to June 21, participants were performing roof and foundation repairs, building decks, drywalling, and replacing flooring — “hands-on labor that brought warmth, safety, and hope to the families served.”

Organizers said that the volunteers built more than new decks and roofs, but also “lasting bonds,” making human connections with each other and the families they were helping.

“This trip allows our teens to foster relationships and grow in our God-given mission to care for our sisters and brothers in need," said Mark Tosso, Youth Director at St. Joseph’s. “The mission develops community within our parish and connects us all to new friends and wonderful families in Kentucky.”

Parent chaperone Karen Connolly of Mendham said the trip “highlighted the power of faith and community.”

“It was an inspiring week working alongside hardworking, resilient teens, grateful homeowners, and selfless co-chaperones who are now friends,” Connolly said.