Appalachian Voice Spring 2019

APPALACHIANVOICE

A NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS

SPRING 2019

CUMBERLANDS STUDENTS SERVE COMMUNITY PROFILES IN SERVICE - PATS SERVE On October 19, more than 700 University of the Cumberlands (UC) Williamsburg Mayor Roddy Harrison was greatly appreciative of the students stepped off campus to serve their local community. The service service event. day was part of Pats Serve, a new “Seeing all the students downtown program created at Cumberlands which has been a dream of mine,” said helps connect students with people in Harrison. “I’ve been wanting to see the community through service work. students on this side of the railroad Pats Serve was an all-afternoon tracks for years. I think it’s a really experience for students. Students met good idea. It’s a win-win for everybody. in the O. Wayne Rollins gym on UC’s Whoever’s idea it was to do this, I love campus and soon dispersed into groups it.” to serve the community in various ways.

“I thought Pats Serve was a fun Projects included working at the experience that I was thankful to Drew Shannon Cedaridge Ministries recycling center, be a part of,” said Drew Shannon, a Music Education major washing windows of several buildings music education major who trimmed in downtown Williamsburg (including hedges at the retirement home. “It was City Hall), and clearing bushes or cleaning playgrounds for churches in wonderful. I think it really made a difference in their day.” the area, among other opportunities.

Pats Serve will be held again in October, during UC’s Homecoming One group even served the elderly at the Williamsburg Nursing Home, weekend, so the Cumberlands community can get involved with the where they did yardwork, made cards and even pampered some female program if they would like. Those interested in participating in Pats patients by painting their nails.

Serve should contact Marc Hensley at 606.539.4143 or marc.hensley@ ucumberlands.edu.

““I thought Pats Serve was a fun experience that I was thankful to be a part of. It was wonderful. I think it really made a difference in their day.”

Continued on page 2

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“Every child deserves to feel loved.”

Kade Ferguson

Appalachian Ministries

CHRISTMAS PARTIES AND DEEPER CONNECTIONS PROFILES IN SERVICE - APPALACHIAN MINISTRIES “Every child deserves to feel loved,” said Kade Ferguson, a junior from Fall Branch, Tennessee, who serves with Appalachian Ministries. “We get to intervene in the lives of kids who might be suffering almost every day and let them know that they’re not alone, that God loves them and that we love them. There’s no better feeling in the world.”

Appalachian Ministries (AM) is an outreach program that meets weekly with at-risk children in the area. Through AM, children who are impoverished financially – and possibly emotionally and spiritually – are given the chance to encounter genuine love through the mentorship, fellowship and fun that AM brings each week.

The week before Cumberlands students left for Christmas Break, AM brought even more than fun and fellowship. They brought in pizza and Christmas gifts.

“We gave them dinner, shared the story of Jesus’ birth and gave the kids toys that we had handpicked for them,” said Jasmine Newport, Director of AM. “My favorite part was when this little boy named Jackson opened his gift. It was a T-Rex. His voice was so full of emotion when he looked up at me and said, ‘I wuv the gift you got me!’ It was the cutest moment.”

“Then he named the T-Rex ‘Jackson,’ after himself.” Newport shrugged.

“Why not?”

Appalachian Ministries visited five locations to host Christmas parties. In all, approximately 80 student volunteers served about 150 local children.

The AM team agrees: seeing the kids open their gifts was the best part of the events.

“Most of us are so blessed that we can’t even fathom the idea that our only Christmas present could be a $10 toy from Walmart,” said Ferguson.

“But that’s what these kids are dealing with. Watching them open their gifts and seeing their excited looks – that’s worthwhile.”

“You quickly fall in love with every kid, and you really get to know their families,” said Natalye Gallagher, a senior from Corbin, Kentucky. “I invite them to church because our ultimate goal is to bring people to Jesus. I believe AM has given me the perfect opportunity to connect with the kids and eventually reach their parents.”

Connecting with children doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes, all it takes is some pizza, some toys and some time spent showing them what God’s love looks like.

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KIDS' DAYS

ELEMENTARY STUDENTS S E R V E D WHITLEY NORTH

CHRISTMAS GIFT DAY

192 FAMILIES & 487 CHILDREN RECORD 40K POUNDS OF FOOD P A R T N E R S Immanuel Baptist Church Glasgow, KY Coral Hill Baptist Church Glasgow, KY First Baptist Church Jacksonville Beach, FL Bells Baptist Church Clinton, TN Main Street Baptist Church Williamsburg, KY New Hope Ministries London, KY Locust Grove Christian School Keavy, KY South Laurel High School London, KY

375

WHITLEY EAST

270

PLEASANT VIEW

285

BOSTON

YES!

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I want to make a

DIFFERENCE.

My gift, in the amount of $ , is to make a difference for people in need and to change lives one good deed at a time.

I would specifically like my gift to benefit one or more of the following: Services provided by Mountain Outreach Ministry outreach with Appalachian Ministries In the community through Pats Serve To pay by credit card, please complete the section below: Visa

Master Card

American Express

Discover

Diner’s Club International

Name on Card Card Number Billing Address

Expiration Date Street Address

City

State

Zip

Please return this coupon, along with your gift, to: The President’s Office • 6191 College Station Drive • Williamsburg, KY 40769

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JOY WORTH MILLIONS PROFILES IN SERVICE - MOUNTAIN OUTREACH

This year, more than 1,100 children got to experience the joy of giving through Kids’ Gift Days hosted by Mountain Outreach (MO). For the children at Whitley North Elementary School, a school newly added to the program, it was an experience they’d never had before.

Their faces glowed as they walked into the gym single-file behind their teachers. (The youngest ones didn’t walk – they bounced. It’s hard to contain excitement when you’re in preschool.)

In the gym were tables lined with a variety of items from sweet-smelling lotions and sparkly keychains to lightweight toolboxes and thick gloves...modest gifts suitable for both males and females. The children were able to choose two gifts per household and help wrap them in festive bags and stickers.

Cumberlands' students directed children through the lines and helped them pick which items to give their loved ones. There were plenty of smiles, high-fives and friendly debates about which Christmas movie is actually the most awesome.

“I love seeing our students with these kids,” said Hensley.

“Sometimes big ol’ basketball or football players come.

They walk in all laidback and tough, but once they start communicating with these kids, you see all of it melt away. That’s meaningful.”

Several baseball and softball players visited the schools this year, as well as some non-athletes.

“I really enjoy this,” said Miranda Lewis, a junior from Corbin, Kentucky, studying education. “It’s a way for these kids to give to their parents. They get to choose what they want to give, which bag to put the gift in, which sticker they want to say ‘to’ and ‘from’ on, all that stuff.”

“These kids get excited,” said Hensley. “They’ll get on the bus today, and they’ll walk into their houses with those bags, and they’ll say, ‘I got something for you at school today! I’m not gonna tell you what it is! You have to wait until Christmas!’ To them, it’s a big secret, a big surprise. They think that’s so fun.”

Approximately 92 percent of the children at Whitley North receive free or reduced-price lunches due to their families’ low incomes. Whitley East, Pleasant View and Boston Elementary Schools all have similar percentages. That’s why Mountain Outreach gets involved.

“These kids can’t afford to go Christmas shopping,” said Hensley, “and sometimes nobody is available to take them anyway. So, we provide the opportunity.”

He gestured toward the tables. “Now, we’re looking at gifts here all from Dollar Tree. It’s a relatively cheap experience for us.

But it’s worth millions. To these kids, it’s worth millions."

Really, that is the purpose behind Kids’ Gift Days: to show children the importance and joy of giving. For Hensley, there is also a deeper conviction.

“Hopefully, they see Jesus in our students and get the message that He is the true gift of Christmas," Hensley said.

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MAKING CHRISTMAS POSSIBLE PROFILES IN SERVICE - MOUNTAIN OUTREACH Marc Hensley, Director of Mountain stomach’s growling and they’re hungry, Outreach (MO), sat on a fold-out it’s no good! Why can’t Mountain wooden chair in the chilly MO Outreach provide food?’” warehouse. It was “Gift Day” for MO After a lot of work behind the scenes, – the Saturday set aside to bring in God’s Food Pantry (GFP) allowed families and give them food and toys Mountain Outreach to become one for the holidays. Volunteers walked of their partners. Each winter for the back and forth constantly, leading past three years, MO has sent in one families along tables lined with toys or massive order to GFP, who delivers the stocking pallets with food and loading order to the MO warehouse the Friday the pallets into families’ vehicles. before families arrive.

For years, MO only provided toys, This year, GFP supplied almost no food. That changed after Hensley 40,000 pounds of food. More than visited the home of a family whose 100 families went home on Gift Day heat had failed during Christmas with 350 pounds of kid-friendly foods Vicki Tillman Break. to stock their cupboards during the Mountain Outreach Volunteer “I walked in with a couple space Christmas season. The pallets included heaters, and there were two little boys canned veggies, fruit cups, Teddy – probably five and eight years old – Grahams, Chef Boyardee meals, even kneeling down at a coffee table,” Hensley recalled. “They had a little bowl frozen meat like hamburgers, hot dogs and pre-cooked chicken. in front of them and were eating Cheerios with water on them. Water. I Parents in the area do not have to decide between providing either said, ‘You boys having some breakfast?’ and they just kind of looked at me.” Christmas gifts or food for their children. Thanks to the U.S. Marines As Hensley remembered that day, tears came to his eyes. program Toys for Tots, who partners with MO for Gift Day, families receive “I told my wife, ‘A kid can have the greatest toy in the world, but if their both.

“You know it takes a burden off parents’ shoulders.You just think about their children coming down and seeing the presents under the tree. Those kids are going to be so excited! What joy that brings a parent, seeing how excited your kids are.”

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“It’s a win-win,” said Hensley. “I think God led us in this direction to add the food, and I think He brought in Toys for Tots so we could do that. One lady this year had never done this before and asked what it would be like.

When I explained, she said, ‘You don’t know what that would mean to my family.’”

Parents were able to pick out five gifts for each child. Those with infants got to choose two toys per child in addition to diapers and baby wipes.

“You know it takes a burden off parents’ shoulders,” said Vicki Tillman, a volunteer from Bell’s Campground Baptist Church in Tennessee. “You just think about their children coming down and seeing the presents under the tree. Those kids are going to be so excited! What joy that brings a parent, seeing how excited your kids are.”

“There’s nothing like the love you have for your child,” said Sandra Russell, who joined the Tillmans to volunteer. “It’s instant love from the moment they’re here. It’s so cool to see that MO is enabling people to be the parents they want to be. These parents see that someone still cares,

regardless of their situation.”

“This event gets better every year,” said Tanner Harrison, a UC archer from McKee, Kentucky. “I love it. It’s the highlight of my year!”

Mountain Outreach completes a number of projects and hosts several events throughout the year, and each time, it makes a noticeable difference for families in need.

“I believe our families will have Christmas this year because of this event,” said Hensley. “The gifts and the food ensure that they have a Christmas. I’ll be honest, if it weren’t for this event, I don’t think they would.”

Life is hard, no matter where you come from. Everyone needs at least one day that is blessed –just one time each year when they can enjoy love, peace and joy, no strings attached. For most people around the world, Christmas is that blessed day. And because of Mountain Outreach, even families in financial struggles are able to put aside their worries for one day, watch their children open Christmas gifts and enjoy the warmth of the holidays like everyone else. That makes for one merry Christmas.

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ABBY CARTER Abby Carter (Lebanon, Ohio) has always enjoyed children, so it was no surprise to her when she fell in love with the work Appalachian Ministries (AM) does, sharing the Gospel and showering love on local kids.

“I’ve been a role model for my two younger sisters my whole life,” Carter said. “I like to help kids out and be like their big sister. I’m going to be a teacher; it’s something I just need to do. Kids in the schools need someone to come talk to, and I’d like to be that person.”

In truth, Carter already is that person. She just graduated from UC and is heading into her first semester of student-teaching. She volunteered with AM for two years and was on the AM team this summer. For two months, Carter’s been busy planning and leading activities (during which she used her “teacher voice,” like any good education major), driving children to and from day camps, playing water games with kids and seeking out any quieter, more reserved children so she can talk with them one-on-one.

“Appalachian Ministries has changed my life,” Carter said. “I think everyone should do something like AM at some point. It opens your eyes to the issues around you. You realize how intentional you need to be with the kids.”

MEET OUR STUDENTS ROBBIE GARVIN Robbie Garvin grew up in Springfield, Georgia, a town he describes as a trap.

“We have a lot of talent, but people don’t make it out,” Garvin said.

“Guys that could’ve been in the NFL walk the streets, do drugs and sell drugs. That stuff happens all the time down there.”

There is one great thing about Springfield, though, according to Garvin.

“Georgia in general is weird like this,” Garvin said. “If you’re a good athlete, soon enough that whole side of the state knows about you.

That’s what happened with me.”

He’s now a junior at UC, studying psychology, with plans to become a counselor. He’s played football and wrestled for Cumberlands, and has been involved in a number of ministries on campus. For the past two summers, Garvin has volunteered with Appalachian Ministries (AM).

AM leads Vacation Bible School (VBS) sessions for at-risk children in the Appalachian region each summer. Each day is spent bussing children to VBS in the mornings, guiding activities, driving the children home, then preparing for the next day.

“This summer, God’s chipped away at stuff,” Garvin said. “He’s teaching me patience, teamwork, when to speak, when to listen and how to be more selfless.”

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Together - We EMPOWER “I want to help provide hope through educational opportunities that EMPOWER deserving students with great financial need to achieve their dreams of bright and promising futures.”

GIVE AN UNRESTRICTED GIFT ― Gifts given to our unrestricted Cumberlands Fund enable us to meet a variety of needs for our students. Your gift will help provide first-class educational opportunities that promote student success.

GIVE A SCHOLARSHIP GIFT ― Over 99 percent of our students receive some type of financial aid to assist with educational expenses. Your contribution to our scholarship program will help remove an obstacle from their lives, so they can follow their dreams.

GIVE A WORKSHIP GIFT ― The most wholesome type of financial assistance involves helping students help themselves. Gifts for our workship program will benefit those students who are working diligently in the classroom, as well as outside it, to achieve their aspirations and earn their diplomas.

You can make an everlasting impact by giving to educate servant-leaders with the tools of a quality education and with the knowledge that comes from their service experiences. Help share the most important lesson: that the greatest use of one’s life is to serve others.

Twenty-six percent of our freshman class are first-generation college students. Our mission is clear. We believe in the power of education to change not just a single life, but the lives of generations to follow.

Together - We EMPOWER.

My gift, in the amount of $ , is to provide hope and educational opportunities to students with great financial needs so they may achieve their dreams of a bright and promising future. I would like my gift to benefit: Cumberlands Fund Scholarship Workship Please select a method of payment:

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To pay by credit card, please complete the section below: Visa

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Please return this coupon, along with your gift, to: The President’s Office • 6191 College Station Drive • Williamsburg, KY 40769

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Honor or Memorialize a Friend or Loved One

Tribute Program at University of the Cumberlands How are Tribute Gifts acknowledged?

For an Honor Gift, the person being honored is sent an appropriate card listing the honor giver, as well as the occasion for the honor. The name of the giver and the honoree will be listed in the next issue of the University’s newsletter.

What is a Tribute Gift?

A Tribute Gift shows love and respect for the person being honored or memorialized. It says that the world is a better place because of this individual.

Through a Tribute Gift to University of the Cumberlands, a memory of the past or an honor of the present is tied to the future as it is made to live on in the lives of students in need.

The size of the gift is up to you. Many send the amount they would spend on floral arrangements, candy, or other appropriate gestures. Gifts generally range from $15 to $1,000, but the right amount for you is the amount your heart tells you to send.

For a Memorial Gift, the family of the individual you wish to memorialize is sent an appropriate card the same day that the gift is received. The name of the giver and their loved one will then be listed in the next issue of the University's newsletter.

An Honor Gift is a gift that shows admiration and respect for a loved one or a friend on a significant day in his or her life, such as birthdays, anniversaries, Mother's Day, or Father's Day.

The amount of all Tribute Gifts, including Memorial Gifts and Honor Gifts, is kept confidential. Also, all gifts are tax deductible as allowed by law.

TRIBUTE PROGRAM

How will a Tribute Gift make a difference?

Your gift will provide a lasting legacy for students in need as it is used to provide scholarship and workship assistance, books and supplies, food and housing, and many other supportive services.

Listings reflect Tribute Gifts received Sept. 1, 2018 through Jan. 31, 2019. In preparing this list, every effort has been made to ensure accuracy and completeness. If a mistake was made in the way you were identified or if your name was omitted, we sincerely apologize.

You can help us set the record straight.

Please notify the President's Office regarding any changes in the way your gifts should be recorded in future reports.

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A Memorial Gift is a gift made in memory of a departed loved one or friend. It is a wonderful way to express sympathy and high regard, as well as a means to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries or other special days.

AT UNIVERSITY OF THE CUMBERLANDS

I would like to give a gift in the amount of $ at University of the Cumberlands. This gift takes the shape of:

to the Tribute Program

An Honor Gift in the name of for the occasion of

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A Memorial Gift in the name of

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Please send notification of my gift to: Name Address City

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This gift was given by: Name Address City

Please return this coupon, along with your gift, to: President’s Office • 6191 College Station Drive • Williamsburg, KY 40769

TRIBUTE GIFTS

September 1, 2018, THROUGH January 31, 2019

CREATE A LASTING IMPACT AT UCUMBERLANDS.EDU/GIVE IN MEMORY OF: MELVIN SKEEN Given by:

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IN HONOR OF: DEBBIE HARP Given by:

Anonymous Mrs. Annette Black Mrs. Melanie Bloomer Mr. Alan Bruce Mr. & Mrs. Wesley Cornett Mr. Alan Hampton Mrs. Erica Harris Ms. Kimberly Harris

Mr. & Mrs. Oliver Hawkins Jr. Mrs. Heather Kalista Ms. Laura Keown Ms. Deborah Myers Mr. & Mrs. Kelly Raglin Mr. & Mrs. Kevin Sanders Mrs. Lou Steely Ms. Diana Warmoth Mr. Shannon Warmoth

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Ms. Carolyn Siler-Browning Mr. & Mrs. Mark Stephens

The following given by:

Wayne & Lynda Jones in support of the Charles Jones, Jr. Scholarship Fund Mr. Tracy Martin In Memory of: The father (Tommy) of Ms. Karen Burns The brother (Jerry) of The son (Christian) & mother Mrs. Steve Willis (Pat) of The sister (Melody Hackett) of Mrs. Brandi Allocco Ms. LeEllen Claud The aunt (Helen) of The step-mother (Ann Crowell) of Ms. Laetitia Rollins Mrs. Bethany Mackey The nephew (Christian) & mother The father (Ray Morris) of (Pat) of Ms. Tisha Morris Mr. Brad McKenzie The wife (Betty) of The parents of Mr. Phil Hawkins The husband (Dick) of Rev. Matt Tullos Mrs. Dick Willard The husband (George) of The husband (Ed) of Mrs. Roberta Sullivan Mrs. Charles Ryckeley The wife (Marie) of The father (Buck) of Mr. Robert Hall Mr. Rick Willey & Family The mother (Nancy) of The husband (Lonnie) of Mr. William Chambers Mrs. Allene Newton The husband (Ron) of The father (John) of Mrs. Connie Bratcher Mrs. Cindy Edwards The husband Raymon of The sister-in-law (Brenda)of Mrs. Diane Sprayberry Ms. Sharon Wheeler The parents of The father (Charles Elzy) of Mrs. Kim Holt Mrs. Wayne Moulton The mother (Janie) of The father (Jack) and grandfather Mrs. Tammy Merritt (John) of The mother of Mr. & Mrs. Dan Brewer Mrs. Michelle Yohe The father (Henry) of

NAOMI HARP Given by:

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America’s Matching Gift Program

Mr. & Mrs. Gary Harp

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Anyone interested in making a Gift-in-Kind donation is encouraged to contact the Office of the President.

Please make support payable to University of the Cumberlands.

Office of the President 6191 College Station Drive Williamsburg, KY 40769

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University of the Cumberlands Office of the President 6191 College Station Drive Williamsburg, KY 40769

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PROVIDING A FAMILY HOME A house should be the place where a family can unwind from the day, gather for a meal, and go to sleep feeling totally secure, warm, and safe. Among the many worries people may have in life, the condition of their house should not be one of them. But for families in Eastern Kentucky living in dire poverty, a clean and sturdy house is a luxurious dream. For many in Appalachia, drafty walls, faulty plumbing, or leaking roofs plague the places they live. Without cleanliness and stability, those houses just cannot become true homes.

Everyone deserves a true home. That’s why we have built 150 homes for families in need. We are working hard to raise money to fund the construction of our next family’s home. But as you may know, building materials, paints, fixtures, electrical systems, plumbing – all the necessities for constructing a new home from the ground up – do not come cheap. Every cost adds up, no matter how deserving a family is. The need is great, but the funds are low. Your kindness, generosity, and compassion can make all the difference.

HELP US BUILD A FUTURE ucumberlands.edu/give2uc