Hearts of Appalachia – Mission Overview

Welcome to Hearts of Appalachia

Hearts of Appalachia is a volunteer-powered initiative that preserves the faith, stories, and strength of mountain communities. From coal towns to country churches, we’re building a digital front porch where people can share memories, support each other, and honor their roots.

Our Mission

To preserve and uplift Appalachian voices through storytelling, community support, and faith-based outreach — by the people and for the people of the mountains.

What We Do

Stories from the Coal Mines

Tributes, memories, and family stories from coal miners and their descendants.

Stories from the Mountains

Generational wisdom and heartfelt tales from elders and everyday folks.

Faith on the Mountain

Devotionals, testimony, and mountain-inspired reflections on faith.

Heartbeats of Appalachia

Town history spotlights, photo contests, and youth-led storytelling.

Addiction Recovery Spotlight

Shining a light on local rehab homes, ministries, and recovery advocates.

Comic Strips & Videos

Featuring characters like Granny Collins to tell our stories with humor and heart.

Get Involved

We are 100% volunteer-led and welcome all kinds of help!

Volunteer Opportunities:

• Project Directors & Assistant Directors

• Story collectors & blog writers

• Artists & AI illustrators

• Marketing & social media helpers

• Prayer team & ministry outreach
  

Internships & School Collaborations

We partner with colleges and universities to offer volunteer internships in:

• Website design & SEO

• Story writing & co-authoring

• AI-generated image creation

• Marketing & community outreach

• Ministry & faith-based storytelling
  

Schools can sign up directly. 

Students will receive support and can earn credit (if applicable).

Church & Ministry Partners

We welcome pastors, youth groups, and women’s ministries to:

• Oversee care and storytelling in nursing homes

• Contribute to our Faith on the Mountain blog

• Organize local prayer efforts or story drives
  

Advisors & Contributors

We invite addiction counselors, educators, and community leaders to serve as advisors and blog contributors. A separate form is available to submit your background and interest.

Our Leadership Model

• Each project has a Project Director

• Supporting leaders are Assistant Directors (by topic or state)

• Jeff currently oversees all coal mining projects across states
  

Apply or Sign Up

We are currently accepting applications for:

• Project Directors & Assistant Directors (with references)

• Contributors & Advisors (via separate form)

• Student Interns (application or direct school contact)
  

Everything is volunteer-based.

Want to Learn More?

Visit our website: www.heartsofappalachia.org Email us: info@heartsofappalachia.com Follow on Facebook: @HeartsOfAppalachia

"We carry our stories like coal dust on our hands—with pride, with faith, and with the hope that someone will remember."