We are a long-term recovery agency, remaining after first responders go home. When not responding to disaster, we address other needs. Poverty compounds disaster. When we address poverty issues, we can help to mitigate against future disaster, giving a hand-up to families in need.
Our Founding
In 2001 and 2002, WV was hit by two back-to-back 500 year floods. WV Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps was formed as an agent of Long-Term Recovery. WVMAW is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, backed by a board of directors from around WV.
Since 2002
Since October 2002, (except for the recent Covid years) WVMAW has brought 40-80 volunteer groups each year from all around the US to work in West Virginia. The work has consisted of home repair and reconstruction, deconstruction, wheel chair ramps, playground restoration, parks cleanup, stream bank stabilization, among other things.
Referrals for Work Projects
Referrals for work in non-disaster times come from places like Community Action, Department of Aging, DHHR, Hospice, food pantries, outreaches, pastors, church members, neighbors, and self-referrals. We partner with many other agencies, especially during disaster recovery.
Volunteer Mission Teams
Volunteers come from many denominations, faiths, and schools. We welcome adult teams, youth groups, and college alternative spring and fall break teams. We partner with Notre Dame University as part of their immersion into Appalachia course and the College of Wooster and Cabrini University have partnered with us since 2002. We welcome four high school Catholic Prep schools from Boston, Manhattan, Baltimore and Philadelphia that give the kids an amazing cultural experience.
