Foundation For Appalachian Advancement
Our Philosophy
The Appalachian region is a place of strong values, a rich history, and a wealth of opportunity. We believe that solutions to move Appalachia forward regarding economic development and growth, tourism and education are most effective when they come from individuals and groups within Appalachia. We believe that the future of our region should be steered by the hard working citizens, visionaries and dreamers from Appalachia. We also believe that promoting our history, culture and the arts is an important part of the continued growth and development of Appalachia.
Our Mission
Working for economic, educational and cultural advancement throughout the Appalachian region.
Our Vision
For Appalachians to thrive in a region that is rich with mountains of opportunity.
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Why We do what we do!
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2023 Donations Goal
Dollars Raised
Listen to our podcast! Appalachian Shine-shining a light on amazing things, places and people in Appalachia.
We consider it an honor and a duty to promote the bright spots here in Appalachia. Our podcast, Appalachian Shine, does just that. We have guests on frequently to talk about economic development and tourism as well as having artists of all kinds on to talk about their work and their vision of the region. We are blessed to call such a beautiful region our home, and we’re proud to shine a light on the amazing people and places we love. If you, or someone you know, would like to be a guest please touch base by emailing us at info@supportappalachia.org and put the word “podcast” in the subject line.
Appalachian Shine can be found by searching the podcast app on your smart phone or by listening online at www.appalachianshine.podbean.com.
You can now follow us on YouTube. Follow our channel and make sure you subscribe. Our page is titled Touring Appalachia and you can find us here: https://www.youtube.com/@aroundappalachiaFAA
In The Community
Delivering donations to Norton, VA
Thanks to our many supporters and donors we received approximately $1,000 of in-kind donations in the form of clothing to donate for the homeless in the region. Special thanks to pastor Shawn and the congregation at Community Church at Bristol and Mary Beth Adkins and her team at Family Crisis Support Services at Norton, VA.
Supporting Drug Education and Prevention and Child Safety in Tazewell County, VA
We are honored to support the county Sheriff’s Office in their ongoing efforts to reach out to the community and the schools to teach about child safety and drug prevention education. Every year our regional law enforcement does amazing work to combat this problem and we’re proud to support their efforts with a donation this year. We join many other organizations and businesses around Tazewell County, VA that support this vital mission. We thank them for their dedication and work.
*We’ve began a program called Operation Helping Hand this year in order to help provide needed items to the homeless in Southwest Virginia. This program came about after a podcast discussion in late December with Family Crisis Support Services Inc. in Wise County. Among the items needed that we are collecting are clothing (and especially women and children/young adult), under garments, and other needed amenities. Marybeth and her team are doing great work and we are honored to be helping out. If you’d like to donate clothing or other items please feel free to touch base with us here by emailing jc@supportappalachia.org and put donate in the subject line or you can reach out to their organization directly at https://www.family-crisis.org/home.
Latest News
Appalachian Shine! The Moonshine Messiah Author Russell W. Johnson stops by the show to discuss his new book Moonshine Messiah set in southern West Virginia. You can listen to the show on our podcast or you can visit our YouTube page and watch the interview at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqHBILuRMIs&t=5s. Make sure you subscribe to the podcast and our YouTube page!
Appalachian Shine! Angel Mefford, victim advocate from the Family Crisis Services Center in Norton, VA stops by the show to discuss her work and their upcoming fundraising efforts to help battered women in need in the region. You can listen to the show wherever you listen to your favorite podcasts or watch the interview on our YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gUcpyeA3lPc&t=382s.
Appalachian Shine! Dr. Carolyn Lewis, author of Love and Loss: The Storied Nature of Nursing Home Care stops by the podcast to talk about her book, what she learned being in and out of seven different nursing homes, and her connection to the Hotel Thelma in Bluefield, WV. You can watch our interview on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpoNjPynj_Q&t=345s.
Appalachian Shine! Author Celeste Parsons joins us to discuss her first children’s book, Wait Until I Grow Up and reads from it as well as her poetry in Nelsonville From A to Z. https://appalachianshine.podbean.com/e/author-celeste-parsons/
2023 Calendar is here!
We still have some 2023 calendars available. If you’d like one please contact us. With a donation (enough to cover large envelope and postage–minimum $25) we can mail one to you. We will be out over the next week or two giving them away while they last.
Operation Helping Hand!
Thanks to our many supporters and donors we received approximately $1,000 of in-kind donations in the form of clothing to donate for the homeless in the region. Special thanks to pastor Shawn and the congregation at Community Church at Bristol and Mary Beth Adkins and her team at Family Crisis Support Services at Norton, VA. We delivered the clothes and much needed items we purchased with your donations last Friday, September 22, 2022.
Latest Podcast
We’re up to 78 episodes for Appalachian Shine. Make sure you subscribe and share with friends. Available also on iTunes, Spotify, and other podcast platforms for your smart phone.
https://appalachianshine.podbean.com/e/appalachian-history-and-culture/
Supporting Drug Education and Prevention and Child Safety in Tazewell County, VA
We are honored to support the county Sheriff’s Office in their ongoing efforts to reach out to the community and the schools to teach about child safety and drug prevention education. Every year our regional law enforcement does amazing work to combat this problem and we’re proud to support their efforts with a donation this year. We join many other organizations and businesses around Tazewell County, VA that support this vital mission. We thank them for their dedication and work.
Latest Appalachian Shine Podcast Episodes
Heather Kime from Big Walker Lookout near Wytheville, VA joins us to talk about their country store and the musicians and artists they support at their location. Big Walker Lookout hosts live musicians every weekend as a stop Along the Crooked Road. You can listen to the podcast online at https://appalachianshine.podbean.com/e/big-walker-lookout-a-regional-destination/.
Jessee Ring, owner of JBR Vineyards in Giles County stops by to talk with us about the growing wine industry in Virginia and how the Appalachian climate is the perfect spot for the industry. Listen here: https://appalachianshine.podbean.com/e/talking-with-jessee-ring-author-and-owner-of-jbr-vineyards/
Richard Hudson, owner of Clinch River Farms, joins us to talk about the events held at the farm, and the amazing work done by the nonprofit organizations they fund. Mountain Kids, Inc. and Attitude Arts Academy. From summer camps to after school programs, Mr. Hudson is following a calling. Learn more about what they do by visiting them online and on their social media. Listen here: https://appalachianshine.podbean.com/e/kids-programs-in-tazewell-county/
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Get In Touch
For additional information you can email us at: info@supportappalachia.org
The Foundation For Appalachian Advancement is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Check donations can be made payable to Foundation For Appalachian Advancment and mailed to:
Foundation For Appalachian Advancement, P.O. Box 397, Richlands, VA 24641.