FLASH FLOODING IN EASTERN KENTUCKY

In early June 2026, eastern Kentucky once again experienced catastrophic flash flooding triggered by multiple rounds of torrential thunderstorms over already saturated ground. The event was described by Gov. Andy Beshear as “much more severe than most would have thought.”  Up to twelve inches of rain fell in portions of the area in which we minister. Many social workers have contacted us to arrange for necessary help for their clients.

HOME REPAIR PROGRAM

There is much more to The Piarist School than providing an excellent college preparatory education to the students living in the Big Sandy Valley of eastern Kentucky. The Outreach Program is imperative in helping those in need. Volunteers come in from near and far to fix homes that are in need of repair. Some come on their own and others arrive with youth groups or parish ministries. The recipients of their labor do not pay a dime for this service. The volunteers pay for everything, and this kindness helps to dispel the prejudice that exists against Catholics in the region.

THE LOST MOUNTAIN

 There was a particular kind of evening in the mountains that anybody who grew up there carries somewhere in their chest for the rest of their life.

The work was done. Or close enough to done that nobody was calling you back to it. The supper dishes were put away, and the kitchen was cooling down, and the screen door had been swinging open and shut all afternoon, and now it was just open, letting whatever breeze came off the ridge move through the house on its own schedule. You sat on the porch because that was where you sat. Not because anyone told you to. Because the porch was where the day wound itself down, and the mountains took over the conversation.

The lightning bugs came up out of the grass first. Just a few and then more and then so many more such that the whole yard was blinking slow and steady like the mountains were breathing. You did not chase them when you were small because you were told not to, and then later you did not chase them because you had learned to just watch, and that was better anyway. The ridgeline went from green to blue to something that had no name. The sounds changed. Crickets and tree frogs replaced everything that had been happening all day, and the world got small and close and entirely enough.

Nobody came to get you until it was full dark.

And even then, you sat a little longer.

OUTREACH PROJECTS 2025

I would like to share some projects our Outreach Ministry completed last year.  

In June we welcomed a group from St. Joseph Church Mendham, N.J. There were 45 teens and 23 adult chaperones who traveled to Paintsville, KY.  This made their 17th year helping families in eastern KY.  

Another team arrived to renovate and refurbish our outreach rooms.  Together, they were able to tile two rooms, paint two outside storage containers, and replace my old tables with new clothing racks.  They also painted the bathrooms in the school.  Some volunteers worked late for several evenings to organize the clothing from totes to racks.  Thank you to the seven teens and two chaperones. You are welcome back anytime.

Outreach Ministry Distribution

 Our Outreach Ministry regularly distributes clothing, toys, and household items to families in need. Our School is located in the poorest congressional district in the United States, and there are many social workers who regularly request our assistance for their clients. 

Christmas Outreach 2025

The Piarist Outreach would like to take a moment to thank all our wonderful benefactors who graciously donated their time and gifts for the many families in Eastern Kentucky. Christmas 2025 was a success thanks to all our friends. This year, a total of 1,882 gifts were distributed to children in need in five different Kentucky counties. Below is a list of some of the benefactors who donated and took the time to both wrap and deliver the gifts to our outreach. 

• Fr. Chris Lubecke & Parishioners from St. Albert the Great - Louisville, KY. 
• Mary & Dennis McCormich - Louisville, KY. 
• Mr. & Mrs. Bob Bocchino, Larry Fennell and friends - Sewickly, PA. 
• Jane and Darrin Holder & Joshua Kirsch and friends from St. Peter’s Parish in Montgomery, IN. 
• Colleen & Scott Burns and friends from Fischer’s, IN. 

Once again, thank you to our benefactors who helped us create many smiles and wonderful memories for the children and families in Eastern Kentucky. We are looking forward to making more friends and many more happy memories in 2026!

 

Mrs. Audrey Collins Standing In Front of the Piarist Outreach Building

 Mrs. Collins is the Director of Outreach Ministry at The Piarist School.