Poverty-fighting ministries in eastern Kentucky?

The suggestion box is open for an upcoming story I’m working on regarding poverty in Appalachia.

Here’s the background: In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared an “unconditional war on poverty” after visiting impoverished regions of Appalachia, particularly eastern Kentucky. (Massive federal programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and free school lunches followed.)

Here’s the problem: Fifty years later, living conditions have improved in many parts of Appalachia, but significant poverty still remains. It’s easy to find charities, churches, and youth groups offering short-term assistance like home repairs and school supplies, but it’s harder to find Christian ministries and congregations seeking to address the deeper needs that contribute to cycles of long-term poverty.

Here’s the question: If you know of Christian groups or churches focused on long- term discipleship and development in Appalachia, particularly eastern Kentucky, please email me at jdean@wng.org.