Appalachian Mission Experience: Mullens, WV

Give Duquesne University students the resources to provide the community of Mullens, WV with a community garden and to support their local food pantry!

Who are we?

We are a group of unique, but like-minded, Duquesne University students excited to spend our Spring Break in Mullen, West Virginia through Duquesne Spiritian Campus Ministry.  Duquesne University has a long-standing relationship with the Appalachian communities of West Virginia, and our student groups have been traveling to work in these communities for over 25 years.

Mullens is a small coal mining town in southern West Virginia that struggles with severe poverty.  Each year, leaders of this rural community work closely with our group to communicate what projects are most important to the community and what specific resources are needed. 

Our goal is to provide resources deemed necessary by the community and to connect with the members of the community by spending time with them.  We will face the harsh winter with determination, and we are grateful to our hosts for the opportunity to serve and learn about this area of the country.

What will we be doing?

With the decline of coal, community leaders have expressed a need for alternative economic initiatives, and have begun to explore the agricultural industry.  Last year, Duquesne students and supporters helped finance and build a high-tunnel greenhouse at the Mullens Opportunity Center (MOC).  The greenhouse was extremely successful, and resulted in a fresh produce market for the community throughout the summer months.

This year, we will continue to focus on projects that foster the strong community spirit of Mullens, like the addition of a community garden with raised beds.  We will also work in the local food pantry as we have in years past.

Please donate and spread the word!

Please consider donating money to our cause to help provide lumber and supplies for community building projects and food to the food pantry. We also ask that you please share this page with people you think would be interested in our project.  Thank you for your support, and check back often for updates!