It is that time of the year again when the Newman Club sponsors Appalachia in Worcester , also called Newman Madness.
Appalachia in Worcester has been a tradition here at WPI for many years and while sponsored by the Newman Club, it is open to all on campus. Those involved in this project come back to campus a few days before Term D begins and volunteer a day for painting, etc. at Youville House.
Youville House, located here in the City of Worcester provides temporary emergency shelter to battered women and their children. Approximately 15 families live at the shelter at any given time. Usually they spend three or four months there before being relocated in an apartment of their choice. These unfortunate people come from many walks of life and diverse cultural backgrounds.
Sharing common kitchen and recreational areas, these women work together with the residential staff to prepare meals and provide for the many needs of children and adults in the shelter. Specialized staff work with parents to asses housing and social service needs. Acting as advocates for families , the staff helps guests identity and access resources and supports they will need to achieve permanent housing in the community. The staff also helps the guests to put their lives back in order so that they can care for their children in a normal manner. There are even "after care" services following relocation to help these women and children get their lives back "on track".
So every year WPI students, faculty and staff volunteer to spend a day rehabilitating some of the apartment in the Youville complex. If you want to be part of this outstanding project, be in touch with Chris Welch ( e-mail address - matignon) or Fr. Scanlon ( e-mail - priest ) Chris is chairperson of the project this year and the date of the project is Tuesday, March 18th. We leave the Religious Center on that day at 9:00 am and return no later than 5:00 pm. Lunch is provided . Come join us in this reaching out project.