Member Spotlight: Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties

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The Fahe Network consists of 50+ Member organizations, spanning across the Appalachian portions of Kentucky, Tennessee, West Virginia, Virginia, Alabama, and Maryland. During the best of times, these local leaders provide essential services to their communities including housing, economic, and community development. During times of crisis they stand with their communities, often increasing or modifying the types of services available to match the current need. Thanks to their hard work and dedication, the Fahe Network has served the region for 40 years Building the American Dream. This collaboration has invested over $1.5 Billion into Appalachia, which has directly impacted the lives of over 616,000 people. We are taking the time to celebrate each of these Members during our 40th anniversary, as we continue in partnership to ensure that no community is left behind.

Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties—Oak Ridge, TN

Neighbors helping neighbors has been Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC) guiding motto since 1987. In the mid 1980’s, ADFAC began as a local ecumenical effort to provide assistance to impoverished families in, and around, Oak Ridge, TN. However, over time, it became evident that the needs of the low-income community were diverse. So, ADFAC filed to become an official 501(c)(3) public charity in 1987 to better address the community’s needs head on.

Staying true to their roots, ADFAC has developed a broad variety of programs that have been designed to meet the unfulfilled needs throughout the community. Currently, each year, they answer approximately 6,000 requests for assistance. Through their programs, ADFAC works towards supporting and serving those in need by helping them become stable and self-sufficient. In order to accomplish their mission, ADFAC offers short term assistance to residents including affordable solutions for home rehabilitation, new construction, and rental housing. They also offer solutions for energy conservation, educational services for children and youth, and education through life coaching and/or referrals.

ADFAC also operates a school supplies program that ensures children K-12 have the tools needed to be successful in school.  They provide thousands of backpacks are year for children of low-income families which helps them be ready for the challenges of class as well as preventing them from feeling ashamed or excluded.

ADFAC wants to create sustainable, healthy, and viable communities where all families are self-sufficient, productive, and free of the need for continued public assistance. Across their five county service region, ADFAC is working to make the American Dream a possibility for their community. To learn more about ADFAC and the services they provide, follow the links below:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Join our Anniversary Celebration

Over the course of 2020, we will be celebrating Fahe’s history through sharing historical photos, family stories, and future projects, as well as other Member Highlights. Please join our 40th anniversary celebration by sharing your memories, pictures, and support for Fahe on social media.  Please join in by using the hashtag #WeAreFahe. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter.

Olivia Brock Schemanski
Olivia Brock Schemanski
Olivia Brock Schemanski serves as Fahe's Communication VISTA. She holds a BA in Business Administration with a minor in Public Relations from Eastern Kentucky University. She's an avid lover of music and in her free time she enjoys photography, going to concerts and re-watching "The Office."

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