Member Spotlight: Coalfield Development
Supporting Kinship Families amid the COVID-19 Crisis
April 17, 2020
Fahe Turns 40 Today
April 23, 2020
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.
Coalfield Development—Wayne, WV
Thirty-three hours of paid work, six hours of higher education, and three hours of personal development is what each member of the Coalfield Crew completes as they prepare to enter the modern workforce. The 33-6-3 model was implemented by Fahe Member Coalfield Development to help address the deep, generational challenges the residents of Wayne, WV face on a daily basis.
Established in 2009, Coalfield Development began when volunteers started a conversation about addressing the housing concerns within their community. Realizing traditional methods of charity were not enough to address the root of the problem, they began searching for creative solutions to create opportunities for residents. Through intense community engagement, Coalfield Development developed a relationship-based, holistic approach to on-the-job training. From there, they began to hire unemployed and underemployed individuals to construct eco-friendly, affordable housing while they worked to further develop their program.
Now, 11 years later, crew members of Coalfield Development participate in their workforce development program based on their 33-6-3 model. In the program, members spend 33 hours a week doing on-the-job training as well as participate in additional workshops and trainings. Six hours a week is devoted to community college and business classes to earn an Associate’s Degree in Applied Sciences. Lastly, three hours a week are committed to personal development coaching.
Since 2009, their program has helped 95 alumni get placed in full time careers, brought in $16M in new investments to the region, created 190 new jobs, trained 850 people in new economic sectors, supported and grown 40 new businesses, and has revitalized a 187,000 SQ FT of a formerly abandoned property.
Through gumption, grit, and grace, Coalfield Development has become a leader throughout the region as they build a new economy in the wake of the coal industry’s decline. Dedicated to helping Appalachian people unlock their full potential, Coalfield Development, and their family of social enterprises, is building the American Dream throughout their region.
To learn more about Coalfield Development or keep up with their current projects, follow the links below:
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.
