Charleston, West Virginia

This is Youth Work's 8th summer in Charleston, WV. There are lots of pre-existing ministries within the city ranging from Boys and Girls Clubs to elderly homes. Here's some info about the city we will be working in this week...
- current population is 50,478, which is down from 85,796 in 1960
- it is the largest city in West Virginia and is the state capital
- it is a river city at the junction of the Elk and Kanawha rivers
- 24.5% of those under the age of 18 in Charleston are living below the poverty line
the racial make up of the city is 80% white, 15% African American, and 5% other

Each year, after arrival, we are divided into groups based on the culture of where we are serving. This year is no different. Last year, we were in groups named after cheeses...this year, it seems there are some REALLY popular family names in this area - based on the number of times you find them in the phone book...so for this week, we have family names.

Today, each time I can get wi-fi (which may not happen again until tonight) I will try to post a family name, the group and tell you a little about where they are serving this week.

Also, I have a few other things to post - a little at a time.
So, keep checking in...