The Corporation for National and Community Service recently awarded a grant to Pine Mountain Settlement School to fund three AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America (VISTA) positions for three years, to work on programs in the Pine Mountain community.

The project, Pine Mountain Settlement School- Serving the Local Community, is one part of the school’s sustainability initiative.

Vincent Smith, a Gordon native, was hired as the community health/wellness coordinator. Smith will work with children, adults and families to improve their health through better nutrition, exercise and preventive screenings for chronic illnesses.

“I chose to participate in the VISTA program because it was close to home and I can help people in my own community,” Smith said. “I work closely with an organization called Faith Moves Mountains in Whitesburg, trying to find out what kids need in this area.”

Elizabeth Sanders, a New York native, was hired as the community agriculture coordinator. Sanders will support and encourage residents to grow their own vegetables as a way to improve diets and save money.

Sanders said that since June she had held three community potlucks.

“It’s a celebration of local foods,” Sanders said. “Every dish has to have been grown, harvested and prepared within a 100-mile radius of Pine Mountain. I am out in the community trying to see what people are interested in and what they’d like to see happen.”

Sanders said she lived in southeastern Kentucky in the past and always looked for a reason to come back.

“I love this area mostly because of the people, down-to-earth genuine people,” said Sanders.

Stacy Gloss, a Florida native, was hired as community energy efficiency coordinator. Gloss will help promote weatherization of homes to help save energy and money.

“We hope, eventually, to be a resource center here at Pine Mountain Settlement School, where people can come from all over the county and use these services,” Gloss said. “I have been working with the Harlan County Community Action Agency (CAA) in their winter heating assistance program. It is rewarding work and I really love the mountains of Appalachia.”

If you have any questions, you may contact Pine Mountain Settlement School by e-mail at office@pinemountainsettlementschool.com or at (606) 558-3571 or 558-3542 between 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Monday through Friday.