This week, we remember the one and only Dolly Parton. Dolly used her musical success to help others. She started the Imagination Library, a free book program for children that included some of her favorites, like the "Little Engine that Could." And, Dolly’s kindness touched people from all walks of life.
Us & Them: Reconnecting West Virginia's Disconnected Youth
Disconnected YouthLalena Price
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There are so many young people in the U.S. who are not in school, working, or training for work, that there’s a name for it. They are disconnected youth and West Virginia has one of the highest rates in the nation — 17 percent.
It’s a tough group to track down because there’s a stigma attached to this status; however, a few programs are trying to bridge this gap by connecting with young people and giving them a pathway and the support they need to train for a job and a career.
On this episode of Us & Them, host Trey Kay explores why some young West Virginians struggle so much to move forward. We’ll also hear from a few Mountain State leaders who talk about how we might help them.
Michelle Phares
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Dayton Eisenhart and his fellow crewmates show furniture they’ve constructed while at YouthBuild in Elkins, W.Va.
Kyle Vass
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Colleen Moran sits in her office where she works as a psychologist who specializes in helping young people in Charleston, W.Va., Monday, Apr. 30, 2021.
This episode of Us & Them is presented with support from the Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation and the West Virginia Humanities Council.
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On this West Virginia Week, a second data center is coming to Mason County, the Rural Health Transformation Program Funds are beginning to be distributed in the state, and remembering Dolly Parton.
This week, we remember the one and only Dolly Parton. Dolly used her musical success to help others. She started the Imagination Library, a free book program for children that included some of her favorites, like the "Little Engine that Could." And, Dolly’s kindness touched people from all walks of life.
Taylor Hankins of the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum said the Battle of Blair Mountain remains an important story of solidarity that exemplifies the Appalachian spirit.