CINCINNATI (Nov. 29, 2000) – Approximately 60 people gathered in Vanceburg, Ky., Nov. 18 to celebrate the rededication of the Glenmary Farm, site of Glenmary Home Missioners' Appalachian Volunteer Program. When the Farm was devastated in February 2000 by the second flood in three years, Glenmary leadership vowed to rebuild the Farm in its current location and recommitted to its meaning and programs.

"There’s a deep bond among people who have been to the Farm," says Glenmary President Father Jerry Dorn. "Everyone wanted to see the Farm rebuilt." An outpouring of donations from Farm supporters across the country encouraged Glenmary to tackle the costly flood-proofing of old buildings and the construction of a new sleeping and dining facility for volunteers.

Now, eight months later, former Farm volunteers, representatives from local churches and residents of Vanceburg gathered to celebrate the fact that the vision of a rebuilt and renewed Farm had become a reality – and that service to one of Kentucky's poorest counties would continue.

Father Jerry Dorn led participants from building to building, blessing with holy water the new Volunteer House, the renovated and elevated Staff House, the refurbished Farm House and all the surrounding grounds. Those gathered then filled the new chapel space in the old Farm House for Mass. Social time and a potluck dinner followed.

"Our motto is that the Farm is 'a place where peace came and stayed,'" says Volunteer Program Coordinator Susan Hellmann. "There was a good sense of that at the rededication," reports Hellmann.

Farm program managers Erik and Janel Aleson were presented with a plaque to thank them for their dedication to the Farm through the difficult months since the flood.

Father Jerry also presented a plaque to Dave and Jan Kreher. Dave, director of People’s Self-Help Housing in Vanceburg, was the construction manager for the rebuilding effort. Jan, the director of the Christian Community Center, helped keep the Farm programs going by allowing volunteers to stay at the Center until eating and sleeping accommodations were available again at the Farm in July.

"The Farm has been at that location for nearly 30 years and has a tremendous reputation," says Glenmary Second Vice President Brother Jack Henn. "Local residents were more than willing to come forward to help with the renovation because of their experience of the service the Farm has provided to the surrounding county. People see the rededication as a springboard for the future. This put the seal on the place; it says that we’re committed." Over the years hundreds of new, low-cost family homes have been built in Eastern Kentucky through the combined efforts of Farm volunteers and People's Self-Help Housing.

The rededication unveiled several new aspects of the Farm. First, the Volunteer House, with sleeping and eating space for 40, is built so that any future floodwaters will pass through specially constructed doors and windows on the lower level, bypassing all wiring, heating and perishable items. Second, the existing Staff House was raised eight feet to rest on posts, with the same flood proofing intent. Third, the original Farm House was converted to a multipurpose space with a new concrete floor. A new chapel space includes stained glass windows that thematically depict the seasons, designed by local artist Charley Campbell.

Over the past 29 years, nearly 15,000 volunteers – mostly high school and college students – have passed through the Farm, many of whom now testify to the pivotal role a week at the Farm played in shaping their future lives and careers. Today, groups from all over the United States vie for the 500 spots available in this year-round volunteer program and mission experience.