Our Lady of Mount Carmel Appalachia Project H.O.P.E. serves God by serving others. It combines the best resources and abilities of its members in a week-long united effort to help those people in need of the Appalachian region of Kentucky. This is accomplished while providing a meaningful educational experience for the high school, college, and adult-aged members of the organization. This education focuses on the values of service, using our time, treasure, and talent to assist others in need.
In 1978, Chuck Taormino took the first group of parishioners down to Bethany, Kentucky to help the poor and the needy. The group was originally based out of Saint Sebastian Roman Catholic Church, which has since become part of a larger parish grouping known as Our Lady of Mount Carmel Roman Catholic Church, located in the North Hills of Pittsburgh. Today, the tradition continues with a new group of enthusiastic workers, able minded crew leaders, and many families supporting them. Although the group has moved from staying in Bethany to David, we continue to improve the conditions of the surrounding geographical area.