Five-Year Vision

Appalachian Outreach, Inc. (AOI) was established over 20 years ago and continues to serve communities throughout West Virginia with one mission in mind — to Ease the Burden of Poverty. We provide essential household goods, clothing, personal care and hygiene items, and even food to individuals and families in times of need.

Our approach goes beyond simply distributing resources — we deliver directly to the homes of those we serve. By doing so, we remove the barrier of transportation for many who struggle to access assistance, ensuring that no one is left behind because of distance or circumstance.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand both our physical operations and staffing to meet the growing needs of the surrounding counties. To make this possible, we are seeking to secure an additional warehouse space to support our ever-increasing volume of donations, disaster relief supplies, and community distributions. However, with rising costs, this expansion presents a significant financial challenge.

With continued trust from our donors, a proven track record of responsible stewardship, and strong partnerships in every county we serve, we are confident that Appalachian Outreach, Inc. will continue to grow as an essential cornerstone of compassion and support in our region. Together, we are building a stronger, more caring Appalachian community — one family, one home, and one act of kindness at a time.

Strategies

  • Targeting the Greatest Areas of Need:
  • We focus our efforts in ZIP codes identified through the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) reports as having the highest levels of need within Ohio, Marshall, and Wetzel counties. This data-driven approach ensures that our resources reach the most vulnerable populations first.
  • Responding in Times of Crisis:
  • We continue to provide our core relief services during disasters, ensuring families impacted by floods, fires, or other emergencies receive immediate and compassionate support when they need it most.
  • Building Strong Community Partnerships:
  • We maintain formal partnerships (MOUs) with trusted local organizations, schools, and agencies in every county we serve. These partnerships strengthen our outreach, improve coordination, and expand the reach of essential services.
  • Implementing an Effective Voucher System:
  • Through our community-based voucher program, we work directly with partner agencies to assess and identify client needs. This system ensures that resources are distributed equitably, efficiently, and to those who truly need them most.
  • Promoting a Mission-Driven Warehouse Philosophy:
  • We believe in an “empty warehouse” philosophy — because a full warehouse doesn’t help anyone. Our goal is to keep resources moving constantly into the hands and homes of families in need, maximizing impact and minimizing waste.
GuideStar Platinum Seal of Transparency

Board of Directors

  • President: Ryan Ewing            
  • Secretary: John Parrish      
  • Treasurer: Cheryl Coffield 
  • Members:
    • Janet Nolan
    • Melissa Astipalitis 
    • Mike Prascik
  • Ex officio: Terry Grimes

IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) EIN Number 02-0542826