Charles and Diann Carnes are the current directors of the center. Dr. Kathryn Engle, Associate Director of the University of Kentucky Appalachian Center and Appalachian Studies Program, chairs the board of directors. Charles, birthed by Peggy Kemner, like most everyone from Stinking Creek, credits the Lend-A-Hand Center for saving his family. Now he dreams big of restoring the facilities and continuing the legacy of Irma and Peggy. He repeats what Irma taught him, “the only reason I can lend a hand is because someone lent me a hand.” He envisions lending a hand to families who lend a hand to others, multiplying the impact.

The Lend-A-Hand Center is a working farm, with goats, cows, horses, pigs, ducks, chickens, rabbits, turkeys, and a garden. They offer worship, children’s activities, tutoring, environmental programs, and more, and hope to reopen a health clinic. Their mission is “To lend a hand and improve the quality of life of people in southeastern Kentucky through educational, spiritual, health, and social services.”

If you would like to bring a volunteer team contact the center: https://lendahandcenter.wordpress.com/volunteers/