Stories of Impact

Red Bird Mission was honored for its century of service in the mountains by receiving the very first Faber Award, given by the Berea Appalachian Fund. Appalachian Fund Director David King presented a plaque to Tracy Nolan, Director of Red Bird Community Outreach and Community Health, and Karla Roberts, Red Bird Grants Manager and Board Secretary, Wednesday during the 2026 Leadership Gathering in Berea, Kentucky.

We remember along with millions the tragedy that struck our nation on September 11, 2001. We remember the utter shock and disbelief that multiple planes were hijacked with the purpose to kill innocent people to make a violent, political statement. Our schools were shut down. Loved ones were stranded in cities far away because airlines were grounded. Fear abounded throughout our country. Enter love for one another and unity for a common, higher purpose.

Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) kicked off the 2026-27 academic year Thursday as teachers reported to finalize classroom and curriculum preparations. Principal Jennifer Wilder met with staff Thursday morning to introduce new staff, new partnerships, and her vision for the upcoming year. Mrs. Wilder said, “We have a wonderful staff. All of our positions are full.”

Work Camp volunteers oftentimes bring a double blessing to campus because they bring needed items from their hometown and spend four days doing home repair for someone living below the poverty line. Monday, the Wet Feet Ministries Work Camp team unloaded a trailer full of durable medical equipment like walkers and shower benches that is needed but unaffordable by people living here in the mountains.

Work Camp volunteers oftentimes bring a double blessing to campus because they bring needed items from their hometown and spend four days doing home repair for someone living below the poverty line. Monday, the Wet Feet Ministries Work Camp team unloaded a trailer full of durable medical equipment like walkers and shower benches that is needed but unaffordable by people living here in the mountains.

Sue and her husband, Craig, retired back in 2008 and came down from Indiana to volunteer. She had never met me before and had no idea who my family was—she just knew me from my stories. But as we sat there talking about her very first visits here, we uncovered a little piece of history.

Seventy-five (75) people came out to the Red Bird Farmers Market Opening Day today to buy homegrown eggs, kohlrabi, cabbage, green onions, kale, new potatoes, cauliflower, cucumbers, and more from seven market vendors.

For a lot of elders in our hills, “going to the garden” used to be as normal as breathing. They were raised on beans, corn, and tomatoes they grew themselves.

The colorful logo depicting green mountains, a rainbow and the name of the organization, Mission of Hope, on the side of the box truck just warms the heart when it pulls onto the Red Bird Mission Queendale Campus. And, the love from the volunteers bringing needed items to the families in these Appalachian Mountains personifies hope.

Rain falling on top of the snow and plummeting temps on Monday created dangerous, frozen road and walkway surfaces. Telecommunications were lost Sunday when the main cable was accidentally cut during tree removal on the state highway. Executive Director Jamie Collett decided that staff and those needing services would be best served by closing Red Bird Mission on Monday and Tuesday.

On Saturday, August 2nd, Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) hosted its highly anticipated Archery Day Camp, bringing together 13 dedicated students ranging from 4th to 12th grade for a day of learning, connection, and growth.

We've enjoyed two days filled with continuous fun and laughter at Red Bird Christian School (RBCS) during our Rev Up for Reading & Jesus Day Camp!

The entire Red Bird Cardinal Nation celebrated as Lucas Howard came home a 4-H Grand Champion on Saturday placing first with his Science Demonstration in Technology and Engineering , “Stay Safe, Ride Strong: Bike Safety Essentials.”

If you didn’t see our special appeal sent on Wednesday, Red Bird Mission Community Outreach received notification that meal delivery and in home services provided by our Elderly Ministries would not be funded the last six program days in June.

There were plenty of construction workers at the Florida team’s jobsite so a group of ladies joyfully jumped in to help this week at Community Outreach and at Red Bird Christian School cleaning; organizing pantries and classrooms; packing food boxes and school supplies goodie bags; and handing out fresh produce.

His volunteer service at Red Bird in the early 1990’s led to his entrance into full time ministry. He said, “The Spirit is here at Red Bird.

We learned about Curk Fry’s quick thinking and compassion for the people served by Red Bird Mission in February. When ownership was changing