Coal Country’s “Connections” in the National Spotlight

The Episcopal News Service has published a glowing profile of Deacon Ann Staples and her ministry in the diocese at Coal Country Hangout Youth Center.

ENS reporter Lynette Wilson spent three days last October in Northern Cambria, following Deacon Ann as she dropped in on a pre-school field trip, discussed projects with local high school teachers and administrators, checked in on CCHYC’s day care, met with her board, helped set up for a Friday night dance, and more – a non-stop marathon covering the multitude of connections and services Coal Country provides.

Wilson writes, “Staples [is] a visible presence in the community, by getting to know elected officials, businessmen, community developers, teachers and school administrators, and people on the street. Around town, everyone calls her ‘Deacon Ann’.”

Read more at http://episcopaldigitalnetwork.com/ens/2015/02/10/coal-country-hangout-connects-youth-community/ 

The article is accompanied by photos and two videos, in which Ann reflects on the ministry of a deacon and CCHYC teenagers talk about how the center enriches their lives.

–Photo: Lynette Wilson/ENS