Ablaze in Appalachia: A Social Approach to Forgotten Culture - Paperback

by David R. Messer (Author)

Appalachia is Ablaze with a colorful people and a rich heritage. Ablaze in Appalachia is a powerful perspective of a culture strong in values, stedfast in belief, self-determined as a people and independent in spirit. Blazing the pages of this book are valuable insights into the barriers to social change and empowerment among a people of a fogotten culture. If we are to be agents of social change, we must understaning the people, the places and the plight of Appalachia.

Author Biography

David R. Messer, MSW, CSSW *** David R. Messer is a Graduate of the University of Kentucky with a Master of Social Work Degree and is a Certified School Social Worker through the Kentucky Department of Education. He has earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Theology and Youth Ministry from Baptist Bible College and is currently an Assistant Professor of Social Work and Field Coordinator at Kentucky Christian University. In the Collegiate realm, he has provided practicum supervision at both the Bachelor and Masters level for the University of Kentucky, Morehead State University and Kentucky Christian University. *** Mr. Messer has worked with children and families for 30 years in both urban cities such as Indianapolis and Detroit and also in the Appalachian foothills of Kentucky through church ministry and school social work. As a school social worker, was the founder and Director of the Olive Hill Family Resource Center in Kentucky where he has served as Regional Representative, State Secretary and Vice-President for the State Coalition. *** In regard to social advocacy, the author is the former chair of the Governor's Multi-disciplinary Task Force on Child Sexual Abuse, Welfare Secretary for the Salvation Army, former Chair of the Citizens Foster Care Review Board, and member of the Carter County Domestic Violence Task Force, Hispanic Coalition and Champions Against Drugs. *** Mr. Messer is author and trainer of Prevent: a behavioral management approach to deescalating violent and aggressive behavior. He presents his professional development training to schools and agencies as a caring approach module for the prevention of crisis. His newest endeavor is to provide consultation to agency, community and school management teams in the development of individual crisis plans.