[ community ]
Talent Transplant
Paul Dick
SAMANTHA CART
YOUNG LIFE REGIONAL ARCHIVE
In celebration of those who have adopted our Mountain Mama as their own , “ Talent Transplant ” recognizes Mountaineers who were born elsewhere but relocated here , embraced our beloved state and now help us work toward a brighter future .
During the move from Pittsburgh , PA , to Iaeger , WV , in 2016 , Paul Dick ’ s moving truck got stuck on the highway .
“ We met the local police officer and our neighbors before we could unlock the door to our new house ,” he says . “ They got us unstuck , and the community here has kept us moving along ever since .”
Dick is the area director for Young Life — a long-term local outreach for middle school , high school and college students — in McDowell County . Born and raised in Pittsburgh , Dick ’ s life was deeply impacted by Young Life during his high school years .
He met his wife , Faith , while volunteering with the ministry in college , and their life together seemed to fall into place over the years that followed . They married , secured good jobs , purchased a home and welcomed two children while Dick continued volunteering with Young Life . However , he could not shake the feeling that he was being called to bring the program to an area where kids and families needed it but would not be able to sustain the budget locally . After hearing great things about the state after a few friends moved to West Virginia , the couple decided to visit .
“ After meeting with Scott Berg , regional director of Young Life in the Mountain State region , and touring the state , we fell in love with West Virginia ,” Dick recalls . “ Though atypical in terms of funding in Young Life , I asked Scott if I could move into a remotely financed staff role as area director in McDowell by working within the suburban network of friends God had given our family over our 10 years of ministry in Pittsburgh .” The rest , as they say , is history . “ Moving to a small-town area has been so healthy for our souls ,” says Dick . “ We have four children now and a full calendar . Our kids play in youth sports leagues , our family hangs out with neighbors and high school kids at sporting events and we love any chance to ride ATVs on the trails here . We especially appreciate the slower pace of life and the way our community takes care of each other . It ’ s an example of love we want our kids to grow up in . Between raising our children here , investing in our own marriage and growing a ministry reach across the county , the community has been beyond supportive and hospitable .”
Today , the Young Life network reaches into 32 of West Virginia ’ s 55 counties , with future development underway in 11 additional counties .
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