St. Joseph's Peace Mission for Children- TREK

The first Annual TREK to honor St. Joseph’s Peace Mission was held July 13, 1998.  For many years, we gathered at my home in West Louisville, then traveled by Bowen Tire Co. trucks (Jerry and Joe) and private vehicles to the Green River in Calhoun where the TREK began, ending at my home where we held a picnic in the yard and swam in the pool.  The 2003 and 2004 TREKS ended at the St. Raphael Picnic site until we rebuilt our home after a June 6, 2003 fire.  Over the years, hundreds of volunteers have stepped up and helped.  Our initial fund raising goal in 1998 was $5,000.  With increased demands for services, now we try very hard to reach an annual goal of $40,000.

St. Joseph’s Peace Mission was born from the Daviess County community’s outrage over the 1995 murder of four-year old Phillip Strain.  Located at 1328 West Third Street in Owensboro, Kentucky, a first co-ed home was dedicated June 12, 1999.  A new home for only boys ages 12 - 18 was dedicated in 2010 and serves as the only area treatment facility for boys.  With these two facilities, the Mission now provides residential facilities for children in the Owensboro area.  Paula Yevincy, Executive Director, and Board President David Marshall run a tight ship to insure safe, quality services continue.

On Saturday, June 13th we will meet for our annual TREK that will begin at the campus of St. Joseph's Peace Mission for Children in Owensboro, KY.   We will walk, bike or run all or any desired portion of the 13 miles through historical Bon Harbor Hills, Ben Hawes Park, and will return back at the campus of St. Joseph's Peace Mission for Children. This is not a timed event.  Typically, some bike, walk or jog all or some portion of the course.  Many travel merely a few miles and are picked up by vehicles that travel back and forth from start to finish.  Special thanks again are due Sheriff Keith Cain who with his Deputies has continued to provide us with an escort and vehicles for transportation; to Ottie Pantle, Bret - Jane Hunter - Hunter Anne and Adam Julian for their welcomed refreshments and treats at the Guffie rest stop (5 mile mark); to Jeff and Mark Boone who all 17 years have provided us with Pepsi drinks and water; to Ritzy’s Restaurant (Bill Franey and Grady Harreld) for the wonderful hamburgers; to Bret Julian and David Taylor for their cartography work; to Bowen Tire Co. (Joe and Jerry) for their transportation through the years; to Unique Video (Bob, Michael and Peggy Hicks) who have each year historically preserved by video each TREK; to David and Kim Nation for “Team Nation;” and First Security Bank Kentucky (Charlie Mann, Dennis Kirtley, Clarence Brewer) which opens its doors as our host for Opening Ceremonies each year in Calhoun.