Interview with Mary Marra, June 25, 1986

Interview Summary

Mary Marra talks about her current work with Bread and Roses, which provides food, health clinics, clothing, and other resources for the people of Lawrence, Massachusetts. She talks about the economic situation in Lawrence and why it has gotten worse over time. Marra talks about how she became aware of Christian Appalachian Project and why she decided to volunteer there. She talks about her perceptions of Appalachia prior to arriving there and how the reality differed from her expectations. Marra talks about the children she recalls from her time with the bible camp run by Christian Appalachian Project. She talks about her other duties and activities as a volunteer at Christian Appalachian Project, including visiting other camps and working at the thrift store. She talks about how the lessons she learned at CAP influence her current work with Bread and Roses. Marra talks about the difficulty of maintaining the dignity of the people using social services while also conveying the need for donations in newspapers and other media outlets. She talks about Bread and Roses' philosophy regarding public relations and publicity.

Interview Keyword

Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) Christians in Appalachia Religion Volunteerism Appalachia. Appalachian Region--Economic conditions. Appalachian Region--Social conditions Culture. Rural conditions. Poverty--Appalachian Region Families.

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Appalachian Region--Social conditions Christian Appalachian Project Marra, Mary Marra, Mary--Interviews Social service, Rural Nonprofit organizations. Volunteering Volunteers. Voluntarism. Community-based family services. Community-based social services. Missions. Poverty. Lawrence (Mass.)

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.