The Clinch River Educational
Center, Inc. (CREC), is a non-profit organization. Our purpose is
to develop, promote, and sponsor community arts, human services, and
education activities in the Appalachian region, primarily in southwest
Virginia.
Along the Clinch River in Scott County, Virginia, in the mid-1970s,
several women with expertise and experience in the fields of education,
art, and human services decided to form an incorporation to
create and work together, and to support each other in individual
projects. In the southern Appalachian Mountains, an area which
is rich in art and tradition, funds often have been lacking for the
basic educational and human services taken for granted in much of the
country. CREC has encouraged and assisted its members to share
their skills and talents by providing an organization through which to
seek funds for community projects.
The continuing achievements of individuals, made possible by the
creative, logistical, and financial support of the organization, has
demonstrated that this flexible organizational model can make a
difference in a rural setting.
Achievements
CREC has served as an incubator for over three decades, giving seedling
organizations the helping hand they need to germinate and grow. A
few of the organizations given a head start by CREC include the
Abingdon Center for Psychiatry Counseling and Education, the Appalachian Women's Alliance,
In Praise of Mountain Women, Creekside Press, Appalachian
Faith and Ecology Center, Appalachian
Peace Education Center, the Sow's
Ear Poetry Review, and the Abingdon Arts Depot.
Through a partnership with University Without Walls, we have helped 13
people earn college degrees. We have launched music, dance, and
storytelling programs, photography programs, art residencies, teacher
in-service workshops in Appalachian Studies, summer arts and crafts
workshops, and slideshows on mountain life and history for children and
adults in Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.
CREC has sponsored conferences on topics including Infant Mortality,
Soviet Life, and National Security. We have also funded a wide
range of community artists to create radio shows, musical performances,
films, and more.
Current Projects
Read about our current projects by following the links below:
Want to Get Involved?
Do you have an idea that needs help sprouting? Email info@crec76.org to learn how we can
help.
Or make a donation to
support Appalachian education, art, and human services.