Corbin gave us the views, space, and community we dreamed of. With SOAR’s help, we found the perfect home base for our foster kennel and a place to build Samson’s Legacy.
John Olsen (and Samson!)
EKY Remote Mover, Florida to Whitley County
Give to Shaping Our Appalachian Region
We couldn’t make strides to reverse population loss and bring home-grown prosperity to Eastern Kentucky without our generous donors and sponsors.
Every dollar counts when it comes to moving Eastern Kentucky forward.
Your contribution will go directly towards supporting our work across the region, including:
- Make sure every resident has access to the internet.
- Increase the amount of competitive-paying jobs available to Appalachia Kentucky.
- Provide critical funding for startups born in Eastern Kentucky.
- Support events that bring communities together across county lines.
Your gift means the world to us and the communities we serve.
And because Shaping Our Appalachian Region is a 501(c)3, 100 percent of all monetary and in-kind gifts are tax deductible.
We look forward to partnering with you to move Eastern Kentucky forward!
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Help us make an impact in Eastern Kentucky
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Eastern Kentucky is a hidden gem. Thanks to the SOAR program, our move was seamless — and now we’re enjoying small-town charm, local events, and the beauty of our new community.
Regan Ciceklic
EKY Remote Mover, Florida to Boyd County
Eastern Kentucky feels like home. From breathtaking mountain views to warm, welcoming neighbors, this move gave us everything we hoped for. The SOAR program helped us find the perfect place and community.
Anthony Ruff
EKY Remote Mover, Florida to McCreary County
Eastern Kentucky gave our family the beauty, community, and purpose we were looking for. The SOAR program made every step of the move easier, guiding us with care and confidence.
Mario Meza
EKY Remote Mover, Virginia to Pike Co.
John T. “Boo” Smith was born and raised in Clay County, Kentucky, where his deep roots and love for the mountains of Eastern Kentucky continue to shape his life and calling. A lifelong outdoorsman, Boo has always had a passion for hunting, fishing, hiking, and sharing the beauty of the region with others. His heart belongs in these mountains, and he is committed to preserving and promoting the outdoor heritage of his home.
Boo is the owner of Cross Mtn Campground and serves as President of Impact Outdoor Adventures, where he works to create opportunities for families, youth, and communities to connect through outdoor experiences. He also serves as Pastor of Cross Mtn Fellowship, leading with a heart for faith, family, and community.
He is married to his wife, Kimberly, and together they have two children, Kendric and Hannah. They are blessed with four grandchildren — Elliott, Sutton, Lyla Mae, and Saleh Grace — who bring great joy to their lives.
Leap Fellow
Michael Moore owns and operates 606 Kitchen, a food truck in Clay County, Kentucky. He hopes to grow it into a full-time local staple, serving coffee, breakfast, and lunch to the community and visitors. Born and raised in Clay County, Michael is a proud veteran who has lived all over the world, but Clay County has always been home. He returned in 2021 after being away since 2007. He set out to fulfill his dream of opening a food truck. With help from his parents and family, he got the business off the ground. He enjoys bringing diverse flavors from his travels to the community, offering new culinary experiences while honoring traditional Appalachian foods.
In addition to running the food truck, Michael works full-time as a mechanic for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. He is passionate about the outdoors, spending his free time hunting, fishing, and gardening, and he enjoys combining these hobbies by cooking the food he grows and gathers in creative ways. Through his business, he hopes to inspire others to try new foods while celebrating the uniqueness of southeastern Kentucky.
Leap Fellow
2023 Impact Report
Download our 2023 SOAR Summit program to read about our impact on Eastern Kentucky communities this year.