Ulster Project seeks host families for teens

The project promotes peace among Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland.

CANFIELD — The Mahoning Valley Ulster Project is looking for some local families to serve as temporary homes for a group of Northern Irish teenagers who will visit the Valley this summer.

The dozen teens will arrive in Canfield on June 29 to meet their host families as part of a program that has been in existence since 1988. The program brings Northern Irish teens here to be involved in a monthlong peaceful interaction between faiths by building the bonds of friendship, trust and understanding.

Protestant and Catholic families are needed for the July 2008 project.

The teens range in age from 14 to 16 and are equally divided: male and female, Catholic and Protestant. Each Northern Irish teen is paired with an American host teen of the same age, gender and religious affiliation who shares similar likes and interests.

The Ulster project is dedicated to promoting peace among Roman Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland by building tolerance, trust and ongoing positive relationships among potential leaders from these Christian traditions. Now, more than 20 years later, the Ulster Project has successfully grown to more than 24 host cities across the United States. Local teens who have participated in the project agree that friendships and activities of the month make it an experience that they will never forget. American teens may apply by contacting Char McKenna at (330) 533-1876.

During July, traditionally a period of heightened tensions in Northern Ireland, the Northern Irish teens and American Host teens are provided with a variety of spiritual, social and service opportunities. The teens gather to engage in group discussions and dialogs to help to begin to understand that they share much common ground.

They also complete community service projects such as a cleanup at Jubilee Gardens, and offer assistance to inner-city day care centers. The teens visit many of the local attractions such as Mill Creek Park and the Butler Museum of American Art and also attend picnics, swim parties and dances.

All of the expenses for the host teen and Northern Irish teen will be covered by Ulster Project funds except room, board, local transportation and family outings.

The Mahoning Valley Ulster project is an incorporated, ecumenical, tax-exempt and nonprofit peace project. Contributions made to the Ulster project are tax-deductible. If you are interested in making a donation, contact Joe McKenna or mail your contribution to the Ulster Project Communities for Peace, P.O. Box 322, Canfield, Ohio 44406.