Selena Culbertson
Selena Culbertson has been married to Donnie Culbertson for 21 years and has 2 awesome boys Taylor (25) and Chad (16). She’s lived in Dickenson County, Virginia her entire life. She is a human services professional of 23 years working with high risk/vulnerable populations. She is currently employed as an Intensive In Home worker working with high risk youth and families.
She answered the following questions on September 9, 2021
How did you meet ATD Fourth World?
In 2017 I was working as Prevention Coordinator and had set up an informational booth at the local agricultural fair for Suicide and Substance Abuse Prevention. I met an ATD Fourth World Volunteer Corps member who was working the wood lathe for the Learning Co-op and was invited to attend the next ATD meeting as a representative of our local community coalition. The first meeting I attended, I was hooked on the mission and goals of ATD.
What do you do with ATD Fourth World?
I was honored to participate in the October 17th Celebration from 2017 though the present (although 2020’s was overshadowed by Covid). In 2018 I was fortunate to participate in the MAP session in New York, which, by the way, was the most intense training I’ve EVER participated in. My husband and I currently oversee the property/Learning Co-op on Caney Ridge. We have recently partnered with the Kiwanis Clubs of Clintwood and Clinchco and are rolling out a Computer Assistance Program (CAP) housed at the Learning Co-op. I have been fortunate to participate in the Racism and Poverty Working Group and the Growth and Development Hub and have been honored to sit on the National Board of Directors since 2019.
Why did (and do) you decide to work with ATD Fourth World?
From the first meeting I attended in 2017, I knew I had found “my people”. I felt welcome from Day One. I found a peace in the presence of other members who shared a common goal of helping our most vulnerable people. “All together with Dignity” has been the most impactful mission throughout my 23 years in Human Services. Vincent and Fanchette, (the Volunteer Corps members who started ATDs work in Appalachia), are the most gentle and caring people I believe I’ve ever met.
What has been transformative? How have you and/or your life changed?
Connection, Connection, Connection. I have found this to be the most common theme when working with people. All people need to feel connected to their communities. Many families I work with do not feel connected and learning how to overcome barriers for this to happen has been helpful for me. We all have a need to belong, I love the driving force of ATD to push for this to happen.
What have been the highlights of your work with ATD Fourth World? What are the most important projects you’ve worked on?
Attending the MAP session in New York and meeting people from all walks of life was the most impactful. I learned that while there are differences from all over the world, there are also so many similarities. Hearing from people with “lived experiences” and being able to discuss living in Appalachia, stereotypes were proven wrong across the board. We all need to be better listeners. MAP most definitely taught me to be a better listener.
How have you shared your work with ATD Fourth World with other people?
I could and should do better in this area to be honest. The CAP program and partnership with Clinchco and Clintwood Kiwanis has given us an opportunity to share the mission and goals of ATD while serving the community.
What are you looking forward to being part of next with ATD Fourth World?
Honestly, everything. The friendships I’ve made through ATD can’t be beat. I do look forward to seeing Guillaume in person again to see if he has been practicing, I’ll throw an “apple at ‘cha”.