Supported by funds from the Federal Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, staff members of West Virginia University's Appalachian Center designed and implemented a 5-year experimental program designed to improve the economic conditions and the quality of living in 2 Appalachian communities. The approach was that of community and public-agency involvement. Success of the project was attributed to (1) modification of the rigid, structural requirements usually imposed by public agencies and (2) improving communications between the communities and the agencies. In this preliminary report on the project's impact on the 2 communities involved, descriptions of the model--including problems encountered--are offered. (JB)