“I felt that God was leading me to Kentucky.” —Alex Horning, Jackson Volunteer House, Housing

After graduating from high school, Alex longed to know God’s plan for his life. When a close friend and former volunteer told Alex about his experience with CAP, Alex knew he had found what he was looking for. “He was very inspired by the experiences he had, which got me interested,” Alex said. “I was uncertain about what I wanted to do with my life, and volunteering at CAP would give me a direction for my life as well as a chance to serve those in need.” As a volunteer in CAP’s Housing Program, Alex helps repair many sub-standard homes in Jackson County and makes connections with the families he serves. “The people are very appreciative, and it is great to get to know them and hear their stories.”

Alex grew up in a Bruderhof community in Farmington, Pennsylvania. Members of the Bruderhof live in intentional Christian community, sharing their resources, faith, and commitment to non-violence and social justice. At CAP, Alex lives in community with volunteers from a variety of backgrounds and says he is having an “awesome” experience at the Jackson Volunteer House. “I have made a lot of new friends, broadened my horizons on how other people think and live, and learned to get along with people different from myself.” Once uncertain of his future, Alex has found his niche at CAP, and he is making a difference in the lives of Appalachian families every day.

"I love being a part of something larger than myself.”
—Amblyn Allen, Jackson Volunteer House, Caseworker   Amblyn Allen first came to CAP as a Notre Dame freshman in 2002 to participate in WorkFest, CAP's alternative spring break program. Though she was here only a week, the experience made a lasting impact. In 2004, Amblyn returned to WorkFest, this time as her group's leader. By the time graduation arrived in 2005, Amblyn realized she was called to make a longer commitment to serve in Appalachia.

Now in her second year as a long-term volunteer, Amblyn makes a difference every day in her service to Owsley County, a small community in Eastern Kentucky with a population of fewer than 5,000 but a poverty rate of 45%. Amblyn's primary responsibilities include providing emergency utility assistance for families in need, organizing the county's Christmas Basket, School Readiness and commodities programs, and providing a listening ear during home visits with the families she serves. During the evenings and weekends, Amblyn finds support in her volunteer community, the Jackson House. "The most rewarding part of volunteering has been being able to live in the volunteer house," Amblyn reflected. "You become part of a family that will help you grow and challenge you, but also keep you laughing and remind you that you are blessed."

 “If you really are serving the Lord, you don't have a retirement”

—Margaret Hope, Independent Living, Human Services Missions

After receiving a CAP donor mailing, Margaret Hope felt called to feed the hungry in eastern Kentucky. An avid baker, Margaret visited CAP in 2005 and decided to buy a house in Kentucky and help aid in CAP's mission to low-income families.

Most CAP volunteers focus on one program, but Margaret's gifts naturally led CAP to direct her talents toward several service areas. In addition to baking bread for church and school groups who reguarly volunteer at CAP, Margaret also provides bread for Elderly Services caseworkers to distribute and provides administrative assistance to the Volunteer and Housing offices. Margaret likes to stay busy and insists, "it's a mission, not a job." 

Margaret also broke the mold for volunteers when she decided to move to Kentucky--indefinitely. Though volunteers are encouraged to live in CAP volunteer houses during their service time, married couples and volunteers age 50 and older have the option of living independently. Indepedent Living volunteers stay connected to volunteer communities by joining a volunteer house for dinner and devotion once a week and attending orientation and retreats.