CAP Volunteer Program E-News a monthly newsletter of Christian Appalachian Project
Merry Christmas!
It may be difficult to tell from this picture, but there is heat in the Jackson Volunteer House.
Ah Christmas. A time for gifts, family, and filling out CAP volunteer applications. Just kidding...sort of.
Merry Christmas to you and yours from the Christian Appalachian Project. As you reflect on your blessings this season, please remember CAP and Appalachia in your prayers. And remember, applications make great stocking stuffers.
Peace,
Amy Schill
CAP Volunteer Program
Bon Voyage, Hasta Luego, Ciao!
After many hours and miles traveled promoting CAP's mission to prospective volunteers, Laura Wick, Volunteer Recruiter, has decided to leave CAP in order to pursue her interests in environmental justice and sustainability and plan her May wedding. Before becoming a CAP employee, Laura was a long-term volunteer in CAP's Housing Program. We'll miss you Laura!
Prospective volunteers who have been in contact with Laura can contact Amy Schill (aschill@chrisapp.org) with additional questions.
Volunteer shares artistic talents with local community
CAP volunteers--and CAP programs--are at their best when volunteers' individual talents shape their volunteer experience. T.J. Sellner (Adult Education, Rockcastle Volunteer House) is one current volunteer using his gifts to make a postive impact on the community he serves.
When the Adult Education program was looking for ways to provide continuing education to interested community members, T.J., who studied art at Aquinas College before coming to CAP, saw an opportunity to use his education to help others. Though T.J. spends the majority of his service hours tutoring adults preparing to take the GED exam, he decided to begin teaching a Tuesday evening drawing class open to the entire community.
Referring to objects ranging from Kleenex boxes to coffee canisters arranged in the middle of the classroom, T.J. begins his class by teaching concepts such as perspective and form before inviting students to pick an object to draw from their individual perspectives. "Everyone is an artist...you just have to tap into it," T.J. told his students at a recent class.
T.J. hopes to offer a painting class in the near future.
Got a group?
CAP takes groups of any size year-round to work for one week in CAP programs. Alternative college spring break groups are also welcome in March. Contact the Volunteer Program at 1-800-755-5322 or volunteer@chrisapp.org for details.
Volunteer Spotlight
“If you really are serving the Lord, you don't have a retirement”—Margaret Hope, Human Services Missions
Margaret at a glance...
Hometown: Hagerhill, Kentucky Life before CAP: Worked in bookkeeping and healthcare before "retiring" in Virginia Fun Fact: Owns 11 count 'em 11 bread machines
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.
You can learn more about independent living options by contacting the Volunteer Program at 1-800-755-5322 or volunteer@chrisapp.org
Urgent Volunteer Needs application process required
CAP has immediate openings in the following programs:
Housing: Work with crew leader and other volunteers to repair substandard housing and/or build new homes for low-income families. Must be able to work on roof and work outside when necessary.
Elderly Services: Provide services such as home visitation, transportation, social activities, prescription assistance and various other services which decrease isolation and increase socialization of homebound senior citizens.
Respite Services: Provide therapeutic, social and recreational activities for children and adults with disabilities. Respite Services provides both in-home and center-based care.
“I have shown you all things, how that your laboring ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of our Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
After many hours and miles traveled promoting CAP's mission to prospective volunteers, Laura Wick, Volunteer Recruiter, has decided to leave CAP in order to pursue her interests in environmental justice and sustainability and plan her May wedding. Before becoming a CAP employee, Laura was a long-term volunteer in CAP's Housing Program. We'll miss you Laura!
When the Adult Education program was looking for ways to provide continuing education to interested community members, T.J., who studied art at Aquinas College before coming to CAP, saw an opportunity to use his education to help others. Though T.J. spends the majority of his service hours tutoring adults preparing to take the GED exam, he decided to begin teaching a Tuesday evening drawing class open to the entire community. 
Margaret at a glance...
