Programs & Services

Christian Appalachian Project

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

WELCOME TO CAP Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is a nonprofit, interdenominational organization in Appalachia committed to serving people in need through self-help human service programs. Founded in 1964 by Rev. Ralph W. Beiting, a young priest from northern Kentucky, our work has been focused on promoting dignity and independence among the residents of this poverty-stricken region.

We work primarily with children and their families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities, providing the basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing. CAP’s long-time presence in the area has earned the trust of Appalachian communities and because of our extensive infrastructure, we are equipped to provide sustainable impact on a wider scale than many other local agencies. Because of the incredibly diverse needs of the people in the region, CAP offers an equally diverse network of targeted programs and services.

We invest in our children and youth through leadership development training, summer camp, meal programs, and in-school tutoring and mentoring. Family counseling and advocacy programs ensure that no family will be denied basic needs because of their circumstances. Through an extensive housing program, CAP is able to improve the standards of homes in 11 different Appalachian counties. Without our help, these homes would otherwise be uninhabitable or unsafe.

We are constantly evolving and growing in our relationship with the people and communities we serve, strategically developing and implementing programming to meet the greatest need. Our focus is to sustain our current services while envisioning new and innovative ways to meet the long-term goals of our mission. Today, CAP leverages the power and enthusiasm of roughly 140 staff and 1,200 annual

WELCOME TO CAP volunteers, plus financial supporters from across the nation. CAP’s 16 direct service programs impact the lives of more than 11,000 people annually. These programs include housing repair, food and clothing banks, early childhood education, after-school programs, emergency assistance, family counseling, summer camps, elderly services, disaster relief, and in-home respite services for families of individuals with disabilities.

CAP collects and distributes as much as $70+ million in goods annually to another 1.5 million people in need throughout the 13 Appalachian states, as well as to people in need in Missouri and Arkansas. This is done through a network of more than 1,400 partner agencies and churches that redistribute these essential items, including food and beverages, office and cleaning supplies, furniture, paper goods, and building materials.

CAP also facilitates alternative spring break opportunities for college and high school students each year. Students are sent out to rebuild and repair homes for families and individuals struggling with substandard housing.

For more than 50 years, CAP has been building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia. With the help of donors, volunteers, staff, and the communities it serves, CAP will continue to restore hope for thousands of children, families, and seniors in Central Appalachia.

PROGRAMS & SERVICES Wolfe Lee Jackson

Owsley

Johnson

 Primary County  Secondary County  Gap County

Martin

Magoffin Floyd

Breathitt Breathitt

Pike Knott

Rockcastle Laurel

Volunteer Housing

Clay

Knox Whitley McCreary

Camp Service Area

Elderly Services

Grateful Bread Food Pantry

In-Home Respite Services

Grateful Threadz Thrift Store

Child & Family Development Center

Housing Program

In-Home Infant/Toddler Services

Disaster Relief Offices & Warehouse Operation Sharing Warehouse

Family Advocacy Family Life Counseling Services

PROGRAMS & SERVICES

28%

The Poverty Rate in CAP’s Service Area*

Operation Sharing Service Area

35%

The Child Poverty Rate in CAP’s Service Area*

Disaster Relief Service Area *SOURCE: CENSUS DATA: ACS 2013

FOOD SERVICES FOOD PANTRY CAP’s food pantry provides supplemental food items to eligible families and individuals in Eastern Kentucky. Children and the elderly remain among the most food insecure and are the most adversely affected by the lack of food in the region. Many families are unable to afford the most basic groceries and must often choose between purchasing food and providing safe, warm, and dry homes or health care for their families. CAP helps fill the gap to ensure everyone has access to essential food and necessities.

FOOD INSECURITY

BY THE NUMBERS

Percentage of Population Designated Food Insecure

19.4%

CAP SERVICE AREA

15.8%

KENTUCKY UNITED STATES 0

5

SOURCE: FEEDING AMERICA

13.4% 10

15

20

COMMODITY SUPPLEMENTAL FOOD PROGRAM Low-income elderly persons (ages 60 and above) benefit from the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Senior citizens living in poverty are at a special risk of malnutrition, and these commodities are specifically designed to lower that risk.

BACKPACK PROGRAM Through the Backpack Program, CAP (alongside local schools and partner organizations) provides nutritious weekend meals and snacks to children who have been identified as food-insecure and who may otherwise go hungry.

FOOD SERVICES SUMMER FEEDING PROGRAM CAP is a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP), an initiative of the Kentucky Department of Education established to ensure that children in low-income families continue to receive nutritious meals when school is not in session. For more than two decades, CAP has been a sponsoring organization for the program, working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service to make certain that children do not go hungry. Twenty-two percent of children in the state are considered food-insecure. Without the almost 2.5 million meals served annually through the SFSP and sponsors like CAP, these children would not be guaranteed their next meal.

Both of CAP’s summer camps participate in the SFSP initiative – almost 80 percent of CAP campers meet the state eligibility requirements. Every child is served 13 nutritious meals and seven snacks each week of camp.

GARDEN SEED PROGRAM The seed program seeks to connect people with the resources they need to grow and sustain their own gardens. Seeds, plants, canning supplies, and educational resources are made available to participants, many of whom use their harvest to feed their families, their neighbors, and other people in need in their community.

HOUSING SERVICES

HOUSING SERVICES CAP provides services to participants on a year-round basis, offering home repairs to achieve safe, warm, and dry living conditions for families and individuals who could not otherwise afford them. Professional crews, including industry-trained crew leaders working alongside long-term and short-term volunteers, perform major and minor home repairs and construction.

MINOR REPAIRS • • • • •

Wheelchair-accessible ramps Window and door repairs or replacements Siding and/or insulation installations Repairs for unsafe porches and entry ways Wall and ceiling repairs

46%

The Substandard Housing Rate in Eastern Kentucky**

MAJOR REPAIRS • • • • •

Roof and floor repairs or replacements Plumbing installations or improvements Heating upgrades Structural repairs Accessibility modifications

NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION In rare situations, when a home is beyond repair or poses an immediate or extreme risk to the individual or family, if adequate financing can be arranged the Housing Program will build a new home.

**SOURCE: EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND TECHNOLOGY

CLOTHING & COMMODITIES THRIFT STORE CAP’s thrift store offers affordable used clothing and a selection of household items to families in Eastern Kentucky.

The thrift store provides an opportunity for low-income community members to purchase items they otherwise could not afford or access in this area. Families and individuals in need rely on the thrift store to stock quality items at greatly reduced prices, allowing people the ability to afford what they need, from back-to-school clothing to professional attire.

CAP provides vouchers to families who have experienced emergency situations, such as the loss of a home to fire, flooding, or other natural disaster. The thrift store also makes available essential apparel items in the winter, like coats, scarves, and gloves.

We provide a retail job training program to participants from various agencies. We also refer families in crisis to other appropriate programs and agencies for additional assistance.

All revenue generated by the store goes directly into our organizational funding and is not for profit.

CLOTHING & COMMODITIES OPERATION SHARING CAP’s Operation Sharing Program partners with a network of more than 1,400 nonprofit organizations, community-based agencies, and churches throughout the Appalachian region to deliver hope to people in need through the distribution of essential items. All services are free and no cost to recipients.

Over the course of 30+ years, CAP has delivered more than $1.6 billion worth of donated materials to more than 1.5 million people across all 13 Appalachian states and two Ozark states, Arkansas and Missouri.

CAP receives donated goods from caring partners and corporations at warehouses located in Corbin and Paintsville, Ky. These donated goods are sorted and delivered to families and individuals in need in Appalachia and beyond. Operation Sharing increases the capacity of nonprofit organizations in the region to meet the needs of their local communities and sustains CAP’s ability to fulfill its mission in Eastern Kentucky.

Food, water, bedding, cleaning supplies, building/industrial materials, and other emergency supplies are distributed to areas dealing with natural disaster.

“We know we can depend on our CAP folks, we know they’re going to do a good job, we know their hearts are in the right place – they come in here and make a difference for our school and our students. We want to get the news out that something good is happening in the hills, and CAP is an integral part of it.”

– Robert Williams, Elementary School Principal

EDUCATION SERVICES CHILD & FAMILY DEVELOPMENT CENTERS CAP operates two child and family development centers, which provide center-based and home-based programs for children from infancy to five years old. CAP offers opportunities for young children to reach their highest developmental potential by providing cognitive, physical, spiritual, and emotional support. We work to provide a range of services to ensure each individual child’s success. We also provide parents with the resources they need to help their child grow and learn these skills.

In a region with relatively few high-quality child development centers, our child and family development centers create a place for local children that is safe and educational. Both centers are accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and are among the highest-rated centers in Kentucky’s early childhood rating system, the “All STARS” program.

IN-HOME EDUCATION Our infant/toddler home visitation program is an early intervention approach that serves children from birth to three years of age. The home visitor provides age-appropriate developmental activities, parent education and support, and ideas for turning the home into a learning environment.

CAP also provides a home-based, early intervention program to serve infants and children with defined disabilities, developmental delays, or who are considered at-risk for delays. With the philosophy that “the parent is the child’s best teacher,” staff focus on providing parents the resources needed to actively engage their child in activities to help develop their social, cognitive, sensory, and motor skills.

EDUCATION SERVICES IN-SCHOOL SUPPORT During the school year, CAP offers programming in local schools covering topics such as anger management, conflict resolution, bullying, and character development. CAP staff also serve as classroom assistants and aides throughout the school year at partner schools.

AFTER-SCHOOL PROGRAMMING CAP offers after-school programming for older students and teens, providing homework assistance, college tours, and educational field trips. Staff also partner with local schools to provide after-school tutoring in a variety of subjects and serve as mentors to students.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING CAP provides leadership training opportunities to students in Eastern Kentucky. Retreats, workshops, seminars, and other year-round leadership-related activities engage and equip young leaders for success.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES COUNSELING CAP offers counseling services to families and individuals in Eastern Kentucky. Our counselors are professionally licensed and possess a broad base of experience, education, and training. Counselors often serve individuals with chronic, multi-layered problems and CAP’s services are structured to meet the specific needs of individuals, couples, children, and families. The counseling staff is committed to the value of the individual, the importance of families, and the wisdom of spiritual beliefs.

CAP is a primary provider for many local referring agencies, including medical clinics, social service agencies, churches, and courts. The program works collaboratively with these community partners to ensure that individuals, families, and groups receive professional, compassionate counseling services.

TRAUMA RESOLUTION

INCREASED ASSERTIVENESS

ABILITY TO SET BOUNDARIES

LESS ANXIETY

A FEW BENEFITS OF COUNSELING

STRESS RELIEF

GREATER SELF-CONFIDENCE

BETTER RELATIONSHIPS

REGAINING EMOTIONAL BALANCE

ELDERLY SERVICES CAP provides the elderly and individuals with disabilities companionship, increased mobility, and support. Our focus is to increase socialization for otherwise isolated elderly community members and strengthen the network of support for families and agencies already working with them. Our goal is to help keep participants in their homes and self-sufficient as long as possible.

The geography of Appalachia contributes to the increased social and physical isolation of the elderly.

Many of these individuals have no one to help them with minor home repairs and maintenance, purchasing groceries, or to ensure that they receive the medications and health care they need. Many of these individuals have a variety of health problems that make it difficult for them to perform even the most basic tasks in their home. In order for the elderly to retain a level of independence, staff make frequent visits and provide transportation when needed.

IN-HOME RESPITE SERVICES CAP provides relief for families who are caring for individuals requiring 24-hour care. CAP supplies fulltime caregivers with rest and professional consultation and participants with quality care, meaningful socialization, and Christian fellowship.

“These employees and volunteers truly see me.

CAP respects me and treats me with dignity.”

– Donna, Elderly Participant

SUMMER CAMP CAP operates two camp locations that offer a rewarding week of learning and fun for more than 1,000 Appalachian children each summer. These weeks offer essential socialization and learning opportunities for children whose families could not otherwise afford such enrichment experiences.

A week of camp provides children and teens activities with purpose, intended to build character, self-esteem, and positive life values. CAP’s camps are staffed by volunteers from across the country, which exposes Appalachian youth to new perspectives and cultures beyond their own life experience.

In many ways, camp serves as an extension of CAP’s yearround educational and leadership programming, enhancing the possibility for long-term transformation. For one week each summer, children are guaranteed three meals a day, a safe, encouraging environment, and the chance to just be a kid.

DISASTER RELIEF CAP provides immediate assistance to areas in Appalachia suffering damage from floods, tornadoes, and other major catastrophes. We also work with federal, state, and community agencies to create and implement new strategies to improve disaster preparedness and assistance.

CAP employees and volunteers provide assistance with home and property cleanup/repair in the wake of a major disaster. We respond to situations with speed and efficiency while remaining particularly aware of the specific needs of this region.

During the time between disasters, we remain prepared through trainings and maintenance of our equipment and certifications. We also provide preparedness training to other programs in the organization.

CAP seeks to minimize the impact of natural disasters by teaching preparedness techniques and offering educational information. Disaster preparedness instruction is routinely offered to school children throughout CAP’s service area and additional training is offered to young people who attend camp each summer. CAP seeks to ensure that children and their families are as equipped as possible to react safely during disasters.

JOIN US! If you are interested in direct service to people in need in Appalachia, consider the many volunteer opportunities and options available with CAP. For more than 50 years, tens of thousands of volunteers have been called to the mountains to serve. There are a variety of short-term and long-term possibilities for individuals, groups, churches, and schools to volunteer with CAP. LONG-TERM VOLUNTEERING Long-term volunteers are the foundation of CAP’s Volunteer Program. Making a commitment of one year, our volunteers address issues such as education, poverty, hunger, substandard housing, and rural isolation while living in intentional community and making a commitment to personal reflection.

LONG-TERM VOLUNTEERING AT A GLANCE • Our volunteer program is interdenominational and intergenerational.

• Volunteers come from all ages (18+), faith traditions, and backgrounds.

• Living and serving in Eastern Kentucky provides a unique experience of Appalachian culture and rural poverty in the U.S. • Volunteers are supported and highly valued in their service by staff, many of whom are former volunteers.

• Professional development opportunities are available for volunteers seeking to explore, cultivate, and expand their career skills while serving.

JOIN US!

“This place has forever changed who I am and what I value.”

– Simone, Long-Term Volunteer

JOIN US! ALTERNATIVE SPRING BREAK CAP conducts intensive, high-impact, volunteer-supported home repair projects each year for college and high school students. WorkFest (for college students) and YouthFest (for high school students) are alternative spring break events, attracting more than 600 students representing more than 60 colleges, universities, schools, and churches each year.

Students from across the United States serve in teams to repair substandard housing and/or build new homes for lowincome families and individuals in Eastern Kentucky. This faith-based event requires the support of short-term volunteer assistant crew leaders. CAP seeks additional skilled leaders to supervise volunteers during this busy season.

GROUPS Mission Trips – CAP welcomes groups of five or more from churches, schools, businesses, etc. to serve with us on oneweek home repair mission trips May through October each year.

At-Home Projects – Collect school supplies, food, personal care items, garden supplies, and/or Christmas gifts for people in need across Eastern Kentucky.

JOIN US! ADDITIONAL INDIVIDUAL VOLUNTEER NEEDS Short-Term Volunteers – Serve anywhere from three weeks to 10 months in our Home Repair Program, Elderly Services Program, or at our Food Pantry/Thrift Store. Other placements may be available depending on program needs.

Summer Camp Volunteers – Counselors, lifeguards, and medical personnel (RNs, LPNs, or EMTs) needed to serve at CAP’s summer camps.

Assistant Crew Leaders/Cooks – Needed to serve one week (or longer) during our alternative spring break home repair events in March and April.

Disaster Relief Responders – Help families recover from natural disasters in Eastern Kentucky and throughout Appalachia.

AMERICORPS Many individuals serving with CAP may be eligible to serve in CAP’s AmeriCorps program. AmeriCorps is a federal program that strengthens communities by partnering with organizations like CAP to support more than 75,000 Americans engaged in intensive, full-time service across the country.

CAP AmeriCorps Members receive an Education Award of up to $5,920 for use toward qualified student loans and/or education expenses. Some members are also eligible for student loan forbearance during their term of service.

SUPPORT THE MISSION CAP’s work and service is made possible by the compassionate support of individuals, corporate partners, and churches from across the United States. There are many ways for you or your organization to support the mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.

GIVE A ONE-TIME GIFT Your tax-deductible donation can build hope and transform the lives of children, their families, and seniors living in poverty in Appalachia. One-time donations can be made online at christianapp.org, over the phone at 1.866.270.4227, or by mail.

BECOME A GUARDIAN ANGEL BY GIVING A MONTHLY GIFT The Guardian Angels are a special group of donors who have committed to an ongoing partnership with CAP. When you join, your monthly gifts will provide families in our country’s poorest region with the means to improve their quality of life – programs that build self-esteem, provide education, enhance living conditions, and secure basic healthcare.

LEAVE A LEGACY BY SUPPORTING CAP IN YOUR ESTATE PLAN • Provide for Christian Appalachian Project in your will or trust • Create charitable gift annuities • Establish a charitable remainder or lead trust • Contribute gifts of real estate • Make a gift of stock securities

SUPPORT THE MISSION Send me more information about Christian Appalachian Project.

I am interested in volunteer opportunities.

I would like to be added to your prayer list.

I would like to be added to your email list.

Name __________________________________________________ Organization, Business, or Church Name (if applicable) ________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ City____________________________ State _________ Zip _______ Daytime Phone ___________________________________________ q

Please supply your email address to receive email news and

information from CAP. Email Address ____________________________________________ Please mail to: CHRISTIAN APPALACHIAN PROJECT | P.O. BOX 55911 | LEXINGTON, KY 40555-5911

YES! I would like to become a monthly supporter of CAP’s mission. My gift is enclosed.

YES! I would like to support the mission of transforming lives in Appalachia. My one-time gift is enclosed. q $10 q $25 q $50 q $100 q $____________ q Check enclosed q Charge to my credit card: $_____________ q VISA q MasterCard q Discover q American Express Card number ____________________________________________ Expiration date _____________ Security code _____________ Name as it appears on card _________________________________ Signature ________________________________________________ Daytime Phone ___________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ City____________________________ State _________ Zip _______ Please mail to: CHRISTIAN APPALACHIAN PROJECT | P.O. BOX 55911 | LEXINGTON, KY 40555-5911

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL US TOLL FREE 1.866.270.4CAP (4227)

485 Ponderosa Drive P.O. Box 1768 Paintsville, KY 41240 1.866.270.4CAP (4227) christianapp.org