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 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.