n Rising Above the Floods
n An Answered Prayer
n Empowering Change
n Love in Action
A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
As I gathered the stories for this edition of The Mountain Spirit, I noticed a common phrase come up in several of these narratives: “You are not alone.”
Spirit
Building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.
Brianna Stephens bstephens@chrisapp.org
Often in life, it’s easy to feel isolated in our struggles. There are moments when our path seems shadowed by uncertainty or lined with challenges, and we are unsure how to maneuver through on our own. It is during these uncertain times that I see our mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ's love through service shine the brightest through our work. Day to day on the ground, our programs, employees, and volunteers bring a simple assurance to every child, family, and senior they connect with and share that sentiment: “You are not alone.”
Through these stories, I hope you see that CAP is more than just an organization. We are a family brought forth from generosity, selflessness, compassion, and individual strengths. Every donor, supporter, partner, employee, and volunteer that is part of our mission has something special that lifts up our neighbors in need in Appalachia. Because of every person who is, has been, and will be a part of our mission, people in our region know there is someone who cares about them, will help them, and will walk alongside them in times of darkness.
This year, natural disasters have repeatedly devastated parts of our region. On page 10, you’ll discover more about CAP’s continued commitment to supporting people affected by flooding. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, CAP is exploring innovative solutions to assist families repeatedly impacted by flooding, such as raising homes, like Karen Moore's. After her home was flooded in 2021, CAP stepped in to help with repairs. And when flooding impacted Moore's home for a second time earlier this year, CAP was there once again to offer support.
In this issue, we’re excited to introduce a new program component called Steppingstones. This transformative service aims to help individuals achieve attainable goals, like earning a GED, finding a job, making a financial plan, and securing housing. Our compassionate caseworkers work with each person one-on-one to craft a personalized action plan and connect them to valuable resources in the community. Learn more about Steppingstones on page 22.
When an unexpected financial hardship struck, Marissa Slavey and her family felt overwhelmed and uncertain. As bills mounted and worries grew, she reached out to CAP for support. Our program employees came together to connect her family with essential resources, standing beside them every step of the way and assuring them they were not alone. Read more about her story on page 20.
Your generosity and compassion are transforming lives throughout our region every day. Thank you for standing with us to ensure our neighbors never face their challenges alone.
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Brianna Stephens
COPY EDITOR
Stephanie Avent
PHOTO CREDITS
Toy Adams, James Akers, Tina Bryson, Chris Kimbro/Community Bridge, Callie Northern, Brianna Stephens, Greg Wright, Christian Appalachian Project Archives
CONTACT US
By phone: 859.269.0635
Toll-free: 866.270.4227
Email: capinfo@chrisapp.org Website: christianapp.org
SUBSCRIPTIONS
The Mountain Spirit is published twice a year. The suggested donation is $20.00. Subscription requests and other correspondence should be sent to:
Christian Appalachian Project
The Mountain Spirit P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555-5911
Copyright 2025. Christian Appalachian Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Christian Appalachian Project is a nonprofit Christian service organization operating throughout Appalachia. Christian Appalachian Project is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is qualified to receive taxdeductible contributions.
Meet the Writers
Faith
10 Rising Above the Floods
Because of the generosity of donors, CAP’s Disaster Relief program is raising homes in Eastern Kentucky to provide long-term protection for families repeatedly affected by flooding.
14 Guided by Faith
Community Bridge, a CAP Operation Sharing partner, started out in a closet and quickly expanded through collaborative efforts. Today, it supports thousands of people across 33 counties in West Virginia, meeting critical needs every year.
Service
16
Be True to Yourself
Jake Horn’s journey with CAP, from camper to AmeriCorps member, shows how donor support and transformative youth programs create a lasting impact, building confidence and inspiring future servant leaders in Appalachia.
20 An Answered Prayer
When Marissa Slavey and her family faced an unexpected financial hardship, CAP was there to help them get back on their feet through emergency aid and food pantry services.
22 Empowering Change
Steppingstones, a new CAP program component, helps individuals set and achieve transformative life goals through personalized support and community partnerships. Caseworkers empower participants through community resources and continued encouragement.
Compassion
24
ON THE COVER: While volunteering at our Grateful Bread Food Pantry, CAP President/CEO Guy Adams helps load food into a participant's car.
Love in Action
Lindsey Gribbins, a former student at CAP's Family Life Child Development Center and now an employee, helps children thrive through structured routines and unconditional support, believing every child deserves quality early education and loving guidance.
26 Lending a Hand
“American Idol” winner Noah Thompson partners with CAP to shine a light on essential services being provided in Appalachia. During his visit to Eastern Kentucky, he rolled up his sleeves to help repair a family’s home.
Appalachia Spotlight
30 Songs of the Mountains
Callie Northern, a dedicated musician and educator, brings Appalachian traditions to life through her performances and teaching. She inspires her students to explore and celebrate Appalachian music, nurturing passion and creativity through every lesson.
32 Reeling in Hope
Casting for Kids raises funds for Shriners Hospitals through fishing events, providing hope, support, and memorable experiences for children and families in Appalachia through tournaments and outreach programs.
Robin Roenker
Robin is a freelance writer based in Central Kentucky.
Emily Brashear
Emily is a freelance writer based in Central Kentucky.
Shannon Holbrook Shannon is a freelance writer based in Central Kentucky.
Don Sergent
Don is a freelance writer based in Western Kentucky.
CAP Concludes 60th Anniversary Celebration
To commemorate the 60th anniversary of CAP, staff organized a series of special events highlighting our enduring commitment to Appalachia. Central to the celebration was the premiere of the documentary “Hearts of Hope” produced by Toy Adams, CAP’s integrated marketing content creator. The film documents both the region’s rich history and CAP’s impact over the decades. Premieres were held at the historic SIPP Theatre in Paintsville and the Kentucky Theatre in Lexington. Smaller screening events were also hosted and accompanied by panel discussions with regional thought leaders. These discussions addressed pressing issues such as food insecurity, housing challenges, and the overall state of Appalachia, fostering community conversation and awareness.
CAP was also formally recognized at the Kentucky State Capitol for 60 years of service in Eastern Kentucky. Local and state officials, including Governor Andy Beshear
and Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman, who have both attended several CAP events, praised the organization’s vital programs in Eastern Kentucky, including Disaster Relief, Home Repair, and our food pantry network.
“You are a bright, shining light with your work, and we’re going to need you today and tomorrow, and in the years to come,” Beshear said about CAP.
To learn more about CAP’s history, visit WeAreCAP.org.
Annual Toy Distributions Expand to
North Carolina
For the sixth consecutive year, CAP’s Operation Sharing program partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Good360 to deliver toys and smiles to children across Appalachia. Over the summer, these partners provided 25,000 toys to distribute. Operation Sharing hosted several community distributions in Eastern Kentucky as well as Cherokee, North Carolina. There, the distribution was open to children and their families who were impacted by Hurricane Helene last fall. Each distribution event provided three new toys to a total of 12,843 children. Alongside the toys, essential household items, drinks, and snacks were distributed to 2,420 families, helping to alleviate some of the financial burden these households face and allowing them to redirect funds toward other necessities.
“These are large events, and we are grateful for the volunteers and community partners who come together to make them possible,” said Ben Ridner, Operation Sharing program manager in Corbin. “It is events like these where we see CAP shine bright, offering help and hope to our neighbors in need.”
CAP Delivers Hope After Natural Disasters
In May, multiple tornadoes left a path of destruction across Eastern Kentucky. Whole neighborhoods were flattened in and around London and Somerset, with numerous fatalities reported. Hours after the disaster, CAP’s Operation Sharing program began coordinating tractor-trailer loads of essential items to the impacted areas.
With roads in disrepair because of the disaster, CAP employees used pick-up trucks and box trailers to directly deliver supplies to people in need and small distribution centers in the area.
Operation Sharing delivered 15 truckloads to the disaster areas. The generosity of CAP’s donors made Operation Sharing’s swift response possible.
In response to the devastating floods that swept through parts of Texas in July, Operation Sharing sent a shipment of disaster relief supplies to support families in crisis.
The shipment—totaling more than 35,000 pounds and valued at over $1 million—included generators, dehumidifiers, bottled water, hygiene kits, and other essential items. These supplies were delivered in partnership with Matthew 25: Ministries, a nationally recognized disaster relief organization already on the ground in Texas.
“We’ve always admired the work of Matthew 25: Ministries,” said Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing program in Paintsville. “Their compassion-driven
service aligns so closely with our mission. When we saw the flooding in Texas, we knew we had to act. Even though it’s outside our usual service region, we felt called to help.”
The shipment was transported to Matthew 25: Ministries’ Cincinnati warehouse and then delivered to impacted communities in Texas. The collaboration reflects a shared commitment to turning compassion into action.
“Sadly, because of the number of disasters we’ve faced here in Kentucky, we understand what families need in the early days of recovery,” Thoms said. “Generators and dehumidifiers are critical when power is out, and homes are waterlogged. Hygiene items may seem small, but they restore dignity and offer a fresh start.”
For more information about CAP’s ongoing disaster relief efforts, see page 10.
Pursuing Purpose
BY BRIANNA STEPHENS
The path toward pursuing a calling or purpose can be unexpected, taking us places we thought we would not be and transforming our lives in ways we could not have imagined. In that winding journey, we often find ourselves where life needs us most and where God wants us to be. We discover more about ourselves, experience transformation, and learn the unique ways we are called to serve, create, and lead.
Guy Adams discovered his calling for philanthropy in his later years of college and built his professional life around pursuing it. While he envisioned having a
career in higher education philanthropy, the twisting path of purpose brought him to Christian Appalachian Project (CAP).
Now, after 16 years, Adams will retire as CAP’s president/CEO on January 31, 2026. He is CAP’s fifth president and the second longest-serving leader after the organization’s founder, Reverend Ralph W. Beiting (1964–1986).
After discovering his passion for philanthropy while volunteering in Berea College’s development office, Adams’ first professional role was serving as CAP’s
CAP
President/CEO Guy Adams, along with other organizational leaders, such as CFO Brian Stiefel, have actively participated in our community distribution events.
assistant director of development, which he did from 1982 to 1985. After three years, he left CAP and served in a variety of nonprofit positions, including higher education.
“Once I realized my calling, I followed it,” Adams said. He then moved into consulting, helping nonprofits build strategies around fundraising and philanthropy. That’s when a human resources firm approached him about a leadership role at CAP.
Adams told the firm he was not interested three times, but after several conversations and prayer, he began to reconsider. An avid inspirational collector of quotes, Adams said a quote from Joseph Campbell led him to rethink his path: “We must be willing to give up the life we planned so as to have the life that is waiting for the us,” he quoted.
“Despite the plans I had, God revealed to me the meaning of this opportunity through different things that happened and that particular quote,” Adams said.
“That was the breakthrough and confirmation that the Lord had something different and better for me. That’s when I became all in.”
When he came back to CAP as president/CEO, Adams was tasked with building an effective major gifts program for the organization. He accomplished that through strategic planning, creating priorities, and defining clear objectives. Since 2010, the major gifts program has grown from contributing 20% toward CAP’s net gift income to 50%.
“People give because they want to make a difference for others. We all want to make a difference,” Adams said. “The Lord uses each generous gift to help provide for CAP, to sustain our programs, and even grow them. We are grateful for each compassionate gift.”
Adams spends 70% of his time helping to raise CAP’s annual budget through philanthropy work, including traveling to meet with donors across the country.
“While some things have changed at CAP over the years, we’re always mission focused and focused on our core values of faith, service, and compassion.”
— Guy Adams
Adams explains the intricacies of the mailroom equipment to actress Beverly Garland during her visit to CAP. Reverend Ralph W. Beiting, CAP's founder, is pictured at right in this photo.
Special Feature
Adams has connected with hundreds of CAP donors, employees, volunteers, and program participants by attending organizational events, visiting programs, and making personal visits.
“I’ve been blessed to have the ability to focus my work on philanthropy because I know it’s where I can make the greatest difference for CAP,” Adams said. “I have a great leadership team that supports my work and helps guide the organization.”
During his time as president/CEO, Adams and CAP’s leadership team have worked together to focus on the mission, prioritize strategic planning, build CAP’s culture, promote financial transparency, and create programs and opportunities for personal growth and leadership development for employees.
Over the years Adams and CAP leadership have also guided the organization through significant challenges, including the repercussions of the Great Recession and the difficulties brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although both events posed significant challenges and required CAP to adapt its approach, the organization persevered. With the steadfast support of donors and dedicated employees and volunteers, CAP discovered innovative ways to serve the region and maintained financial accountability, building monetary reserves through careful budgeting
and stewardship of donor contributions. CAP’s programs collaborated more closely than ever before to ensure the highest quality of service was given each day.
“While some things have changed at CAP over the years, we’re always focused on our mission and on our core values of faith, service, and compassion,” Adams said. “These are not just words; they resonate with people in an important way. These are not things we are willing to compromise on.”
His journey of purpose led him back to CAP, where Adams now recognizes the profound impact the organization has had on his life.
“Shortly after I came back to CAP, I realized this is the something great to which God called me. This is my greatest way to impact God’s world while working alongside 182 other people who carry out this mission every day,” Adams said. “CAP means a whole lot to me. I don’t know what I’m going to do without it, but, even when I retire, I will always have CAP in my heart. CAP is the pinnacle of a whole life.” n
Because of the generosity of donors, CAP is raising houses that have experienced repeated flooding, such as the home of Karen Moore.
Rising Above the Floods
BY BRIANNA STEPHENS
Communities across Appalachia have been battered by a relentless cycle of natural disasters in recent years. Since 2021, Eastern Kentucky communities have faced flooding nearly every year. For many, the aftermath is not just a matter of picking up the pieces once, but of facing the heartbreak of rebuilding again and again.
Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is helping families break the cycle of repeated loss and worry, restoring a sense of security and hope for the future. Because of compassionate donor support, CAP is exploring
new strategies to assist families repeatedly affected by flooding. One initiative is to raise homes that have been flooded multiple times.
“The idea began following the February 2025 floods when some of the same families we did disaster recovery for after the 2021 and 2022 flooding events were impacted again,” said Robyn Renner, director of the Disaster Relief program at CAP. “The generous funds we have received from our donors give us an opportunity to go beyond just offering home repairs and to potentially prevent disaster from happening again for some families.”
Flooding in Appalachia occurs due to a combination of causes, including the region’s geographical factors and topography and human influence. For many families in Eastern Kentucky who have been affected by flooding, moving away isn’t an easy option.
The region’s landscape and limited available land make it challenging to find homes outside of floodprone areas. Several families and individuals who do live in flood zones often face the added burden of unaffordable flood insurance because they live on limited incomes. This financial strain makes relocation and rebuilding after a disaster nearly impossible. Above all, the land these families live on is often their most valuable possession, deeply rooted in family history and passed down through generations, creating a powerful sense of connection and belonging to the area.
Volunteers play an essential role in CAP's ongoing disaster recovery efforts. A group of volunteers from St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Connecticut worked alongside CAP employees on Moore's home after it was raised.
“If we are able to work with contractors to raise some homes above the highest level of the floodwaters, we can prevent water from getting into homes and devastating lives,” Renner said.
This long-term approach of raising homes impacted by flooding events symbolizes hope and determination, a testament to the region’s unwavering spirit and resilience. Karen Moore is an example of that resilience, having endured the impact of two natural disasters.
Floodwaters in 2021 caused Moore’s kitchen floor to collapse, among other extensive damages. At the time, CAP’s Home Repair program and dedicated volunteers transformed her home through needed repairs. In February, the unexpected happened when floodwaters washed into Moore’s home again, destroying the inside and her personal belongings.
Again, CAP was there. Over the summer, CAP worked with a contractor to raise Moore’s home 8.5 cinder blocks high, and the Home Repair program raised the front and back porches to meet the new height of the home. The program also built a wheelchair accessible ramp, and installed new insulation, interior wall board, underpinning, kitchen cabinets, interior doors, and floor covering.
A volunteer group from St. Aloysius Catholic Church in Connecticut traveled to Eastern Kentucky to help with work on Moore’s home. For nearly 10 years, the church has partnered with CAP, providing Christmas stockings and hams. After tornadoes hit Eastern Kentucky earlier this year, the parish independently delivered supplies to the impacted areas, like the city of London, and they're now supporting additional disaster survivors from February’s flooding through CAP.
“All because of our connections with CAP, we are here to help people in need in Eastern Kentucky,” said Chris Otis, youth minister at St. Aloysius. “London is a community we care deeply about, and now this community is very special to us because of the work we are doing.”
Mission groups and volunteers such as St. Aloysius play an essential role in CAP’s disaster relief efforts, from initial debris cleanup to rebuilding homes.
After the home was raised, CAP constructed a new front porch and installed a ramp to provide easier access to the back door. Interior renovations were also underway to repair the damage caused by the February 2025 floods.
“The progress of our disaster recovery efforts would not be possible without the tireless dedication, generosity, and selflessness of volunteers from across the country,” said Kristy Lawson, manager of CAP’s Volunteer Program in Johnson, Martin, Floyd, Magoffin, and Knott Counties. “Their willingness to step forward, offer their time, and make personal sacrifices is transforming lives and communities in Eastern Kentucky. We are grateful for their efforts and the incredible difference they are making in creating safe, warm, and dry homes.”
CAP has raised three homes and has also relocated one home to higher ground on its original property. Plans are underway to consider raising additional homes. Renner and the CAP leadership team continue to refine the initiative, coordinating with contractors, working through logistics, and selecting homes suitable for elevation. Since the February 2025 floods, CAP has completed more than 100 cleanup jobs and five recovery and rehabilitation jobs. Approximately 30 homes remain on a waiting list for recovery or repair.
“We are grateful for every donor, volunteer, and employee who has responded to these disasters,” Renner said. “We are committed to standing alongside our neighbors in need. Every dollar, prayer, and hands-on effort makes a difference. Thank you for building hope in our communities.” n
CHURCH RELATIONS
“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)
Your church can make a difference for people in need in Appalachia. By volunteering or giving financial support, your congregation helps us extend hope and compassion. Together, we can continue to serve as the hands and feet of Christ for many years to come.
Faith Guided by Faith
BY DON SERGENT
Community Bridge’s origins are modest. What began as a small ministry serving foster children has grown into a vital nonprofit, deeply rooted in its commitment to help people in need in Appalachia. It all began in a closet.
“We had a 435-suqare-foot closet in the back of our church we made into our foster closet, filling it with clothing and other donations to support families with foster children and adopted children,” said Chris Kimbro, lead pastor of King’s River Worship Center and executive director of Community Bridge.
“Although it was located inside our church, we established it under Community Bridge and invited all the churches and the community at large to be a part of it,” he added. “I had no idea how in that moment God was directing me. January 1, 2021, was when the closet went live. The community started responding. The donations started coming in.”
During that first year, 300 people were served from that closet. Since then, the West Virginia-based nonprofit has
Last year, CAP and Community Bridge partnered together to host a distribution in St. Albans, West Virginia. Pictured are Chris Kimbro, executive director of Community Bridge; Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP's Operation Sharing program in Paintsville; and Jonathan Lett, a CAP board member.
grown significantly, providing essential items and services to a multi-county region near the city of St. Albans. In 2024, more than 17,000 people were served.
Kimbro attributes that growth to faithful donors, volunteer help, and impactful partnerships, like with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). Becoming a partner of CAP’s Operation Sharing program proved to be a catalyst that put them on a steeper growth curve in 2022.
“A Baptist church had dropped off some clothing, and they told us that there was a place in Kentucky that could help us,” Kimbro recalled. The church was an Operation Sharing partner and received clothing from CAP. “That’s how we found out about Christian Appalachian Project. CAP has been a key part of our growth.”
CAP’s Operation Sharing program partners with a network of 1,500 nonprofit organizations, communitybased agencies, and churches throughout the Appalachian region to deliver hope to people in need through the distribution of essential items.
Community Bridge began in the modest space of a closet. The nonprofit quickly expanded and constructed a new facility designed to meet the community's needs.
Through additional partnerships with churches, schools, and food banks, Community Bridge was able to offer programs and resources to help meet the needs of people in the area. The growth was such that Kimbro and his newly formed nonprofit took steps to expand their reach.
“Our church saw that God was obviously doing something here,” Kimbro said. “We had some land, so we decided to borrow money and build an 8,000-square-foot building with the help of volunteers in our church and community.”
First, though, the organization had to accommodate the voluminous first semi-truck’s load of essential items delivered from CAP.
“We didn’t have the building yet; but we decided that if we were going to be a church that makes a difference, it didn’t matter,” Kimbro said. “We unloaded the semi right in our sanctuary.”
That temporary inconvenience was the start of a mutually beneficial partnership that has helped the nonprofit meet more needs and CAP expand its reach into rural West Virginia.
“Community Bridge has been an amazing partner for us,” said Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing program in Paintsville. “We can send them supplies directly, and they are able to distribute them out into multiple Appalachian communities. Chris has
Community Bridge receives and distributes gift-in-kind products from CAP's Operation Sharing program to people who need it most.
so many community partners and has built a great network. It’s a win-win for both of us.”
Thoms estimates that Operation Sharing sends 25 semitrucks full of supplies annually to the nonprofit. The trucks containing food, hygiene products, furniture, clothes, and building materials add up to more than $5 million worth of gift-in-kind products per year, Thoms said. He knows it will all be put to good use.
“Community Bridge does a wonderful job,” Thoms added. “Our work would not be possible without partners like them, who understand the needs of their area and help connect the items we send to the people who need them most. It’s a powerful partnership.”
Community Bridge has grown to serve 33 West Virginia counties. Despite having only one paid staff member, the nonprofit has entered into partnerships with more than 270 churches, hospitals, recovery programs, schools, community centers, domestic violence shelters, and food banks. Now Kimbro has plans to accommodate and even accelerate that growth.
“We’re trying to put up another 9,600-square-foot warehouse to serve our region,” he said. “Then CAP could send us more loads, and our partnerships would be even stronger. We’re watching God do beautiful things here. We’re watching families transform one life at a time.” n
AmeriCorps member Jake Horn makes homes safe, warm, and dry through CAP's Elderly Home Repair component.
Be True to Yourself
BY EMILY BRASHEAR
Long-term impact is like the ripple from a single pebble tossed into a pond, quietly spreading to distant shores. Unlike fleeting sparks or quick flashes, long-term impact lingers, shaping lives and communities long after the original deed is done.
For Jake Horn, long-term impact looks like the echoes of campfire songs through the mountains, wheelchair ramps built with care, and a heart shaped by service. His journey with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) began as a young camper at Camp Shawnee and continues today as an AmeriCorps member helping seniors in Appalachia live safe, warm, and dry in their homes.
Horn first connected with CAP through Youth Empowerment Services (YES), which offers meaningful opportunities for children and teens through summer camps, a Teen Leadership initiative, and in-school support. The program strives to inspire spirit and empower Appalachian youth to reach their full potential.
“I started going to Camp Shawnee when I was 6 years old,” he said. “It’s always felt like home, a safe place where I could be myself, where I felt supported and accepted. CAP has always felt like that.”
As he grew older, Horn participated in CAP’s Teen Leadership initiative, which works closely with teens on specific skills, such as communication, team building, community service, and mentoring. Through the initiative, he became a junior counselor at Camp Shawnee—a leadership role that allowed him to support younger campers just as others had supported him. In 2024, he returned as a full camp counselor through the AmeriCorps program.
“One of my favorite memories is when we were waiting for dinner, lined up outside the dining hall. We were early so we needed something to do to pass time,” Horn remembered. “So I led a camp song. Everyone was so energetic and loud, and it was a great moment.”
In addition to his service in Elderly Home Repair, Horn has served as a camp counselor at CAP's Camp Shawnee.
Horn took part in CAP's Youth Empowerment Services, attending summer camp and participating in service opportunities through the Teen Leadership initiative.
That same year, Horn extended his service beyond camp and became an AmeriCorps member in CAP’s Elderly Home Repair component. In this role, he helped build wheelchair ramps, fix floors and porches, and even repaired plumbing.
“I love that work because it’s hands-on,” Horn said, “but also because it feels like I’m really making a difference.”
Horn’s experiences with CAP have influenced how he sees the world and the kind of person he wants to be.
“CAP has made me a more caring, more confident person,” he said. “It has taught me how to be true to myself and be part of something bigger.” He emphasized the importance of community, saying the sense of shared purpose is one of the reasons he continues to serve.
“We are grateful for Jake’s kindness, patience, and compassion, which make a lasting impact on participants,” said Kasey Mills, manager of CAP’s Elderly Services program in Johnson, Martin, Floyd, Magoffin, and Knott Counties. Elderly Home Repair is a component of the program.
“CAP has made me a more caring, more confident person.”
— Jake Horn
“His presence, smile, and listening ear bring comfort to our participants. Jake has grown significantly, gaining confidence in his work and communication skills with employees, participants, volunteers, and other AmeriCorps members,” Mills added. “He leads job sites with groups of six to seven youth, constructing ramps, decks, doors, windows, and underpinning in homes, focusing on home improvement to keep participants safe, warm, and dry.”
For 60 years, CAP has lived out a mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service, as well as meeting the basic needs of people in need in our region. Horn has experienced both sides of CAP’s mission, as someone who received support and now someone who happily provides it to his neighbors in need through service.
“Without CAP, a lot of children, their families, and seniors wouldn’t have access to the support they need,” he said. “I don’t think people always realize how much CAP actually does.”
Horn hopes his journey will inspire others to recognize the lasting effects of CAP’s youth programs and opportunities. By equipping young people with skills and guidance, these initiatives do more than help individuals they cultivate future servant leaders whose influence ripples outward. The support and encouragement he received as a camper and counselor now shape the way he serves others, creating a cycle of positive change that reaches far beyond a single summer or project.
Grateful for the generosity of caring donors, Horn sees firsthand how their support breathes life into CAP’s mission. The opportunities that shaped him in his youth and now empower his service are made possible by this ongoing kindness, ensuring that meaningful programs continue to flourish and transform lives.
“We couldn’t do this without donors. They are vital to CAP’s mission,” he said. “Their support makes everything possible, whether it be summer camps, housing help, or youth leadership programs. It matters.” n
An Answered Prayer
BY BRIANNA STEPHENS
In a single moment, life can change unexpectedly, turning an ordinary day upside down. In those moments of change, Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) remains a steadfast presence to support children, their families, and seniors when uncertainty knocks at the door. CAP’s programs reaffirm that even in the most challenging times, no one has to be alone.
In rural Appalachian communities, like McCreary County, resources and services for families can be limited or difficult to get to. But CAP's program campus in the community is a hub of services. It offers programming for youth, family, and the elderly, as well as home repair, counseling, and pantry services.
“The biggest challenge for families in this area is the poverty,” said Marissa Slavey, a CAP program participant. “I
feel here in McCreary County, we have CAP to help us better our lives. Without CAP, there would be a lot of sad people.”
Slavey, a Tennessee native, moved to McCreary County with her husband four years ago to live on his family farm. “He’s a hard worker,” she said. “He’s always doing what he needs to do to take care of our family.”
Slavey connected to CAP through the local library and school system. She and her son, Sawyer, were among the first participants in CAP’s Infant and Toddler Home Visitation’s mobile classroom initiative. The mobile classroom, made possible through a partnership with Save the Children, brings early childhood intervention services directly to homes and ensures children from birth to 3 years old receive critical developmental care.
Marissa Slavey and her son have attended playgroups hosted by CAP's Infant and Toddler Home Visitation program.
At Eagle Food Pantry, Slavey and her family have the freedom to choose from a variety of foods, as well as essential hygiene and cleaning products.
“It has given us the resources to work with him developmentally,” Slavey said. “I wanted him to grow up on the same farm that his dad did, and we’re successful in that. So, he gets to live out that legacy. My dreams for him are to be successful in whatever he chooses to be. I know he’s going to be successful. He’s going to do great things one day, and I’m excited to see that.”
Through the Infant and Toddler Home Visitation program, Slavey has connected with other mothers in the community, and her son has made new friends.
Earlier this year, the family faced an unexpected and unforeseeable financial challenge that changed their lives. When they needed help, CAP was there.
“I prayed very hard because I didn’t know what we were going to do,” Slavey said.
“This whole organization has given us nothing but joy, and we are very thankful for it.”
— Marissa Slavey
When she shared her family’s situation with CAP, program employees worked together to provide emergency assistance to help pay upcoming bills and arrange services from our Eagle Food Pantry so the family could get back on their feet.
At Eagle Food Pantry, participants can shop on their own and choose from a variety of fresh produce, meats, dairy, and shelf-stable products.
“It makes it feel more personal,” Slavey said. “I didn’t feel ashamed doing it. I was so nervous that I pushed off coming to use the pantry as far as I could. And then when I really needed it, I came, and no one made a big deal about it. It was super easy, and I was worried about nothing.”
Because of the collaboration between programs, CAP’s Operation Sharing program also provides hygiene items and cleaning supplies to our pantry network for participants to add to their shopping carts.
“We saw the need to have these items at the pantry, and we know some of our participants may have a limited income and are trying to save the money they have for essential expenses,” said Kathy Perry, coordinator of Eagle Food Pantry. “They don’t have to worry about choosing between spending their money on the medications they need, food, or utility bills. This helps them tremendously, and they are so thankful for that.”
Because of the unwavering generosity of our donors, CAP programs transform uncertainty into hope for families across Appalachia. Every gift helps ensure that parents and children not only meet their basic needs, but are welcomed with dignity, compassion, and the opportunity to build a brighter future. That compassionate support empowers CAP to stand beside people facing tough times, making a lasting difference where it matters most.
“This whole organization has given us nothing but joy, and we are very thankful for it,” Slavey said. n
Empowering Change
BY BRIANNA STEPHENS
Since our founding in 1964, Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) has upheld a commitment to adaptation. Throughout our history, CAP has continually evaluated and reshaped programming to respond to evolving circumstances, aspirations, and challenges of the communities and people we serve. Over the past year, CAP launched a pioneering initiative that, following its success, has now been fully integrated into our ongoing programs.
Steppingstones is a new component of CAP’s Family Advocacy program that strives to help individuals achieve attainable, transformative life goals. This includes but is not limited to obtaining a GED, creating a resume, finding
a job, applying to college, securing housing, creating a financial plan and monthly budget, and learning skills to become more independent.
“We wanted to create an initiative that would take Family Advocacy to the next level and truly advocate for the people we serve,” said Carolyn Lindsey, director of CAP’s human services programming in Rockcastle, Jackson, and McCreary counties. “It was time to make a change, but we wanted to take our time and make sure it was done effectively.”
Program leadership recognized the renewed need for this initiative, which had been offered in a similar way
“We meet people where they are, and we help them reach their goals. No goal is too big or too small.”
— Shana Miller
in the past. They moved emergency assistance from Family Advocacy to CAP's Home Repair program, where most referrals originated, allowing Family Advocacy to focus more effectively on supporting families through Steppingstones. Caseworkers provide Steppingstones services to participants in Rockcastle County and are working to expand the initiative to Jackson County.
“Through Steppingstones, CAP offers a unique opportunity to really be there for people and help get them on the right track and get their feet up underneath them on solid ground,” said Shana Miller, a Steppingstones caseworker. “We meet people where they are, and we help them reach their goals. No goal is too big or too small.”
In this initiative, there is no judgment as caseworkers work one-on-one with participants to create an action plan to reach their goals. A key part in the success of Steppingstones is community partnerships that create critical connections to services and resources that can help achieve goals. Miller has worked with Morgan Adams, the second Steppingstones caseworker, to develop partnerships with 20 local organizations and individuals. That number continues to grow.
“It takes all of us when you have people who are struggling not just with basic needs, but with other areas of your life,” Miller said. “Our participants are willing
Shana Miller and Morgan Adams, caseworkers with the Family Advocacy program, provide individualized support to participants in Steppingstones.
and want to make a change in their lives. Most of them just need to be seen and heard and know they have somebody in their corner.”
One of the first graduates of Steppingstones was referred to CAP by a community partner. Finding a suitable home for herself and her two children was one of her goals. Miller worked with her to coordinate appointments, complete important documents, and stay positive when challenges came up.
The woman worked hard to get everything she needed to be able to rent a home, but there was a lack of available rental properties in her area. After praying earnestly for her, Miller saw an advertisement for a rental that met the woman’s needs and quickly helped her submit an application. The next day, her application was accepted.
But then came a new challenge. The woman did not have any furnishings or household items. Through partnerships, Miller was able to get furniture for the family, and CAP’s Home Repair program delivered it to the home. Home Repair also provided bed frames and helped set up a refrigerator and AC unit. Miller then filled the kitchen with food items from CAP’s Grateful Bread Food Pantry. The week after the woman and her children moved in, CAP hosted a housewarming party for the family to celebrate.
“This was an example of the real challenges and processes we face in Steppingstones,” Miller said. “It’s not always easy. There are hard things and hard decisions that have to be made. She did not lose faith or hope. This would not have happened for her without Steppingstones.”
Miller and Adams continue to oversee a growing caseload of Steppingstones participants and take great joy in witnessing their achievements. Thanks to the kindness and heartfelt support of our donors and community partners, this program will continue to grow and keep making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.
“We are passionate about the work we do and excited to see the success of our participants,” Adams said. “Every individual journey is different. We are empowering change and seeing lives transformed through this critical service.” n
Love in Action
BY ROBIN ROENKER
When Lindsey Gribbins joined the staff at Christian Appalachian Project's (CAP) Family Life Child Development Center (CDC) in Mount Vernon in October 2022, it was a full-circle moment. Gribbins, a former CDC student herself, now serves as an assistant teacher and bus driver, working to give today’s children the same positive experience she had at preschool.
“Lindsey brings a bubbly energy to our program, and she makes every child here feel special,” said Sharon Goff, manager and 31-year veteran teacher at the CDC. Goff also finds it meaningful that she was Gribbins’ preschool teacher, making their work together feel truly full circle.
Gribbins' hope is that while children are at the CDC, they receive unconditional love and encouragement, helping them build confidence and realize their full potential.
At CAP’s Family Life Child Development Center, Lindsey Gribbins lives out her lifelong dream of working with children.
“Not only are we helping children receive a quality education here, we are also determined to better their lives while we have them,” Gribbins said.
In a region with limited preschool options, the CDC provides families with access to quality, accredited early childhood education programming that offers cognitive, physical, spiritual, and emotional support. CAP also partners with local organizations to further meet each child’s needs through other services like occupational and speech therapies.
In her position, Gribbins is living out her lifelong dream of working with children, viewing her daily efforts not just as a job, but as a personal calling inspired by her faith.
“Through this work, I get to help love on all of our students,” she said. With support from generous donors, CAP’s CDC staff can see to it that every enrolled student has access to nutritious meals and the emotional and educational support to thrive in preschool and beyond.
As a mom of three, Gribbins has seen the richness of the program’s educational opportunities firsthand. Her daughter, Sadie, attended the CDC, and its strong preschool programming has been a springboard to her continued elementary school success, Gribbins believes.
A key element in the program’s achievements is providing a structured schedule for the children that encourages routine and independence. Most school days, Gribbins begins her bus route to pick up students across Rockcastle County by 8 a.m. By 9:15 a.m., she and the children arrive at school. As soon as the children walk in the door, they know to start their daily routine by putting away their coats and jackets, using the restroom, and washing their hands. During meals, they learn to serve themselves food, pour drinks or open milk containers, and clean up their plates and trash.
The classroom experience is so well-designed that teachers at area elementary schools can typically identify the former CDC attendees in each batch of new students, simply from their high degree of kindergarten readiness.
Another aspect she sees as an important part of the CDC’s success is the relationships between the program employees, the children, and their families. Program employees live in the community they serve and see the children both in and out of the classroom. Being a part of the same community strengthens trust and builds close connections to help children and their families succeed.
Sadie, Gribbins’ daughter, was a student at CAP’s preschool and graduated from the program.
“I firmly believe every child should have access to a quality, early childhood education, backed by loving teachers and a safe and consistent schedule.”
— Lindsey Gribbins
“I know a lot of the students and their parents from outside of the classroom,” Gribbins said. “There’s a real closeness that develops here.”
Working hands-on with the program’s young students and seeing the world through their creative and inquisitive eyes is one of the biggest joys of Gribbins’ day.
“I firmly believe every child should have access to a quality, early childhood education, backed by loving teachers and a safe and consistent schedule,” Gribbins said. “Preschool is a special time when kids are learning skills that will follow them the rest of their lives. Programs like the CDC give kids the confidence to be better learners, and better people, as they grow.” n
Lending a Hand
BY BRIANNA STEPHENS
In 2022, 19-year-old Noah Thompson took the stage to audition for “American Idol.” A humble construction worker from a small town in Eastern Kentucky, he was encouraged by a close friend to step up to the mic in front of three celebrity judges. That pivotal audition set his life on a brand-new path, leading him to become the winner of “American Idol.”
Since then, Thompson has traded worksites for recording studios. Yet, his connection to his hometown remained strong, and he felt proud to step into the spotlight and shine a light on the hardworking people
and communities of the region he came from. When he began a partnership with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) in 2024, he said it was a natural fit and a way for him to give back to the needs he knows exist in the region.
“I was born and raised in Appalachia. I’d never known anything outside of that before I’d gotten on ‘American Idol,’” Thompson said. “I grew up in a very small town. I grew up not in the easiest circumstances. I’m forever grateful for what I do have now and for what I’m doing at this point in my life.”
At left, 2022 “American Idol” winner Noah Thompson is pictured with CAP Home Repair program participants Richard and Tammy Neeley. Thompson served alongside students from The King's Academy in California to make repairs to their home during YouthFest, an alternative spring break trip for high school students.
While Thompson has used his platforms to share about programs, he used his construction knowledge and joined CAP employees and volunteers on a Home Repair worksite in March to help a family in need. CAP’s Home Repair program strives to achieve safe, warm, and dry living conditions for individuals and families in Eastern Kentucky.
“Getting to come and be a part of what was being done for this family is one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of ever since my journey as an artist began,” Thompson said. “Lending a hand is always nice, and it’s neat to see what CAP does. It’s a special thing they are doing.”
Thompson served alongside students from The King’s Academy in California. The group was participating in YouthFest, CAP’s alternative spring break opportunity for high school students. Together, they worked on the home of Richard and Tammy Neeley.
Richard had lived in this home for 30 years. He was a carpenter before his health declined and complications from childhood polio resurfaced, impacting his ability to walk. Tammy also faces health challenges, making it difficult to make needed repairs to their home. CAP built them an accessible ramp on the front porch of their home and installed new windows, a walk-in shower,
“Getting to come and be a part of what was being done for this family is one of the coolest things I’ve ever been a part of ever since my journey as an artist began.”
— Noah Thompson
and a new back door. CAP also repaired the kitchen cabinets and roof and built steps on the back porch.
“We couldn’t have afforded to put in new windows, a new bathroom, and all that,” Tammy said. “We’re just tickled to death, and it’s so sweet of them to be here helping us.”
Thompson is deeply grateful to witness the generosity of donors whose support builds impactful programs at CAP and extends hope to neighbors in need. He
believes their selflessness is transforming lives in ways they might never fully realize, creating positive change throughout the community. With every contribution, donors are not only meeting immediate needs but also inspiring hope among the people they help.
“Thank you to every person who supports this organization,” he said. “For someone to help in any way, especially through giving, is very special. I see that compassion in action and it stands out to me in a lot of ways.” n
Thompson played his guitar and sang for volunteers on the worksite.
The Soul of Appalachia in Every Story
The Mountain Spirit Podcast brings you powerful stories of resilience, deep-rooted love for place, and a shared commitment to service across the Appalachian region. Each episode features heartfelt conversations with artists, writers, community leaders, policymakers, and the dedicated employees and volunteers of Christian Appalachian Project. It’s an immersive audio journey into the soul of Appalachia —where history, hope, and humanity meet.
Be a Part of the Story
• Tune In Today – Search The Mountain Spirit Podcast on your favorite podcast app and start with our latest episode.
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Appalachia Spotlight
Callie Northern is an Appalachian musician and co-founder of the Kentucky Bourbon Trailers band.
Songs of the Mountains
BY SHANNON HOLBROOK
Callie Northern grew up in rural Rockcastle County on her family’s tobacco farm surrounded by Appalachian traditions. The youngest of four siblings by a decade, she spent her childhood in the tobacco rows, entertaining herself as her family worked the crops.
It was here she learned the value of resourcefulness, hard work, and creativity. “Whatever you have, that’s what you’ve got,” she reflected.
Her path to music began unexpectedly. Though her father played guitar in his youth, Northern's true inspiration struck at age 6 while watching a VHS documentary about Woody Guthrie and Lead Belly. Captivated by a female fiddle player in the film, she begged her father for a fiddle. He agreed, on the condition she play for a year before taking lessons. Over a year after persistent effort, he kept his end of the deal and even joined her on guitar.
“That was my introduction to music,” Northern said. “My dad played a little bit of guitar as a kid. He started playing with me as backup, which was really cool. We created a musical family.”
At 10, Northern played her first paid gig at a local festival. She earned her first $100 and felt, for the first time, like a real musician. Though always eager to play the fiddle for crowds, singing took longer for her to embrace. Her father often handled the vocals, while Northern played fiddle tunes.
As the family’s focus shifted from tobacco to cattle and hay, Northern’s upbringing instilled in her the importance of perseverance and adaptability. She honed her craft,
developing a love for Bluegrass and Appalachian music. College broadened her horizons, introducing her to new genres and musicians. In 2020, she co-founded the Kentucky Bourbon Trailers, a band that reimagines popular songs with a Bluegrass twist. They’ve played at Christian Appalachian Project's Champions of Appalachia event and during WorkFest, the organization's alternative spring break trip for college students.
Teaching became Northern’s second calling. After earning an art degree, she turned to preschool education for its flexibility, bringing her love of music into the classroom.
“There are so many ways to use music in learning,” she said. “Anything can be a song.”
Her enthusiasm led her to the Living Arts and Science Center in Lexington, where she serves as education director, sharing the magic of Appalachian music with students of all backgrounds.
She believes teaching is a two-way street, learning as much from her students as they do from her. She sees how quickly children learn music when they’re genuinely interested, whether in her classroom or during private fiddle lessons.
At home, Northern encourages her own children to try different instruments, supporting their interests while recognizing that music isn’t for everyone. “You never know until you try,” she said.
Northern’s journey is a testament to how music and education transform lives. In her life and in her work, every note is an invitation to listen, to learn, and to celebrate the enduring spirit of Appalachia. n
“There are so many ways to use music in learning. Anything can be a song.”
— Callie Northern
Appalachia Spotlight
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREG WRIGHT WITH CASTING FOR KIDS
Reeling in Hope
BY SHANNON HOLBROOK
This autumn, as brilliant fall colors dot Lake Chickamauga’s shores in Tennessee, hundreds of anglers arrive for more than great bass fishing. They’re also fundraising for an event that has become a cherished tradition in Appalachia. Since its start as a modest fishing tournament in 2014, Casting for Kids has grown both in size and impact, becoming the largest kids’ fishing tournament in the country.
The heart of Casting for Kids is its mission to support children receiving care at Shriners Hospitals, especially those from Appalachia. At the Shriners Hospital in Lexington, 18,000 children are under care, 2,000 of whom are from Eastern Kentucky. Many families rely on volunteers and Shriners groups to help cover transportation and medical costs, making fundraising vital.
Casting for Kids was founded by Chris Ferguson after his daughter Faith’s experience as a Shriners patient. “Faith and I started Casting for Kids because we saw firsthand the difference Shriners can make for a family,” Ferguson said. “I want other kids to have the same chance at hope and healing.”
Each June, during Kentucky's free fishing weekend, Casting for Kids hosts a fishing event called Casting with Kids at Paintsville Lake State Park. The event started five years ago and spans two days, with the first day dedicated to children with special needs. In June 2025, more than 1,700 children participated in the event.
“It’s not just about fishing; it’s about giving these kids memories and confidence that last well past a single day,” Ferguson said.
Each year, Casting for Kids hosts a two-day fishing event called Casting with Kids at Paintsville Lake State Park. In June 2025, more than 1,700 children participated in the event.
Appalachia Spotlight
At the Paintsville event, Operation Sharing, a program of the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), partnered with Casting for Kids and other local organizations to bring the community together for an unforgettable event. Through an established partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Good360, Operation Sharing gave each child in attendance a bag of toys and an assortment of snacks.
“This event means inclusion. I have a son who is neurotypical and one who is not. This is something my children can do together,” said Teresa, a parent who attended this year’s Casting with Kids. “Normally for any child you have to pack snacks, drinks, and toys because they could need anything at any point. It was great not having to worry about that because CAP helped provide that for us.”
The power of partnerships shines bright during events like Casting with Kids. The impact of partnerships can
transform an ordinary day into one where families feel seen, supported, and celebrated.
“Community isn’t just about living side by side. It’s about lifting each other up and working together to make an impact,” said Aaron Thoms, manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing program in Paintsville. “Through our partnership with Casting for Kids, and our enduring partnerships with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Good360, we are excited to put smiles on the faces of children and their families in our region.” n
PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREG WRIGHT WITH CASTING FOR KIDS
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