Work With a Purpose

BY BRIANNA STEPHENS

It doesn’t take much to change your life. At 20 years old, Carolyn Lindsey wanted to do mission work and was told about Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). The Ohio native applied for volunteer service and came to Eastern Kentucky with the intention to stay for one year. Forty years later, the building she once resided in as a volunteer now houses her office as the director of human services programs for CAP.

“No matter what your plan is for your life, God is going to take you where He wants you. I would have never dreamt that I would be where I am today in the position that I am today,” Lindsey said.

At CAP, Lindsey managed several programs, including Grateful Bread Food Pantry, Elderly Services, and Family Advocacy. In her current role, she oversees these programs as well as CAP’s Family Life Child Development Center, Eagle Community Center, and Eagle Food Pantry.

Just as CAP has been an important part of her life, it has been the same for her family. Both of Lindsey’s daughters participated in CAP programs in their childhood, attending a child development center, Camp AJ, and the former Rockcastle Youth and Teen Center (in operation from 1986 to 2003).

“I grew up around CAP. It has always been such a safe, welcoming, and loving environment, no matter what program I participated in. I remember the first time I felt the presence of God was while we were singing worship songs at Camp AJ,” said Sarah Dillingham, one of Lindsey’s daughters. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be a part of this mission.”

In 2024, Dillingham joined CAP as an AmeriCorps member, serving in the Family Life Child Development Center and Elderly Services program, both programs her mother also has experience with. While she participated in youth programs, Dillingham was also a participant of the Grateful Bread Food Pantry and CAP’s Christmas distributions, and her children have been served through Camp AJ and the Parents Are Teachers initiative through the child development center.

“When I learned about AmeriCorps, I thought of it as a way to give back to CAP,” Dillingham said. “When I had to go to the pantry, I was very nervous to go in. That’s how a lot of people feel when they’re in need, and it’s hard to ask for help. They welcomed me at the pantry, and it was a loving atmosphere. CAP has a way of making you feel dignified and respected. I want to make participants feel welcome and cared for, just like the programs have for me.”

Through their experiences at CAP, Lindsey and Dillingham have served Appalachians of all ages and have even met some of the same participants in the Elderly Services program. True to CAP’s culture, while they provided direct services, the women’s day-to-day work went beyond those services. They earned trust, built strong bonds, and advocated for their participants.

“What makes CAP’s services stand out is that we’re there for our participants,” Lindsey said. “We meet the needs they have, but we’ll also listen to them, pray with them, be with them. All those things are so important to our participants.”

Throughout CAP’s 60-year history, it is clear that each service provided in the communities we serve was done so with great intention and care. The current employees and volunteers at CAP are part of a living legacy started by Rev. Ralph W. Beiting and continued by many hands. Dillingham is excited to be a part of that legacy with her mother.

“I can’t tell you the amount of people who came up to me and said, ‘Oh, you’re Carolyn’s daughter,’” she said. “But I’m so proud of that. I’m proud to be Carolyn’s daughter at CAP.”

“And I’m proud to be Sarah’s mom,” Lindsey added. “I’m proud that she volunteered here and provided the services she did.”

But the story doesn’t end there. After her year of volunteer service, Dillingham’s dream became reality, and she accepted an employee position at Grateful Bread Food Pantry earlier this year.

“The employees and participants I worked with as a volunteer are a reminder of why CAP’s mission is so special and impactful in our service area,” she said. “This is work with a purpose.”