The Mountain Spirit News

Every month CAP distributes commodity boxes to elderly participants. Through this essential service, Hannah Burdette brings basic pantry items to elderly members of our community experiencing food insecurity.

CAP has signed a partnership agreement with Berea College to allow students to fulfill their labor requirements by serving as summer camp counselors at no cost to CAP. At Berea, all students work at least 10 hours per week as part of their tuition-free education.

This is the first year that participants in our Teen Leadership Program took part in YouthFest. The teen leaders were able to give back to their community by participating in the weeklong alternative spring break program. The students, many of whom were former participants, were able to build a wheelchair acces- sible ramp for the homeowner and complete demolition work on a dangerous front porch. “I’m so proud of the work they did,” said Caitlin Speigle, coordinator at Camp Shawnee. “They are showing real maturity by using their spring break to serve others.”

Sandra and Jay Dresser (left, pictured with Robyn Renner, director of CAP’s Disaster Relief) have defined their retirement years with service to others through their local church and CAP’s Disaster Relief efforts. For 20 years, they have also faithfully served the mission of CAP through the WorkFest and YouthFest alternative spring break programs. They have become a mainstay and inspiration to volunteer and staff crew leaders and students as Jay has led student crews and Sandra has served in the kitchen.

Don Miller (seated, pictured with WorkFest leaders and cooks) enjoys sharing his wisdom, both in construction and in life, with student volunteers. He has built strong relationships with many of the young people that he has worked with over the years. When students return to WorkFest and YouthFest their first order of business is to find Don for a hug and conversation. The impact he has had on so many students’ lives is incredible. CAP has been blessed to have Don on our team for 20 WorkFests!

Rachel Hoffman (left, pictured with CAP employee Maria Hartz) was looking for a volunteer opportunity when a friend suggested that she listen to an episode of The New Activist podcast which was guest hosted by Annie F. Downs. Hoffman fell in love with CAP while listening and quickly called to see where she might best use her talents. She recently spent six weeks volunteering as a kitchen supervisor during WorkFest and YouthFest. “I’m used to being in a kitchen where time is always crunched. Being in a more laid-back atmosphere taught me to step back and guide people. It was a great learning experience,” said Hoffman. She also appreciated the opportunity to live in community with CAP’s long-term volunteers. “The people I met changed me. They taught me to love and how to be loved back. We celebrated together and shared the tough days. The sense of family that I got with CAP made for an experience that I will always remember.”