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May - June 1991

The Mountain Spirit The Magazine of the Christian Appalachian Project

The Mountain Spirit

The Magazine of the Christian Appalachian Project

May - June 1991

Vol. X, No. 3

Contents Features 4 The Courage to Compete by Linda Piwowarski

The Single Parent and Homemaker Career Development Program at Prestonsburg Community College gives women an opportunity to pursue an education.

16 School Reform— What Will It Mean? by Beth Dotson

Kentucky’s School Reform Act of 1990 will mean changes for CAP education programs. Jean Bames, a child development center manager, explains some changes.

A Place of Peace by Kathleen Ford Leavell

The Rainbow Respite Care Center, at the Family Life Center in Renfro Valley, is a place of peace and rest, but also a place of challenge and stimulation for people with handicaps.

22 To Help My Own People by Margaret Gabriel

Not all of the recipients of CAP’s commu nity service scholarships return to their hometown, but no matter where they end up, they continue to make the types of contributions to their communities for which they received scholarship assistance as high school seniors.

Departments 3

From Our President

9 10

Letters Around the Project

The CAP Closeup

Single Parent and Homemaker Career Program, p.4

The May - June Theme In this issue we again explore education, but this time we examine higher education in Appalachia. Recent studies tell us that 75% of the workforce will need some form of higher education by the year 2000. This is disturbing news in Appalachia, where the high school dropout rate is high. People are working, though, to attain the educa tion they will need in the 21st century. Several organizations— including CAP—are doing what they can to give people the educa tional opportunities they need to reach their goals. On page four, you will meet women who are involved in a program at Prestonsburg Community College that is enabling them to continue—or begin—a college education. On page twenty-three you’ll leam of four recipi ent of CAP Community Service Scholarships, and how they con tinue to serve their communities. On the COVER, Sarah Stewart helps a classmate with a troublesome algebra problem (photo by Gabriel). On the BACK COVER, it’s planting time in the mountains (photo by Jordan).

Published by the Christian Appalachian Project. Editor: Margaret Gabriel. Advisory Board: Father Ralph W. Beiting, Mike McLaughlin, Rose Price, Bill Begley, Ike Adams, Kathleen Ford Leavell, Barbara Delmonico. Graphic Designer: Elizabeth Reed Miller. Circulation: Linda Grider East. The Mountain Spirit is published six times a year. The annual subscription price is $5.00. Subscriptions and other correspondence should be sent to The Mountain Spirit, Christian Appalachian Project, 322 Crab Orchard Road, Lancaster, KY 40446. Copyright, 1991, The Christian Appalachian Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Member, Catholic Press Association. The Christian Appalachian Project is a non-profit Christian service organization operating throughout Appalachia. The project operates on the philosophy that “helping people help themselves” is the best approach to Appalachian poverty.

The Mountain Spirit

From Our President

In my junior year I fell in love with literature, when I discovered Nathaniel Hawthorne, and took the time to read everything he wrote. I visited all the spots he wrote about: the House of Seven Gables in Salem, Marble head, Concord. It was as if I could see his characters emerge from fiction into a real encounter with life. I read his contempories too: Emerson, Poe, Thoreau, Dickerson, and Walt Whitman. I began to appreciate the decade of the 1850s as a special time in American literary history.

Jordan

As I was growing up, my family placed a high value on education. When I was young, even before the first grade, I had plenty of books and help from my parents in learning to read. I knew all about Dick and Jane and Baby Sally long before I encountered them in my first grade classroom. Education was probably the highest value handed down to me by my parents, followed by a love for family, a love for music, and support of the local church. As I continued through grade school, my interest in books remained steady, though at times it took second place to athletics and sports and just general growing-boy stuff. But it returned to highest priority by the time I graduated from high school, and there was never a doubt I was bound for college.

Mike McLaughlin.

reach high school. The ability to do—to make things come about—that often comes from the tools we pick up in our growing years—for many of us, in college. That’s the learning ground where our dreams first become hammered out of a mass of shapeless clay and begin to take on the shape of the rest of our lives.

I wish everyone could experience the love for learning that comes through exposure to different peoples, cul tures, events, history. For most of us, that experience, if it occurs, comes about during our college-age years, and is one of the reasons that time in our life is so important. I do not disagree with psychologists who point out the critical nature of the early years in forming personality and character; I take that as a given. But in our late teens and early twenties we are thrust head on into the world, with all of its promises and hopes and dreams. Here we live, work, earn a living, discover opportunity, suffer disappointment and rejection, the highs and the lows, the emotional roller coaster experi ence that in many ways is the very essence of life.

If we believe that college is an important atmosphere for learning and growing in our society, w e’ve certainly made the experience financially difficult and selective for our youth, particularly those in Appalachia and other low income areas of our country. Reading one of the major U.S. news magazines a month or so ago, I was reminded that college in England is public and free, or nearly so. The same is true for many countries of continental Europe. For all of our imagined wisdom and success, there seems at times to be great walls and barriers that we erect to keep ourselves from develop ing as fully as we might. We need to keep re-examining this system of higher education and to make sure it meets the needs that current reality requires.

These things interest us at CAP. We were founded by a dreamer, Father Ralph Beiting. He continues to amaze us by his acceptance of the challenges that his life and his work in Appalachia have brought him. His courage in facing adversity, his growth in spirituality and capac ity to love, make us aware that were it not for dreamers, very little would be accomplished in this world. Dream ers, that is, who are also mindful of the call to action. Dreamers who know that unless one rolls up one’s sleeves and starts doing—or making—things happen, then dreams are all in vain.

In Kentucky we have begun to re-examine our attitudes and policies about all areas of education. The words “education reform” appear in nearly every issue of our major newspapers and on every evening’s local news cast. We realize we have a long way to go, but we are beginning to actually do something about education reform. If we can do this, then surely our country can itself begin to do more. America will not always auto matically be number one among nations—the world market, balance of payments, deficits have made this clear this past decade and a half. But with higher edu cation as the number one agenda item for action in the 1990s we can begin to resolve these deficits and set ourselves right for the 21st century.

The capacity to dream. That comes perhaps from earli est childhood and is often extinguished by the time we May - June 1991

The Courage to Compete by Linda Piwowarski photos by Margaret Gabriel ^ T h e difference between the life I used to have and the life that I have now is so great. Financially I ’m bad off but no one is trying to kill me anymore,” said Sarah Stewart, former spouse abuse victim who is now only one semester from a two-year degree at Prestonsburg Community College. Sarah stayed in a violent marriage for 19 years before finding her way to the Big Sandy Family Abuse Shelter and, from there, to the Single Parent and Homemaker Career Development Program at Prestonsburg Com munity College. “For me,” said Sarah, “it was finding a way to leave without being killed. If it weren’t for the shelter I would probably be dead.” If it weren’t for the Single Parent program, Sarah and others like her would still be caught in a trap of despair and certain poverty. The program is directed by Jean Rosenberg. “The Single Parent program is a stepping stone to life’s new chapter,” said Jean. “We provide folks who have the least education, the least financial resources, the most confused family circumstances, a way to a new beginning.” The program begins with a 50-hour orientation that runs weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for two weeks. The 10 4

Sarah Stewart.

The Mountain Spirit

to 20 participants during that first week work on self esteem, values clarification, goal setting, assertiveness training—whatever is necessary to get each member of the program to look at “who you are and where you want to be,” said Jean.

human development grant. The Single Parent program is one of over 100 hundred programs that will receive grants during 1991. The sizes of the grants vary, but CAP has budgeted $200,000 to distribute during the year.

The second week of orientation focuses on job readi ness, resume writing, interviewing techniques, career possibilities and more work on career aspirations and goals. The members often meet with community re source people as well.

One of the participants, ironically, was the eldest daugh ter of a member of a previous orientation. There was so much personal violence in the family, said Jean, that the girl married at 17—for just one day. She never lived with her husband, was granted a divorce, and brought her 14-month-old child of the brief marriage to the classes. “She got enormous support from the other mothers,” said Jean.

Jean said the program’s first priority is to those who fall below the poverty line. There are strict financial guide lines set by the federal government for any financial assistance—gas credit or child care. Most participants are women, most are scared, most are poor. Of the 16 women who began orientation in August, 1990, only one was not on AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children). Of the 15 women who completed orientation, 12 had incomes of less than $5,000 per year. Two of the participants were referred by the Big Sandy Abuse Shelter, a Christian Appalachian Project spouse abuse shelter. Another learned of the program from her legal service lawyer. The 16 participants had 26 chil dren. In addition to referring women to the Single Parent program, CAP has provided some funding through a May - June 1991

Another participant of that August orientation returned to her abusive husband two days before orientation ended, although she returned for the last day. One other found a lucrative job in a bar and quit the program. “All of the other 14 enrolled in college, some for only one class. One finished her fall semester and then married at Christmas and hasn’t returned,” said Jean. “An incredible number of our orientation graduates have attended at least one semester.” It isn’t easy for these women to attend orientation—it is something of a miracle that most go on to earn some college credit. “These women are convinced they cannot compete,” said Jean. “One woman sat in the parking lot for three weeks, waiting for the courage to come in.” The program operates out of the community college but 5

is not limited to the college. Participants are referred by abuse shelters, friends, attorneys and mental health professionals. The Single Parent program does not end with the com pletion of orientation. There are monthly meetings of 40 to 50 women (more women join after each orienta tion program ends), support networks at the college and the office, counseling, and a “lunch bunch” that meets four days each week for friendship and sharing. Another 30 to 40 people drop into Jean’s office each semester for career guidance and social and informa tional services and activities. Then there are the over 50 people who arrive looking for occasional information: where to go for classes, benefits, help in filling out a form. Sarah Stewart said, though, that what impresses her most about the program is finding other women in the same situation. “I found people I could relate to. I attend the monthly meetings and we are counseled by Jean once a month and anytime a problem comes up, she helps. But the best thing for me is the camaraderie.” Jean agreed. “If I’m on campus, people can stop by with their problems and concerns. Once you have gained the confidence of someone and know what is going on in their lives, it makes a great difference. This may be the only place one of these women can say hello to some one, their only place to share. The A ’s and D ’s get shared, the pregnancy. They are survivors who need other survivors to talk with as well as the counseling.” 6

Sister Ruth Kachelek is director of the Big Sandy Family Abuse Center. “We make use of Jean’s Single Parent program a great deal. I have nothing but bou quets to throw to her program. Several of our women are close to graduating with associate degrees,” said Sister Ruth. “The Single Parent program is good for those who are strong,” said Sister Ruth. “It takes a strong woman to overcome the past and get that education. Very few of our residents have it. First we must rescue them from crisis and then we give them resource information. But 50 percent of them go back to their abusers. It is an almost insurmountable task for them to become inde pendent. Only five or six women out of hundreds have gone on to get a two-year degree. “If they go to Jean’s program they’re on their way out of the trap,” concluded Sister Ruth. This is the fourth year of the Single Parent program. Two orientations are held each year. About 90 partici pants have gone through the orientations since the program began, and about 40 women have continued their education, have begun making realistic choices, have discovered their abilities and their preferences and are well out of the trap of their former lives. And now Jean is responsible for another population in need of her program. A new federal welfare reform program, JOBS (Jobs Opportunity and Basic Skills), mandates that a family The Mountain Spirit

receiving AFDC must participate in education or job searching to continue receiving AFDC. JOBS is being implemented state by state, county by county. Each county has a council responsible for a timeline and implementation. The Single Parent program services state vocational region eleven, a five-county area (Pike, Magoffin, Martin, Johnson and Floyd)—which happens also to be the Big Sandy Area Development District. Because of the identical size of the twice-named area, and because those who must implement the reform plan are aware of Jean’s program, council members thought the Single Parent program would be helpful in the JOBS imple mentation. Jean designed a component within JOBS (along the lines of the successful Single Parent program) that runs for one week—instead of the Single Parent two-week orientation—and named it “Life Skills for People in Transition.” Pike County was the first county the wel fare reform plan affected and the Pike County council wrote LSPT into its plan. Magoffin County followed by writing Jean’s program into its plan and Floyd County will soon be added. “These are people who must be in some sort of educa tional or job search program. They are an involuntary population; they do not choose to attend. Those in the Single Parent program attend voluntarily. For the wel fare program, JOBS may be the first step and the Single Parent and Homemaker program will be the second step,” said Jean.

Ginny Powers is more than a secretary to the program-she lends a hand wherever students need her assistance.

“It wasn’t difficult for me to go to the Single Parent program orientation,” said Sarah Stewart. “It was hard finding a way out of my marriage but Jean’s program is great. It is tough, financially very hard. I have three children at home, I take classes, I work in the admis sions office on work/study. It’s long, hard hours, going to school. If you have a Pell grant, the government decreases your food stamp allowance because it counts the educational grant as income. I feed the four of us on $114 a month. Without the Pell grant I would have about $100 more a month in food stamps. “I’ve had to be strong for the children. But I’d also rather keep going, not give up, than sit on welfare and

Alilhough Betty Jane Morgan (left) does not participate in the program, the congenial atmosphere of the lounge attracts other PCC students.

May - June 1991

There are other ways Jean aids the program’s neophyte students. “Whatever my office can do, it does,” said Jean. She has given legal depositions on behalf of a student in a divorce, investigated child care options, untangled red tape, began an informal clothing ex change. Jean’s secretary, Virginia Powers, has used her own car to transport stranded students to and from class. The Single Parent program office has a library of women’s issues books and children’s books. Many of the books are another kind of support for the partici pants of her program. They affirm, in print, the lives many of the women have experienced—the confused and often violent family backgrounds, the possibility of escape, the hope of learning.

Several women in Ihe program are expectant mothers.

give up. I recommend Jean’s program all the time to people. I tell them that they’ll have other people to talk to. We support each other here. We comfort each other. I say ‘Hang in there, it gets better.’” Sarah said that if she can’t find a job locally when she graduates, she’ll move to Florida, where her family lives, and look for work there. She is confident, now, that she will be able to work. Jean’s Single Parent program helped Sarah Stewart find that confidence.

“Though my primary population are those single par ents and homemakers that live below the poverty line, my program is open to those who earn more than that. You could be a woman who earned a doctorate, mar ried, never used your degree and now may need or want to enter the workforce. The Single Parent program is for that person too,” said Jean. Sister Ruth said: “I wish we could send more women from the shelter to Jean. So many of them left the dependency of their parents for the dependency of their husbands. They have small children. They have no skills, no confidence, no hope. The ones who go to Jean, the strong ones, those are the ones who will make it. Make it out of the trap.”

Jean wishes she could find more financial help for those who enter the Single Parent program. Federal guide lines for financial grants—Pell grants—are stringent. The grant money often doesn’t arrive until after classes begin. “It’s important that my entering students get off to the same start as the other students at Prestonsburg Com munity College,” said Jean. “They should be able to start their classes with their textbooks and their paper and school supplies. Most don’t have the money to buy their books or their paper.” Jean is grateful to CAP. “They gave me a small grant, only a few thousand dollars, but I am able to use it creatively.” Jean used the CAP grant to guarantee the payment for supplies at the book store. In the four years of the program, she has had to use the guarantee only twice. “As soon as our program’s students get the money, they pay for their supplies.” 8

include those designed to improve self-esteem.

The Mountain Spirit

Letters Besides being enlightening and in formative, The Mountain Spirit ap peals to the emotions, heart and soul. Ruth Whitticar Canton, OH

I can count on The Mountain Spirit for at least one positive account of Christ active in this world. Your news is refreshing, renewing and inspir ing. Thanks for sharing your light. Martha Reinert Hanover Pk, IL

I have been sending gifts in kind and cash to the people of Appalachia for more then 40 years. Surely do enjoy keeping informed of the progress being made there through your ex cellent magazine. May the Lord continue to bless you. L W. Erickson Fairview, M T

We are firmly behind the great work Father Beiting and his loyal people are doing to help the disadvantaged people of Appalachia. It is a shame our good government does not do more for our native people. Albert & Charlotte Holloway Ocala, FL

Along with all your other subscrib ers to The Mountain Spirit, we enjoy each copy, share it with our friends and happily look forward to each new edition! You’re right! Reading The Mountain Spirit is the next best thing to being there! John & Lorraine Respondek Grafton, WI

I truly enjoy reading a magazine where Christians are living out thenfaith. When I receive my copy of The Mountain Spirit I read it from cover to cover. After I have finished read ing, I pass it on to my church mem bers. Martha Rotchford Scituate, MA

This is a very informative publica tion, giving the subscribers an op portunity to see and understand the work and accomplishments of the Christian Appalachian Project. James Jones Cincinnati, OH

Your magazine, The Mountain Spirit, is very informative and most inspir ing to let all of us know the needs of the wonderful people you minister to. We all take our comforts and everyday needs for granted and for get the less fortunate right here in our country. The work you do and every one in your project does, is outstand ing.

The Mountain Spirit is a wonderful magazine. I find it so because of the wonderful, compassionate work it reports. That is the “spirit” of The Mountain Spirit.

Thank the Lord for people with your determination to help the less fortu nate.

Erma H. Ayers Springhill, FL

Wayne & Luella Radliff Waupaca, WI

May - June 1991

Reading The Mountain Spirit is one of the bright spots in my day. I feel I know these beautiful, loving people and they renew my faith in humanity. Their love of God and one another is something we could all benefit from. God bless them and all of you good people at the Christian Appalachian Project. Anne Bruiting Pleasantville, N Y

Dear Father Beiting, You are truly the “wonderful ole man of the mountains!” No disre spect to age because I’ve stacked up a lot of years too. W e’re not old; just got a lot of miles on our speedome ter!! Right? Really, you have done and are still doing so much good for and to the mountain people. You will certainly receive your crown in Heaven! I have helped “your people” as I could and will continue to do so. I love to read The Mountain Spirit. It’s truly a “people’s” magazine. Please continue it. May God bless you, your helpers, and all of those mountain people. Mrs. Molly Pullen Talbotton, GA

Letters to the editor are wel come. They should not exceed 150 words in length, and we reserve the right to edit them for space. Address letters to The Mountain Spirit, Christian Ap palachian Project, 322 Crab Or chard Road, Lancaster, Ken tucky 40446.

Around the Project________ by the CAP News Service Sunshine Center Collaborates for Awareness Week The Kentucky Department of Edu cation designated the week of April 15 as Pre-School Awareness Week and invited those involved in pre school in each county to bring the message to parents of children that will be attending pre-school pro grams in the next year or two. The Sunshine Center, the Christian Appalachian Project child develop ment center in Lancaster, worked closely with the local schools to assure that reform laws are well-im plemented in Garrard County. The reform will include programs for four-year-old children and for threeyear-olds with special needs. “We believe in the importance of collaboration,” said Brenda Mullins, manager of the Sunshine Center. “W e’re all serving children with needs and we need to do it together.” Activities were kicked off before the week designated by the state, when the Sunshine Center hosted evening kindergarten registration for the county. “We volunteered to host an evening session because all the rest were held during the day, and a lot of working parents have a hard time attending,” Brenda said. Carolyn Wells, with the Garrard County schools, spoke on the topic, “What to Expect from Public School.” After registration, Carolyn and Brenda determined placement for each of the children. Some are en rolled in the Sunshine Center, others in the school-based four-year-old programs, and still others in Head Start or other federal programs. Later in the spring the children will be screened in order to assess their needs and how those needs can best be met. 10

After registration, the week was filled with activities throughout the county. On Tuesday, April 16, Brenda pre sented a “nurturing” program at Camp Dick Robinson Elementary School in the northern part of the county. Later in the day, the PreSchool Inter-agency Planning Coun cil held an open meeting, highlighted by an address on effective parenting by Mel Bonner, team leader for the Garrard County Community Mental Health Center and Reverend Bob Rush, pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church. After the talk, the council served parents coffee and cake in the shape of a key which was decorated saying, “Parents Are the Key.” Brenda wrote an article for the Gar rard County News and the Central Record, the two local weeklies, tell ing parents of the importance of play for a pre-schooler. “Parents need to know that children leam through play,” Brenda said. “Many people don’t realize that children don’t just leam at school or by looking at books. Play isn’t just entertaining, it’s edu cational—play is a child’s work!” The Sunshine Center celebrated the week with a trip to the Children’s Museum in Lexington, a hands-on exploring museum, which “the teach ers enjoyed as much as the kids, if not more!” Brenda said.

Can You Help? Christian Appalachian Project sup porters often ask what more they can do to help eliminate suffering in Ap palachia. First, you can tell others of the problems of Appalachia which you leam about in The Mountain Spirit and other CAP publications. Please share this magazine with a friend, and w e’ll send a replacement. Ask us about any of the problems in Appalachia and we’ll be happy to share any knowledge we have or to refer you to another organization that can help you. Secondly, you can give us a most valuable commodity—time. Since 1950, millions of hours have been donated to helping the people of Appalachia help themselves and their families out of poverty. If you would like to volunteer three weeks or more to working in Appalachia, please contact The Mountain Spirit, so that information can be given to the vol unteer department. Finally, our most powerful form of assistance is prayer. We believe that if our supporters spend at least one minute a day praying for poor people everywhere, mountains can be moved, the course of rivers changed. The CAP family forms a powerful prayer network reaching into Ap palachia and across the nation.

The Sunshine Center, one of CAP’S five child development centers, took an active part in PreSchool Awareness Week, working with parents, children and other pre-schools.

The Mountain Spirit

around the project. . . continued

Desert Storm Affects CAP Operation Desert Storm interrupted the Christian Appalachian Project volunteer program during the early part of the year. Just when volunteer recruiter Ken Kinley had scheduled trips to various parts of the country to interest people in working as vol unteers, his military status was changed from reserve to active. This change in status led to a call to active duty as an Air Force chaplain at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi, Mississippi. Ken’s assignment was to supervise chaplains for six churches on the base. Ken’s absence was brief because between the time he was called and the time he reported, troops were withdrawing from Kuwait and Americans were coming home. In an Easter card Ken wrote, “Stand outside your building and yell from the top of your lungs, Ken Kinley wishes everyone a great Easter and is looking forward to seeing everyone in a few weeks. I believe I will be back by April 25, and it will be to stay forever!”

GED Program Begins in McCreary County Parents of children at Eagle Child Development Center in McCreary County, the Christian Appalachian Project’s newest child development center, see CAP and Jean Bames, the program manager, as assets that can help meet needs in the commu nity that have been going unmet. “We had so many parents last year asking for help studying for their GED (high school equivalency di ploma) that I asked for a case worker this year to work with these folks,” said Jean. Beth Dotson, a CAP volunteer, was assigned the job of caseworker at

May - June 1991

Ken Kinley (right) served as a volunteer in CAP’S outreach programs, later taking the position of volunteer recruiter. He resumed those duties when he came back to CAP after his military service during Operation Desert Storm.

Eagle this year. One of her duties includes tutoring eight parents of Eagle students. “Those eight people are doing great; we’ve even got one person who’s taking the test soon. But there have been more requests than Beth could handle,” Jean said.

coming in as a result of Beth’s work, Jean began keeping a list of inter ested people, which she turned over to the School on Wheels worker, who will work with students in the store of one of the parents of an Eagle student.

She suggested to June Widman, as sistant director of human develop ment, that McCreary County citi zens would welcome and use School on Wheels, a CAP adult education program in Rockcastle, Lincoln, and Garrard counties. Tutors with School on Wheels travel to homes of stu dents who are not able to travel to the Family Life Center School in Rock castle County to study for the GED test.

“All of the students now are parents, but School on Wheels will broaden to include a lot more people,” Jean said. “They’ll start with our list, and then start recruiting. Some recruiting will be door-to-door, then they’ll probably put flyers in churches and a story in the local paper.

Sixty-two percent of the adults in McCreary County have not gradu ated from high school, and Jean esti mates that the illiteracy rate is corre spondingly high. “A lot of people are functionally illiterate—they could read a soup can, but not a newspa per,” she said. When more requests for help started

“The reform law requires that people who get federal assistance work on their GED, so I’d put information in the food stamp and AFDC [welfare] offices,” Jean said. The expansion of the School on Wheels in McCreary County illus trates CAP’s ability to respond to a need made evident by the people of the area. “This whole thing started because the people asked for it,” Jean said. “I ’m just thrilled that we were able to help.” 11

around the project. . . continued

Teens Break Down Racial Barriers Teens from the Rockcastle and Gar rard Teen Centers will share a week end at Camp Andrew Jackson in Jackson County. The get-together is intended to help the teens break down racial barriers; participants from the Garrard Center are predominantly black, those from Rockcastle County are all white. Planning includes several challeng ing activities, according to Ginny Gilpatrick, coordinator of the Rock castle Center. “W e’re going to take them caving at night and we’re going to have field activities, things that will be non-competitive and coop erative,” she said. The activities are designed to en courage the young people to expand their horizons upward and outward

Moving? Please notify us of any change of address to make sure you receive every issue of The Mountain Spirit.

as they break down racial barriers. “We want them to see each other as individuals, not just black kids or white kids,” Ginny said. “At first all of the kids at my center said they were ‘busy, ’ but then some thing happened to make them change their minds about going. Several of the center leaders are going, which has encouraged other kids to go, too.” Ginny and Theresa Toler, coordina tor in Garrard County, expect ten teens from each center to attend.

Seed Distributed in CAP’S Counties Bev Potter, manager of outreach services, reports successful seed distribution for the Christian Appa lachian Project gardening program. Nearly 1000 families and elderly people in five counties in the west ern part of CAP’s service area re ceived gardening supplies. During the summer months, as gar dens progress, each family will have at least one visit from a garden

worker. Visitors ask families if they need help with their gardening proj ect, offer advice when it’s needed (although often the visitor is the one who receives advice from people who have been gardening for many years!), and deliver canning jars. CAP loans canning jars to program partici pants so that they can preserve food for the winter months. Distributions were individualized in each county, to meet the needs of the people in that particular area. Other CAP groups and non-CAP agencies used the gatherings for publicity or education. At the Garrard County distribution in Lancaster, the University of Kentucky Extension Office set up a nutrition booth, to teach people about the most advanta geous ways to prepare the food they will grow during the summer time. In Jackson County, Bill Lynch, man ager of Camp Andrew Jackson, had a booth, complete with pictures of the camp and campers, and answered questions for parents of prospective campers.

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Mail to: The Mountain Spirit, 322 Crab Orchard Road Lancaster, KY 40446.

Tannis Shelton and her son, Devon, picked up seed for her grandmother, a participant in CAP’S garden seed program. The volunteers that helped with distribution that day were from Columbia Univeristy in New York.

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around the project. . . continued

A Rockcastle County outreach par ticipant agreed to work at seed distri bution, in order to repay his loan. It wasn’t until the day was nearly over that the garden workers learned that the gentleman had walked from Liv ingston to Mount Vernon, nearly 16 miles, to fulfill his obligation. For his dedication, he received additional seed potatoes, and, needless to say, a ride home. Ken Stuber, the outreach worker in Casey County is working with the local vocational school to produce needed starter plants for the program. Students will grow the plants, and then Ken will distribute them to 170 Casey County families in time for planting. Bev and the other garden workers are encouraging this type of cooperative community effort in several other counties, as well.

A reader wrote CAP president Mike McLaughlin after reading “What A Year!” in the MarchApril issue of The Mountain Spirit, asking for information concerning Father Beiting’s condition following a year filled with hospitalizations, surgery, bed rest and frustration. Mike asked The Mountain Spirit to assure readers that Father Beiting is recovering nicely, thanks everyone for their prayers and asks that we tell folks that they have been remembered in his prayers, as well. As for myself, I can report that I was in Floyd County recently, researching a story for an up coming issue, and found Father Beiting in the CAP warehouse in West Prestonsburg, helping a crew of workers load a truck with supplies for some families in Johnson County. Same old Father Beiting. —Ed.

May - June 1991

Infant Stimulation Starts in Berea When Teri Mehler, manager of the Christian Appalachian Project Child Development Center in Berea, rec ognized that three-year-olds were enrolling with deficits in language and social skills, a new program was bom. “Children don’t start having deficits at age three,” she said. “It’s better to start early, and get parents involved.

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“This phase of our program is called Parents and Children Together,” said Teri. “And the emphasis is on the together part. ” The program this year has been home-based, with teachers working on parenting skills with new parents. “The concept applies to baby-proof ing homes, and beginning comfort routines,” Teri said, that include comforting for feeding times and bed times and education concerning nu trition. “We talk about what to feed a baby and what not to feed a baby.” Parents leam how to interact and what to expect from their babies. “We bring out age-appropriate toys; for example when an baby begins to grasp we have toys that can be grasped. We make toys from things that are around a house, like milk bottles and clothespins,” Teri said. “We try to get the idea across that babies are constantly learning. W e’re not trying to make super-babies, just babies that have normal interaction.” Teri is looking forward to the com ing school year. Because of the gen erosity of a CAP donor in Chicago, a building is under construction for a new center, which will include enough room to bring parents and babies into the center. “W e’re em phasizing that this is not a care sub stitute, but we’re really excited about how much we’ll be able to expand the program.”

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The CAP Closeup

The Biggest Source of Help Johnetta Broaddus by the CAP News Service photos by Margaret Gabriel

Johnetta Broaddus.

W h e n Johnetta Broaddus first started working for CAP, its work was not widely known in the community. Since then, CAP has become known and accepted, stemming partly from the involvement of people like Johnetta. She has lived in Garrard and Lincoln counties all her life and those she grew up and went to school with know her as a good, caring person. It seems that people assume that if a person like Johnetta works for CAP, then CAP must be a good, caring organization. “People here care. Not just about your work, but if you’re having problems at home, too. It’s sort of like family—I think that’s why I’ve stayed here so long,” said Johnetta, who has worked in CAP’s development department since 1979. Johnetta began her work as secretary to Bill Begley, then director, now vice-president of development for CAP. “I can remember when I first started, about three months after I’d been working here, I went to Bill one day and told him I didn’t have enough work to keep me busy. But that was a long, long time ago!” In Johnetta’s years, CAP has tripled in size, “so with that came more work. The work that I used to do is done by several people now.” Those folks answer letters from CAP supporters and people with questions about CAP’s philosophies and programs and handle all of the transactions involved in preparing, printing and mail ing materials for CAP’s fund raising and public educa tion programs. 14

“I used to answer all the letters and handle the job jackets both,” Johnetta said. “But now, the volume of letters alone is more than one person can handle.” Much of Johnetta’s responsibility now is supervisory, a responsibility that has required learning and adjust ment. “I think that’s the hardest thing I do. A lot of times it’s easier to do something yourself than to delegate. Then when you delegate you hope it’s being done right, but you don’t always know. I’m the same way at home. I’d rather do something myself than stay on the girls to do it,” she said, referring to her two daughters. “I know that’s wrong because they’ve got to learn. I’ve finally realized that.” She credits several people with helping her to acquire new skills for delegation, as well as her own reading and attendance of seminars. “Mainly, it’s the experi ence I’ve gotten day by day. Bill’s helped me a lot, and so has Gwinette. She may not realize it, but she has.” Gwinette Ray, Johnetta’s predecessor, now manages CAP’s computer department. “She’s been my sound ing board. She was here when I came, and she’s really helped me. Not just with work problems, but personal problems and she’s been a real good friend. Of course, a lot of people here at CAP are like family.” Johnetta is the daughter of a farmer (“He was in dairy when I was growing up—I hated it.”), and now her husband, Ralph, farms in partnership with Johnetta’s The Mountain Spirit

brother and brothers-in-law, raising tobacco and beef cattle on Windy Hill Farm. “H e’s from Lancaster, a town boy—I don’t guess you could call him a ‘city boy. ’ When he started going with me he started helping my father on the farm and now he loves farm work. He wasn’t raised up that way, but I guess I made a farm boy out of him.” All the family members help and support one another in the farming, each doing what they are able. Johnetta’s allergies don’t allow her to take part in the tobacco stripping process, “but I help them set tobacco, and do the income tax for the partnership. I’m limited to what I can do, but I like to get out and help them some.” Johnetta and Ralph met as teenagers attending Hyattsville Baptist Church in Garrard County. Johnetta’s grandmother is a charter member of Hyattsville Baptist, and her mother started bringing Johnetta when she was less than two weeks old. “I grew up there and Ralph had an aunt and uncle that were members of our church. One of his cousins was one of my closest friends, and he started coming to church with them and I started dating him.” Ralph has been a deacon at Hyattsville Baptist since only a few years after he and Johnetta were married. Deacons serve actively for four years, then take a year off from their duties. “One time he almost decided not to go back to active duty. We were having a rough time at the church and he and I were having a rough time deciding what to do. We had been unhappy with some of the changes that had

taken place at Hyattsville and we were considering changing churches. We visited two or three other Baptist churches in Garrard County, but we found out that it’s nice to visit but there’s no place like your home church. We found out also that you can’t run from your problems—you have to face up to them. “I think it was a time that the Lord was letting us find out for ourselves that Hyattsville was where we needed to be. I think if we had not ventured out a little bit and visited some of the other churches we never would have learned that what we make of our church is left indi vidually up to us.” Johnetta’s lesson about running away from her prob lems has served her well as she has helped one of her daughters through bouts with teen-age depression. “The first time we started having problems, I didn’t even want to go to church. But I found out that that’s where I needed to be—where the people are going to support you and pray for you. It’s like that here at CAP, too. Anytime I’ve gone through anything, the people here have cared about what was going on, and they’ve prayed for me.” Despite problems, co-workers depend on Johnetta for support at work and at home, as she returns what she believes she has received from friends at church, friends at work and from God. “I’ve got a lot more awareness of God for having gone through these problems. I know I couldn’t have gone through them if he hadn’t been there. I’ve read quite a bit of literature on teen-age depression, but I’ve found out that the biggest source of help is through God.”

Johnetta confers with Kim McCane, who handles questions, requests and other correspondence from CAP supporters.

May - June 1991

School ReformWhat Will It Mean? Story and photo by Beth Dotson

H u g s . They’re warm. They’re loving. They’re com forting. They’re one of the best fringe benefits for Christian Appalachian Project staffers who work with children. At times, they are also one of the most important things staff can give a child. When a child’s home environ ment is tumultuous, a CAP child development center might be the only place where pre-schoolers can count on being loved and accepted for who they are. Because CAP child development centers are concerned with the growth of a child in and out of school, child development workers have been following the implem entation of the Kentucky Education Reform Act of 1990. Its purpose is to ensure a good education for all of Kentucky’s children, even when that means provid ing extra services to improve the home environment. “It’s recognizing that the home environment plays a big part in the success a child has at school,” said June Widman, assistant human development director. The Kentucky Education Reform Act was signed into law in 1990. It calls for changes in the school system that will encourage a high level of achievement in all students. Because it mandates that the school systems provide programs for four-year-olds who are at risk of educational failure (“at-risk” families are defined as those who receive government assistance, such as food stamps), the CAP program it most affects is CAP’S child development centers. As the act is implemented, it will become more clear if it will affect any of CAP’s other programs that serve children and families. 16

There are five other facets of the reform act that are likely to have a significant impact on the growth of Kentucky’s young people. One is the ungraded primary school system, to be implemented in the 1992-93 school year. The system will eliminate kindergarten through third grade and is intended to foster growth through interaction with children of different ages who are learning at their own pace. “Hopefully, if the ungraded primary works correctly, they won’t be pushing these young kids to read. In an ungraded primary, they can progress at their own rate,” according to Jean Bames, program manager of the Eagle Child Development Center in McCreary County. Jean sees this as only one of the benefits of the reform act. She looks forward to the implementation of school management teams which will incorporate parents into school decision and policy-making. Hiring decisions, for example, were previously made by elected school board members. Now, those decisions will be made by the management team, helping to eliminate politics from the school system. Another political area the reform bill challenges is nepotism. In any given county, relatives of the school superintendent, local board members and principals are restricted from employment by the school district. Presently, this part of the reform act is being challenged through the court system. Jean also envisions positive re sults coming from the act’s ability to monitor student and teacher per formance. Students will be tested periodically and low scores might indicate a need for the state to provide a special educational consultant to the school. The Education Reform Act has encouraged CAP to look at differ ent services its child development programs might provide. Because many of CAP’s students will be served by state programs, enroll ment will drop. “We had hopes that it wouldn’t affect us at all, that we could con tract with the school system and everything would work out,” Jean said. And that’s the way it has worked at the center in McCreary County. The Mountain Spirit

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It is a better investment for the school system, which is paid by the state for every four-year-old it serves, to contract with CAP than to open its own center. Elsewhere in the county, the school system has opened a four-year-old program. Eagle has benefitted from this program by plugging into services like vision screening and speech therapy. Eagle already provides some services that the reform act is requiring school systems to offer through family resource centers. These centers encourage the develop ment of the child at home, as well as at school, through counseling and referral services. Staff members at the Eagle pre-school already provide after school tutoring for older siblings of the pre-schoolers, GED (high school equivalency) tutoring for adults, an infant stimu lation program, and other counseling and assistance to families. As the school-run centers open, CAP will be able to make known the child development services it offers in Pulaski, Garrard, Rockcastle, McCreary and Madison counties. Presently, the child development staffs are working with the school systems on their new plans, and looking at new services they might provide. “W e’re trying to work cooperatively whenever we can to be a resource,

but also to be known in terms of what we have to offer so services are not unnecessarily duplicated,” said June Widman. For select centers, it will be possible to serve some children on contract, or enroll students from areas the school system is not serving. Where the needs of four-year-olds are being met by the school system, June envisions CAP moving into more of an infant/toddler program. “I see it as vitally impor tant work in that so many times we’ve already missed out on the opportunities when we don’t start with chil dren until they’re three and four. There are so many patterns already set in place with both parents and children that already it’s too late to make any kind of difference,” June said. One solution to this problem is the infant stimulation program which was started at the CAP Child Develop ment Center in Berea in the fall of 1990, and at Eagle in January of ’91. Through this program, home visitors spend time with children under three in their homes doing developmental activities. They also involve the parents in creating a healthy and nurturing home envi ronment for the child. “If you can work with parents as early as possible, even in pre-natal, there’s a better chance of making a posi tive impact on the child rearing and on the outcome of the health of a child as well as their educational career,” June said. June sees CAP encouraging small family day care in homes as another possibility. This would help families earn money while they provide a service. CAP’s role might be to help train people who run these centers. As the school system initiatives evolve, CAP’s plans for its new programs will also become more clear. What is evident now is that whatever changes occur, they will strengthen CAP’s policy of caring for the children of Kentucky. Jean Bames hopes the reform act will not only improve the school system, but highlight the work of child development centers. “I hope once the ungraded pri mary is in place, that they’ll see the importance pre schools make in getting children ready through social skills; teaching kids how to interact with one another and the importance that learning can be fun. That’s what pre-school is all about. Teach them a love for learning, and hopefully that will carry through.”

The Education Reform Act of 1990 will have serious implications for CAP pre-school programs. As the state begins to provide services for three-and four-year-old children, CAP will provide stimulation for infants and toddlers.

A Place of Peace by Kathleen Ford Leavell photos by Margaret Gabriel Ray Moncrief enjoys his time at the Rainbow Respite Care Flome, and loves to have his picture taken.

T hirteen years ago Father Ralph Beiting stood on a hill overlooking a beautiful valley in Rockcastle County and dreamed. On the canvas of the valley he painted a vision filled with foster children, troubled teenagers, broken marriages, and high school dropouts, all bonded together in hope for a better future. All were beginning again. Two years whisked by and the painting came to life, growing and developing each year as new needs and challenges surfaced. Today the valley hums with conversion. Battered women heal; children leam; dropouts become gradu ates; people with handicaps develop independence. It’s easy to get lost in the gospel of Saint Matthew at the Family Life Center of Appalachia in Renfro Valley. Perhaps that is the very thing Father Beiting hoped for. One program reflects the Beatitudes. In another, we see the parable of the lost sheep. Still another brings to life the story of the two sons. Tightly woven into all of them—bonding together the very heart of the dream— is one of the most powerful messages Matthew in scribed: the parable of the sheep and the goats. One of the residential programs reflects a very gentle gospel passage. If one is quiet passing over the foot bridge leading to the front door, the brook tripping over the stones below can be heard. Listen prayerfully and the trickling becomes an echoed invitation: “Come to

me, all you who are weary and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” The welcome and care of each staff member reflects these words of Christ that have taken root in the philosophy of this home. The name on the mailbox reads Rainbow Respite Care Home. Since 1988 people with special needs have been brought here by their families for a week or a weekend. They have found rest and a great deal more. The front door says “Welcome” and behind it lies a spacious and warm living room. The walls display photographed memories of fishing trips, dances, swim ming excursions, picnics, movies, craft sessions, con certs and other good times past. The hallway to the left leads to the bedrooms—some decorated for infants, some for teens, some for adults. The gentleman under the furnace in the closet is Donnie Underwood, super visor of CAP’S maintenance crew. It’s not uncommon to find Donnie or one of his staff here, widening a door, adapting a piece of playground equipment or installing a bath chair in the tub. Farther down the hall is the crafts room, a beautiful reflection of the gifts and talents of the participants who come. At the end of the hall is a quiet place—for rest, reading or watching t.v. Down the other end of the hall,

The Mountain Spirit

past the office, is an all-time favorite place—the kitchen. This is where the action is—you’ll find singing, laugh ing, game playing, jigsaw puzzle marathons and lots of good sharing, not to mention wonderful cooking. Everyone in the valley knows about Brenda Smith’s wheat bran muffins and within an hour after they are out of the oven, Brenda can count on at least a dozen “visitors” popping in to say hello. On Fridays the staff gathers around the kitchen table for a weekly meet ing. At the comer sits Carolyn Butt, the program coordinator. Carolyn came to CAP about six years ago as a volunteer and decided to make Cody Ledger. Mount Vernon her home. Beside her sits Sandy Rose, a resident assistant. They describe her as “the active one of the bunch”—always ready to take the participants out to play basketball, volleyball or anything exciting! Next to Sandy is Barbara Smith, the gentle guardian of the third shift. Seated beside her is Donna Smith who coordinates the activity schedules. Donna comes from Brindle Ridge and brings a sensitive concern for others to the program. Ann McKevitt is a volunteer from New York. Her quiet spirituality is visible throughout her work in the In-Home Respite component of the pro gram. Beside Ann is Brenda Smith, who’s been with the respite home for four years. When she’s not ruling the

kitchen, she takes her genuine kindness on the road to present the program throughout the state. At the end of the table sits Tish Harmon, a picture of dedication and faithfulness. Tish comes every year from Michigan for a few months to volunteer wherever she is needed. For the past two years she has assisted at the respite home. Program manager Gloria Jordan heads the ranks. A registered nurse from West Virginia hospitals, she says there is no place she would rather be than here. When everyone has taken a seat the meeting begins. After the opening prayer, business is concluded and staff spends some time sharing memories and laughter, hopes and dreams and a tear or two. Carolyn recalled her initial interest in the program.

Cody’s mother, Alfreda, has given him special care since his birth. Rainbow Respite gives Alfreda a much-needed break. “ I always miss him when he's gone,” she says, “but it’s good to have some time to myself!”

May - June 1991

Limited space requires that the Rainbow Respite Care Home take certain people during certain weeks. This particular week was set aside for adult men. During other weeks, the staff provides care for adult women or children.

“What I liked was the focus on both the individual participant and the whole family. Our purpose is two fold: first, to provide the families with a break to refresh themselves so that they are better able to take care of their family member again. And the participants enjoy a vacation with us!” Barbara blushed a little when she recalled her introduc tion to the Rainbow Respite Care Home. “Actually I was just looking for a program with a night shift,” she began, “and when I met the residents here I really liked working with them. The staff made me feel so wel come.”

opportunity we can offer our participants. We provide them with the continuity of their therapy program, in cluding life skills based on their normal daily require ments at home. Most of all, they seem to find the oppor tunity to leam to do more for themselves. Sometimes it just takes a change of environment and learning expe rience for someone to increase their independence. The families are as thrilled as the participants with each new achievement.” The staff exchanged meaningful smiles when they shared their success stories. “Ramona is a foster child

Sandy’s attraction was more personal. “I ’ve been working with people with special needs ever since I got out of high school and I really enjoy it. I ’ve always liked people and making them feel comfortable. Then one day my family life was interrupted when my brother was involved in an accident that left him paralyzed from the waist down. Since that day, I’ve learned about determination and perseverance as I watched him reach his goals and dreams in spite of his handicaps. He lives by himself and drives everywhere. I guess now more than ever I want to assist others in gaining all the independence they can.” “I would never have chosen this work,” recalled Brenda with a smile. “I came when the program opened and, I really didn’t have any idea what it was all about. A respite home is a fairly new idea around here. In fact we’re the only licensed respite home in the state. I think many of us thought we would be babysitting. As the program developed, I started to see what a wonderful

Staff plans several activities for guests during their stay. Making crafts is a favorite. Here, they make small spring planters.

The Mountain Spirit

who has been both abused and neglected in the past, and when she came to us she was frightened and with drawn,” said Barbara. “Every time I went near her she kicked and screamed, but I kept on trying. It took a great deal of patience and love,” she sighed, “but by the end of the week Ramona was sleeping in my arms. Know ing that we enabled a child to receive love will always be a treasured memory.” Gloria remembered John with a smile. “John has been coming here since we first opened. He is a paraplegic and was having a great deal of difficulty accepting and dealing with his circumstance. His arrival here marked the first time he had been out of his home for four years. It was very hard for him in the beginning and he spent virtually all his time in his room. He did come out to eat and smoke,” she laughed, “because we wouldn’t allow him to do that in his room. We never stopped inviting him to participate in every activity we had, though. Years went by with little or no sign of interest from John.” Gloria’s eyes brightened, she smiled, and tapped her finger on the table. “But this year John went to the mall with us.” Carolyn nodded in agreement. “Sandy and I were taking a group of participants to the mall, and as usual, John refused his invitation. But that time I asked him again and again. Something told me that this time would be different—and it was! John raised his eyes to meet mine and said simply and decisively: ‘I’ll go. ’ We were shocked! We didn’t take time to think, feel or say anything. We dropped everything and wheeled him into the van as fast as we could before he changed his

Jack Apt talks with Carolyn about his next visit to the home.

mind. We left the supper dishes on the table and the floors unswept, but John went to the mall with us.” “It wasn’t easy for him,” Ann added. “We were there only a short time and he asked us to please take him back—and we did. That was a turning point for him. The next day he went out to Pizza Hut with us. Now he helps us cook supper, he does dishes and he’s really de veloped a sense of pride in his independence.” Tish agreed with a smile, “We are really looking forward to his next visit.” Some success stories are less tangible but nonetheless important. Sandy’s eyes revealed a continued search for understanding when she talked about Anthony. An thony is out of touch with much of his behavior. His childhood peace is interrupted by frequent outbursts of abhorrent behavior and severe emotional problems. “He would jump from one piece of furniture to another, screaming and destroying everything he could,” Sandy remembered. “And he never cries. His family has told us that his behavior has often gotten him involved in accidents in which he has been badly bruised, scraped or even cut, but he never cries.

Program coordinalor Carolyn Butt explores some stimulation exercises with Cody during a home visit.

May - June 1991

“One day, when he was out of control, screaming horrible things, I took him by the arm and led him to the kitchen table. I told him that Jesus loved him very much. I told him that I loved him, too. Immediately he began to cry. I held him in my arms while he cried. When he stopped, the horrible behavior started all over again. He continues with his destructive and verbally abusive behavior today. There is no miracle ending to

Jack participates in family activities from his hospital bed in the living room of the family home. His mother and grandmother care for Jack.

this story. It’s not over yet. But I know now that for one moment, with the help of God, I connected with that child. And I won’t give up on him.” “Every time a family arrives at the end of the week to pick up a participant, I see success,” said Donna. “There’s a peace in their face—a sense of rest—and that’s why w e’re here. And the children,” she shookher head and smiled. “Some of them really know how to get a grip on your heart. Lynn spent a week with us. She has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair. I remember we worked really hard teaching her to read. She wanted to read so badly. And when she finally did . . Donna’s eyes glistened and she bit her lip. Tish smiled and finished the story for her: “It was wonderful! And after that she wanted to leam to take her own bath. Lynn has a special closeness with her family. And when they came for her she told them ‘I ’ve had more fun this week than I’ve ever had in my life—I’ve never laughed so hard!”’ “I love it!” said Ann of the in-home component of the program. “There is so much more contact with the families when you can go into their homes. Watching families interact is great. One family has been strug gling to integrate their son back into their family life after two years in an institution. They are so open and honest as they let me into their lives. And they are so grateful for our program. His mom says that other relatives are afraid to take care of him. This family is really determined to make this work and I ’m just glad to be able to be a support to them.” Charlene, the mother of participants Shane and Shon, arrived to take her twin sons home. The boys are no

strangers to the CAP family; they attended pre-school programs at the Sunshine Center in Lancaster. At four years old they communicated only in sign language and were just beginning to walk. Now, at age 16, Shon whispers to Gloria, “I really enjoyed myself!” “This program is wonderful,” Charlene said. “My husband and I love it—it’s OUR time together! I only wish we were able to bring the boys more often.” Cheryl Lynn Osborne, a teacher from Parents-AreTeachers, a home-based CAP program that works with handicapped pre-schoolers and their families, arrived to eat lunch with the staff and participants and, no doubt, to scrounge a wheat bran muffin from Brenda. “It thrills my heart to see that there is a program like this in our area,” she said, “where people with disabilities can spend some time with folks their own age, who often share a common understanding of how difficult the burdens of daily life can be.” She winked as she added “I go for myself, too. There’s always a big hug waiting for me as I enter the living room.” Finally, Florence approached slowly to peek at my notebook, “What’s this?” she asks. “It’s a story,” I explain. “I’m writing it for the people who help you to come here. Would you like to be in it?” Florence beamed and nodded. I pulled out my pen and sat down. “What would you like to say to them?” “I love you and you are my friends,” she said. With that message I said goodbye and left. And as I passed over the footbridge, the invitation echoed, and I was reminded by the quiet waters that I had been in the presence of Christ. The Mountain Spirit

To Help My Own People: The Community Service Scholarship Program by Margaret Gabriel K entucky’s recent focus on education refonn has enabled the Christian Appalachian Project to take a look at its various education programs and determine new di rections. Child development programs are moving toward working with infants and toddlers as well as three-year-olds, in preparation for the time when all the programming required by the state is in place. In the future, CAP hopes to see a decrease in the demand for GED and adult education programs, as more and more young people complete their educations as a result of reform. But even with the changes in these programs, one of CAP’s oldest education programs will continue to encourage young people in their desire for higher edu cation and recognize them as community leaders be cause of their dedication to service projects. CAP has recognized scores of high school seniors through its Community Service Scholarship program, which now extends through 32 counties of Eastern Ken tucky (See “CAP Helps High School Seniors Continue Their Educations,” p.24). A 1988 survey of scholarship recipients highlighted the fact that the young people ap preciate the fact that service in addition to grades and need is recognized by the award. CAP workers who have been involved with the scholar ship program for several years have seen progression of students through college and into the workforce. They

May - June 1991

note that young people involved in service projects as they are growing up often become outstanding commu nity leaders. Participation in church youth groups, Scouting programs, FFA, FHA and school activities bring the recognition and financial assistance of a CAP scholarship to one high school senior in counties where scholarships are awarded. In many cases, these stu dents go on to make significant impacts on the commu nities in which they grew up, or those to which they move after graduation. There are few programs which better put into practice CAP’S goal of helping people to help themselves. The scholarship program encourages energetic and moti vated students to continue their education, as they also continue their service to the community. It was not the CAP Community Scholarship that en abled J.D. Greene to become an agronomist, or Catina Hasty a pharmacist, or Natalee Feese a teacher. Through their dedication and perseverance they achieved these goals. That same perseverance will see Kathy Ponder finish her bachelor of science degree in math and chem istry and obtain her teaching certificate. Each will tell you, though, that the CAP scholarship gave a boost that started them on the road to careers in which they continue the service they started in high school. J.D. Greene is an assistant extension professor for the University of Kentucky College of Agriculture respon-

sible for developing weed control programs throughout the state. After graduating with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky, J.D. obtained a Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University. “CAP’s scholarship stands out more than any other I ’ve had. It was one of the first, and I’ve greatly appreciated it. More than anything else, it gave me a sense that this [going to college] was possible. I really appreciate CAP’s investing scholarship money into my education, toward the achievement of my goal.” Natalee Feese is a 1989 graduate of Somerset High School. She attended the University of Kentucky, majoring in math and Spanish, with teaching certifica tion in both fields. Today Natalee teaches eighth grade algebra at Jessie Clark Middle School in Lexington, Kentucky. Natalee, whose parents are both educators (“I thought everybody went back the day after school closed to clean out lockers!”), describes herself as a person who likes to keep busy all the time. That need for activity led to Natalee’s involvement in church projects like visit ing nursing homes and other fellowship programs, Girl Scouts, band and various projects during her high school years. “I was made to feel that I got that scholarship because I tried hard,” Natalee said. “It’s made a difference to me because it recognized that effort.” Scholarship recipients continue their community serv ice after graduation, although often they say that work and family don’t allow them to devote as much time as they would like. Catina Hasty, a 1977 graduate of Rockcastle County High School, is particularly busy these days. After graduating with a degree in pharmacy from the University of Kentucky, Tina worked at Begley Drug Store in London, Kentucky. Then she and her husband, Jerry, started the Mount Vernon DriveThrough Pharmacy. “I was interested in medicine and business, and this way I can combine both,” Tina said. 24

“This was my goal from the time I started in pharmacy.” Church projects continue to occupy much of Tina’s service time. “I think I’m involved because of my family. I was raised in church, and that’s a big part of the need to do community service. My parents were involved in civic activities and I thought it was something that everybody did.” Independently from her church group, the First Baptist Church of Mount Vernon, Tina gives talks to senior citizens and other groups about their medications and the things they need to know and be aware of. “I was raised here, so I know every body and feel comfortable. Since I’m in a medical field, I feel like I ’ve been able to come back and help my own people.” J.D. Green said that he felt quite fortunate to be able to return to Kentucky after com pleting his studies at Okla homa State. “I left to go to Oklahoma because as your opportunities broaden, you have to be ready to take advantage of them , even though you don’t know w here they’ll lead. I feel

CAP Helps High Community Service Scholarships started in 1976 at the suggestion of Bill Begley, now CAP’s vice president of develop ment. He thought it would be good to recognize young people for contributing their time and talent to their communi ties by encouraging them to continue their education after graduating from high school. The scholarship was first offered to high school seniors in Garrard, Jackson, Jes samine, Lincoln, Madison, and Rock castle counties, where CAP was most active in its first years. Since that time the program has expanded to include 32 counties this year. Last year scholar ships were awarded to 55 seniors in 29 counties and at the Kentucky School for the Deaf in Danville, Kentucky. (There

The Mountain Spirit

fortunate that the opportunities fell into place and I was able to come back. Actually, I was surprised to be able to come back so soon.” As an extension specialist, J.D. travels the state re searching weed control, gathering information, and “putting the research into a form that farmers can use,” he said. “I don’t do any formal teaching, in the class room, but I teach farmers that I meet and work with.” Like many of his classmates at Madison County High School, J.D. “never realized that college was an option. I didn’t have a lot of people in my immediate family with college experience, so I had never really planned

to go. Then, I had some guidance from my vocational agriculture teacher who introduced me to UK. I met some people, really thought about it, then showed up on the doorstep at UK one day. I was encouraged by my professors to go on for my M.S. because they thought I had the potential. But I didn’t come out of high school with aspirations of a Ph.D.” The influence of their teachers has encouraged many scholarship recipients to go into education. Some, like Kathy Ponder, make that change after beginning their education in another field. Kathy began to study chemical engineering at Eastern

School Seniors Continue Their Educations are 49 counties in Kentucky designated by the federal government as being in the Appalachian region.) Any graduating senior who intends to attend a college, university, or voca tional school is eligible to apply. The quality of participation in community service activities is the primary basis for selection, with academic perform ance and financial need secondary fac tors in making the selections of recipi ent. These activities can be sponsored by churches, schools, civic clubs, non profit organizations like hospitals, nurs ing homes, and chambers of commerce, or by the applicant’s own initiative. The activities must be outreach in na ture. They must not involve internal

May - June 1991

matters of an organization, but must seek to help less fortunate people, pro mote economic development, promote community and school spirit or promote education. A committee in each county selects the recipients. CAP works with guidance counselors in the high schools, and depends on them to promote the scholar ship and distribute the applications. The guidance counselors in most of the coun ties also form committees of local people to choose the recipients and decide how the $1,000 or $1,500 provided each county will be divided. This year CAP is working with Lions Clubs in two coun ties to promote and coordinate the pro gram. In another county an individual active in the community is coordinating

the program. Depending on the number of high schools in a county, $ 1,000 or $ 1,500 is made available to a county for awards. In counties with $1,000, one or two awards may be made; with $1,500, two or three. The scholarship is for one year, and can be applied to tuition, room, board, or books. The money is sent in the stu dent’s name to the school he or she chooses to attend. Most attend schools in Kentucky. Although a few attend vocational schools, the greater portion attend a community college, liberal arts college, or university.

Kentucky University in Richmond. “I’d decided on engineering at first because of the money,” Kathy said. “I come from a working class background and wanted to make a lot of money. I wanted to be able to afford to take off when I have children, too. Then, after I ’d finished my pre-engineering courses at Eastern and went to UK, I decided I just didn’t like the curriculum.”

ties, more learning and teaching aids at home. But parental support is so important. Parents need to have children read and do homework and think and have their own ideas.” Tina Hasty, too, points to home as one of the great student motivators. “You have to influence kids through their parents. If they’re not pushed at home, they won’t go too far.”

During the spring semester of the 1990-91 school year Kathy worked as a computer operator for Kentucky Utilities, but plans to finish school in a year to a year and a half. “I ’m only ten hours away from having a degree in chemistry, and 12 away from math. And I’ll have teaching certificates in both, too. I had teachers who made such a difference in my life, in making me want to go to college. I want to have that same impact on kids. And there’s such a need for math and science teachers.

Young people from single parent families are often influenced by more than just parents, according to Natalee Feese, but “parental involvement is the most important,” she said. “I think society as a whole has a problem keeping people motivated. Giving kids re sponsibilities for schoolwork and for other things helps to keep them motivated.”

“The chairman of the math department asked me once, ‘Don’t you want to get your Ph.D.and teach in col lege?’ I ’ve had high school teachers who I think could have taught in college, but we lack those kinds of really good teachers in high school. By 1995 we’ll have a shortage o f300,000 math and science teachers. The big reason I want to do this, though, is because I enjoy it.”

J.D. Green believes that the opportunity that he re ceived as a student can serve as a similar motivation for students today. “I started working in weed science as an undergraduate. To work in a program like that was really self-motivating. I think we have to give students more hands-on experience, to give them a feel for a real world setting.”

Kathy believes teachers can provide the motivation that young people need to finish high school and continue their education in college or vocational school, espe cially if that motivation isn’t as strong as it should be at home.

In talking to community service scholarship recipients it becomes evident that the program has a two-fold benefit. Students receive a certain amount of recogni tion for the services that they have provided to the community, in the form of financial assistance with their education.

“Teachers can show kids that they have potential. Many schools have too much stereotyping,” Kathy said. “I remember the ‘A ’ and ‘B ’ reading groups when I was in school. After a while I began to notice that the kids in ‘B ’ group were the low income, the poor kids. Usually the kids in the ‘A ’ group had more opportuni 26

The community, on the other hand, reaps an even greater benefit, as those students continue to make con tributions to society, tangible contributions through their education, their influence on other young people, and in turn giving back what they have received. The Mountain Spirit

Potential H elping people to reach their potential is impor tant in every CAP program, but in no program is it m ore important than in programs that work with handicapped people. At CAPrice Industries . . . the Rainbow Respite Care H om e . . . in Parents-Are-Teachers, the greatest goal for CAP’s workers is to help and support and encourage people with handicaps to be and do everything they can.

For folks at CAPrice, that might mean training for a jo b in a regular work setting. Rainbow Respite Care workers not only give regular caregivers a brief vacation from their responsibilities, they often help p eop le achieve self-help goals their families never dream ed possible. A nd families involved in Parents-AreTeachers, with the help o f CAP teach ers, ensure that pre-schoolers with handicaps are challenged to the full extent o f their abilities.

And it’s working! The CAP family-workers, pro gram participants and you, our supporters-have enabled people to reach their fullest potential so that they, in turn, can help and make their own contributions to society. Please help us continue this enabling work. Your donation o f $10 . . . $15 . . . $25 . . . more, if you’re able, will allow people like D ebbie and Cody and Joseph to be everything that G od in tended them to be. Enclosed is my co ntribution o f $ ______________ Please use it to help handicapped m em bers o f the CAP family to reach their fullest potential, o r w here it is n eeded most. N A M E ___________________ AD D RESS__________ C IT Y _____________________________STATE__________ ZIP_______ DATE O F B IR T H __________________________________________

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Christian Appalachian Project

CHRISTIAN APPALACHIAN PROJECT 322 CRAB ORCHARD ROAD LANCASTER, KY 40446 The Mountain Spirit

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