:
,
The
The Magazine o f the Christian
mm
Leadership Programs
Rockcastle Teen Center
July - August 1997 Vol. XV, No. 4
oimtain The Magazine of the Christian Appalachian Project
Idealism Binds Generations o f Leaders by Beth Dotson
The Presidents9Summit by Karen Spivey
Fun With A Purpose by Jim Trammel President’s Summit, page 16.
A Gathering o f Women by Katie Newsome
Departments 3 Random Thoughts 10 Around the Project 23 Letters to the Editor 29 The CAP Closeup Teen Center, page 18
Leadership— The Essential Ingredient A quote from Robert Burkhart in Beth Dotson’s story about Marian Collette (see page four) nicely sums up the work of the people that we feature in this issue of The Moun tain Spirit: “Leadership is the inability to sit back and watch the world go to hell.” The quote doesn’t say that leaders have to be in positions of authority. It doesn’t say that leaders have to be from a certain walk of life. It doesn’t even say that leaders have to be adults. The stories in this issue illustrate the work that is being done to help people in the Appalachian area discover their leadership potential. Marian Collette points out that people involved in leadership programs today are often those that were involved in making social changes in the 1960s. CAP hosted its sixth annual Women’s Leadership Conference in the spring of 1997. On page twentyfour, Katie Newsome examines the effect that the conference has had on women who have participated in the event every year. Karen Spivey traveled to the Presidents’ Summit in Philadelphia to cover the attendance of CAP founder Father Ralph Beiting. She learned of the ways that CAP — and CAP volunteers — can continue to lead as our nation becomes more involved with volunteerism. On the cover, a group from the Women’s Leadership Conference enjoy the fresh air at Camp Shawnee (photo by Angela Hall).
Published by the Christian Appalachian Project. Editor: Margaret Gabriel. Graphic Design: Karen Frances Spivey. Circulation: Linda Grider East. Advisory Board: Father Ralph W. Beiting, Mike McLaughlin, Bill Begley, Carla Durand, Teresa McAnly. The Mountain Spirit is published six times a year. The annual subscription price is $8.00. Subscriptions and other correspondence should be sent to The Mountain Spirit, Christian Appalachian Project, 322 Crab Orchard Road, Lancaster, KY 40446. Copyright, 1997, 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. A summary of the registration and financial documents filed by this organization can be obtained by contacting: in New York, Secretary of State, Office of Charities Registration, 162 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12231; in Maryland, for the cost of copies and postage, the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401; in NEW JERSEY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, 202-626-4380; in NORTH CAROLINA, A COPY OF THE LICENSE TO SOLICIT CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS AS A CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION OR SPONSOR AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES, SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH, BY CALLING (919) 733-4510; in Pennsylvania, residents may call the Pennsylvania Department of State at 1-800-732-0999; for West Virginia residents, the Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305; In Virginia, the State Division of Consumer Affairs, PO Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209; Washington State residents may obtain a copy of the last report filed with the Washington Secretary Of State by calling toll free within Washington, 1-800-332-4483; IN FLORIDA, RESIDENTS MAY CALL THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES AT 1-800-HELP FLA or by writing to Christian Appalachian Project, 322 Crab Orchard Road, Lancaster, KY 40446. Our license number in Michigan is MICS 9933. Registration with any of the above government agencies does not imply endorsement by the state.
The Mountain Spirit 2
Random Thoughts Ike Adams
! '--------------------'
n its simplest form, leadership occurs when a person identifies something that needs fixing, figures out how to do just that and then takes the initiative to carry out whatever remedies are needed.
difficult for them to conceive ways that they can rise above it. There is a dearth of strong mentors.
GABRIEL
|
In this issue of The M ountain Spirit we
“Gee whiz,” most folks will tell themselves. “I do that all the time but I’ve never considered myself much of a leader.” Perhaps not, but it’s a sure sign of raw talent — and therein lies the problem. Talent isn’t worth much unless it’s cultured and developed. Artists and musicians don’t just pick up the paintbrush or the violin and create masterpieces overnight. They have to focus and study and practice until they gradually become proficient. And, of course, that same sort of training is required in a host of other disciplines. A “leadership void” is frequently identified among the reasons that Appalachia’s problems are not being solved at a more accelerated pace. That not enough folks are willing to accept responsibility — to take the proverbial bull by the horns — is a common complaint. Yet, in Appalachian Kentucky the number of efforts that are specifically focused on leadership development can be counted on the fingers of one hand. High school students become officers of their extracurricular organizations largely through popularity contests. They are thrust into leadership roles without any training — not unlike pushing someone off the pier to teach them how to swim (or sink as the case may be). The principles of real leadership are far more complicated than simply learning to tread water. There are negotiation, delegation, collaboration, communication, planning, team-building, numerous problem-solving skills that can and should be systematically taught before it is reasonable to expect much in the way of filling Appalachia’s leadership void.
detail the efforts CAP has made over the last six years to bring low- Ike Adams. income women into an intense, week-long leadership conference. Many of these women take home skills that they can apply to leading their families out of poverty and likewise become better mentors for their children. Over the last year and a half CAP has involved more than 100 young people from a four-county area of Applachian Kentucky in a youth leadership initiative. (See The M ountain Spirit, SeptemberOctober 1996). As part of that initiative we have written and are currently distributing a leadership manual detailing how the program can be replicated by other organizations. CAP staff people are also participating in the formation of The Eastern Kentucky Youth Leadership Network, a small group of folks from all over the region who have come together for the single purpose of involving more youth in leadership training. Its ultimate goal is to form a model leadership curriculum that can be implemented in secondary schools. The new program will attempt to involve students who don’t ordinarily evolve as leaders in the happenstance way that most kids find themselves thrust into positions of responsibility. The notion is to begin building a corps of young folks more capable of taking charge of their destinies. If we can reach enough of them, perhaps we can help them to begin changing the destiny of Appalachia. •
Affirmation and confidence building are also pieces of the puzzle. Far too many Appalachian children are so bound by deprivation that it is July-August 1997
Ike Adams is a native o f Letcher County, a graduate o f Pikeville College, and the director o f CAP’s public relations and marketing department.
3
Binds Generations o f Leaders Beth Dotson
Marian Colette felt like she was passing the torch to a new generation. There she was with a group of people, all past 20 years old, watching 30 teenagers take on the problems of the world. They weren’t asking to be entertained or
Marian Colette
mumbling about being bored, they were planning ways to enrich their communities. Marian was at a Save the Children leadership program. When workshop director and leadership expert David Sawyer asked the adults to step back and let the young people lead themselves, Marian was skeptical. When it was time to report on what they had accomplished, she saw the results. “I was so pleased
at the level of seriousness with which these kids took to this concept and the degree of sophistication they had in looking at the problems in their community and in working together in a group,” Marian said. She looked at the 30 young people then at the “over 20-year-
olds” and she realized, “Most of us were well over 20 and had given 20 to 30 years of our lives trying to make a difference in our community. And we gave it our best shot but we’re fading out and the kids are the ones who really have to become serious about taking the responsibility for making their communities better The M o untain Spirit
4
places to live. I was so moved by the fact that they were willing to do that. It was kind of a passing the torch thing.” Marian Colette has been carrying the torch of grassroots community improvement and activism in Appalachia for nearly 20 years. She first visited the region in 1973 as a college volunteer, then returned permanently in 1978. She founded Whitley County Communities for Children in Williamsburg, which works on projects to improve life for young people. In 1996, she became Appalachian field office director for Save the Children. That office works with ten community partner organizations to serve more than 5,000 children, in one of many organizations in Appalachia that recently launched a youth leadership program. Leadership programs attract idealists No matter who is sponsoring the program, youth leadership workshops are infused with idealism. They aren’t a place for cynics who whine about problems and see no hope in today’s youth. They are a place where idealists of many generations come together to transform their idealism into action. As Marian talks about leadership, she wonders if the proliferation of youth leadership programs today is a way for adults who grew up in the activist 1960s, protesting war and fighting against poverty, to pass on what they’ve learned. Training young leaders allows them to dream of a better world with a new generation. It also gives them a chance to break down those dreams into practical steps and goals. July-August 1997
and Tennessee. The program brings After the decade of the “me” them together three times to learn generation, Marian said, “Maybe and then practice leadership skills. the current trend is the way of the They also plan and carry out ’80s and ’90s to re-engage kids in service projects that they work on civic concerns, to re-engage in their own communities between young people in the community. the large group meetings. Of course, we have to focus on leadership .. you definitely Marian is not the with young kind of leader who people need to have young wants to have her mark because leaders, emerging on these efforts. you Rather, she knows definitely leaders, because when to step back and need to they’re the ones let local organizers, have young adults or teens, leaders, who are going to develop their own emerging head into the leadership skills. She leaders, recognizes the because future . . expertise of adult they’re the leaders who accompany the teen to ones who are going to head into the workshops from the various the future, so it’s right and good Save the Children partner that we focus on them.” organizations. These adults have varying goals in mind for their In the Save the Children youth teens. leadership program that Marian directs, she has the opportunity to “The first thing I want them to share her passion for positive learn is that they can make a change with 30 high school difference.” said Tracev Skinner, students from eastern Kentucky
Facilitators instructed the teens to blindfold themselves, then asked the group to line up by height.
5
By helping young Appalachians to develop leadership skills, Marian Colette hopes to enable them to make lasting changes.
director of the Youth Service Center at McCreary Central High School. “It doesn’t take an entire army or a huge group of people. One or two people can make a difference. Their efforts have a direct result in the community.” “The other thing I want them to get is that leadership is not about being the boss . . . it’s about teamwork, generating the best in everyone to reach a goal,” Tracey said.
calling out names, but didn’t accomplish their task. The second time, they appointed a leader who asked for people by calling out heights then lining them up. In their third attempt, the leader chose a similar approach and they accomplished their task.
Nell Fields, who works with youth at the Cowan Community Youth Group in Letcher County, has seen the teens grow through experiences at leadership camps. Nell said that when the young The best leaders, Tracey said, are people attend leadership programs,”1 hope that they will sometimes the most quiet. She experience new things, new places, recalls that her father taught her new people. The more they go to, that her ideas would be most the more they are able to connect effective when those around her their experiences with leadership thought they were their ideas. “When you can get other people to to their thoughts and actions.” take ownership of your ideas, that’s Nell also sees the workshops a fantastic leader,” Tracey said. and community service projects as an opportunity to build self esteem At the second of three gatherings for the youth, the group and connect kids to something good. “They’re finding out that worked on team skills and they have something to leadership styles with David contribute,” Nell said. Sawyer and members of Students for Appalachia at Berea College. Leadership Means Action Wearing blindfolds, the group had to line itself up according to height While leadership workshops can in five minutes. The first time, they wandered around feeling heads and build confidence or skills, what
Marian wants to see is action. “They (young people) can take a look at all the problems in their community, see what resources are there, but ultimately, they have to know how to take some action. I guess there are some other approaches to leadership, but this is my favorite approach,” she said. Through her daughter’s participation in a teen leadership council at school, Marian has seen that some efforts focus more on building team skills, self confidence and communication techniques. She also recalled a group for adults that was primarily intended as a networking tool. “A good leader is not just a good talker, but (one) that can implement, can act, that makes things happen, the ones that are able to see problems and then figure out ways to try to work toward solving those problems in their community,” Marian said. She also likes the quote from Robert Burkhart that the participants chose as one of their favorites: “Leadership is the inability to sit back and watch the world go to hell.” “Leadership to me is very action-oriented,” Marian said. She credits this definition to an experience she had after graduating from college in Milwaukee. She worked with a group of inner city women in a leadership development program. It began with personal development then moved into encouraging the women to take action to improve their community. It carried the women through a process of self development to action, reflection, regrouping and beginning again. “I guess I come from that idea of what leadership is. It’s not just the The Mountain Spirit
Marian also drew influence from bus transportation and ask the her years as a nun. “There were many board of education for money, so religious women who were leaders they made the calls and wrote the letters themselves. “What I found for their generation at a time when was a lot of people calling me and women pretty much took the back seat type of role. But these women, asking why is this kid calling me, probably because they were single why isn’t an adult doing this? And and because of their religious The teens have done just that as I have a concern that unless we can commitment, were able to be the they’ve experienced obstacles with change the adult attitudes, our principals of the schools and the efforts to build teen leaders are their service projects. For administrators of hospitals . . . I going to be thwarted by adult example, in Cowan, the youth think my whole thing comes out of attitudes,” Tracey said. planned a local leadership camp. that tradition of women feeling, Nell said the date conflicted with probably from a religious sense of In youth leadership programs, another local event, so they had to teens are not surrounded by adults motivation, a sense that they had to reschedule. get out there and make a difference who want to thwart their efforts, and they supported one another in but by adults who provide As the students learned to deal encouragement and real, down-to- doing this.” with such obstacles, Nell also earth role learned more about working with models of how them. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that the more to be a community responsibility you give them, the leader. Marian more responsibility you allow said the Save them to assume for themselves, then the more they get done,” Nell the Children said. At group meetings, Nell said, partner organizations the teens direct the activities; she feels she is just there to make sure who sponsor these teens are the building doesn’t bum down. run by people who have seen Tracey enjoys working with problems in teens because they haven’t yet been programmed by society about their David Sawyer, director o f Berea College’s Students fo r Appalachia communities what will and won’t work in and want to do something about it. community change. This gives Marian also feels her father They aren’t the mayors or business them more freedom to come up influenced her life’s work. “He was with simple solutions to problems. owners who are the traditional action-oriented, always out there local leaders, but they are people trying to do something, getting A lesson she has learned is that who care. Those are the kind of involved,” she said. people who have a strong if young people are going to influence on youth. contribute to their communities, Some ordinary people are the ones adults have to be receptive to that. who, whatever their age, refuse to let “I admired President Kennedy “As adults we have a hard time their idealism die and continually but I doubt that he had as much giving up and allowing the work for positive change. Whether influence on me as the principal of teenagers to lead,” she said. it’s a throwback to another decade or my school or my third grade not, everyone involved in leadership teacher did,” Marian said. “For The group she worked with programs agree it’s the only way to a created a dmg awareness program most people, they (national better future. for sixth-grade students that would personalities) might have been pick up where the fifth-grade dmg their role models, but the people Beth Dotson, a freelance writer and prevention program, called DARE, who really influenced them are the form er CAP volunteer, lives in ordinary people in their lives.” left off. They had to arrange for Lancaster, Ky. self development. It is the ability to see some things that are wrong and then take some action to try to make a difference. Then reflect on what you’re doing and regroup,” Marian said.
July-August 1997
7
The Presidents’ Summit..
Story and photos by Karen F. Spivey
three former presidents, a retired General and former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, among other dignataries too numerous to mention. “Welcome, Mr. President, Mr. President, Mr. President. ..” became a redundant salutation throughout the Summit. Local deejays pumped in jam, George Bush, Colin Powell, Hillary Clinton, Al Gore, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and Gov. o f Pennsylvania Tom Ridge, took the stage at the Presidents ’ Summit during a pep rally at rap and pop music to energize the crowd and add to the contagious the Marcus Foster Stadium in Philadelphia. The 74-year-old priest had an festival-like atmosphere that s a spectacular dawn action packed day as well, coming spread through the stadium and pierced the skies of from New Jersey after celebrating surrounding blocks. For two solid Philadelphia on an April Sunday hours, a wealth of children’s morning, the clouds unveiled what five Masses, and preaching about the needs of the Appalachian groups, scout troops, schools, promised to be a great day. region. Over 5,000 volunteers, black, churches, neighborhood watch A signature service project was associations poured into a rockin’, white, young, old, able-bodied and the kick-off event to the Summit poppin’ jam session. physically challenged, rose to the A potpourri of entertainers calling of the Presidents’ Summit, and began with a “pep rally”. “It’s good to have an army included both local and national an event that involved citizens again,” Colin Powell said as he celebrities that entertained the from all across the U.S. coming addressed the multi-colored, troops before the scheduled heads together to discuss and put into multi-racial, multi-cultural, multi of state arrived, each completing action better ways to serve aged band of eager participants at the colorful quilt that unfolded, America’s youth and children. “wrapped and warmed” the crowd. Father Ralph Beiting, founder of the Marcus Foster Stadium in Germantown, a neighborhood that An a cappella group of women the Christian Appalachian Project, once boasted some of the most from Penn State, a Latino dance arrived in Philadelphia later that elegant homes in north quartet and mariachi band, a black afternoon. He had been selected Philadelphia. high school drill team, and an area by Kentucky Gov. Paul Patton to The venue for this incredible youth gospel choir added to the attend the Summit as a delegate. battle cry was a intricate fabric that made up the high school Summit’s color and culture. football Upon receiving orders and stadium encouragement from the adorned with presidents, mayors, clergy and the graffiti, which assorted notables, Colin Powell sported the call concluded the event with “Move colors of rival out, troops!” Armies filed out of gangs created the stadium and onto the streets of by fugitive Germantown Avenue, as an eightspray can mile area of very ravaged operators. Not neighborhoods and dangerous necessarily the streets got a face lift, a manicure ideal setting to and a fresh coat of paint. accommodate Onto the sidewalks poured the the historial shovels, sandpaper, paint and paper Sister Joanie Cassity, a form er CAP volunteer, brought an eager convergence of garbage bags and the people. The
I
band o f students from a nearby Philadelphia suburb to lend a hand in the signature service project.
8
The Mountain Spirit
. . . For America’s Future people that didn’t register ahead of and dedicated to time with the Philadelphia United instilling pride in her Way came. People that did not young granddaughters, attend the historical pep rally letting them know this came. People who did not see the wasn’t just for one day, presidents, who didn’t hear the it was to continue music nor receive the free throughout their lives volunteer t-shirt, they all came. on this block. Her They were the people of the mission statement was “’hood,” citizens of these mean simple: “It’s ours and streets that decided they were we gotta take care of it.” going to help in this “house” Further navigation of cleaning. the avenue revealed One woman, Olivia, was a reading groups, A prolific mural that towered above the clean-up and will captain of her neighborhood watch children’s comers, art remain as constant reminder o f a proud past. association and an ordained projects highlighting the minister for the Philadelphia Philadelphia” and “A Celebration of concern of the Summit, children. Police department. She had paint Service.” Oprah Winfrey opened the Old tires sat piled seven feet high awards ceremony that saw the likes brush in hand, and participated in in some of the vacant lots that of the Clintons, the Bushs, the this unforgettable Sunday with her were swept. Old bicycle spokes, Carters, Gerald Ford, Nancy Reagan, three granddaughters, ages three, tin barrels, sticks, license tags Maya Angelou, Tony Bennett, Rob five and twelve. Each of them were items extracted from armed with an enamel-laden brush, countless village greens combed Reiner, Brooke Shields, John Travolta, and the list goes on and on. as they covered a graffiticlean by fast hands, Recognized in the ceremony were tattooed storefront. strong backs and “We’re taking back our receipients of the Presidents’ determined hearts. One neighborhood and taking Service Awards: a single welfare comer that visually pride in our home. This enhanced the work effort mother who overcame her may be sprayed over in subsistence lifestyle to create job consisted of exquisite the morning, we’ll come out and mosaics made of broken shards of training on her own, and a young black man who is restoring respect paint again, if that’s what it takes.” glass and cement, in an array of Olivia stated boldly. “If this were in an innovative youth program. The spectacular colors, and any other day, it wouldn’t be safe musicians, dancers, entertainers and constructed in a odd urban “pit for you to be standing on this dignitaries were impressive, with group” to form a sofa, love seat, block, you’d need an escort,” she great speeches, moving commentary high back chair and ottoman. added. How could this urban and memorable performances. Murals that were dazzling and enclave be so different on “any However, the real story in profound, made a political other day?” The imagination could statement and dressed up the Philadelphia was out on the street probably not fathom all the and eventually out in the states, as otherwise bland, barren walls. tension, crack vials, firearms and the delegates return home to enact Portraits of strong role models drive-bys this relatively innocent principles discussed at the Summit’s and heroric scenes of urban street comer had witnessed. America not only spmced up these sessions. Is real change going to “Even going just one avenue streets, but serve as watchful eyes occur for the more than 15 million over, you’ll see what I’m talking at-risk children and youth? What and sentinels to its continued about, but I don’t recommend you about Olivia and her grand improvement. go there,” Olivia warned. This daughters? How many times will The evening events were woman, this grandmother, probably bejeweled with more celebrities they have to repaint the storefront, in her late forties, was determined and presidents at “A Taste of before it remains clean? July-August 1997 9
----- Around the Project----CAP Hosts Symposium on Welfare Reform GABRIEL
Welfare reform is making dramatic changes in the fields of health, education, housing, economic development, family issues and telecommunications, according to representatives of each field at a symposium hosted recently by the Christian Appalachian Project. Additional presentations addressed demographics, religion and politics, which have vital roles to play in shaping the future of public assistance and the families it affects. CAP officers, directors and program managers were joined by representatives from other agencies and organizations, all of whom will collaborate in helping families understand the new regulations. Gary Hansen, a sociologist with the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service, told the group that their challenge in welfare reform would be to help families cope, not just to get jobs. “In the short term, we’ll be working with families with more risk factors,” Hansen said, and listed some of the challenges for families, “and all of us as community.” The education community must focus on people from the “cradle to the grave,” was the message of Pikeville College President Bill Owens. Carol Stumbo, a teacher from Wheelwright, Kentucky who is on loan to the Kentucky Department of Education, said that well-educated young people who choose to stay in the area can solve the problems of Appalachia. Speakers from all disciplines agreed that economic
i
CAP founder Father Ralph Belting talks with President Mike Sanders, human development director Rose Price and Kentucky State Representative Greg Stumbo at CAP’s symposium on welfare reform.
development and an increase in the number of jobs in the area is the key ingredient to the success of welfare reform. Tom Jones, the executive director of the East Kentucky Corporation, is encouraged by the number of communities in eastern Kentucky that are taking the initiative to construct shell buildings that will attract businesses to the area. Pointing out that eastern Kentucky has a surplus labor pool that is well qualified, he encouraged everyone to be “an ambassador for the community.” Representative Greg Stumbo (D-Prestonsburg), Ewell Baltrip, executive director of the Kentucky Appalachian Commission, and Bill Lambdin, for Representative Jim Bunning (R-Kentucky’s fourth district) addressed the political origins and ramifications of welfare reform. “We’ve never had a timebased challenge before,” said Baltrip. “When have we had a ‘clock ticking’?” Father Ralph Beiting, founder of the Christian Appalachian
Project, and Rev. Nancy Jo Kemper, executive director of the Kentucky Council of Churches, emphasized the need for churches to be involved with reform, and people to be involved with churches. “We need pluralism, by all means,” Father Beiting said, “but not atheism.” Stressing that churches must be concerned with not just relief for poor families but recovery, Rev. Kemper outlined positive action steps. She encouraged local partnerships, forming organizations to care for a community’s weakest members, and political advocacy. “We must advocate that the common good matters.” Ed Cortas, manager of CAP’S direct mail program said the information he gathered at the symposium will be useful as he tries to help CAP donors and potential donors understand the challenges of welfare reform. “I’m always refreshed to see people who care. I know CAP is like that, and it’s good to meet others, too,” Ed said. The Mountain Spirit
around the p ro ject. . . continued
A du lt Students R ead Works
l
Germaine Felts, Linda Hayes and Patricia Rector, students at the Christian Appalachian Project Adult Learning Center in Rockcastle County, recently participated in a celebration of reading at Carnegie Center of Reading and Learning in Lexington, Kentucky. “The people who hosted commented that there were a lot of people from Rockcastle County,” said Beth Lender, an adult education teacher. Each of the students had submitted their work to be included in “Slices of Life,” an anthology of essays written by adult learners that is published yearly by the Carnegie Center. Germaine’s amusing “Kentucky Fishtale,” a story of what happens when a big, black fish goes for a stroll through the center of town, was written with a good deal of visual imagery and a lot of imagination, she said. She decided to accept the
invitation to read the story aloud because “I had to face the public some day. I decided I might as well do it, and built my confidence,” Germaine said. “I was sort of scared, but I relaxed when I heard the others speak. People came up and told me how good my story was. I’d like to do it again.” Beth, too, said the experience
helped the students’ confidence. “It helps them to meet other adult learners, and to know that they’re all in this together. It’s a fun and different way to learn about yourself.” Beth said that she was not too surprised that the outgoing Germaine was willing to try public speaking, but when they first started studying, the others would have lacked the self confidence needed to read their work before strangers.
Employees Plant, Beautify CAP Offices After receiving an offer of free trees, including a state tree of Kentucky, from the state forestry service, Kathy Dudleson masterminded a clean-up of CAP’S offices in Johnson County. “When we got this letter from the forestry service, we decided to plant the trees and make a big deal out of it,” said Kathy, the office manager. The group of about twelve cleaned trash off the hillside, made mulch out of the trees they cleared, and used it around the
newly-planted bushes. “This will probably be an on going project,” Kathy said. “We’re always planting something around here. We proud of our grounds, and want to make it look good!”
iH k it Moving ?
Please notify us of any change of address to make sure you receive every issue of The Mountain Spirit. Please print
O ld A ddress
N ew A ddress
Left to right: Dawn Quigley, Linda Hayes, Germaine Felts, Beth Healander, and Patricia Rector at the celebration o f reading at the Carnegie Center fo r Reading and Learning in Lexington.
July-August 1997
Mail to: The Mountain Spirit 322 Crab Orchard Road Lancaster, Kentucky 40446
11
around the p ro ject. . . continued
“CAP Kids” Help Children at St. Jude Hospital Twenty children from Mount Vernon recently participated in the St. Jude Bike-a-Thon, with the help of Christian Appalachian Project workers Mary McNamara and Dawn Quigley.
Drug Store. The children, ranging in age from four to twelve, rode “anything with wheels,” in the back parking lot of the Mount Vernon Middle School. One of the four-year-olds rode a bike with training wheels, but the other, taking up the challenge to travel on “anything with wheels,” skated seven miles on in-line skates, Mary said. The
longest ride was thirty-six miles. About half of the riders were children from programs, children that Mary and Dawn know come from low-income families, but enjoyed helping other children. “It was a really special day for everyone. They had a lot of fun riding, and I know that it made everyone feel good to help kids that are in the hospital.”
W hat Can I Do to Help the Christian Appalachian Project?
Two enthusiatic youngsters, Janae Wilson and Matt Bond, rack up the miles in-line skating in the Bike-A-Thon.
“We used the theme, Children Helping Children,” Mary said. “Half of the kids are involved with CAP now, or have been in child development or a residential program in the past,” she said, “but it was open to anyone in Mount Vernon. By soliciting sponsorships from teachers and neighbors, the children raised nearly $700 for St. Jude Children’s Hospital. “They knew they were helping children who were in hospital and that really appealed to them,” Mary said. Mary and Dawn also solicited assistance from area businesses, and received food, drinks and prizes from the local McDonald’s and the Rite Aid
Christian Appalachian Project supporters often ask what more they can do to help eliminate suffering in Appalachia. First, we tell them, you can tell others of the problems in Appalachia which you learn about in The Mountain Spirit and other CAP publications. You might want to share this magazine with a friend, for example. If you’d like, drop us a line and we’ll send you a replacement copy. 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, thousands of people have worked millions of hours, donating time to helping the people of Appalachia help themselves and their families out of poverty. If you would like to volunteer a year or a summer to working in Appalachia, please contact:
The Mountain Spirit, 322 Crab Orchard Road, Lancaster, Ky., 40446. We will see that you receive information about CAP’S volunteer program. 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 every where, mountains can be moved, the course of rivers can be changed. The CAP family forms a powerful prayer network reaching into Appalachia and across the nation.
Respecting the wishes o f deceased loved ones, or in honor of them, families often request that memorials he sent to us. Memorial gifts live on to benefit others. Many also specify memorial gifts in their wills. Any size gift is welcome. Contact us for more information.
The Mountain Spirit 12
i
around the p ro ject. . . continued
The
IV lo U N T A IN T h e Magazine o f the Christian Appalachian Project
SOcA Adversary
|
November-December 1996
S tr e e t P reaching
The November-December cover o f The Mountain Spirit received a third place award among single-color covers in the 1997 Catholic Press Association journalism award competition.
M agazine W ins CPA Awards The Mountain Spirit received recognition during the Catholic Press Association 1997 Journalism Award ceremony, which concluded the CPA national convention in Denver. The cover of the NovemberDecember issue, which featured Christian Appalchian Project founder Father Ralph Beiting, received the third place award for single color covers. “A Response to the Pastoral,” Christian Appalachian Project is a participating agency in the Combined Federal Campaign. Federal and military employees can contribute to CAP by designating #0898 on the CFC pledge card.
July-August 1997
by Mountain Spirit Margaret Gabriel editor, received first place in the category “Best Article Originating with a Mission Magazine.” The story tells of The Dwelling Place, a monastic community of Benedictine sisters which was founded as a response to “This Land is Home to Me,” the 1975 Catholic bishops’ pastoral letter on Appalachia. The judges commented, “An article linking and basing a response to justice in active prayer, prayer accompanied by work with the land and people. A picture of a contemplative lifestyle that brings the monastery to the world. An article whose message was effectively supported by the photography.”
Much of what you know about wills may be misinformation that has been floating around for years. If you think, for example, that wills are primarily for rich people, or elderly people, you may be the victim of a common misconception. The helpful book let offered here will explain how your will can save your heirs from costly delays and confu sion. Send for your copy today. Clip and Mail
Christian Appalachian Project 322 Crab Orchard Road Lancaster, Kentucky 40446 Please send without obligation your booklet, “37 Things People ‘Know’ About Wills That Aren't Really So.” Name Address C ity____ State.ZIP
13
around the p ro ject. . . continued Human Development Programs Collaborate on Pilot Programs Responding to Reform The Christian Appalachian Project is conducting pilot programs in two areas that will deal with job readiness skills. “This is a direct response to welfare reform,” said human development assistant director Brenda Riddle. The pilot is a collaboration between CAP child development centers, adult education, and outreach programs, and will focus on job skills programs that people will need to enter the work force in the coming years. A curriculum entitled “Work Matters” will be the basis for the ten-week course, according to Brenda. The curriculum concentrates on the competencies that make
workers effective, including resources, interpersonal skills, information, systems, and technology. Instructors Beth Healander and Judy Dillingham, with volunteer Sandy Spalding, will also address the foundation for those competencies: basic skills, thinking skills and personal qualities, such as responsibility, self-esteem and integrity. CAP will also provide transportation and child care. Several CAP programs, including adult education, child development and family literacy have been working toward job training and career development for a number of years, but because of the new federal
mandates, a greater number of people are becoming involved. “It really spurred us into more action,” said Kim DelRe, manager of CAP Child Development in Berea. Kim believes that career planning and job training have a good potential for success, and that socialization skills will be positive, as well. “We have some folks, especially in the infanttoddler program, who don’t get out much. They have lots of things they want to do, and this program will give them the opportunity to meet people who will encourage them. That kind of support goes a long way when you’re trying to do something new,” Kim said.
jjHfring a smile to an Appalachian family with a
*
Clirisitmasi packet
Iuring this time o f year workers in CAP’S outreach program begin the work necessary to provide Christmas baskets of toys, gifts and food to the folks we serve. If you would like to take part: I----------
1
NAME ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP_ PHONE (please in clu d e area code) ____________ medium I would like to sponsor a:____ small family (1-2 children),. family (3-4 children),____large family (5-6 children),____ extra large family (8 or more children) and parents. TOTAL NUMBER OF FAMILIES SPONSORED___ _____ / am not able to shop for a needy family, but I have included a
contribution that will enable you to provide gifts fora family. ($75.00 will provides gifts fora family of five. $20.00 will provide a Christmas food box for one family.) Any amount you choose will help us share the joy of Christ’s birth in Appalachia. Please return to: Brenda Watts, 322 Crab Orchard Road, Lancaster, KY, 40446
i_________________________________________________________i
• Let us know the size family you would like to sponsor (Gifts for each person in the family should cost between $15 and $25). We’ll send you information about your family, including ages, sizes and a few gift suggestions; • Wrap and label your gifts with the name of each person; • Mail your boxes to CAP by or before November 21, 1997, to ensure that we receive them the first week in December. That’s all there is to it! Your Appalachian family will have a Christmas they ’ll never forget and you ’ll know that you’ve contributed to the real meaning o f the birth o f Christ. We look forward to hearing from you!
*
around the p ro ject. . . continued
Volunteer Doubles as B asketball Coach Volunteer Dawn Quigley was casting about for a service project when she began her work with the Christian Appalachian Project in 1995. She knew she wanted to work with people in Rockcastle County, where she was assigned. “Most of the other volunteers worked as tutors, but that’s what I do all day in adult education. I wanted something different,” she said. Dawn’s experience as a threesport athlete during her teen years and varsity basketball player at Colgate University determined the path that her service would take. “I went to [Rockcastle County] Middle School and got hooked up with the eighth grade basketball coach. He told me that he’d love to have the extra help.” So Dawn became involved with the girls’ middle school basketball team, and with the intramural program in the elementary school. “That’s really been my favorite,” she said. She calls them “my girls.” Rockcastle County has a good sports program for girls, beginning in the second grade, and it’s strong through the high school level, evidenced by the girls’ appearance in the state basketball tournament in 1997. Although Dawn’s team had a good record (5-3), their focus was much broader. “In the fourth and fifth grade it’s about having fun and working together. I’m a real stickler for making the girls work together,” Dawn said, while admitting that it’s sometimes tempting to let a girl with a shade more ability take a starring role on the team. July-August 1997
“I was critical, sure, but I gave a lot more praise than I did criticism.” Dawn’s elementary and middle schoolers play sports for much the same reasons that she did as a student. “They enjoy who they are when they’re playing. It’s great for their self-esteem, and for a lot of them, playing together develops leadership characteristics.” At five feet and eleven inches, Dawn laughed saying, “They look up to me, if for no other reason than my height,” but she sees herself as a mentor to some of the girls. For some, she said, she sees their sports careers continuing into their high school years, but for all, “we had fun. We were sad when the season was over.”
DOUBLE Your Dollars! If you are a CAP donor, or are considering becoming one, you may be eligible to double your gift through your employer’s matching gift program. Many companies today match monetary support to non-profit community service organizations that are supported by their employees. Many of these companies match the gifts that are made by their retirees as well. Please write for your brochure “Double Your Dollars,” which lists participat ing companies and instruc tions. Send correspondence to:
Teresa McAnly, CAP 322 Crab Orchard Road Lancaster, KY 40446
Participants to Take “Awesome Vacation” in Washington, D.C. The staff and participants of the Rainbow Respite Care Center and Christian Appalachian Project Resources for Independence and Community Employment (CAPRICE) are working hard to raise the funds needed for a trip to Washington, D.C., in the fall of 1997. They have named the outing the “Awesome Vacation,” and are busy making preparations. Each of the twenty-two people who are planning to go to Washington are required to participate in community fund raising activities that will underwrite the cost of the trip. In the early spring CAP workers participated in a “Silent Auction,” to benefit the
travellers. Nearly 100 workers donated services, special items and homemade food which others bid on in order to help the CAPRICE and Rainbow Respite folks with their trip. The auction netted over $1600, according to CAPRICE administrative assistant Debbie Nolan, and “We’ve heard from several folks that we provided an opportunity for everyone to participate and have fun.” Staff sees the trip to Washington, D.C., as a way of encouraging participants to engage in an activity that is selfdetermining. Few of them have traveled outside of Kentucky, and even fewer have traveled without family.
15
h \ Jim TrammH Youth and teens think they’re having fun and doing community service at the Christian Appalachian Project’s Rockcastle Teen Center, but that’s just on the surface. Deep down, perhaps so deep they’re not immediately aware of it, the kids are learning the moral precepts and the personal skills that will make them tomorrow’s leaders. The Mountain Spirit
o, what’s going on most afternoons at the Rockcastle Teen Center, the afterschool place to be in Mount Vernon and Rockcastle County, Kentucky?
If program manager Jeff Burchett and education director Glenna Robinson do their jobs skillfully enough, some of the Teen Center visitors might not even know the day-to-day process of leadership development is going on. Those trusting children may think they’re there just to have fun after school.
Some regulars hardly ever miss a session. Others visit once a month, some every six months, some only once or twice ever. In the spring, organized sports and newly pretty weather trim attendance, but Jeff and Glenna don’t mind if some kids miss sessions when their sport is in season. Baseball and softball participation means parent involvement, a hopeful sign. Transportation to the center is a problem for many parents, so Jeff and Glenna transport kids home each day in two 15-passenger vans. “If we could provide van TRAMMEL
Children or teens play basketball, pool, shuffleboard or air hockey, or paint murals or make sculpture in arts and crafts. Teens have animated discussions in Bible study groups (disguised with the cooler title “Teen Talk,” but Bible study nevertheless). Guest speakers or Teen Center staffers give presentations on important issues for teens and youth — warnings about drugs and alcohol, the importance of recognizing diversity, why you shouldn’t shake a baby, and many other topics. Some students are having snacks as others are doing arts and crafts projects — building a mobile, painting a mural.
the scale and the usual assortment of home life and growing-up problems are being prepared to break out of the mold of youthful uncertainty and insecurity and take responsibility for their tomorrows.
Others are out doing organized community service projects, putting in hours to earn their place on an exciting trip across Kentucky for fun at Glenna Robinson and J e ff Burchett sta ff the Rockcastle Teen Center which provides afterschool a theme park. The project activities fo r young people in Rockcastle County. might involve clearing roadside litter, visiting local service to the whole county we Over ten years hospital patients, making could serve 60 kids a day,” Jeff helping teens cope decorations for a special dance, said. More than 30 inside at once or many other services. really crowds the center’s Last April the Teen Center capacity, Jeff said, although as served 25 teens a day on average. What’s always happening at the many as 75 to 100 have attended More attend in cold weather. Jeff Rockcastle Teen Center, in one special events such as dances. estimates the Teen Center hosts form or another, is nothing less 100 different teens and youth than the moral, spiritual and The Rockcastle Teen Center every month for its after-school psychological preparation of celebrated its tenth year in Mount sessions, the vast majority from tomorrow’s leaders. Young Vernon last September. A Rockcastle County. people with self-images all over July-August 1997
17
Jeff has a business degree with emphasis in social work and physical education from Alice Lloyd College, one of Appalachia’s most respected institutions of higher education. He has always worked with teens, coaching football and basketball since he was 19 and working with the federal Job Corps before coming to CAP in 1990. Not just coaching any more Jeff used to teach only athletic skills, but now reaches all aspects of children’s lives. “They have different problems. Maybe they’re struggling through school, or their home life isn’t what it should be. Maybe it’s just the usual boy-girl problems.” The center helps wherever it can. celebration to mark the occasion featured original Teen Center founder Ike Adams, now CAP marketing director. Many teens and former teens who had been part of the center at one time in their lives came back to share memories and look over the current work of program manager Jeff Burchett and education director Glenna Robinson. “Latchkey kids have always been around,” Jeff said. “Nothing’s been said or done about them until recently, though.” The Teen Center gives structure and security to after-school activities, in a location where teens easily run out of constructive activities. “Older kids out by themselves can’t be counted on to always act appropriately, or obey safety requirements. In this program, our staff makes sure things are safe. Parents know they can send their kids here,” Jeff said.
Jeff came to Mount Vernon after starting another Teen Center out of an empty building in the Floyd County city of Martin back in 1990. In 1992, when Jeffs wife received a promotion that required a move to Corbin, Jeff learned that CAP was looking for a manager for its center in Mount Vernon, about forty miles from Corbin. Although the Rockcastle Teen Center was already up and running, Jeff has helped expand its offerings to reach pre-teens and instituted new programs that expand the center’s influence.
Jeff knows how his regular attendees normally behave, and picks up signals when something is wrong. “A girl had a sad look in her eyes one day,” he remembers, so he called the teen in for a one-on-one listening session. “It turned out something was wrong between her parents. I just listened for 45 minutes, and she began to feel better about things.”
“We can’t actually give professional
advice. We’re ju st
peer counselors, a big ear to listen.
Should Jeff turn up a real problem, he can call in professionals of CAP’S counseling programs or the local
The Mountain Spirit
mental health agency. Help hotlines are available for serious situations such as abuse, runaway help or drug problems. “We can’t actually give professional advice. We’re just peer counselors, a big ear to listen,” Jeff said. Jeff and Glenna often hear a teen’s problems before their parents do — a situation that can be a red flag in itself. They’re friendly, approachable, and sympathetic to the troubles a teen can encounter while just going about the business of growing up. These problems, Glenna notes, have become more dramatic with passing time. “I do a lot of one-on-one. I’m called ‘Mom’ a lot here,” Glenna said. “The kids see me as almost a mother figure, but also a friend — they know I’m not going to judge, turn my back or yell.”
couple of months — now we have to find some other way,” she tells them.
has come about during Jeffs term at the helm of the center. Rewards of community service
Upbeat attitudes It’s easier to come to someone with your bad times if you’ve previously shared good times with them, so a fim, upbeat attitude prevails at the Teen Center. Jeff realized early in his tenure that some sorting out of ages would be positive, and would also build future Teen Center patrons. At the center, starting this year, Mondays are reserved for 8-10 year-olds — third- to- fifthgraders. Tuesdays are youth days for middle school kids, grades 68, ages 11-13. Wednesdays through Fridays are for teens. The age breakout is an innovation that
The Teen Center rewards kids who join in the community service projects the center arranges, in hopes they will later come to discover the inner rewards. Teens sign up for different community activities, keeping track of their hours from September through the first week of June. A certain number of hours qualifies a student for the annual trip to a theme park, which for the last two years has been Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville. Typically, 13 or so students qualify for the trip to a Louisville
They talk about parent problems, sexuality issues, the occasional abuse problem and drugs, as well as the regular boyfriend-girlfriend issues in a teen’s life. “Mostly I try to get them to talk to their parents first (about a problem),” Glenna said. She estimates “eight of ten issues are brought to me before the kids go to their parents.” Not that all the problems are social issues. Some are direct needs. Hygiene products, shampoos, personal care items that can make self-esteem suffer in their absence are also a frequent concern. After producing such toiletries for a couple of months from a stockpile always kept handy, Glenna moves the recipients on to taking more responsibility. “I’ve gotten this for you for a July-August 1997 19
help teens realize the perils of these and other problems young people of today are facing everywhere. Leadership skills in this context most often means the ability to step up and take charge, whether managing community events or one’s own lifestyle choices. Understand that you can’t get high teen attendance at a program if you announce that it will be about leadership. Direct presentations about leadership training get mixed participation. “Some buy in and participate, some don’t want to. We don’t make them,” Glenna said. it teen pregnancy, drug abuse including alcohol, and a frequent school dropout rate — “Our three big problems that plague this county, and probably most counties.” Strict rules and consequences prevent alcohol and drug possession or use at the teen center. Community service and voluntary education programs
If you want to conduct leadership training, Glenna says, you have to choose your targets carefully and “sneak it in” under a more palatable guise. Often the center’s community service programs provide an outlet for Glenna to coax leadership from teens who didn’t know they had it in them.
CAP ARCHIVES
motel, the side excursions to malls and the Laser Quest laser tag game in Lexington. “These are our best kids and they’re always well-behaved,” Glenna said. Jeff concurs: “We’ve never had any trouble in the three years or so we’ve been doing this trip.” Funds are raised during the year from yard sales and craft bazaars so that the children can pay admissions, lodging and food costs and have a little spending money. In September is the community service awards dinner, a formal recognition for all workers. Teens with 15 hours’ service receive a small trophy; thirty hours earns a larger one. The student with the most individual hours becomes the current year’s entry on a wall plaque. (92 hours is the high so far.) Combats common problems The center’s programs are designed to combat what Jeff sees as three widespread problems in Rockcastle County and others like
Glenna’s daughter Teresa (left) has been a regular at the center during her teen years.
The Mountain Spirit 20
Glenna recalled, “I had to correct a few errors and do a few things over again” to keep Terri’s confidence strong, but her patience was rewarded when She does this step by step, Terri assumed gradually increasing the scope of complete what she asks a teen to do, until before anyone knows it, the teen is responsibility for Food Fest. stepping up on his or her own to impressive levels of Even more responsibility. Glenna moves from dramatic results asking “Could you do that. . . ” to helping the teen think, “I could do occurred with “Marie,” who was this.” a one-friend loner who had just lost “Once you make them that one friend comfortable, coach them and guide them along, they’ll speak up when Glenna first in two months,” Glenna said. “The decided Marie was a worthy main hurdle is helping teens challenge. Subtly realize that people won’t laugh at during a roadside clean-up detail. enlisting them.” everybody’s help, seen her. “I knew that people were Glenna recalls how she brought Jeff and Glenna appealed to going to love her when they met Marie’s plans and interests, a student we’ll call “Terri” out of her,” Glenna said. discovered in one-on-one peer her shell. Pretty and bright, Terri counseling. Glenna says of Marie, wouldn’t even play billiards when This year Marie, who had been “She had so much going for her she first came to the center — away from home overnight only “She was afraid people would look that we could tell all we had to do once in her life, is self-reliant was open the door” socially. at her.” Painfully self-conscious, enough to be part of a federal jobs she even ate her snacks alone. program outside her native The 17-year-old was steered Glenna saw leadership potential, Rockcastle County. into a counseling role to provide and chose a strength of Terri’s to social development. “We started help bring it out. Terri knew how Glenna chose people-focused putting her in charge of things — to cook well, so Glenna involved assignments to bring Marie out of running the arts and crafts table, her in the Food Fest cooking and her shell. “All of us being here supervising the 13-year-olds’ nutrition demonstrations. and working with her made it activities, working as a team member rather than a captain. I possible. Two years ago she Terri first suggested dishes, wouldn’t have been in that camp.” preach that approach, very loudly then found herself shopping for the ingredients and teaching other sometimes.” teens to shop. (Teens mentoring What makes Glenna take on Before long, Marie was other teens is a process by which such challenges? “If they’ve got an ounce [of self-confidence, assisting the day camp both teens are educated.) Glenna leadership potential, or any good counselors. In camp she met would be there to help, she let people from four or five different Terri know, “but if you can do it quality], I want to make a pound alone don’t wait for me.” states that had never known or sooner or later.” The same radar that enables Jeff and Glenna to pick out a teen with a personal problem also alerts staff to leadership potential. “When you see leadership ability in a child, even one with low self esteem, you’ve got to lead them along,” Glenna said.
July-August 1997
21
performs community and public relations functions for the center in the community, educating people to CAP services Rockcastle Countians might need. During day camp, Glenna often adopts a “Granny” character to orient campers to Appalachian culture. Glenna’s “Granny” tells true stories and talks about how people live in Appalachia. She sings traditional songs and does hoedown Day camp activités include a scavenger hunt which sends kids looking fo r the flora dances. “Afterward I and fauna to be found at the Family Life Center, also counselors’ belongings. comment on the performance as myself, explain what Granny said and answer questions,” Perfectly suited to duties says Glenna. Programs show possibilities If Jeffs education and training are Glenna’s family is involved in Jeff and Glenna are assisted by perfect for his job, Glenna’s work the center; son Dwayne has been volunteer John Morgan, who experience equally qualifies her. one of the top performers in the conducts Bible study for the Bom in Indiana, Glenna moved community service program. He is younger ages and the Teen Talk back to her family’s native respected by other kids and sets a sessions. Rockcastle County at age six, so good example, Glenna says the family could be near relatives. proudly. The voluntary, talk-and-explore nature of the lessons tap teens’ She first encountered CAP as a Encouraging that good example, natural curiosity, creating appeal volunteer mother at the CAP and examples that are given by that a stronger approach would Child Development Center in hundreds of other young people, is never bring about. “In Teen Talk Berea, and traces her involvement why CAP feels the Rockcastle we talk about what God wants us with CAP back 18 years to the Teen Center has something to to do,” Glenna said. In another time of the birth of daughter offer Rockcastle County, as it disguise, this represents another Teresa. helps develop today’s teens into step toward responsibility. tomorrow’s responsible citizens. Glenna became a van driver for “A lot of teens have never been the Berea Center, where she spent to Sunday School,” Glenna said. five years before coming to the Jim Trammel, a regular “Some want to learn more about Rockcastle Teen Center in 1993. contributor to The Mountain it.” John’s approach has Spirit, works for God’s Pantry apparently been skillful; his Teen In addition to duties in the Food Bank in Lexington, Talk sessions boast attendance of center similar to Jeffs, as Kentucky. up to 14 teens, even though education coordinator she shows attendance isn’t mandatory. videos, does presentations, and The Mountain Spirit 22
L etters to th e E d ito r The ecology houses are truly an answer for the Appalachian region: housing, employment and recycling all in one package. Thanks, Father Beiting and all CAP members, for your good works. David Lake Lutz, Fla.
The Mountain Spirit is a great magazine, a true voice of the mountain people! Having grown up in the hills of West Virginia, I can identify with these people. From experience, I know they would rather go hungry than ask for help! I am delighted to read of the wonderful work CAP is doing, which gives assistance when and where needed and lets them retain their dignity as told in The Mountain Spirit. Rebecca C. Bland Hyattsville, Md.
The work you people are doing in the Appalachia region is beyond reality. God is so good to us all. I pray for all the workers and especially for Father Beiting. What a wonderful saint the Lord uses among all people. Keep up the wonderful work, as I grew up in the area and appreciate everything. Mary Walsh Pigeon Forge, Tenn.
Everytime I receive The Mountain Spirit it makes me realize how fortunate I am. I wish there were more I could do to help. I hope to be able to volunteer some time after I retire. I’m a registered nurse and hope to personally help Father Beiting’s efforts in Appalachia. His is, indeed, a worthwhile project. Barbara Vargas Vineland, N.J.
An inspirational magazine. It is wonderful to see what the human spirit, by the grace of God, can achieve. Mrs. E. Davis Bridge Port, Conn.
I enjoy The Mountain Spirit. The work you are doing to help the poor people is just what our Lord would have wanted. Wish I could do more but I am a recent widow and am on a fixed income. I have been a contributor for many years with small amounts. So many need help and I can only do so much. God bless. Mrs. Louis Magldson . Plantation, Fla
When I think that I have it bad, all I need to do is pick up The Mountain Spirit, and read about the unfortunate people of Appalachia, then my situation seems very minor. Eugene F. Meier Decorah, Iowa
I thoroughly enjoy reading The Mountain Spirit I can see you are doing such a tremendous work there. I am especially interested because my deceased husband was from Wheelwright, Kentucky. His father worked in the coal mines for years but they moved to Asheville, North Carolina, in the mid-forties before the situation got so bad in that area. My husband was in the Navy at that time. His name is on the little memorial there in Wheelwright, and also his brother’s name. They were such wonderful people. His brother now lives in Fort Myers, Florida. Mrs. Mary Tweed Asheville, N.C.
I enjoy The Mountain Spirit very much, and I am happy to learn of improvements in the area. Mrs. Edna Johnson Humeston, Iowa
I read this little magazine front to back then I pass it on to others so we can all be blessed and know how much God has always blessed us every day of our lives. Mrs. Allen Hoskins Madison, Ind. Letters to the editor are welcome. They should not exceed 150 words in length, and we reserve the right to edit them fo r space. Address letters to: The Mountain Spirit Christian Appalachian Project 322 Crab Orchard Street Lancaster, KY 40446
El El El El El El El E July-August 1997
23
of mountain women at an isolated retreat in the Southern Appalachian hills is known locally as the annual Christian Appalachian Project Women’s Leadership Conference. Ruth Light is a 62Leadership Conference. year-old mother of five grown children and 14 grandchildren. She has attended Ruth beamed. Her story is one of the conference annually for the a lifetime of hardship and past six years. “I look forward to “making do” with what little she this every year. I just love to had, trying to raise her children come here. It’s so peaceful. and survive in a world that held Everyone is so nice, you just only small pockets of joy and lots couldn’t ask for better people!” of pain and suffering.
The annual conference is an opportunity for Ruth to learn new life-coping skills with other women who share some of the same or similar experiences. It’s good to know that you are not on the road alone through this journey The Mountain Spirit
* * * The leadership conference is an annual event coordinated by the Christian Appalachian Project’s Community Health Advocates Program (CHAP). A grant from the Kellogg Foundation in 1989 allowed the Christian Appalachian Project to expand CHAP from Floyd into Magoffin County. With a population of 15,000 people and a per capita income of $6,446, it was clear that Magoffin County had severe shortages of health care services, transportation and educational opportunities. The Women’s Conference is the brain-child of former volunteer Natalie Vasquez. During the third and last year of the Kellogg grant, Natalie suggested that CHAP bring all the women together from the counties where CAP had programs operating. The ladies would share in a workshop that would include discussion of health care and parenting issues, an opportunity to learn new skills, and lots of fun and fellowship.
liked the idea so much she gave Natalie the goahead and all the responsibility to pull it together. Working on the telephone, Natalie secured a location for the conference — Camp Shawnee, CAP’S 300-acre summer youth camp for children. Speakers and topics were widely varied: doctors; law Community Health Advocates ’ staff. Left to right, back enforcement row, Brenda Wireman, Trish Joseph and Angela Hall. officers teaching Front row, story author Katie Newsome and Delinda H u ff self-defense; a psychologist who addressed self-esteem and coping attending a CHAP Women’s Group, she has helped supplement skills; educators who gave her family income by selling her information on opportunities and various crafts, both locally and resources available in the throughout Kentucky. She became community. involved in the community with An entire week was planned, the encouragement of current not only with speakers, but CHAP manager Brenda Wireman. Natalie arranged for entertaining When a position came open on crafts and activities for the the local school Family Resource afternoons and evenings. There Center Advisory Council, Wilma were nutritious meals each day was appointed vice-chairperson for everyone. Quite a job, but, for the John D. Arnett School then Natalie is quite a lady! council. Volunteers have always been a major part of the CAP family and have contributed greatly to any A wife and mother has many program they are assigned. This roles and many jobs, and Wilma certainly enjoys and takes pride in yearly conference is a tribute to Natalie and her good stewardship the role she has on the Advisory while a volunteer at CAP. Council. * * *
The suggestion sounded wonderful, but the CHAP staff was already overloaded with school presentations, home visits and many other duties. Kathy DiSalvo, the program manager, July-August 1997
The yearly conference is a highlight in the life of Wilma Jean Sizemore. She has attended every year and wouldn’t dream of missing one. Since she began
CAP ARCHIVES
in life when you learn that “A joy shared is twice the joy. A sorrow shared is half the sorrow.” This statement was made by Marcella Bradley, a retired school teacher, as a group of ladies were on a nature walk. Marcella’s thought embodies the camaraderie and support that the women feel when they meet new friends and discuss their lives.
For six years the conference has grown and new people are included each time, as the ladies go home and tell friends and family their adventures and experiences.
25
When Wanda Laney and her husband, Pete, received help from CHAP to pay tuition for an Emergency Medical Technician class, little did they know what the future held for them. They both passed their EMT course with flying colors and both landed good-paying jobs in Albion, Michigan. Even though they had to leave the state to find work, they’re both grateful to CAP and especially the CHAP employees for all the help and encouragement to move along in life and their new careers. * * * Change arrives in our lives in different ways. For Ruth Shepherd, her life was touched at the spiritual level.
Ruth is a wife and mother of three children. She has been going to school for seven years. During this time, she has been taking care of her family and household and getting a few hours on her college degree each year. “I’m getting so tired of going to school. It’s hard to carry this load. It seems that I will never get those last few hours in to get my degree.” Ruth worried to some of her friends. Those who know and love Ruth, encouraged her to “hang in there” a little while longer; she was so close to everything she had worked on for the past seven years. Should Ruth continue in her studies she will begin her student
teaching in the school year of 1997-98. She is working toward her degree in education with a minor in math. Laura Marie Whitaker, learned about the Women’s Leadership Conference through the adult education program when she earned her GED at CAP’S “Little Red School Bus” in Magoffin County. “I loved to work on the computer. They just had one, and it was being used a lot of the time, but every chance I got I would go down there and learn something new. They (CAP) had to move (the bus), so I don’t have the chance anymore to work on the computer, but I do attend the conference every year,” Laura said.
The following poem was written to be shared with her many friends at the Women’s Conference this year. Camp Shawnee
I am so glad I came to Camp Shawnee, this is where the Lord saved me. There were people here I could talk to. They showed me what to do. It has been fo u r years ago. My new friends helped show me the right way to go. Thanks to the people at Camp Shawnee, I turned my life around. I am so glad fo r the new friends I have found. Now I try to come back every year. So I can be with my friends so dear. I want to thank everyone that touched my life in any way. That is ju st one thing I want to say. I want to say that “I love you all. ” Thanks to you and Jesus, I can stand tall.
Fashion shows during the conference illustrate ways to assemble a wardrobe on a very small budget. Staff uses garments from CAP used clothing stores.
The Mountain Spirit
July-August 1997
CAP ARCHIVES
At the second conference, Laura was a volunteer in a fashion show that was part of the programming for the seminar. This show was done by the participants with clothing gleaned from the CAP “Attics” and local yard sales. The intent was to show how to dress nicely on a relatively small budget and how The 1993 conference featured Dr. Mary Fox, retired a public health physician, who spoke to coordinate and about AIDS and HIV awareness. accessorize an new people in her social contacts. the family until the crisis passed outfit of clothing. The ladies She has renewed herself and looks but then had the family drop her loved it! This was the first time off at Camp Shawnee to spend the forward to life’s challenges. Laura had ever done a last two days of the conference presentation with her friends. She knew she for a group * * * could share her worries, but too, and she was “There are good she could relax among the best of The fashion show exceptional. company. was an innovative idea “I’ve learned people out there by former volunteer to feel good Nora’s friend, Flurinda Tackett, . . . people that Jan Bruns. Now a about made a special effort also to doctor doing her myself,” she don’t even know attend the gathering. Flurinda has internship at a hospital said. “There been in and out of the hospital in Dayton, Ohio, Jan are good who you are care several times during the past year took two days off work people out about you .. with a serious heart condition. “I during the 1997 there, and I know that conference to travel to just couldn’t stand the thought of not being here when I knew people that Kentucky and visit the everyone was having such a good ladies she had worked with four don’t even know who you are care time. My family was concerned years earlier, a delightful about you and that makes me feel about me coming, but my son good.” occasion for everyone involved. finally agreed to bring me over to * * * spend the day. He stayed until the Any of Laura’s friends at the day’s activities were over and I conference will tell you that she A veteran of the Camp Shawnee went home. It was so good to be has evolved into a more experience, 83-year-old Nora with everybody again,” she told responsive and outgoing lady Little had her bags packed for a us. since her introduction to the relaxing week. Not to be. Her conference six years ago. She son-in-law had a heart attack and Because of the amount of was quiet, shy and reserved at had to be transported to planning required for the first, but now she is very open, Lexington, for triple-bypass Women’s Leadership Conference, laughing and very at ease with surgery. Nora stayed with him and
27
Sizemore is a woman gifted with a beautiful voice. She uses her Godgiven talent to sing His praises at her local church, and has in the recent past made a tape recording of her gospel songs. She tells us that soon she will be featured at the Mountain Arts Center in nearby Prestonsburg, Kentucky in their U.S. 23 Talent Showcase. Know that lots of her friends and family will be in the audience to cheer her on and be proud of her accomplishments. * * *
"Makeovers ” are a popular activity at Camp Shawnee. Many o f the women have never had the opportunity to experiment with the beauty products that are provided and do wonders fo r self-esteem.
Brenda Wireman and her staff of three begin work on the next year’s conference just as soon as the current one is over. They are always looking for new ideas, new speakers, new presentations, new crafts, new games, and ways of making each and every conference memorable in its own unique way. As a women’s group leader, Trish Joseph is very much a part of the craft activity planning. “I’m always looking — no matter where I go. There are many very simple and creative items to make with a relatively small amount of money,” Trish said The menu planning and several other duties fall to Angela Hall who does life skills training for CHAP, as well as the leadership conference. Everyone helps to transport conference participants to and from Camp Shawnee and make sure all supplies are ready for the next day.
The lady who pulls all this together is Delinda Huff, the CHAP secretary/receptionist who handles all the phone calls, computer work, copies for handouts, schedules and any other details that need attention. The captain of the ship is Brenda Wireman, who does all the networking to set up speakers, dates, contacts and all the clearing needed to bring this many ladies together at one location. Laura Webb, volunteer support staff, brought her training in environmental issues, and sessions on self-esteem into full play for the 1997 conference. Her spirituality was a thread that wound throughout the experience.
The sense of fellowship, peace and continuity is most pervading at this conference. There have been many changes in the lives of the ladies who have participated in these encounters. Almost all have testimonies of how the Lord has made a change for the better in their day-to-day lives. Commitment to Him and family are as much a part of the ladies’ daily activity as breathing, they say. We’ve all heard the expression, “The hand that rocks the cradle, rules the world.” If this is true, then this conference was a huge success. It will be interesting to see the changes that take place in the lives of these ladies during the next six years of this conference. •
Katie Newsome, a former CHAP employee, has been involved with the Women’s Leadership Conference since its inception. She currently works for the University o f Kentucky.
* * * There are many stories from just about every lady who attended the 1997 conference. Lori The Mountain Spirit
28
GUP:
Till
Owen Wright
“We can plant the seeds o f change or hope or optimism, but they need the nurturing o f other programs to make them grow. At the Christian Appalachian Project’s Camp Shawnee in Floyd County, counselors at summer camp gather their groups together to hike through the woods. After exploring paths and cutting away a little brush, they come to a small clearing where they hear a gun shot and “Halt! Who goes there?” It’s camp manager Owen Wright, but he’s not the same Owen they saw at breakfast. He’s Owen, a sergeant in the Fifth Kentucky Company, a volunteer infantryman with the Confederate States of America. Like the camp manager, Sergeant Wright is from Letcher County, the father of
Owen Wright, manager o f Camp Shawnee
three children. Like the camp manager, he’s a practical joker. Sergeant Wright has been known to put the hides of dead animals in the haversacks of his compatriots. His ’90s counterpart disguises his voice and leaves outlandish messages on his co-workers ’ voice mail. They’re both fiercely independent. Sergeant Wright explains that he’s part of a troop stationed two ridges away and that he’s on
picket duty, looking for Union troops they’ve heard are in the area. He hears the counselor’s explanation that they are a group from Camp Shawnee, determines that they are not enemy soldiers, so Sergeant Wright invites the campers to look at his musket and inspect the contents of his haversack, which usually contains a clean shirt, some lye soap, pipe tobacco and goober peas (peanuts), all historically accurate.
♦ by M argaret Gabriel ♦ July-August 1997 29
He doesn’t often get questions about the political and moral framework of the War Between the States, but he tells campers, “I’m not a slave owner, and I don’t believe in the institution of slavery. But this is an issue of states’ rights. I don’t think a bunch in Washington should be tellin’ a feller how to live on a farm in Letcher County.” In 1989 Owen graduated from Morehead State University, with an education degree, equipped to teach high school history and political science. Although he has never worked in the classroom, his love for children and of the outdoors is a perfect match for his work at Camp Shawnee. His love of history, too, makes camp an exciting learning experience for the children of Floyd, Knott and Magoffin counties. “They get a lot of book learning in school,” Owen said. “Here they get to participate, so it sticks with them longer.” In many ways those lessons deal with more than just history. At camp, Owen sees many young people from povertystricken families. For many of them, a week at camp is one of the
CAP ARCHIVES
Invited to ask questions, the campers are usually curious about Sergeant Wright’s pay, the kind of food he eats, if he’s ever been wounded. “I tell them a lot about the realistic cruelties of war, that I’ve seen my friends get shot and die. I tell them I’m here to protect my farm and my family. The Union troops and home guard from Harlan County have been through Letcher County, stealing livestock and committing a lot of destruction in the county.”
few breaks they get from a life that is defined by the limits imposed by poverty rather than the opportunities of youth. “We have our greatest impact on kids when camp complements another program, a youth program or a leadership program,” Owen said. “Camp is a strong influence, but it’s just a week. We can plant the seeds of change or hope or optimism, but they need the nurturing of other programs to make them grow.”
Owen Wright, in fu ll Confederate regalia.
One of the most effective ways to make an impact on young people is to also deal with their parents, Owen said. After meeting parents and determining that everyone in a young person’s life is walking a similar road, change is much more likely. Owen and the volunteers who serve as camp counselors are good role models. Youngsters often find them more approachable than other adults. “Through good role modeling, I’ve seen kids make changes in their lives. They’ve finished school or gotten a GED, even gone on to college,” Owen said. Sometimes young people get little
direction for their lives, so rules at camp are a new experience. “Right up front, we explain the rules, then use positive reinforcement and rewards.” Owen considers instilling good values to be one of the most important jobs that they take on at camp, something that he and other camp staff take most seriously. Whether they’re seeing the 1997 Owen or the 1862 Owen, the young people at Camp Shawnee are seeing an energetic father, someone willing to help them plant the seeds of change or hope or optimism by showing as well as doing. “The strongest way we teach kids is through example.” The Mountain Spirit
30
CAP Leadership Initative Gives Youth the Tools to Make Changes m eans scaling w alls,
DOTSON
C AP leadership cam p
both literally and figuratively. W hen sixteen-yearold Tony Stone w as facing a brick w all at cam p last sum m er, the support and en courage m en t of his colleagues lifted him over. The exercise helped him realize that through cooperation, alm ost anything is possible. The C hristian A ppalachian P roject’s Youth Leadership Initiative m ade that exercise possible. Located on the grounds of our 93-acre sum m er cam p facility in Jackson County, one of the m ost distressed areas of Kentucky, the initiative focuses on leadership de velopm ent in three areas. The youth targeted are not the class presidents, valedictorians, and honor roll students, but those w ho are under-involved, frequently those from low -incom e fam ilies, w ho are not able to participate in extra-curricular activities. T hese youth concentrate on problem -solving, com m unication and organization skills in a three-day w orkshop. Following their w orkshop experience, the young people serve as m entors for younger cam pers. They also com m it to a y e a r’s participation in a com m unity project of their own design. W e believe helping uncover the leadership qualities in our young people w ill give the m ost lasting answ er to the problem s of the A ppalachian area. O ne of the leaders from the 1996 cam p reflected “ I think it may be especially im portant here because of the po verty and lack of leadership is a cycle that goes on .” Your gift of $25, $30, $50 for C A P ’S Youth Leadership Initiative — or w he reve r it is needed m ost — w ill give young people the opportunity to break that cycle of poverty.
Welfare Reform In Kentucky • Welfare reform does not deal with a single issue, but with a convergence of persistent problems, being seen in a different light. Kentucky’s welfare plan allows counties to determine their own implementation.
Rev. Nancy Jo Kemper and Father Ralph Belting speak at the symposium on welfare reform.
Because transportation is key, Kentucky’s plan makes funds available for car repairs. • People who live in poverty tend to have higher rates of child neglect and abuse, and lower graduation rates.
Data references available upon request.
► CHRISTIAN APPALACHIAN PROJECT 322 CRAB ORCHARD ROAD LANCASTER, KY 40446 THE MOUNTAIN SPIRIT
NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION U.S. POSTAGE PAID Christian Appalachian Project
Address Correction Requested