Issuu

S pirit The Magagne of the Christian .Appalachian Project

Also:

Father Beiting’s 75th Birthday

Guiding Principles

P r e s i d e n t ’s

c T he

M o u n t a in S p ir it The Magazine o f the C H R IS T IA N A P P A L A C H IA N P R O J E C T MARCH

- APRIL

1999

VOL.

XVIII,

NO.

4 Mission Statement

_______ by CAP News Service_______

^ Guiding Principles Principle One . . . .6 Principle Four . . .12

by Jim Trammel

by Mary McNamara

Principle Tw o___ 8 Principle Five . . . 14

by Margaret Gabriel

Principle Three. . 10 Principle Six . . . .16

by Beth Dotson

Father Beiting’s 75th Birthday Celebration Father Beiting gets a warm by Margaret Gabriel

handshake from Owen Wright, page 24.

Father Beiting’s Birthday Celebration at Renfro Valley with his CAP family and some participants o f the Child Development Center, story on page 24.

e p a r t m e n t s

R a n d o m T h o u g h ts

A ro u n d th e P ro je c t

L etters to the E ditor

T h e C A P C lo s e u p

Published by the Christian Appalachian Project E d ito r M a r g a r e t G a b r ie l

G r a p h ic D esig n K a r e n F r a n c e s S p iv e y

C ir c u la tio n L in d a G rid er E ast A d v iso r y B oard : F a t h e r R a l p h W . B e i ti n g ,

Mike Sanders, Bill Begley, Ike Adams,Becky Kana

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 Street, Lancaster, KY 40446. Copyright, 1999, 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.

Christian Appalachian Project employ ees went through an interesting exercise last year. After a great deal of deliberation, the officers and directors of the organiza tion decided to rewrite our mission state ment. The newly styled statement looks quite different from the older one, but it’s important to note that the mission of the Christian Appalachian Project has not changed. I think you will agree that the new format allows a supporter to under stand our work in just a few words. As pleased as I am with our fresh Mission Statement and the ac companying Guiding Principles, I’m even happier with the Mike Sanders, method by which they CAP President were written. After soliciting input from CAP’s entire workforce, the Mission Statement and Guiding Principles were dis cussed and debated, concept by concept, word by word, by CAP’s officers, direc tors and managers. After hours of delib eration, the group felt that the text they had created adequately described the work we do as well as our motivations for doing it. It was approved and acclaimed by CAP’s Board of Directors. In this issue of The Mountain Spirit, we share these principles with you, along with stories of people and programs that we believe illustrate these principles. We also want to tell you about our cel ebration of Father Beiting’s 75th birthday. The celebration, too big for just one party, included greetings from thousands of people, starting with Pope John Paul II. It was great to express to Father Beiting just how much he — and his mission — mean to all of us, especially in light of the new format of our Mission Statement, and as we begin to implement the points of our long-range plan. This plan, based on the goals and directions of our organization — Father Beiting’s dream, if you will — will be setting our course for the years to come. We hope that you, our readers, will join us on the journey.

A summary of the registration and financial documents filed by this organization can be obtained by contacting: in Maryland, for the cost of copies and postage, the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401; in Virginia, State Division of Consumer Affairs, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23209; in Washington, residents can call the Secretary of State toll-free within the state at 800332-4483- IN NEW YORK OFFICE OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, CHARITIES BUREAU, 120 BROADWAY, NEW YORK, NY 10271; IN NEW JERSEY, THE ATTORNEY GENERAL BY CALLING 201-504-6215; IN PENNSYLVANIA, DEPARTMENT OF STATE BY CALLING TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE, 800-732-0999; IN WEST VIRGINIA, SECRETARY OF STATE, STATE CAPITOL, CHARLESTON, WV 25305; IN FLORIDA, THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALL TOLL-FREE WITHIN THE STATE AT 800-435-7352; IN NORTH CAROLINA, FINANCIAL INFORMATION AND A COPY OF THE LICENSE ARE AVAILABLE FROM THE STATE SOLICITATION LICENSING BRANCH AT 919-733-4510; or by writing to Christian Appalachian Project, 322 Crab Orchard Street, 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.

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T H O U G H T S B y B e n P r e w it t participants,” we are given the opportunity to stretch or many years, we have our boundaries as we learn from and teach those around known that to serve the us. Exploration of new opportunities will result in the people of Appalachia most team effort that makes CAP so unique. effectively we need a Individual growth also compels us to keep each other comprehensive, long-range in prayer. Imagine the strength and power that will result plan. A well-thought-out, from everyone in the CAP family praying for everyone thoroughly discussed plan else. fixed clearly on CAP’s Principle Four, “To live out and promote the Gospel mission will assure that the work we’re doing descends through all of our actions,” is the backbone of CAP’s from the purpose for which we were founded. mission statement, indeed, of CAP itself. We are guided We’ve been saying that, but sometimes it’s easier and to teach, lead and encourage by example, using the more convenient to work day to day, rather than to sit Gospel of Jesus Christ as our instruction. We must around a table and ask the hard questions. When our “walk the walk,” not just “talk the talk,” living the founder (and resident visionary), Father Beiting, listed Gospel through our actions as well as our words. twelve directions in which he wants CAP to move in the Principle Five, “To foster open, honest and effective future, we knew the time was ripe to set that long-range communication both inside and outside the organiza plan in motion. tion,” underscores the When we started the fact that honest process, we wanted input or communication is the representation from everyone key to the success for involved with CAP — Father any group involved in Beiting, donors, officers, teamwork. Effective managers, every employee, avenues of communica every volunteer. Hard work and tion are essential if cooperation from hundreds of everyone involved in people gave us that input, then CAP’s work is to make a group of about thirty the most of the opportu hammered the twelve points of nities given to us. Good Father Beiting’s letter into six communication is an guiding principles that support ongoing process: it CAP’s mission statement. moves forward or it Ben Prewitt with CAP’ s founder, Father Ralph Beiting. Principle One, “To promote dies. Principle Five the dignity and self-worth of demands that CAP’s communication keep moving. individuals by promoting self-help,” has been CAP’s Principle Six, “To involve the Appalachian people at guiding principle since Father Beiting’s earliest days in all social and economic levels in developing solutions Appalachia, when he realized that in order to truly help to poverty,” requires involvement of all people in all the poor they needed a hand up, not a handout. We walks of life, from people who have nothing to people have learned that, with few exceptions, people in need who have major business holdings. From the leaders to would much rather be equipped to solve their own the powerless, all people can and must take ownership problems than to have to seek help again and again. of the region, not just ownership of the land, but There is little dignity in poverty, in having to ask over ownership of the resources that all have to offer. and over for basic subsistence. Partnership with any and all can make these things Principle Two, “To practice and encourage good happen. stewardship of and accountability for all of the re By banding together in physical, spiritual and sources entrusted to us,” reminds us that CAP employ emotional support of each other, the CAP family can live ees are trustees of gifts received from people all over the each of these principles, the very foundation of CAP’s United States. As we implement our strategies and mission. goals, the question “Are we being good stewards?” will be a constant evaluation tool for our work. In implementing Principle Three, “To foster individual growth among staff, volunteer, donors and program

M A R C H -A P R IL

1999

Ben Prewitt, vice-president o f planned giving and major gifts, has taken a lead role in CAP’s long-range planning.

Mission Statement Phe Christian JLppaCachian (Project is an interdenom inational non-profit Christian organization com m itted to serving peopCe in need in JlppaCachia 6y providing p h ysica l spirituaC a n d em otionaf support through a w ide variety o f programs a n d services.

Cjuiding (principies I.

To promote the dignity a n d seCf-worth o f individuáis by promoting seif-heip.

II.

To practice a n d encourage good stewardship o f a n d accountability f o r a d o f the resources entrusted to us.

III.

To fo s te r individuai grow th among staff, vofunteers, donors a n d program participants.

IV .

To five out a n d promote the Qospei through a d o f our actions.

To fo s te r open, honest a n d effective communication both inside a n d outside the organization.

V i.

To invohve the fippaiachian peopie at a iiso c ia ia n d economic ieveis in deveioping soiutions to poverty.

One

Gui<ding Principles by Jim Trammel

To promote the dignity and self--worthof individuals 6ypromoting © , eborah Cawood dispenses healthy doses of self-

in the working world. Sometimes the lessons are fairly reliance to supported employment participants through basic — personal hygiene, filling out applications, the CAPRICE. The name stands for Christian Appalachian importance of regular attendance at a job, how to get Project’s Resources for Independence in along with co-workers. Other more Community and Employment. They seek skilled hopefuls may still need to to help people who have physical and learn how to present themselves well mental disabilities succeed indepen in a job interview, or learn job-specific dently at work or function more inde skills. pendently in their homes and communi Deborah is careful to keep her ties. Deborah’s supported employment instruction positive: “We might be efforts anticipate and remove obstacles the only positive influence in these to job success. people’s lives,” she said. “I don’t The program continues after hiring, build on ‘I’m pitiful’,” she said. so there are over 100 current partici “Show me your abilities — show me pants, many of whom have been what you can do.” successfully placed in jobs and are This preparation is important, earning their independence. The Deborah says, because she, and Kentucky Department of Vocational prospective future employers, will Rehabilitation pays CAP a placement hold physically disadvantaged fee after 60 successful days on the job, workers to the same standards they but CAPRICE’Scommitment to its would typical employees. Deborah Deborah Cawood, CAPRICE job coach workers continues for as long as the points out that to make exceptions or assistance is needed. grant favors stigmatizes her workers. Because Deborah has also been among employers Profiling procedure essential pursuing leads for these participants, there will come the Deborah receives referrals from private agencies or from Vocational Rehabilitation counselors. She interviews day when a participant will land one of these positions and start work. After that point, Deborah drops in to find out their goals, and builds a profile of their periodically to find out how the employer and employee strengths and challenges to make sure placements will are getting along, and whether there are areas that need work. “We’re not out there filling slots,” Deborah said. work. “We don’t have a quota.” This profiling process also Welfare reform has sent its own job seekers into involves the future participants’ relatives, and Deborah Deborah’s and CAPRICE’Sjob market, although the sometimes finds herself gently correcting well-meaning but negative family attitudes that might slow participants welfare-to-work course involves a group different from workers with disabilities. But they’re out there competing down. Relatives are often concerned about how new employ for the same jobs. Deborah said a recent Fruit of the Loom manufacturing plant closure in nearby Columbia, ment would affect Social Security disability income. Ky., caused a new group of workers to compete for the Deborah is well versed in the complex Social Security jobs CAPRICE workers seek. But Deborah and CAPRICE rules that spell out exactly at what point earnings begin reducing non-medical disability benefits. She often gains are known for the quality of their workers, and their post a protective relative’s trust by sharing a personal insight: hiring support. “I have two teenage sons — I know how you feel.” Participants are taught readiness skills they will need

Kevin builds his prospects Two brothers from London, Ky., are among CAPRICE’S

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The Hoskins family: Kevin (front), David and their mother, Joyce. M A R C H -A P R IL

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He passed his test with the highest mark, and he will be a certified mason this summer. Kevin has had to resist favoritism during his edu cation. A cardio-pulmonary resuscitation in structor at Kevin’s votech school wanted to let Kevin slide by without learning CPR as part of a worker safety and health class. Deborah corrected the instructor: Kevin would learn CPR just as typical workers are re quired to do. Kevin Kevin Hoskins is training in masonry. picked up CPR in about two hours. Employability will still require much ranged for him to attend Williamsburg special effort on Kevin’s behalf. Some College in nearby Whitley County, requirements are as predictable as a which added to his aid package with large-button calculator. Others are a wrestling scholarship. He had tried less apparent: Deborah has arranged to apply to the college before, but for some of Kevin’s blueprints to be couldn’t complete the application pro enlarged to extra-large size so he can cess until Deborah helped. Deborah is in there pitching to see them properly. During the post hire support process she expects to solve the practical problem s of use her imagination to anticipate and David’s sight limitations, too. She’s meet the special challenges Kevin working with the college administra poses, so that Kevin can use his tal tion to improve crosswalk facilities ent to bring himself job success, like near David’s dormitory. Deborah feels responsibility for the any typical worker. He’ll have to have some special arrangements, but he’ll Hoskins family, especially for Kevin and David’s mother, Joyce, caretaker expect no special favors. for the three visually-impaired mem David pins down his bers of her family. Deborah goes out success path of her way to furnish transportation, Older brother David’s case differs run small errands and be part of fam from Kevin’s in ways that illustrate ily life outside the supported employ the importance of sensitive handling ment assignment, using each social of each case. When David’s case occasion to further observe and came to Deborah’s attention, David evaluate the young men’s skills, be was working at an undemanding job coming more expert in ways she can as a part-time bus monitor, obviously help them reach their goals. not making full use of his talents. David and Kevin are fine illustra What were his talents? One obvious tions of CAP’S self-help principle, one was wrestling, Deborah discov Deborah said. “I can’t think of two ered when she saw his 37 wrestling other people who have worked so medals and trophies. hard to overcome so many rotten David always wanted to be a things that life has thrown at them,” teacher, and now, thanks to Deborah she summarized. They have certainly and CAPRICE, he is studying to be a worked hard, but CAPRICE — and physical education teacher and wres Deborah — have played a vital role tling coach. Deborah and the Ken as well. tucky Department of the Blind ar-

supported employment participants, and are making impressive progress. CAPRICE-arranged support is crucial not only to their job progress but to their family survival. David Hoskins, who is 23 years old, and 20-year-old Kevin, suffer from a congenital condition called “aniridia” — a developmental problem with the optic nerves in their eyes. David’s and Kevin’s eyes are too sensitive to light for them to work normally. (Their fa ther has the condition, too; the sons have been advised that any children they might father would be likely to have the condition.) They were referred to Deborah at CAPRICE by the Kentucky Depart ment of the Blind, a channel for state government services. The profiling process first turned up in Kevin an interest in small engine repair, but his lim ited vision suggested that he would succeed better in something larger-scale, so he is now studying masonry. To be employable he had to pass a “tape test” that requires mastery of fractions. When Laurel County’s vo cational-technical education re sources couldn’t give him the special ized instruction he required, Deborah sought out her associate, Virginia Baker of the Laurel County Literacy Program, who came through with the one-on-one instruction Kevin needed.

Two

Guiding Principles by Margaret Gabriel

To practice and encourage good stewardship o f and accountability fo r a ff o f the resources entrusted to us. the Jewish community, Jack says. “Jesus had the right y / £ _ mid the bustle of the Christian Appalachian idea, that’s for sure,” he says. “Of course, that’s why "Project accounting department, with a twinkle in his eye the world is the way it is today, because of his teach and a soft chuckle, Jack Hamm says he left his hectic ings. It’s made us all more aware of the need to help private practice as a certified public accountant, to work those that are needy.” in a place that was “calm and easy.” Jack explains that the Jewish people believe that In 1996 Jack and his wife, Kaye, returned to Kentucky Jesus is a very famous man, “probably one of the after living in Atlanta for 29 years. “My wife and I are greatest Jews that ever lived because he is the reason for both from Flemingsburg. We actually lived about a Christianity, but they simply don’t believe that he is the block from each other for twenty years before we got Messiah. They believe that the Messiah is yet to come. married. We’re native Kentuckians.” There’s a lot of debate about what the Messiah really is. The son of a poor family in Fleming County, Jack remembers fondly his first job, which was to ring the bell Maybe it’s something that’s internal in each person, and maybe it’s going to be on Sunday morning at a physical presence.” the Christian Church in “‘There’s a term, tzedakah, which is Jack says that the Flemingsburg. “I people in CAP’s worked for the janitor the spirit o f giving, ”Jacf^says. accounting department and he would let me participate in giving to ring the bell on “I f you have money, you shouCcf those in need by Sunday morning, but “making sure that then I married a Jewish give to the poor. ‘You shouCcf every nickel that girl,” and converted to share w ith the needy, regardless should be available to Judaism at that time. them is there for CAP Jack’s faith tradition o f w h a t their need might 6 e . . programs.” makes CAP a truly Stewardship is the ecumenical environ watchword in the ment, and he feels accounting department Jack leads, and they make perfectly comfortable working for an employer whose suggestions to CAP’s human service programs about mission is to promote the Gospel of Jesus Christ. ways to make expenditures in the most efficient way. “There’s a term, tzedakah, which is the spirit of “We not really that critical, but we try to be conserva giving,” Jack says. “If you have money, you should give tive, and we have to be exact. After all, we’re bean to the poor. You should share with the needy, regardless counters. Quite often we make suggestions about ways of what their need might be. Jewish people look at this to conserve money or reduce cost, to make sure that as the need to give.” The spirit of giving was modeled for Jack, he says, by money is available for programs.” Jack and others in the accounting department are his father-in-law, a Jewish merchant in Flemingsburg obviously more than just “bean counters,” though. who owned and operated a department store, known for They make themselves available to managers who may many years as “Frieds On The Corner,” Jack says. “He [Jack’s father-in-law] provided clothing from his store to be unfamiliar with the procedures needed to keep good financial records of their programs. CAP program clothe poor people in Fleming County. It was his managers are given the responsibility for budgeting and tzedakah,” Jack recalls. fiscal management, and they know that for help with CAP’s work with the poor and the needy appeals to

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Jack Hamm, CAP’s controller

grams are and how needed.” those responsibilities they can turn Jack believes that CAP programs to Jack and the accounting depart have good information to share with ment. other organizations in the Appala “We encourage everybody in chian region. “I would love to see accounting to visit at least two CAP have a committee or group that projects a year, and of course, would work to help other people, Loretta [Herren, senior accountant] and I visit programs about every month. Next week we’re going to see Rainbow 7 thinf^the chance to Respite. We want them to know that we’re involved, raise money f o r human and that we’re here to help service programs them.” Although Jack and Loretta travel to the JLppaCachian-wicfe w ith programs to answer staff questions, they also take reaCCy ena6Ce us to the opportunity to meet the people CAP serves and to 6ranch out. ” become acquainted with their needs. churches or other groups, to develop “I love to be able to go down and programs. Sort of like an outreach sit with a needy child. In fact, when program that sends people to help I was president of the Jaycees in find a way to get other people to Atlanta, we had a respite program. serve the needs of the Appalachian We do know how good the pro M A R C H - A P R IL

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area. In the coming years, he says, he hopes CAP will grow as it continues to meet the needs of the Appala chian area. Although community development programs have been operating in surrounding Appala chian states for a number of years, the introduction of human service programs in West Virginia signals the advent of tremendous growth. “I think the chance to raise money for human service programs Appalachian-wide will really enable us to branch out. I think that’s really important, because CAP has done so well with its programs.” Jack Hamm believes fervently in CAP programs, and especially in the people they serve. His sense of personal stewardship, and his commitment to tzedakah, assures that CAP will use its resources to serve them well.

Three

Gui<ding Principles by Beth Dotson

do fo ster individuaC growth among staff, volunteers, donors and program participants. JL

he first time Doris Grant drove into McCreary and often didn’t have telephones. Sometimes people weren’t there, even when they had an appointment with County to work for the Christian Appalachian Project, Doris. At other times, they were home but it was difficult she had already been a mother, elementary school to teach — or learn — in the midst of a messy house teacher and librarian. Laurel County, which is adjacent and a television that remained on throughout the to McCreary, was her home. When she heard about the lesson. job teaching adults through CAP’s School on Wheels “What I considered program, she thought she important they didn’t, like could do that. keeping appointments and But on that day in 1991 when keeping their house clean Doris crossed the bridge into and stuff like that. It was a McCreary County, “I thought I way of life for them and it had stepped back in time. I said didn’t bother them. It was this reminds me of 20 or 30 almost a different culture,” years ago back in Laurel Doris said. County, except people had It was a culture that television.” offered some things she The visual impact of the area could accept and others she was just the first lesson Doris’s couldn’t. For example, she new job handed her. Instead of learned to ask people to a building erected to be a turn off the television school, Doris discovered she during the lesson. She also would work out of a place that decided that until the had been the local game room Doris Grant, CAP s teacher in McCreary County. tutoring became important and it would be up to her to to the students, it wouldn’t do them any good. So she transform it into an education center. Her car would be told them if she went to their home for a lesson two her primary office space, since she would be driving to times and they weren’t there, she wouldn’t be back. students’ homes to give them lessons there. Teaching “I really emphasized that it was my time and it was adults who wanted to get their General Equivalency important to me and I expected them to be there, and if Diploma (GED) was a world away from teaching kinder they weren’t, then I wouldn’t be there,” Doris said. She garten students in Laurel County, Doris soon learned. would leave a note on the door if no one was home and During the past eight years, as Doris has seen some ask them to contact her. “When they found out I wasn’t students drop out of the program while others passed going to do that (cater to them), then it became more tests and went on to higher education or better jobs, important to them.” she has seen herself grow along with her students. So Doris’s work began, tutoring adults who had “There are some really good people over here and I’ve dropped out of school but later decided they wanted to made some really good friendships,” Doris said. earn a diploma. One of her students was Cathy, who “They’ve made me grow. They’ve made me see that I dropped out in the sixth grade and became a mother at needed to change my priorities on what’s really impor the age of 13. Like many of the other students she tant.” encountered, Doris discovered Cathy thought she In those early days, Doris knocked on doors of many couldn’t do anything. “Confidence is what most of them homes where the houses were in obvious need of repair

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McCreary County, Doris’s “classroom, ” has a low adult educational attainment rate.

don’t have,” Doris said. That’s why Doris estimates that only half of her work is really teaching the skills her students need to pass the tests. The other half is trying to get them to believe they can achieve their goals. With Cathy, Doris said, “What impressed me was that she believed me when I said that she could do it.” Doris began to see more clearly the role she needed to play as she received feedback from her students. “When they do something well, I tell them, and I really play that up. I just keep telling them that they can do it,” Doris said. Doris worked with John Goodin for six years. “I know it was hard for him,” she said. “He really worked hard and he hung in there. That was good for me. It made me feel good that he really wanted it that bad.” John was married, a stepfather, and worked at the water company. “It was hard for him and sometimes he would come in so tired,” Doris said. But he was determined to get his GED. Doris remembers working on specific skills he needed, like spelling. She found materials to help him learn M A R C H - A P R IL

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to spell easy words so he would be able to write the essay required for the diploma. She saw that his math skills and reading comprehension were good, but he needed writing practice. “We worked at writing and he got better at grammar than I, almost,” Doris said. He eventually passed all of his tests, sometimes with more points than he needed. As Doris’s students have moved on, she has found new and better ways to teach. Although she still goes into homes for lessons, she prefers the classroom setting and now teaches four classes a week. The classroom, she believes, takes them away from distractions at home, like telephones, which more students have today. In groups, the students can help one another. “If they’ll come in, they’ll work better. It’s more of a commitment to them,” Doris said. Doris recalls moments that have been very rewarding. Kenneth, for example, was an extremely shy but intelligent student. He wouldn’t look her in the eye. When they were preparing for the essay portion of the test, Doris

decided to try a special exercise with Kenneth. She would write an essay about what she felt about Kenneth and he would write an essay about what he felt about her. One of the things Doris wrote was that Kenneth had beautiful brown eyes and whenever he didn’t want to talk about something, he would close them. Doris said she read her essay to him and “From that day forward, he always looked straight at me. He never avoided my eyes anymore.” Those small victories have continued to challenge Doris to grow through her work. When she crossed the bridge into McCreary County, she didn’t know she was crossing into a community that would teach her to see people in a different way. “The biggest thing I’ve learned is to accept people for who they are, not to look at their situation. There’s a pretty good chance I would have never gotten involved with any body like this because I just don’t come into contact with a lot of people who are in this poverty situation. I know they’re there, I just didn’t know them.”

Four

Gllidi ng Principles by Mary McNamara

‘To five out and)promote the (fospeC through a f f o f our actions. / ft Lt s the coordinator of volunteer recruitment for the Christian Appalachian Project, I often find myself on “her family” again. The staff of Family Life Services, college campuses and at churches inviting students to likewise, was delighted to see Tracy and her children join us in our mission. The most popular question I field again. Shannon, who moved to Atlanta after volunteer across the country is “What is CAP?” My reply is that ing, even returned for the reunion. As everyone “CAP is a faith-in-action organization,” which I believe gathered for fellowship, food and fun, there really was captures the essence of our mission in eastern Ken the feeling of a family reunion. tucky. Our faith in Jesus Christ and his teachings / give you a new commandment: love one another. As fundamentally influences and guides our programs, our I have loved you, so you also should love one another. team and all that we do. (John 13:34). The desire to “live out and promote the Gospel” has I am flooded with examples of volunteers and challenged thousands to join the mission of CAP as employees following Jesus’ command to love. We employees and as volunteers. Their faith brings them to returned late one night from our spring retreat to a action —to love and to serve. In telling prospec tive volunteers about CAP programs, I often draw on my own experience as a volunteer and those of my volunteer community. For I was . . . a stranger and you welcomed me (Matthew 25:35). One can find safety, warmth, food and support at Family Life Services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Family Life Services, or FLS, is a long-term residential shelter whose workers strive to live and promote the Gospel in all that they do. It was 7:00 one evening when Tracy and her three children arrived at the shelter. Shannon, a volunteer, welcomed them at the door with warm greetings. Their faces spoke of their uneasiness, fear and shame of being without a home and seeking shelter. Although it was small for a family &, of four, they were provided a bedroom that would give them a place to rest. A hot meal filled their •' .. A.*.* * * < * . *• *«i. Children enjoy the outdoors and a backyard playhouse while living in hungry stomachs. The shelter seemed smaller transitional housing at Family Life Services, in Mt. Vernon, Kentucky. once they had met the other residents and were given a tour. Shannon, like the rest of the staff, had a phone message for my housemate, Julie. Jennifer, a beautiful way of making one, two, three or even seven mother in CAP’s Infant-Toddler program, was looking people feel welcome and at home. Tracy and her family for Julie, her children’s teacher. Jennifer’s husband had stayed at the shelter until they were able to get back on died unexpectedly from a heart attack and she was their feet. deeply grieving. Within moments, Julie was on her way Tracy attended a Family Life Services Reunion last to Jennifer’s home to support, to grieve and to love. It summer. It had been four years since she moved out of came as no surprise to us that Jennifer would want Julie FLS. She was thrilled and thankful to be reunited with right by her side. Julie did much more than teach

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Left to right, volunteer Liz Fritz, Father Ralph Beiting and volunteer coordinator, Mary McNamara at bather Betting s birthday celebration in Fort Mitchell, K y .

Jennifer’s children; she listened, she supported, and she loved the entire family. We did not see much of Julie over the next week at our volunteer house; she was often with Jennifer and her children. Three years have since gone by and I just recently saw Jennifer at a local laundromat. She was quick to ask about Julie, who returned to South Dakota. Jennifer recently remarried and has moved into a new trailer with her two children. She was eager to get the news to Julie. Jennifer extended an invitation to me to join their family for dinner; although I did not work with Jennifer, my friendship with Julie and my connection with CAP were surely her motivation. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children o f God (Matthew 5:9). Tim at age 15, was angry that he was living at Family Life Abuse Center again. His six siblings and his mother were there for the third time this year. He missed his friends, it was summer and he felt locked in at the shelter. Ursula, a volunteer at the center, suggested that Tim go to M A R C H -A P R IL

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one of CAP’s summer camps. Tim had never been away from his mother and expressed some uneasiness about being an hour’s drive from her in a new setting. However, after a few days, he finally got the courage to fill out the application. Two days before Tim headed to camp, he had an angry outburst and punched two holes in the wall at the spouse abuse center. His actions were upsetting to the staff, but did not surprise them because of all that had been modeled for him in the violent home in which he grew up. Ursula was apprehensive about taking him to camp after the rough weekend, but, after meeting with Tim and his mother, decided to let him go. Many people, including Ursula, kept Tim in prayer during his camp week. Ursula picked Tim up on Friday and arrived early to attend the awards banquet, the traditional close of the week at Camp Andrew Jackson. The smile on Tim’s face made it obvious that Tim had had a good week at camp. Ursula did not

realize how good until Tim won the “Christian Camper of the Week” award. I am not sure who was happier, Tim or Ursula. The summer camp staff challenged, loved and supported Tim and as a result, Tim shone at camp. He was allowed to be a kid and felt safe and free in his environment. Tim has been to camp three times since that first summer. I had the pleasure of seeing Tim’s mother at Christmas and she was eager to report that they were soon to move into a new home and all were doing well. Every day I am at CAP, I see those around me striving to fulfill our mission by putting their faith in action through service and love. I am convinced that daily prayer in our workplace and in our volunteer communities is the food that strengthens and sustains us as we strive to live out and promote the Gospel. Mary McNamara is a former CAP volunteer who now coordinates CAP’s volunteer recruitment efforts.

Five

Gllidi ng Principles by Margaret Gabriel

T ofo ster open,honest \andeffective communication 6oth inside and outside the organization.

hen Lisa was sixteen years old, she felt her life had gone askew. She didn’t get along with her mother. She was doing poorly in school. After running away from home, she had been sent to live with her father’s parents, a father she had lost when she was ten. Lisa was cut off from her friends when she moved from her mother’s home to her grandparents’ home, and she generally believed that the adults in her life were doing all they could to deny her rights. “I didn’t want to live with my grandpar ents — that was a big issue,” Lisa recalls. “They didn’t care too much for my choice of friends, or my choice of anything. We didn’t get along very well. What they said to me went in one ear and out the other and what I said to them did the same thing.” This combative relationship went on for nearly two years. After Lisa ran away from home for a second time, Lisa, now pregnant, was ordered into counseling by a juvenile judge. “She didn’t want to come see me at first,” says Kathy Rhodus, a counselor with the Christian Appalachian Project Family Life Counseling Service, which had been recommended by the principal at Lisa’s school. “Lisa felt [her grandparents] were being mean to her, but her grandparents felt they were acting in her best interest.” That first day, Lisa made it plain that she was in Kathy’s office because her grandfather made her be there. “It wasn’t because she wanted to be there, or because she liked me,” Kathy said. “Through working with her I let her know that I was on her side and the reason I was there was to help her and to help them work on their relationship together. Over time, that brought down the resistance. She tested me a few times in our counseling relationship, but I think she finally

figured out that I was there for her.” The birth of her daughter, McKenzie, made Lisa realize she needed to make some changes in her life. Her relationship with Kathy made her realize those changes needed to begin with better communication. “Lack of communication had fostered some of the problems that they were having,” Kathy says. “Because of the things Lisa had been through, I don’t think she was completely able to trust for a while, but it didn’t take long for her to open up with me and to start to be able to work on issues. Even that took better communi cation.” In improving communication, Kathy says, it is necessary to look to oneself. “We can’t change other people, so we have to change our expectations,” Kathy

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says. “We have to change the way we look at things.” Lisa says that for McKenzie’s sake, she and her grandparents began to accept each other’s differences, a key to the improve ment in their relationships. “She learned that she couldn’t change them, but she could change her approach,” Kathy says. “Sometimes that effects change in other people.” Lisa agrees that her turning point came with the realization that the burden of change rested with her. “I don’t think my grandpa has really changed the way he goes about things, but I had to change the way that I dealt with that so there wasn’t a big head-on collision and confrontation.” Her newly acquired communication skills have helped Lisa in her two-year marriage, she says. “I still catch myself saying things before I even think about it, but now at least I try to [think first], especially if it’s a confrontational sort of situation. I don’t want to be the kind of person who says something to hurt someone just because they’ve hurt me with something they’ve said. I learned that wasn’t getting me anywhere. It’s not just me, now. I have to think of McKenzie. That’s a big thing with my grandparents and me. Even though we have our differences, we put everything aside because they love her very much and she loves them very much.” Kathy is one of eight counselors that offer services in twelve counties in eastern Kentucky. The region lacks private counseling,

“Domestic violence victims also respond well to group settings,” Kathy says. “Just being able to understand that other people are going through this too, and they’re not the only ones. Violence is one thing that people don’t talk about. They want to keep it swept under the rug — they want to make sure than nobody knows it’s happening to them. In a group they find out that other people are having some of the same experi ences. They find out that others have come through and gone on to better things, and maybe they can, too.” Lisa has never been involved in group counseling, but is interested in taking a parenting class that might help her with McKenzie, who is three years old now. “Better communica tion skills have been a key to much of the success that Lisa has had in the last few years,” Kathy says. When she was sixteen, malnourished, preg nant, failing in school and at constant odds with her family, Lisa says that she had no goals and few interests. At age twenty, she has finished high school, taken some ing referrals from private and state college classes, married, and moved agencies, physicians and a few to her own home with her husband, ministers, because the counseling Eddie, and McKenzie. Eddie service considers spirituality to be recently finished school, and started an integral part of good mental a new job. Although she is working health, Mary Ella says. In addition to individual sessions, as a full time legal secretary, Lisa hopes to be able to return to school CAP counselors hold group to finish her degree, she says. sessions that address such issues “I’ve been interested in counsel as parenting and teen issues. All of ing, maybe helping people that have CAP’s counselors are currently problems like me. I’d like to be able working on certification to conduct to help somebody, maybe who was group sessions for domestic in the same situation that I was in.” violence offenders.

according to Family Life Counseling Service administrative assistant Mary Ella McNew, and what counseling is available is quite expensive. CAP’s sliding fee scale makes counseling affordable to people who might not otherwise have access. CAP receives counsel-

had to change

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Six

Guidin by Beth Dotson

‘To invoCve the fippaCachian _____________ v economic CeveCsin dive Coping soCutions to poverty. With a husband, three young sons and a full-time job school program. The council includes parents from all as a nurse, Jennifer Perry struggles just to keep up with three programs. They get together monthly to discuss the housework and cooking. Yet, ask her to attend a questions about the center, their children, plan family meeting at the Christian Appalachian Project’s Eagle activities and organize fundraisers for an end-of-theChild Development year school trip. While the Center in McCreary adults are meeting, babysitters County and she’ll do her care for their children. best to be there. That’s Jennifer explained that at the where her oldest son, monthly meetings, at which a Jordan, got a good start CAP staff member is present, through the infantparents discuss their concerns. toddler program. It is also For example, when Jennifer’s the place that has given oldest son, Jordan, was a her opportunities to grow student there, he would as a mother and a sometimes eat peaches, even community leader. This though he knows he’s allergic year, Jennifer is the to them, just to see if they president of the center’s would make him sick. Jennifer parent council. could ask the staff about that Jennifer laughs when and make them aware that he she tries to figure out shouldn’t be eating them. why she thought she Sometimes the discussions could serve as president show the parents how imagina when even last year she tive their children are. Jennifer would not have at said the parents discuss Jennifer Perry, president o f the Eagle Child Development tempted the job. But with Parent’s Council. “anything the kids came home the support of her vice and said they’d done that we president, secretary-treasurer and the staff at Eagle, she don’t think that they should be doing, and nine times has undertaken the task. Three of her reasons are her out of ten they aren’t doing it in the first place, they just sons: six-year-old Jordan, four-year-old Lane and ninecome home and tell these big stories.” month-old Matthew. “Everything has to go for them. Just as the truth can get stretched, voices can also be They’re number one. That’s the top priority,” she said. raised at the meetings. Jennifer recalls one evening Being involved with the Eagle Child Development when she wanted to step down from the presidency Center, where Lane is now a student, helps Jennifer meet because, “Everybody was talking and no one was the needs of her sons. CAP’s Eagle Child Development listening.” Center in McCreary County has three initiatives that Situations like that have helped Jennifer see that she serve families with young children: the infant-toddler has to learn to help people know that the results will be program, through which new parents learn how to play better if they stay quiet and let one person talk at a time. early educational games with their children; Families So far, she has picked up at least one new skill. “I’m Growing Together, which helps parents and children keeping my cool a whole lot more than I used to,” learn through increased literacy skills; and the pre Jennifer said.

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Jennifer shares some playful moments with the children at Eagle Child Development.

She is also helping to organize events like a “make it and take it” night that the council hosted before Christmas. That evening provided parents with a chance to make Christmas stockings and trees from candy. The group was also planning a family movie night for their first event of 1999. Family movie nights were not on Jennifer’s list of evenings out just seven years ago, before Jordan was bom. Jennifer graduated from McCreary County High School in 1985 then went straight into nursing school. She has worked in various places, including Marymount Hospital in London. She looks back at those pre motherhood days as a time when she did whatever she wanted, regardless of how much it cost or where it was. “I’ve grown up quite a bit,” Jennifer said. “I’ve re-estab lished my priorities.” Making her boys number one means Jennifer wants them to have more than she and her husband did M A R C H - A P R IL

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when they were children. For example, she doesn’t remember having a bicycle or a swing set. “Me and my husband, whenever we was growing up we didn’t get much. I was number five of six kids,” Jennifer said. For her own boys, “I don’t want them having to say I wished I could have this. Everybody else has it. And when they get grown, the same way. I never got to do this and I never got to do that. I don’t want them having to regret stuff and not get to do stuff.” So Jennifer and her husband, Steve, work hard to prevent that. Steve is a truck driver, so he isn’t often home to help with the boys and the household chores. Now that Jennifer has a full-time job, she said, “I’m wore out.” Jennifer is the only nurse in an office with two doctors. She remembers one day when they saw 77 patients between 8:30 a.m. and noon. But she continues, relying on her parent council officers for help with

that group and calling on the staff at the child development center when she has parenting questions. “Anytime you need help with anything, the preschool staff is right there and ready to help you,” Jennifer said. If the staff doesn’t have an answer, they refer to helpful books in their library. With Jordan in kindergarten this year and four-year-old Lane in preschool, Jennifer has observed that the students at the preschool get more attention and one-on-one time than they do in the elementary school. Jordan has struggled with the adjustment and when Jennifer needs advice about how to help him, she knows where to go. “If I haven’t learned to figure it out from coming here (the preschool), I can always come back and say ‘What do I need to do?”’ So Jennifer continues to grow as a mother and a leader, always with one thing in mind. “My boys come first.”

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Manchester Native Receives 1999 CAP Peace Award John Ed Pennington, of Manchester, Ky., is the recipient of the 1999 Christian Appalachian Project Peace Award, given in honor of the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Pennington, a foreman for the state department of transportation and a lifelong resident of Clay County, began when he was a teenager to “break down the walls” that separate people of the commu nity, when he decided to attend the county high school rather than Lincoln Institute in Shelby County. Despite court-ordered desegrega tion, when Pennington was a boy it was customary for black students to leave Clay County to pursue an education past the eighth grade. He put an end to that practice when he walked into Clay County High School on a Monday morning in 1963. Pennington supposes that if he had not broken the color barrier, another student would have at another time, but he asks “If not you, who? If not now, when?” Those searching questions have led Pennington down many roads to challenging and encouraging people around him to see all as brothers and sisters, regardless of race or religion. In 1998, Pennington was involved in planning and hosting the Eleventh Annual Clay County Homecoming, a two-day event which grew out of a Pennington family reunion that has held in 1989. “The next year, the Hydes wanted to join us, so it was the Penningtons and the Hydes, and the next year the Walkers wanted to join us,” Pennington says. Everybody in Clay County is related in some way,

John Ed Pennington o f Manchester, Ky. received CAP’s 1999 Peace Award. He is a foreman fo r the state department o f transportation.

he says, and the event now attracts black and white families alike, with people traveling from as far as California to attend. “In the society that we live in today, there’s so many drugs and so much violence, it’s important to have one weekend set aside for loving and caring for each other,” Pennington says. The Clay County Homecoming is the largest event of its kind in eastern Kentucky. Pennington is also involved in planning the fourth annual “Break Down the Walls” concert, which has grown out of his relationship with Doug Abner, pastor of Community Church, a non-denominational congregation in Manchester that believes “that someway they are going to break down the walls of racism in Clay County.” For several years Pennington dreamed of using music to bring people and groups together. He, Abner and others in the community have brought that dream to life. In October, 1998, over 350 people

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attended the event which featured guest speakers as well as musicians that brought together “black churches and white churches, for at least one night a year,” he says. “There are so many things that divide us,” Pennington, a member of St. Ann Catholic Church, says. “Religion and race and everything. That’s the good thing about the Homecoming and the “Break Down the Walls” concert — it brings people together that probably wouldn’t be together for any other reason. Very few times in Clay County do you see everybody together. If we can’t worship God together, we can’t do anything else together!” Echoing the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Pennington says that he would like to see “A man judged by his character rather than his color.” The Christian Appalachian Project is proud to honor John Ed Pennington as its 1999 recipient of the Peace Award. o u n t a i n

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Counselors Hold Group Therapy Over the last several years, Kentucky legislators have made the state a leader in laws that deal with domestic violence. The newest of these progressive laws requires that a perpetrator receive six months of group therapy from a mental health professional who has had 24 hours of training in the field of domestic violence. The eight counselors who make up the Christian Appalachian Proejct’s Family Life Counseling Service have all received the needed training to conduct those group therapy sessions. Bill Belcher, manager of the Family Life Counseling Service, is pleased that the group therapy will add a new level of protection to victims. “This law gives more muscle to the need for appropriate treatment,” Bill said. Although there has been a requirement for treatment in the past, “A guy only had to show up once,” Bill said. “By the time we had broken through his resistance, he had dropped out. Now he must be in

treatment for six months.” If no progress is demonstrated at the end of that time, and a counselor believes that an individual can still pose a threat, he or she may recommend to the judge that treatment be continued. Bill suspects that CAP counse lors may be deluged with requests for counseling because of the new law. “Domestic violence is the number one precipitator of counsel ing,” he said. “It’s a major problem here, exacerbated because of unemployment, underemployment, and drug and substance abuse.” There are few other counselors in the areas CAP serves, and the few private counselors are quite expensive. CAP plans to offer services on a sliding fee scale. Group therapy sessions for domestic violence perpetrators is compatible with the counseling service’s mission to serve families, Bill said. “Therapy can change a man’s way of thinking and offer protection to a wife and children.”

How Can I Help CAP? Not long ago, the Christian Appalachian Project received an email from a supporter who asked about the availability of CAP volunteer opportunities for a family. We replied that because of housing limitations, different opportunities are open for families than are available for single people. While CAP is able to accept a limited number of married couples, we are not able to accommodate families with children. There are, however, other ways for families to volunteer. For instance, they might volunteer to distribute literature about CAP to school and church groups. We are happy to make M A R C H -A P R IL

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additional copies of those publica tions available to volunteers for distribution. For more information about the various ways of contributing to CAP through volunteer assistance in various forms, please contact The Mountain Spirit, 322 Crab Orchard Street, Lancaster, KY 40446. Our most powerful form of assistance, however, is prayer. No matter where they are or what they’re doing, volunteers, and supporters of all descriptions, can have a mighty influence by praying at least one minute a day for poor people in Appalachia and through out the world.

What You Don't Know About Wills Can Hurt Your Heirs. Find Out Why. Request j Your ** Free Copy. 9

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 m isconception. The helpful booklet 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 Street Lancaster, Kentucky 40446 Please send without obliga tion your booklet, “37 Things People ‘Know’ About Wills That Aren't Really So.” Name Address City ___ State,ZIP

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Atlanta Group Helps Make Christmas Merry for FLS For the sixth year in 1998, Family Life Services was the recipient of the generosity of All Saints Catholic Church in Atlanta. Sandy Murphy, a member of All Saints, spent time as a volunteer, working at Family Life Services, CAP’s residential program for families in transition. When she returned to Atlanta, she told her congregation about the Christian Appalachian Project, and especially the needs of the families with whom she worked at FLS. Sandy’s stories of her experiences motivated the church, and an already-active youth group, to become involved in the Appalachian region. “They got in touch and told me that they wanted to supply Christ mas gifts for families,” said Liz Phelps, FLS manager. In the fall each year, staff members begin to contact families still involved with FLS in a follow-up status. Those families compile “wish lists,” Liz said, which are then forwarded to the youth group. The names and requests are made into a “giving tree” at All Saints. A few days before Christ mas, the youth pack two vans and several cars with toys and gifts and set out for Kentucky. “Our participants are usually surprised that total strangers would give so much of themselves,” Liz said. “And, too, over the years that they’ve been coming, I can see how much the kids have grown and matured. There’s a lot they could do with their time at that time of year, but they’ve really come to love the region, and they’re excited to see the kind of work CAP does. “They want to make service an important part of life, and they might want to be involved with CAP as volunteers or in other ways.”

Family Life Services provides shelter to families in transition.

Shannon Hodge volunteered at Family Life Services from 1994 to 1996. She recalled the group from All Saints enabled families to enjoy a typical “middle-class American” Christmas. “For an evening in December, they did not have to be reminded that they were poor, not able to have what other kids at school and on TV had,” Shannon said. “Receiving gifts, people traveling

far, sharing in a meal, being with family. These are things that happened one night in December in Mount Vernon, but these are also things that Jesus experienced, and these are what Jesus was at FLS one night in December,” Shannon said. FLS workers enclose a card with a stamped envelope addressed to All Saints so that each gift recipient might have an opportunity to thank the donor.

Outreach Program Hosts Workshops fo r Program Participants Manager Peggy Hancock has planned and sponsored mini workshops for people who partici pate in CAP outreach programs. “They’re not firmed up yet,” Peggy said, “but we’re looking at topics like budgeting, shopping, story telling, reading and food safety.” Discussions about how a parent can make a child feel special will be of interest at the child development

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centers in Berea and Mount Vernon, Peggy said. Many people who participate in CAP programs have never had the opportunity to learn skills that others learn around the kitchen table. The workshop that Peggy and other outreach workers are planning will give those opportunities, and others that will lead to success and self-sufficiency. o u n t a i n

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Ky. State Employees Have Record Fund Raising Year The Kentucky Employees’ Charitable Campaign had its most successful year ever in 1998, according to Teresa McAnly of CAP’S development department. The Christian Appalachian Project, United Ways of Kentucky and the Combined Health Appeal participate in the campaign, which offers state employees the opportunity to make contributions through payroll deduction. The campaign collected a total of $806,483, with $ 140,323 pledged to CAP. Group meetings, which give employees the opportunity to meet

with representatives of each charity, hear their stories and ask questions, are the most effective way to share information, and a significant increase in the number of meetings contributed to the increase in participation, Teresa said. “Since Governor Patton chaired the campaign three years ago, each year its gotten better and better,” she said, with more involvement from cabinet members. This, in turn, encourages other employees to become more involved with the campaign. “Our chair this year was Secretary

James Codell III, of the department of transportation, and he gave lots of enthusiasm and ideas for getting people involved. We even have a volunteer for next year — Secretary John Morse, from the Cabinet for Health Services.” Teresa speaks at many meetings during the fall each year, telling state employees about the work that the Christian Appalachian Project does, particularly in Kentucky. She frequently invites people who have been helped by CAP programs to come along and share their stories, as well.

Short Term Experience

Long Term Im pact The CAP volunteer program needs summer camp counselors, nurses and life guards to staff three camps in Eastern Kentucky. We are seeking high-energy men and women, age 18 or older for the months of June, July and August. We would like a commitment of at least two months, but a 3-7 week stay can be arranged. Room and board is provided. For more information about volunteering for summer, or for a year or more, contact:

Christian Appalachian Project Volunteer Program 322 Crab Orchard Street, Lancaster, KY 40446

Call 800-755-5322

Email: volunteer@chrisapp.org

Visit our website: www.chrisapp.org

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Jackson County Garden Program To Involve High School Students The success of the Christian Appalachian Project’s garden program in Jackson County in 1998 has prompted a repeat of the system for 1999, according to outreach manager Peggy Hancock. Again this spring, CAP is collaborating with the agriculture department at Jackson County High School and the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), which is affiliated with the University of Kentucky Extension office, to assist Jackson County residents in raising gardens. CAP outreach enrolled people who then receive seeds and plants that had been started by the

WORKPLACE

PA Y R O LL D E D U C TIO N If your em ployer offers donor designation as a w rite-in for payroll deduction cam paign, please rem em ber the C hris tia n A p p a la c h ia n P ro je c t. CAP is a 501 (c)(3) tax e x em pt agency, and payroll de duction is the easiest w ay to help the fam ilies o f A p pa la chia. To ensure that w e re ceive your payroll deduction gifts, please give your payroll officer C AP’S full address and send to the attention of:

Teresa M cA nly C am paign C o o rd in a to r

Christian Appalachian Project 322 Crab Orchard Street Lancaster, KY 40446

Is there a CAP program that you don’t see in this issue of The Mountain Spirit? CAP’s web site includes information about all of CAP’s human development programs, planned giving and major gifts and the volunteer program. Please visit the site at www.chrisapp.org and be sure to sign our guest book!

students. “In other counties we use retail vendors, but in Jackson County we get the students as involved as we can,” said Peggy. From the students, CAP purchases starter plants and other supplies for gardeners. With the proceeds students receive from their work, they hope to build a bigger and better greenhouse, she said. “We bought seed potatoes from some former students who are trying to start their own business,” Peggy said. Students help to distribute seed to gardeners, many of whom are elderly people whom they might not otherwise have an opportunity to meet. EFNEP visited gardeners throughout the ’98 season, Peggy said. They were able to follow up with nutritional issues, and conducted classes that taught gardeners canning and other preser vation methods for their produce. “We wanted to make this more than just a garden program,” Peggy t 'V said. “We wanted CAP outreach distributes vouchers fo r garden seed in to make it educa about a dozen counties in eastern Kentucky. Elderly people tional, as well.” as well as families use the vouchers fo r their gardens. Amy Vescovo, a CAP volunteer, work. The program bridges the two is the outreach caseworker in generations, too, the kids and the Jackson County. She said that the people who garden. [The kids] learn collaboration benefits all who are how their great grandparents involved. gardened when they were growing “It’s especially good for the kids,” up.” Amy said. They get to the place where they’re doing more hands-on

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CAP Searches for Volunteers ’ Stories About Father Beiting Few people can tell better stories about the Appalchian region that CAP’s founder, Father Ralph Beiting. But few people can tell a better story about Father Beiting than a CAP volunteer. CAP is asking former volunteers to share their reflections about its founder. Hundreds of volunteers recently received the following letter: “Fifty years ago, an unlikely person stepped forward to bring relief to the spiritual and physical suffering that only extreme poverty can inflict upon mankind. Astonished by what he saw, a reverent hard working man, Father Ralph Beiting, committed his life to helping the people of Appalachia. Throughout the years, Father Beiting has been joined by many volunteers and employees who have shared a common optimism and hope for the people of the region. All have given of their time, their hearts and resources when possible. You were one of those special people. You came, you saw, and you gave of yourself. We would like to

ask you to join us in a special project. Father Beiting would like to begin an ongoing collection of

Appalachian Reflections a compilation of experiences, happenings and reflections on how your time with CAP has influenced your life. Allow yourself time to reflect upon the mountains, your work here that assisted others to have a better life, your faith and how it was tested and strengthened. We would like to begin compiling our first edition, which will be in book form and published during the spring of the year 2000. We know that this can only be possible with your help and willingness to share those heartfelt experiences. You will be involved in the process. Some stories may need

to be edited for space, in which case we will ask you to review before going to print.” Looking forward to hearing from you, Mary McNamara, Kathy Kluesener, Bill Begley. If you have a story that you would like to share about your experiences as a CAP volunteer, please complete the information below and return in the insert envelope of the magazine. Thanks!

Name_ Address Zip_ Phone (_ State City _ Program(s) that you were a part of while at CAP______________________________________________ □ Yes, I am interested in sharing my reflections and I will be forwarding my story by April 15, 1999. □ Yes, I am interested in sharing my reflections and I would like to talk to someone at CAP, please call me. □ No, I am not interested. Other comments Please submit the above information by April 15, 1999.

Christian Appalachian Project 322 Crab Orchard Street • Lancaster, KY 40446

Our e-mail address: volunteer@chrisapp.org. (800) 755-5322 • (606) 792-2219 • (606) 792-6560 FAX

To the triumphant sound

H a ppy

of the music from “Chariots

matic spotlight, Christian Appalachian Project em

B irthday

ployees Rodney Miracle

■a*

of Fire,” in front of a dra

and Owen Wright entered

n ktoi 'i ^ v r n

the banquet room at the

_o_LiriS L m iroB

Drawbridge Inn in Fort Faith the size of a mustard r L ,fl|[ ■? seed can J S move r .>7 -,A mountains. f “M i?

Mitchell, Ky., on Friday, January 22. Over 200 guests watched them pro

cess slowly, carrying an envelope that has been submitted for documentation by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest envelope fashioned from a single sheet of paper. Its address read “Monsignor Ralph Beiting,” and concealed a four-by-eight foot card proclaiming “Happy 75th Birthday Monsignor Ralph Beiting: Faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains.” Inside were the names of over 16,000 people from around the United States who sent birthday greetings to Father Beiting, founder of the Christian Appalachian Project and pastor of St. Jude Church in Louisa, and St. John Neumann in Hode. The presentation of the birthday card signaled the beginning of the program portion of Father Beiting’s

birthday party. CAP hosted the party for Father Beiting’s wellwishers and supporters, including his brothers and sisters, former and current volunteers and friends. The guests enjoyed a succession of after-dinner speakers who told stories about Father Beiting that were funny, moving and inspirational. Mike Sanders, CAP’s president, recalled the earliest days of Father Beiting’s work in the Big Sandy region, where he was transferred after 31 years in the Lancaster

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the other “Did Daddy kill Mommy?” Barbara told her audience, “No, I thought, but Mommy’s about to kill Daddy. One of us is going to die — why should it be me?” The next day, her sister-in-law drove Barbara to a CAP spouse abuse shelter. Although she had left her husband many, many times before, this time she did not return. She credited Father Beiting with creating the path she needed | to return to wholeness and " thanked him, both for herself and for others that have benefitted over the years from CAP programs. “I believe that somehow, thirty-seven years ago, Father Beiting heard me crying,” Father Beiting, brought to tears, receives Barbara said. Father Beiting a heartfelt hugfrom a grateful Barbara wiped his eyes and they Marks after her touching story o f how he hugged. saved her life. With a yell, “Daniel Boone” The birthday card arrives under the muscle o f Owen River, might have been named “Fort Wright, manager o f Camp Shawnee and Rodney entered the hall and thanked Miracle, manager o f direct mail. Beiting.” Father Beiting, one of Boone’s A committee of CAP workers The guest of honor was moved to greatest fans, for the biographies planned two parties: the public party that he has written. “And for tears by the words of Barbara that was held in Fort Mitchell, and a naming a camp after me,” he said, Marks, who began a climb out of a referring to Boone’s Landing, CAP’s private party that was held a week private hell when she moved to a earlier for CAP employees at Renfro newest camp, which is located in CAP spouse abuse shelter in the Valley. Lawrence County. mid-1980s. She told a terrifying Calling attention to the story of domestic violence. After a coonskin cap he was grisly fight that went on for hours wearing, Daniel said, “I one night, Barbara remembers never wore one of these, hearing one of her little girls say to but when I come back from the happy hunting ground, nobody recognizes me unless I’m wearin’ the dadgum thing!” With encouragement from his audience, Daniel placed the cap on Father Beiting’s head. Boone was portrayed by Owen Wright, whose hobby is historical re enactment. He went on to tell the group that if Father Beiting had started his work during the 18th century rather than the 20th, Fort Boonesborough, Father Beiting accepts hisfavorite beverage a settlement founded by from a child development student at the The card contains more than 20,000 names o f Boone on the Kentucky Renfro Valley celebration. area. In just a short time, Father Beiting could see that many of the programs that he had worked to start in Lancaster, Berea, Mount Vernon and McKee were also needed in Martin and Prestonsburg, the location of his new parish. Mike, CAP’s first employee in the new region, said, “Meeting Father Beiting is the best thing that has ever happened to my family.”

well-wishers who sent birthday greetings.

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formed to the melody of “Amen,” from Lilies o f the Field, the song chronicled Father Beiting’s life (“See the little baby, (Happy Day!), Diet Coke in his bottle! (Happy Birthday, Father B !”). The choir was such a hit at the Renfro Valley party, they were asked to perform at the second party, the following week. Birthday greetings that com mended Father Beiting’s dedication and faith came from many, including a blessing from Pope John Paul II. President Bill Clinton and Hillary Rodham Clinton, former President George Bush, Senators Mitch McConnell and Jim Bunning, Governor Paul Patton, and former Representative Scotty Baesler thanked Father Beiting for the impact that he has had on the Appalachian region. Rick Pitino, coach of the NBA’s Boston Celtics and former basket ball coach at the University of Kentucky, sent his regards, saying that like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan, Father Beiting “raises the playing level of every one around him. We now make you the Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan of Kentucky.” FBI Director Louis Freeh sent greetings, remembering the time he spent many years ago as a CAP volunteer. g NBC Today Show personality I Willard Scott told Father Beiting that at 75 “you’re still a young ster,” and wished him health and happiness. “Part of both parties was intended to be a good-natured roast, with people sharing funny and revealing stories,” said Kathleen Leavell. “But everyone got serious at the end as they shared the profound impact that Father Beiting has had on their lives. We wanted to bring together all the elements that are near and dear to Father Beiting. His faith, his family, his friends surrounded him with all of their love, and reflected on how he has touched them.” Inspirational Voices, a choir made up o f CAP employees lifted their talents to God and |

A cordless microphone was passed around the room, giving people the opportunity to share stories, memories and admiration with Father Beiting, who sat on the stage to enjoy the festivities. A slide show that featured recent photo graphs, as well as Daniel Boone, (alias Owen Wright, manager o f Camp those from as Shawnee) made a surprise visit to Father Beiting and much as 30 years presented him with a personalized powder horn, complete ago gave Father with scrimshawed inscription. Beiting and the The Renfro Valley party included assembled group the opportunity to several features that poked goodreflect on the good times of the natured fun at CAP’s founder. Sarah years gone by. “It was just a time for Dixon, manager of the Family Life everybody to come together and Child Development Center in hug his neck and show their love Rockcastle County, arranged a and appreciation,” said Ben Prewitt, surprise that involved three of vice president of planned giving Father Beiting’s favorite things: and major gifts. music, small children, and Diet Coke. Gwen Newcomb, a long-time About a dozen three- and four-yearemployee who works in the dona old students paraded onto the tion receipt division, assembled a stage, and gave Father Beiting hugs choir of employees who entertained and each presented him with a can with songs of praise, and a birthday of his favorite (and sometimes lifesong, “Happy Day, Happy Day, sustaining) soft drink. Happy Birthday, Father B.” Per

entertained Father Beiting and an audience o f well-wishers.

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William Malloy, to whom Father Beiting expressed his first desire to become a priest and later ordained him; Bishop Richard Ackerman, who allowed Father Beiting to create an organization which would fight poverty, but over which he, the bishop, would have no control; Bishop William Hughes, who assigned Father Beiting to the Big Sandy region after over 30 years; and their succes sors, Bishop Robert Muench, who had earlier offered the evening’s invocation; and Bishop J. Kendrick Williams, the first bishop of the diocese of Lexington, which includes Mike Sanders, CAP president, delivers the Appalachian region of Ben Prewitt, master o f ceremonies and CAP commentary on theguest o f honor that Kentucky. vice president, converses with Father Beiting. brought laughter and fond memories. Father Beiting reflected on family. His parents, Ralph and Everyone got in “their best shot,” the importance of his family — his Martha Beiting, had eleven children, mother, father, brothers and sisters, according to Ben Prewitt, master of and Father Beiting admitted that he who he called the second biggest ceremony for the evening in Fort dreamed of influence in his life, behind only the Mitchell, then Father Beiting took Church. going one the stage. better by Most of all, Father Beiting asked After commenting on the goodhaving an his audience to know that all of the natured ribbing (and getting in a even dozen. accolades that he received in few shots of his own), Father When he recognition of his 75th birthday do Beiting reminisced about some of not belong to him alone, “but to all became a the people he met during his earliest priest, Father of you.” days in Appalachia, and about the Beiting said, As a boy, Father Beiting said, he bishops who have made his he thought he always wanted to have a large extraordinary work possible: Bishop had given up the possibility of ever having a family of his Anna Lois Davis, CAP Sunshine Center bus driver, own. “But presented Father Beiting now, you have with a special thanks from become my the black community o f family, and for Lancaster. that I thank you.” Father Beiting repeated a blessing that he had bestowed on Christian Appalachian Project employees a week earlier. He quoted the first letter of Peter, telling the assembly of his family and friends: “You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a The Inspirational Voices Choir included: Gwendolyn Newcomb,director, Debra holy nation, a people set apart. Owsley, Bobbie Wesley, Kathleen Leavell, Brenda Thornton, Barbara Hale, Lois Once you were no people at all, but West, Lucy Ballew, Loretta Herron, Kim Tillett, Shirley Cloyd, Anna Lois Davis, now you are the people of God.” Janet Lane, Debbie Nunamaker and Michelle Hendrickson. M A R C H - A P R IL

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L etters to the E d itor I regularly read and enjoy your publication, The Mountain Spirit. I pray and send dona tions to CAP as I believe that you are endeavoring to work for Jesus. Thank you for the tremendous effort put into this excellent paper. I am concerned abut the spiritism and mysticism in your publication, specifically, the review of poems and essays by Rebecca Bailey. What does a Christian working (and appreci ating) the land have to do with writing an imaginary poem to a Goddess? All glory is to go to God. Period. While old literature is enter taining (even classic) and we derive many things today from cultures past, we do not have license to weave spiritism and mysticism into our work, play or worship. Charmond Kingren Milwaukee, Wis.

I was born in Harlan, Ky., and am very proud of it! I think your work in Appalachia is very important. I look forward to each issue and enjoy reading it. Keep up the great job! Shannon Skidmore-Fay Ventura, Calif.

Every time I receive The Mountain Spirit I take time out to read it from cover to cover. It is a joy to know that the people are being helped to become self-sufficient, and to see that they in turn are helping others. May God bless you and all the workers involved in this wonderful project. Margaret M. Coon Toledo, Ohio

The Mountain Spirit is so real and well written! There is a “spirit” that provides one of support of one another. Those ministering to others have such a sincere expression on their countenance. When the magazine arrives, I truly look forward to reading it. By doing so, I feel as if I’m sharing in each article. Sister Mary Happ Langhorne, Pa.

When I receive The Mountain Spirit, I drop everything and read it cover to cover. It’s wonderful! God bless all of you. Mr. Leonard Brice Kingman, Ariz.

The Mountain Spirit is proof that Christianity is alive and flourishing not only in Appalachia but through out the U.S. through your donors. Lorraine Jankowiak Livonia, Mich.

We throurghly enjoy reading The Mountain Spirit and the wonderful things your’re accomplishing in providing housing for the needy in Appalachia. Truly they are the rewards we feel in helping others! We’ve supported Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity, and Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter in their works for some time, and will continue to do so. We greatly admire all of them. Enclosed is our subscription renewal to The Mountain Spirit for one year. Mrs. Tal A. Lloyd Los Gatos, Calif.

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I enjoy The Mountain Spirit and am happy to be a small part of the good CAP does. Thank you for doing so much to help the people in the Appalachian area. Thank God for and God bless Father Beiting. Marialyce Orr Marion, Ind.

I love to get your magazine, I know the stories and articles are true. I subscribed for one to be sent to my daughter. She likes it also. If possible I read it all as soon as I get it. Thank you! Margaret Holloway Louisville, Ky.

I’m anxious to get back to Lancaster to work on the Christmas basket project again. Robin [Renner] says it has been moved to Berea. See ya! You do a great job. I’m retired editor and publisher, so I know! Laura Atkinson Hays, Kan.

The Mountain Spirit is momentary trip back in time and places when people remem bered that we serve God best in serving each other. Jim Farris Culpeper, Va. Letters to the editor are welcome. 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 Appalachian Project 322 Crab Orchard Street Lancaster, KY 40446

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Danny Purcell

“ . . . He was a larger than life force. I f he had said he could walk on water, when I was an altar boy, I probably would have laid money on him.” Danny Purcell referring to Fr. Ralph Beiting

Few people who work for the Christian Appalachian Project know its founder, Father Ralph Beiting, as Danny Purcell, manager of CAP’s physical support services, knows him. Danny is the second child of Russell and Agnes Purcell. Russell’s family was one of the two Catholic families that formed the nucleus of Father Beiting’s parish in Garrard County, Kentucky. “He married my

mom and dad and baptized me,” Danny recalls. “He’s been a part of our family for a long time.” In 1985 Danny became a part of Father Beiting’s CAP family as well as the parish family. He had studied refrigeration and air conditioning and felt prepared to offer concrete skills to Father Beiting’s work in eastern Kentucky. He says he didn't plan on being a long-term employee,

but the longer he worked for CAP, the more he knew it was what he wanted to do with his life. “I knew what CAP was about, and I thought I would be able to make a difference. That first year, I can’t tell you how many air conditioners I fixed, and I knew that any money I saved went to programs.” One of the reasons Danny enjoys working in maintenance, he says, is

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because it keeps him in touch with CAP programs — and CAP’s mission. “I used to know all the kids by name, and if I can save money and give support in this way, then I can feel good about that. Even though 1 don’t work day in and day out with these kids, I help out that way. That’s the way I look at it.” Although he had opportuni ties to work in other places and in other areas, two things kept Danny rooted in his work for CAP. The first is his respect for Father Beiting, and for Father Beiting’s vision, which kept him focused on the contributions that he was able to make by continuing to work Danny and physical support services administative assistant, Monica West. with CAP. Danny admits that when he was a child, one of he’s grown into the job in the years be a good influence. You want to Father Beiting’s parishioners, he that he’s worked with CAP, Danny show them that not every man will wasn’t fully aware of Father credits longtime CAP employee hit you. That’s not the way it’s Beiting’s dreams but “He was a Donny Underwood with teaching supposed to be.” larger than life force. If he had said him the importance of staying in Give Danny a little pat on the he could walk on water, when I was close contact with the programs and back for setting a good example for an altar boy, I probably would have the workers in those programs. “You young boys who need that kind of laid money on him. get to know a lot of people. There example, and he’11tell you of a little “As I’ve grown older, the awe has are very few people in CAP that I boy he met in a child development diminished, but my respect has have not spoken to, or know on a center. “I want to be just like you,” really grown. I respect him as a man, first name basis. I enjoy what I do.” the little boy told Danny. “Yep, I and what he’s done and what he’s As a manager, Danny has less want to get me a shirt with my name accomplished.” contact now with CAP’s program on it!” The name “Purcell” threads participants than he did when he Danny and his wife, Brenda, through much of CAP’s early started, but remembers some special teach their children, Danielle, 12, history. George Purcell, Danny’s relationships, especially with and Travis, 5, by example as well. “I uncle and CAP’s first employee, children. “Little kids would come up put a high emphasis on family,” managed a CAP dairy farm in and want to talk to you, and you’d Danny says. “I may put in a long Jackson County. Danny recalls his interact with them. You really see day in Hagerhill [nearly 120 miles time there, “getting in the way,” that a lot in the spouse abuse from home], but I'll come home mostly, he admits, “but I enjoyed centers. In Somerset, once, I met a instead of spending the night away. being around that kind of stuff.” little boy whose dad had mistreated I feel like that’s important.” Another uncle, Jerry, worked in him, you could tell. He was dying Danny’s emphasis on family — CAP’s first print shop, which for some kind of relationship with a immediate family and extended operated in a garage behind St. man. He was there for a while, and I family — also takes in his CAP William Church. “I remember going was there quite a bit, and it got to family. The people he supervises as in and helping Jerry fold stuff.” where he would pack my tools for well as the people he serves are part One of the most important me. I felt sorry for him — he was a of the family that Danny believes aspects of his job today, Danny good kid. He’d talk a mile a minute, was started and continues to says, demands that he stay in but he was always polite. You just flourish because of the influence of contact with programs, providing wonder sometimes, how things can Father Ralph Beiting. the physical support they need to happen. You try to talk to them, and get their work done. Saying that

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These Old Hills

by Tony Smith

These old hills they cradle me when I was but an infant. And when I was bigger they let me play in and around them. Oh yes, these old hills. . . oh how I love them. And when I was older they let me hunt in them taking rabbits, squirrels, coon and sometimes a deer. Oh yes these old hills. . . Most of my people left these hills to get job in the factories but not me. If I have to leave these hills to make it then I wont make it. Oh these hills . . . the old people say if the hills could talk oh the stories they could tell. These old hills . . . When I was older I took a wife and raised a family in these hills. Oh these old hills . . . Oh how I love walking to the top of a ridge and looking for miles and miles at all the endless colors in the fall of the y e a r . . . Oh yes these old hills .. . and when I grow old and my times comes to go, I know that these old hills will let me rest beneath her sod until Jesus comes for me. Oh yes these old hills . . . Oh how I love them. School on Wheels teacher Keith Gilbertson has connected adult education student Tony Smith with adult students that connect to his words the way few could. He writes: “I first knew we were on to something special when I handed GP [one of my students], Tony’s story called These Old Hills. I wasn’t real sure he was going to be able to read it and understand it because we had been working in the standard textbooks for beginning readers with limited suc cess. As GP was reading, I was setting up the laptop computer for our lesson. When I glanced up, GP was wiping a tear from the corner of his eye. This had never happened with any of the textbooks I’ve used with my many students . . . He read the whole story to me as best he could, getting many more words right than usual. Each of the next two or three times he reached the passage, “when my times comes to go I know these old hills will let me

rest beneath her sod until Jesus comes for me,” he choked up again. It gave him a chance to bring back memories of his life in the mountains and his faith in the Lord.” Tony is writing more and more these days, beautifully expressing his thoughts and emotions and sharing them with other adult learners who can relate to him in ways that few others could. And it is through CAP’S Adult Education program that Tony, GP and many others are doing much more than just learning — they are enriching their lives. Your donation to CAP’SAdult Education program (or where it is needed most) can continue to make lives rich and full.

Lisgfflüi iifiT itf in üpnâlnsLMÉ • Residents of Appalachian are more likely to die from heart disease than people living elsewhere. • White Appalachians between 35 and 64 have a 15 to 20 percent greater chance of dying from heart disease than white Americans living elsewhere. • Highest mortality rates are in middle Appalachia — central West Virginia, eastern Kentucky, western Virginia and northern Tennessee. • The region lacks resources to aid people who have experienced heart disease and would benefit from exercise and nutritional programs and stress management classes. Data references available on request.