FAQ
Questions & answers for prospective short-term and long-term volunteers:
How can I reach someone in the Volunteer Program office if I have questions?
You can reach us by phone at 606-256-0973 or 1-800-755-5322 (toll free), or by email at volunteer@chrisapp.org. Our mailing address is 4192 North Wilderness Road, Mt. Vernon, KY 40456.
Do I have to apply by a certain date? How long does the application process take?
CAP has a rolling admissions process, which means we accept volunteers throughout the year. We recommend that applicants apply a minimum of two months prior to their desired start date, and no more than a year before. Applicants should apply early to have the best chance of receiving their first choice of service placement or if they would like to enroll in AmeriCorps.
I am retired. Am I too old to volunteer?
No! CAP recognizes the unique gifts, knowledge and experience that “encore career” volunteers have to offer, and about a third of our long-term volunteers are 55 or older. Though volunteers are encouraged to live in community when possible, many retired volunteers have found that the Independent Living option better suits their needs and allows CAP to accept more volunteers.
How can I afford to volunteer?
Volunteering for an extended period of time is a significant sacrifice for many people, but CAP is able to provide some resources to make volunteering more affordable. We offer room and board to all individual volunteers, and for long-term volunteers, health insurance benefits and a monthly stipend. While volunteers are welcome to bring their personal vehicles, CAP provides transporation to and from service sites. Potential AmeriCorps Education Awards are available on a first come, first serve basis, which can be a significant source of funding for paying off student loans, or for attending college after volunteering. For individuals with student loans, CAP can assist with loan deferment so that a volunteer will not have to make payments on his or her loans while they are serving at CAP.
*Please note that for long-term volunteers, all AmeriCorps, stipend, room and board and health insurance benefits are considered taxable income by the Internal Revenue Service.
Can I defer my student loans?
In most cases, yes. CAP is a 501(c)3 non-profit agency, and therefore accepted volunteers are eligible for loan deferment. Volunteers need to request deferment forms from their lending agency and then turn them into the Volunteer Program office for validation. Deferment is the choice of the provider, but most CAP volunteers are able to defer, especially as an enrollee in the AmeriCorps Education Award program.
What is AmeriCorps?
CAP receives a limited number of AmeriCorps Education Awards, which can be used in the following ways: 1) To repay qualified existing student loans. 2) To pay all or part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education (including certain vocational programs). 3) To pay expenses incurred while participating in an approved school-to-work program. CAP receives awards each August and distributes them on a first come, first serve basis. Additional AmeriCorps information.
Do you offer health insurance for volunteers?
Long-term CAP volunteers are eligible for health benefits. For specific questions about health insurance benefits please contact Amy Schill at the Volunteer Program office at 606-256-0973 or 1-800-755-5322.
Are you affiliated with any particular denomination?
CAP is an independent nonprofit primarily funded by individual donors and churches rather than a particular denomination. We are an interdenominational Christian organization, and our volunteers come from a variety of faith traditions and participate in daily prayer led by one another. Openness to diversity is necessary for community life.
How long is the commitment?
We ask short-term volunteers to commit a minimum of three weeks of service. Long-term volunteers serve 9-12 months initially, with an opportunity to request a second term. Our summer camp volunteers make a 3 to 9 week commitment.
I can’t serve for three weeks. Can I come for one week?
In most circumstances, our programs require volunteers who can make a commitment of at least three weeks. Qualified medical personnel who are available for summer camp or skilled construction volunteers who can serve as WorkFest crew leaders in March are eligible for a one-week commitment. Additionally, 1-2 week opportunities may be available for volunteer alumni, space permitting. Prospective volunteers desiring a one week commitment should consider forming a group.
What exactly is community living?
Currently, CAP has seven volunteer houses located throughout eastern Kentucky. All houses have a shared living room space, kitchen and laundry facilities.
Living in community means more than simply sharing living space: it is an intentional commitment to sharing time together as members of the Body of Christ. All volunteer houses share dinner and prayer four nights a week, and this time is an indispensable part of living in a CAP community.
Most CAP volunteers live in community at the volunteer houses, although some volunteers choose to find their own housing near their service site. CAP offers an Independent Living option for volunteers who are 50 years old or older and/or are married who prefer to live on their own. This option includes a small food stipend, a modest living stipend and health insurance. Not only to indepedent living volunteers have their own space, they help CAP accept additional ovlunteers by freeing up space in the volunteer houses. Please call the Volunteer Program office to learn more.
Who volunteers for CAP?
We are blessed to have volunteers from all age groups, from young people just out of high school, to people in mid-career, to retirees and everyone in between. Our volunteers come from all over the United States and from many different backgrounds, professions and diverse faith experiences. Their commonality is that they feel called to serve in Appalachia and want to make a difference in the lives of the people they serve. Meet our long-term volunteers.
Can I volunteer with my spouse?
We encourage married couples to serve with us. Both individuals must complete separate applications and be accepted. Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate families with dependents.
What do volunteers do for fun?
In their free time, many volunteers go hiking, attend local concerts and festivals, explore nearby towns, relax, read, etc. CAP is surrounded by the beautiful Appalachian Mountains, which offer plenty of opportunities for camping and other outdoor activities. Also, there are two volunteer retreats and several social gatherings throughout the year. CAP’s volunteer communities are relatively close to one another, so houses often plan their own social activities together. When you become a CAP volunteer, you have around 50 instant best friends.
Can I bring my pet with me?
Unfortunately, volunteers cannot bring their pet with them out of consideration for housemates who may have allergies. If you must bring your pet with you to Kentucky, you can inquire about the option of finding your own housing.
What should I bring with me?
CAP supplies all volunteers with towels and linens, and all volunteer houses are fully furnished. A list of items to bring will be sent to all volunteers upon acceptance into the program. Though space is limited, volunteers are encouraged to bring books, music and other personal items. High-speed internet is available in all houses.
Does CAP foster a “simple” lifestyle?
CAP strives to demonstrate good stewardship in the houses and programs, and encourages volunteers to be conscientious about their use of CAP resources. All volunteers are asked to make a special commitment to environmental stewardship and care of creation, which may include recycling, conscientious energy consumption and gardening.
Credit check? Why do you need to know my credit history?
We don’t! The Fair Credit Authorization forms that you sign and return with your application simply allow us to obtain your criminal background check and driving records. We will not see any financial information. Confusing name, simple process.
How likely is it that I will be accepted?
The CAP Volunteer Program has a thorough application process, which includes a national background check and input from three references. Submitting an application does not guarantee acceptance. Once the Volunteer Program office and the appropriate program manager(s) review your application, our admissions coordinator will contact you to discuss your application, and the program placement you are most interested in. Promising long-term applicants will be invited to interview with our staff in the Volunteer Program office as well as with several program managers. We feel that it is for your benefit so that you can make the right decision about your service. Following your return home, you and CAP will reflect upon your visit to ensure a mutual match. Assuming housing availability, CAP will find a placement for all qualified applicants. In other words, qualified applicants will not be denied admission because a more qualified applicant is available, but it may be possible that an applicant does not receive his or her first choice of service placement.
Didn’t answer your question? Please feel free to call 606-256-0973 or 1-800-755-5322, or click the “Contact” link above.
