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?

Although CAP accepts short-term volunteer applications year-round, we have just two admissions cycles for long-term volunteers.

Winter 2012 Admissions
January 10, 2012: Final application deadline.
Mid-November–Mid-January: Applicants are interviewed on-site (preferred) or by phone/Skype. Interviewees will be notified of acceptance within two weeks of the interview.
January 7-28, 2012: Volunteers arrive to begin their service.
January 29: Orientation begins.

Fall 2012 Admissions
Round 1
February 1, 2012: Applications due (with references to follow soon afterward).*
First week of March:  Coordinator of Admissions will contact applicants and schedule interviews as necessary.
April-May: Applicants are interviewed on-site (preferred) or by phone/Skype. Interviewees will be notified of acceptance within two weeks of the interview.
Early August–Mid-September: Volunteers arrive to begin their service.
Mid-September (dates TBD): Orientation begins.

Round 2
May 1, 2012: Applications due (with references to follow soon afterward).*
First week of June:  Coordinator of Admissions will contact applicants and schedule interviews as necessary.
June-July: Applicants are interviewed on-site (preferred) or by phone/Skype. Interviewees will be notified of acceptance within two weeks of the interview.
Early August–Mid-September: Volunteers arrive to begin their service.
Mid-September (dates TBD): Orientation begins.

*Although we strongly prefer to receive applications by these dates, we will continue to accept applications until positions are filled.

Short-term and Summer Camp applicants can expect to hear from the Coordinator of Admissions three weeks after we receive a completed (including references) application. We prefer summer camp applicants to apply by mid-April, though we will continue to accept applications until positions are filled.

What are you looking for in a volunteer?

We are seeking compassionate, mission-driven individuals who possess an exceptional amount of flexibility, maturity and openness to people who may be very different from themselves. Moreover, we’re looking for volunteers who are passionate about serving the poor and marginalized and ready to fully immerse themselves in their work and community. You don’t necessarily have to be a master carpenter or have a wealth of nonprofit experience–we can teach the particular skills necessary to perform in your service position; what we’re really looking for when we evaluate applicants are the qualities that we can’t teach.

Our ideal candidate is 21 or older, though we will consider exceptional applicants ages 18-20. Keep in mind that not all service positions are available to applicants younger than 21. Also, applicants age 21 or older with a valid driver’s license and a good driving record will have a wider range of placements available to them, but we do accept non-drivers for certain programs.

The application is a little long, isn’t it?

You bet it is! Applying to be a CAP volunteer is bigger than applying for a job because volunteers not only serve in our programs, but also live in our facilities and with our volunteers. We work with some of the most vulnerable members of society, so we want to make sure we know you and you know us before welcoming you aboard. Making a commitment to full-time service, even if just for a few weeks, isn’t something to be taken lightly, and we see the application as part of your discernment process. Plus, you can rest assured knowing that all the volunteers you live and work with at CAP have gone through the same thorough process. If you have any questions or concerns about the application, please do not hesitate to contact us.

May I submit my resume?

A resume can be a wonderful supplement to the application, but you may not submit a resume in lieu of an application.

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 fourth of our long-term volunteers are 50 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.

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 of $150. While volunteers are welcome to bring their personal vehicles, CAP provides transporation to and from service sites.

*Please note that for long-term volunteers, 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 deferment of federal student loans. Volunteers need to request deferment forms from their lending agency and then turn them in to the Volunteer Program office for validation. Deferment is the choice of the provider, but most CAP volunteers are able to defer. Volunteers with federal loans should also explore the option of income-based repayment, which could be as little as $0/month while you are volunteering. When available, the AmeriCorps Education Award qualifies volunteers for mandatory loan forbearance and up to $5,350 for student loan repayment or future tuition expenses.

Do you offer health insurance for volunteers?

Long-term CAP volunteers are eligible for health benefits. Volunteers who elect to keep existing insurance are eligible for reimbursement of their premium costs of up to $147.51 a month. For 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 Christian denomination or church?

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 12 months initially, with an opportunity to request additional terms, reviewed annually. Our summer camp volunteers typically make a minimum commitment of three weeks.

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. Nurses with a Kentucky license who are available for summer camp or skilled construction volunteers who can serve as WorkFest crew leaders in March are eligible for a 1-2 week commitment. Some programs may have special events in the summer requiring extra help, so shorter opportunities may be available during certain weeks in the summer. Additionally, 1-2 week opportunities may be available for volunteer alumni, space permitting. Prospective volunteers desiring a one week commitment should contact the office about the opportunities above or 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.  Independent Living volunteers still participate in community living by attending dinner and devotion at their assigned volunteer house at least twice a month. 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? My significant other? My children?

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 dependent children. Unmarried or engaged couples are welcome to apply and serve with us, but they may not live in the same volunteer house. We cannot accommodate short-term, summer camp, or long-term volunteers with dependent children. Families with children age 14 or older may serve for a week as a group.

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.

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 will need to find your own housing.

What should I bring with me?

CAP supplies all volunteers with towels and linens, and all volunteer houses are fully furnished. Though space is limited, volunteers are encouraged to bring books, music and other personal items. A complete list of items to bring will be sent to all volunteers upon acceptance into the program.

Does CAP foster a “simple” lifestyle?

CAP strives to practice 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 Us” link above.