Family Advocacy

“This isn’t an easy service postion. You’ll be challenged emotionally, and you won’t always know what to do. There is a great support system within the program, though. The staff are always willing to help, and you will be part of a great team. Expect struggles, and expect to learn something about yourself. This will be a humbling experience you will never forget.”

–Family Advocacy volunteer

Now accepting applications for long-term volunteers.

In the majority of counties Christian Appalachian Project serves, more than one third of the population lives in poverty, and when crisis hits, these families are ill-equipped to handle the additional financial burden. CAP helps people by addressing immediate physical and emotional needs. Every year, Family Advocacy provides assistance to thousands of individuals and families in various stages of crisis.

Long-term Family Advocacy volunteers serve as caseworkers for a particular community, offering assistance with food, utilities, shelter, household goods, clothes and some education expenses. In addition to meeting these immediate needs, volunteers perform long-term needs assessment through budget counseling and referring participants to other CAP programs or local agencies if appropriate. The goal of Family Advocacy is to meet immediate needs and then provide tools to families so they can avoid future financial crises. Family Advocacy volunteers must be comfortable serving independently and setting their own schedules. These volunteers must also be 21 or older and have a good driving record.

Long-term Family Advocacy volunteers may also spearhead several seasonal programs:

Christmas Basket
Gifts from donors are distributed to participants during the holiday season.

School Readiness
School supplies and a new outfit are given to more than 1,000 disadvantaged children in the Appalachian region.

Small Farms and Gardens
Plants, seeds, canning materials and classes help families grow and can their own food.

Women’s Retreat
More than 50 women from the counties CAP serves gather for several days of fellowship and spiritual and educational activities.

Short-term Family Advocacy volunteers may also assist with these seasonal programs.