Christian Appalachian Project is now accepting applications for our January 2015 orientation class. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received, so apply early for the greatest choice of service placements. We will also review applications from candidates desiring a October - November start date on a case-by-case basis.
Long-term CAP Volunteers make a commitment of one year to Service, Community, and Spirituality. Volunteers tackle the issues of substandard housing, poverty, hunger, isolation, education, and more while living in an intentional, interdenominational and intergenerational community in which volunteers share in dinner and devotion four nights a week.
Ideal candidates are compassionate, flexible, self-motivated, have great interpersonal and leadership skills, and are eligible to drive CAP vehicles (21 or older with a good driving record).
Please review our current needs. We hope you'll find an opportunity for you to use your gifts and talents to serve God's people in Appalachia. Our priority application deadline for January admissions is October 20.
Education
Youth Worker: As a component of CAP’s Child and Family Development program, S.P.A.R.K. (Scholastic Preparation, Arts, and Recreation for Kids) serves children ages 5-18. The Youth Worker designs presentations and activities to engage students in academics, the arts, and recreational activities, and assists children and teens with homework in all subject areas. In the summer, the Youth Worker leads activities such as field trips or day camps.
Hunger and Poverty Relief
Home Repair Crew Member/Team Leader: Substandard housing is the most visible sign of poverty in Appalachia. Home Repair Crew Members serve in teams of 2-3 and assist the employee or volunteer crew leader in home repairs and new construction. Must be able to climb roofs, lift and carry up to 80 pounds, and serve outside in all seasons. Previous construction experience is preferred but not necessary. If not experienced, members will be expected to be quick learners and eventually act as assistant leaders for groups of 3-10 people. Volunteers are needed for both our Housing and Elderly Services programs.
Elderly Services Caseworkers help seniors in under-resourced communities stay in their homes longer.
Elderly Services Caseworker: CAP’s Elderly Services caseworkers help seniors without other sources of support access the services, medical care, and human connection that would otherwise be absent. By providing services such as home visitation, transportation, and social activities, caseworkers ease the effects of rural isolation and allow homebound seniors citizens to remain in their homes longer. Requires extensive travel by car; must be able to help elderly participants in and out of vehicles. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
Family Advocacy Caseworker: Caseworkers in Family Advocacy provide short-term emergency assistance, including utility assistance, household goods, and clothing. Family Advocacy caseworkers are often a participant’s first contact with CAP—they assess the needs, provide any necessary short-term assistance, and then make appropriate referrals to other CAP programs or community agencies. Caseworkers also help to organize CAP’s Christmas program and annual Women’s Retreat. Caseworkers must be self-motivated and able to serve with limited supervision, as well as be comfortable communicating with other agencies and churches within the local community. Some heavy lifting required. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
Family Advocacy/Housing Caseworker: This volunteer will spend roughly half his/her time as a Family Advocacy caseworker and the other half taking home repair applications and helping to guide participants in CAP’s Housing program through the home repair process. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
Thrift Store Associate: The Grateful Threadz Thrift Store provides the community with a place where individuals can find clean, high-quality new or gently used clothing at affordable prices in an environment that respects their dignity. The volunteer at Grateful Threadz collaborates with employees and participants to keep the store clean and organized, sort donations, and perform retail functions.
Volunteer Hospitality
Mission Group Facilitator: The Groups facilitator serves with church and college groups who serve with CAP for a week. Facilitators plan and prepare meals for groups, and may provide orientation to CAP. This member will serve out of multiple locations, so travel is required. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record. This position is ideal for people who love to cook and meet new people.
Foley Mission Center Cook/Food Service Coordinator: Our Volunteer Groups program is in need of an experienced cook with food service skills to oversee the daily operations of a modern commercial kitchen at our 120-bed volunteer mission center facility. Role includes but is not limited to designing nutritional menus for volunteers and staff, preparing healthy meals and snacks, maintaining a clean kitchen and dining room and overseeing the daily operations of the kitchen while having fun in a caring environment. Position will require serving nights and weekends during group season (March-November). During non-group season, this volunteer may have the opportunity to serve in other CAP programs. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
Questions? Contact us at 606-256-0973 or volunteer@chrisapp.org to learn more or to get in touch with a current CAP Volunteer.
