Each January, CAP welcomes a new class of volunteers. This supplements our larger September class with those who prefer to start at a later date, such as college students who graduate in December. We’re happy to have nine new volunteers who chose to spend 2013 dedicating their lives to service in Appalachia.
This year, we held our Commissioning at the newly dedicated Louis T. Foley Mission Center. At our Commissioning Service, volunteers hear reflections on the Volunteer Program’s core values of Service, Community, and Spirituality, and then sign a covenant symbolizing their commitment to those values. Commissioning also serves as a chance for the CAP community to formally welcome our new members.
Take a minute to learn more about some of our new volunteers below. If you would like to join them in service to Appalachia, consider applying for our next orientation in September.
Johnathan came to CAP from Indiana thanks to the recommendation of his high school band teacher, a former CAP Volunteer. Johnathan will be living in the Johnson Volunteer House and serving in the Housing program. He will be spending the year “meeting new people and getting closer to God.”
Lainie came to CAP after getting her degree in Animal Science from Washington State University and working at an environmental education center. She will be serving in the Elderly Housing program and living at the Rockcastle Volunteer House. She came to CAP because she “would like to live a life of service.” Lainie was referred to CAP by her mother, a CAP donor.
Andrew came to CAP from Northern California. After graduating from Sierra College, he was “living life, working, hanging out with friends and more or less passing the time.” He chose to come to CAP for the new experiences. Andrew found CAP through the Catholic Volunteer Network. He lives in the Floyd Volunteer House and volunteers in the Housing program.
Ron came to CAP after spending time as a member of the Capuchin Franciscan Order and serving in the Capuchin Volunteer Corps. A graduate of John Carroll University, Ron is volunteering with CAP because he has “a desire to serve and help the vulnerable.” Ron found CAP through the Catholic Volunteer Network. He lives in the Floyd Volunteer House and volunteers in the Housing program.
Beth came to CAP after working for 30 years in the medical office field in Lexington. She is hoping to learn “how to be an ‘active’ servant in helping show Christ’s love and compassion to those in need.” She learned about CAP at a festival booth. Beth is serving at the Grateful Threadz thrift store and lives independently with her husband Steve.
Steve came to CAP from Lexington, where he worked full-time and was a “board member, home group leader, usher and toilet bowl cleaner” for his church. He is volunteering with CAP because he likes “the fact that you (CAP) minister to people’s practical needs as well as spiritual and that we can do both.” Steve is serving at the Grateful Bread Food Pantry and lives independently with his wife Beth (who also told him about CAP).
Erika came to CAP from Illinois. She hopes to learn “how to serve others and become people-oriented.” Erika will be serving in the Housing program and lives at the Mt. Vernon Volunteer House. Erika found CAP through an internet search.
Jake came to CAP from Iowa. He came to CAP as a short-term volunteer in September and decided to serve for a full year. Jake lives in the Jackson House and will be serving in the Housing program. Jake found out about CAP from United Methodist Volunteers in Mission.
