This August, the Volunteer Program is thrilled to welcome 25 new AmeriCorps members and long-term volunteers who are joining us in our mission to build hope, transform lives, and share Christ’s love through service in Appalachia. They are embarking upon a year of full time service within CAP’s programs – repairing homes, befriending the elderly, providing crisis assistance, teaching youth, tackling food insecurity, and more. During their year, they make an additional commitment to building intentional relationships with their volunteer community and taking time for personal reflection.
Over the next few weeks we’ll be introducing our new volunteers here. Check back often for updates!
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Name: Maria Hartz Hometown: Guilderland, NY Prior Occupation: 2017 graduate of The College of Saint Rose Service Placement: Volunteer Group Host, Mount Vernon Volunteer Community What are you hoping to learn from your time of service? “I am hoping to learn that I am able, as one person, to make a difference in the lives of others through my passion for service. I hope that through CAP, I am going to have my eyes opened to a whole new view on social justice issues I can advocate for.” |
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Name: Allie Maas Hometown: Ottawa, OH Prior Occupation: 2017 graduate of Penn State University Service Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Jackson Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “Its core values are the values I also hold dear and I want to grow in. I’m also volunteering with CAP to take time to give back to God what I have been blessed with. I want to be able to help those who might need it and to meet some wonderful people along the way.” |
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Name: Brittni Robinette Hometown: Tacoma, WA Prior Occupation: Working as an individual care provider for a four-year-old autistic child. Service Placement: AmeriCorps Food Pantry Caseworker, Rockcastle Volunteer Community If you chose CAP over other volunteer programs what made CAP stand out? “The benefits of being a volunteer at CAP were better than other programs. CAP offering room and board as well as a small stipend is nice. Add that with the work you do to help people in need and CAP was the perfect choice.” |
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Name: Zach Centola Hometown: Pigeon Forge, TN Prior Occupation: Recent high school graduate Service Placement: AmeriCorps Food Pantry Caseworker, Rockcastle Volunteer Community |
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Name: Perrin Bailey Hometown: Frankfort, KY Prior Occupation: 2017 graduate of University of Lousiville Service Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Floyd Volunteer Community What are you hoping to learn from your time of service? “I’m mainly hoping to learn skills that will help me minister well to the Mamaws and Papaws of the world – both practically with ramps and decks and spiritually with friendship.” |
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Name: Katie Callahan Hometown: Countryside, IL Prior Occupation: 2017 graduate of Eastern Illinois University Service Placement: AmeriCorps Educator/Summer Camp Counselor, Floyd Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “Being a counselor at Camp Shawnee the past two summers impacted my life in such a positive way. The people and children I worked with were absolutely amazing and I want to serve the people of Eastern Kentucky in the best way I can”. |
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Name: Matthew Bocklage Hometown: Raleigh, NC Prior Occupation: Recent high school graduate Service Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Johnson Volunteer Community |
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Name: Liz Maratta Hometown: Atlantic Highlands, NJ Prior Occupation: Freelance writer/editor Service Placement: AmeriCorps Family Advocacy/Housing Caseworker, Rockcastle Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “I want to give of myself to anyone in need.” |
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Name: Austin Chapman Hometown: Fabius, NY Prior Occupation: Recent high school graduate Service Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Floyd Volunteer Community |
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Name: George Eisenga Hometown: Fox Lake, WI Prior Occupation: Recently retired from working in an ethanol plant. Service Placement: AmeriCorps Elderly Services Caseworker, McCreary Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “As I move into retirement I feel called by God to be involved in service to his people. I feel that I can be of service but just as important is what I can learn from this opportunity. |
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Name: Jordan Wade Hometown: Johnstown, PA Prior Occupation: 2016 graduate of Indiana University of Pennsylvania Service Placement: AmeriCorps Educator/Summer Camp Counselor, Floyd Volunteer Community If you chose CAP over other volunteer programs what made CAP stand out? “I really loved every time in the past when I have volunteered short-term with CAP. And each time I left, I never felt like my time was completed. The community, other volunteers, and place are so beautiful to me.” |
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Name: Helena Gallant Hometown: New Britain, PA Prior Occupation: 2017 graduate of Bucks Community College and worked as a nursing home aide. Service Placement: AmeriCorps Food Pantry Caseworker, Mt Vernon Volunteer Community What are you hoping to learn from your time of service? “I am hoping to expand my faith, serve the community, and gain some new experience as a social worker. I also hope to make new friends, gain new perspective, and experience a completely different lifestyle.” |
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Name: Elijah Crouch Hometown: Kaiserslautern, Germany Prior Occupation: 2017 graduate of Valparaiso University Service Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Johnson Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “I was sent by God.” |
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Name: Tim Fasano Hometown: Ridge, NY Prior Occupation: 2017 Graduate of University of Dayton Service Placement: AmeriCorps Early Childhood Educator, McCreary Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “I have a passion for people and a passion for Appalachia. I desire to learn and grow and saw few better places than CAP for a year of service.” |
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Name: Katrin Arango Hometown: Medellin, Columbia Prior Occupation: Student at Rhodes College Service Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Johnson Volunteer Community What are you hoping to learn from your time of service? “I’d like to learn construction skills but also how to live in a community with other people.” |
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Name: Noah Fouch Hometown: Berea, KY Prior Occupation: 2017 Graduate of Eastern Kentucky University Service Placement: AmeriCorps Educator/Summer Camp Counselor, Jackson Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “I have volunteered at Camp AJ for the past few summers and I thought becoming a long-term volunteer was the logical next step. I want to continue the work I have been doing with the kids who come to camp.” |
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Name: Chris Becker Hometown: Findlay, OH Prior Occupation: Home Health Caregiver Service Placement: Mission Center Facilitator, Foley Mission Center What are you hoping to learn from your time of service? “Patience and flexibility when working, playing, and praying.” |
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Name: Christina Bonfanti Hometown: Winter Garden, FL Prior Occupation: 2017 Graduate of the University of Florida Service Placement: AmeriCorps Educator/Summer Camp Counselor, Jackson Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “I had prior experience volunteering with CAP at WorkFest and Camp AJ. Even though I originally had other post-grad plans, I continually felt called to CAP. I love the people involved in the programs and everything CAP stands for. I feel that it is where I am meant to be.” |
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Name: Joe Lowry Hometown: Watertown, MA Prior Occupation: 2017 Graduate of Carleton College Service Placement: AmeriCorps Youth Worker, McCreary Volunteer Community If you chose CAP over other volunteer programs, what made CAP stand out? “I really loved all the people I met when I visited and the warm welcome I received. I have also always wanted to live in Appalachia at some point in my life so this fulfills a lifelong dream.” |
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Name: Abbie Palker Hometown: Bedford, NH Prior Occupation: Working at local YMCA. Service Placement: AmeriCorps Early Childhood Educator, Rockcastle Volunteer Community What are you hoping to learn from your time of service? “I hope I learn how to work with new people, learn patience, and an understanding of different cultures/lifestyles.” |
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Name: Will Berard Hometown: Shrewsbury, MA Prior Occupation: High School Student Service Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Rockcastle Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “I am looking for an adventure to embark on that is not necessarily the ‘normal’ thing to do. Society tells us that college right after high school is the way to go, but I know there is a big, beautiful world out there and I want to experience as much of it as I can.” |
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Name: Laurie Eisenga Hometown: Fox Lake, WI Prior Occupation: Surgical Tech (Recently Retired) Service Placement: AmeriCorps Elderly Services Caseworker, McCreary Volunteer Community I am volunteering with CAP because… “God has called me to this. God has pulled on my heart to look beyond myself in this first year of retirement. To be willing to be stretched, challenged, and learn and share my faith in a totally new setting. |
