Last month, we commissioned a new group of long-term volunteers who are joining us in our mission to build hope, transform lives, and share Christ’s love through service in Appalachia. These individuals, representing a diversity of ages, faith traditions, and backgrounds, are making a one-year commitment to service, community, and spirituality here in Eastern Kentucky. These faithful individuals are a critical asset who enable CAP’s service in Appalachia.
Name: David Evans
Hometown: Warwick, RI
Prior Occupation: Worked in the Fitness Department at an independent living facility.
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I have always loved the Appalachian Mountains and spent many summer vacations hiking trails in the many states it crosses. I like the idea of a full-immersion in Appalachia and the opportunity to give back to the region.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Rockcastle House
Name: Starr Hudson
Hometown: Dublin, GA
Prior Occupation: Retired LPN
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “My previous short-term commitments with CAP have been positive times of spiritual growth. CAP employees express the mission of CAP not only on paper but through their everyday encounters with volunteers, participants, and one another”.
Service & Community Placement: Thrift Store Associate, Rockcastle House
Name: Kathy Nevin
Hometown: Lakewood, CO
Prior Occupation: Retired Las Vegas Police Department
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I felt God calling me to missions. At my age of 71, I thought God must be calling the wrong person. Surprise, surprise, God knew what God was doing. I hope to learn more of what God wants to teach me about God’s love as I serve the people of Appalachia.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Family Advocacy/Housing Caseworker, Rockcastle House
Name: Ernest Bailey
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
Prior Occupation: Worked at a special event arena in Tampa, FL.
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I am volunteering because I want to strengthen my relationship with Christ.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Elderly Services Caseworker, Jackson House
Name: Alexus Hornback
Hometown: Irvington, KY
Prior Occupation: 2016 graduate of Berea College with a degree in Child & Family Studies
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “CAP reflects my personal anthems of community, service, and faith. I want to serve God by serving others.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Camp Educator/Summer Camp Counselor, Jackson House
Name: Jenette Vogt
Hometown: Sigel, IL
Prior Occupation: 2016 graduate of Eastern Illinois University
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I am hoping to learn how to help people in need with the resources that I have. Money isn’t always the solution, so I am learning how to help others by listening and just being there for them.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Camp Educator/Summer Camp Counselor, Jackson House
Name: David Dudzik
Hometown: Wheeling, WV
Prior Occupation: 2016 graduate of Marshall University
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I want to spend this year doing something worthwhile while learning about education, youth, and nonprofit service.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Youth Worker, McCreary House
Name: Julia Mendlowitz-Love
Hometown: Collingswood, NJ
Prior Occupation: 2016 graduate of Neumann University
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I have always been called to serve others in any way that I can, so I feel complete in listening to God and going wherever God leads.
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Family Advocacy/Housing Caseworker, McCreary House
Name: Samantha Rhodus
Hometown: Lexington, KY
Prior Occupation: Running a volunteer house in New Orleans.
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I want to use my talents and strengths to show the love of Jesus to the people of Eastern Kentucky”.
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Elderly Services Caseworker, McCreary House
Name: Amelia Layton
Hometown: Boone, NC
Prior Occupation: Nanny and waitress
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I have a heart for the marginalized in society and I believe volunteering is a valuable use of my time and talents.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Johnson House
Name: Caleb Lawrence
Hometown: Newport News, VA
Prior Occupation: 2016 High School Graduate
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I felt a calling toward it. I want to learn how to build while helping people.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member/Johnson House
Name: Shannon Bryant
Hometown: Monument, CO
Prior Occupation: 2016 Graduate of Regis University, Intern with Home Aid Colorado
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I am ready for a year of service and community that I hope will change me and help me to grow closer to Christ and my brothers and sisters.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Floyd House
Name: Ashley Perry
Hometown: Hiram, GA
Prior Occupation: Office Manager and Insurance Account Representative
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I believe CAP is a great community with a wonderful outreach that affects the community in a very positive way.”
Service & Community Placement: Foley Mission Center Groups Facilitator/Housekeeper, Floyd House
Name: Steven Perry
Hometown: Hiram, GA
Prior Occupation: Insurance Account Representative
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I truly believe this organization goes above and beyond for the community they serve”.
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Floyd House
Name: John Naylor
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Prior Occupation: Retired, working part-time as a bus driver.
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “It’s an opportunity to do something my wife has wanted to do for a long time and to do it with her”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Family Advocacy Caseworker, living at Foley Mission Center
Name: Monica Naylor
Hometown: Lancaster, PA
Prior Occupation: Retired
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I am hoping to learn from the people I serve and the people with whom I work who are from different walks of life. Even though I am much older than some other volunteers, I believe I can learn much from them. I want to serve God in all ways and I know it will be very rewarding spiritually.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Elderly Services Caseworker, living at Foley Mission Center
Name: Courtney Harris
Hometown: Ormond Beach, FL
Prior Occupation: College student, daycare worker
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I am hoping to grow closer to God, help others, and make incredible friendships. I hope to learn about the people of Appalachia and how I can make a difference.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Early Childhood Educator, Rockcastle House
Name: John DeBerge
Hometown: Kenosha, WI
Prior Occupation: Delivery driver
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I want to grasp my mission in life.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Jackson House
Name: Hannah Gobin
Hometown: Connersville, IN
Prior Occupation: 2016 Graduate of Johnson University
Why are you volunteering with CAP? “I want to gain experience in casework, grow in faith, and help and love the people of Appalachia.”
Service & Community Placement: AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member, Johnson House
