If you feel called to serve God by serving people in need in Appalachia, there's still time to join Christian Appalachian Project as a short-term or long-term (one year) volunteer. We will be accepting Summer Camp and short-term applications throughout the summer, and will be accepting long-term applications until July 1. Read on to learn more about our available positions. Contact us anytime at volunteer@chrisapp.org or 606-256-0973 with questions.
Summer Camp/Short-term:
Summer Camp volunteers: Counselors, lifeguards, medical personnel (RNs, LPNs, EMTs), arts & crafts instructors, and office helpers needed this June and July at camps serving children from low-income families. Applications accepted throughout the summer.
Housing and Elderly Housing Crew Members: Volunteers needed to complete minor and major home repairs and new construction for families in need. Volunteers serve in teams under the direction of a skilled crew leader. No previous experience necessary; must commit at least three weeks. Volunteers needed year-round.
Volunteer Groups Cook: Cooks needed to cook for volunteer groups that serve with CAP for a week. Volunteers will plan, shop for the meals as well as cook. Requires serving nights and weekends. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record. Volunteers needed now through the summer. Minimum three week commitment.
Grateful Threadz Thrift Store Associates: Volunteers needed to help give our customers a shopping experience that respects their dignity and provides affordable clothing and household items. Volunteers will be on their feet most of the day to sort donations and get clothes ready for the store floor. Must commit at least three weeks. Volunteers needed in the late spring and summer.
Researcher: Volunteer needed to research the location and value of CAP’s physical properties throughout eastern Kentucky by visiting records offices in county courthouses. This position requires extensive travel. May be combined with short-term service in another program. Must be 21 with a good driving record and enjoy indirect service. May begin summer or fall 2014.
Long-term:
Positions available for August 2014 admissions detailed below. Applications are currently being reviewed as they are received, so it is to your advantage to apply early. Final application deadline is July 1. Positions designated "AmeriCorps" are eligible for an AmeriCorps Education Award when funding is available.
Hunger and Poverty Relief
AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member/Team Leader: Substandard housing is the most visible sign of poverty in Appalachia. AmeriCorps 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 heavy objects, 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. AmeriCorps Members are needed for both our Housing and Elderly Services programs.
AmeriCorps Food Pantry Caseworker: Hunger is an often overlooked issue that many low-income families in Appalachia face. The Grateful Bread food pantry serves families and the elderly in Rockcastle County, Kentucky. Caseworkers serve in teams with other CAP Volunteers, employees, participants, and volunteers from the local community to serve the walk-in food need of families and organize monthly government commodities distributions to the elderly. Caseworkers also pick up food donations from local food banks and businesses and help to unload and organize food shipments. Requires heavy lifting.
AmeriCorps 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, social activities, and prescription assistance, caseworkers ease the effects of rural isolation and allow homebound seniors citizens to remain in their homes longer. One caseworker will also take applications for CAP’s Elderly Housing program. 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.
AmeriCorps Family Advocacy Caseworker: Caseworkers in Family Advocacy provide short-term emergency assistance, including food, 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 School Readiness, Christmas Basket, and Small Farms and Gardens initiatives, as well as an 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 communities. Some heavy lifting required. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
AmeriCorps Family Advocacy/Housing Caseworker: This Member 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.
Crisis Services
AmeriCorps Resident Support Specialist: Serves in one of CAP’s Domestic Abuse Centers for female domestic violence survivors and their children. Responsibilities include monitoring shelter activities and staffing the crisis line, conducting life skills classes, accompanying residents to court or social services offices, assisting staff in community awareness (speaking engagements, domestic violence awareness month activities), and providing activities, tutoring, and childcare for children living at the center. Requires night and weekend shifts. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
Administration and Volunteer Hospitality
AmeriCorps Mission Group Facilitator: The Groups host serves with church and college groups who serve in CAP’s home repair programs for a week. Hosts 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: The FMC Group Cook meal plans, shops, and cooks for groups serving out of the Foley Mission Center, including during WorkFest and YouthFest. Serves with the Groups Coordinator and under the supervision of the Volunteer Life Manager. 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.
