We at the Christian Appalachian Project Volunteer Office are excited for next month, when the first of our more than 20 new long-term volunteers will begin arriving. If you would like to join our fall class (some of whom are featured here), we still have several positions available. Our application deadline is August 16, but we would prefer to fill these positions as soon as possible. Apply today to join our mission this fall. Questions? Email Daniel Landesman or call us at 606-256-0973 or 800-755-5322.
We are currently seeking volunteers for the following:
AmeriCorps Early Childhood Educator
Serves at one of CAP’s Child and Family Development preschools for children ages 3-5. Responsibilities include teaching and supervising activities, meals, and play. May also serve with parents through home visits and center activities. Experience and/or education in early childhood education preferred but not required.
AmeriCorps Camp Educator/Summer Camp Counselor
Educational and Recreational Programming AmeriCorps Members are based out of Camp Shawnee and Camp Andrew Jackson. Educators will serve in schools during the academic year to implement presentations on topics such as bullying, consumerism, and environmental stewardship, as well as provide after-school tutoring to academically at-risk youth. Educators will also plan teen retreats at the camp and other events in the community, help camp staff maintain the facilities, and recruit campers in the schools and community. When summer camp is in session, members will serve as camp counselors, where they will spend extensive time outdoors engaged in swimming, hiking, running, games, and other physical activities. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
AmeriCorps Home Repair Crew Member
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. Although no previous construction experience is necessary, members will be expected to be quick learners and eventually act as assistant crew leaders for groups of 3-10 people. AmeriCorps Members needed for our Housing and Elderly Housing programs.
AmeriCorps Disaster Relief Caseworker
Our Disaster Relief caseworker may be involved in all stages of disaster response within Kentucky and other Appalachian states: preparation and loading of materials, relief work (mucking houses, distributing supplies), volunteer coordination, and clean-up and unloading of supplies and materials. When not responding directly to disasters, the volunteer plays a key administrative role in the program by serving on local disaster relief committees, attending trainings, and training others. This position requires a volunteer who is independent, self-starting, energetic, very flexible, like to travel and have superior communication skills. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record. Construction skills are not required, but greatly benefit the program.
AmeriCorps Youth Worker
Serves in CAP’s Eagle Child and Family Development and Community Center in the SPARK (Scholastic Preparation, Arts, & Recreation for Kids) after-school program for children and teens. The Youth Worker will also go into public schools to provide tutoring, and may assist in CAP’s preschool when needed. During the summer, this member will work with center staff to develop field trips and other summer activities for children and teens. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
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. 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 CAP’s Family Advocacy program 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 and Christmas Basket programs. 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 Group Host/Cook
Hosts 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 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. Evening and weekend service required; must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
Human Resources/Wellness Volunteer
Provides administrative support to CAP’s Human Resources Department and Wellness Program for CAP employees and volunteers. Responsibilities include planning and preparation of CAP Wellness activities, including the oversight and creation of specific Wellness functions (i.e., monthly Lunch and Learn programs, etc.), participating in the CAP Wellness Team and assisting the Wellness Chairperson with planning and preparing for Wellness Team meetings, creating and distributing a quarterly Wellness newsletter and other publications, conducting health and wellness trainings and presentations, and developing community contacts to help support Wellness Program initiatives. Based on skills and experience, this volunteer may also assist in special projects for Human Resources. Must be 21 or older with a good driving record.
