Christian Appalachian Project Volunteer Program welcomed seven new long-term volunteer last week at a Commissioning service at Mountain Community Fellowship in Paintsville, Kentucky. The Commissioning service was preceded by orientation, where the new volunteers did everything from meeting CAP's President and CEO and spending time in quiet reflection to attending workshops on cooking for community and leading devotions. At Commissioning, CAP employees and "veteran" volunteers join together to officially welcomes their new partners in service. The Commissioning ceremony focuses on the three core values of the CAP Volunteer Program--Service, Community and Spirituality--and the volunteers pledged their commitment to each of these values. The volunteers were plenty tired by the Thursday Commissioning service, but had the weekend to rest before returning to (or beginning) their service positions. Take a minute to meet our newly-commissioned volunteers below. You can also view pictures from Commissioning at our Facebook page.
Kerri Weiseman
Kerri began her long-term commitment with CAP in November 2010. Like her fellow College of Mount St. Vincent grad Annie Steele, Kerri volunteered at WorkFest and summer camp before returning to fill one of Camp AJ’s year-long positions. Kerri lives close to camp in Jackson Volunteer House. Originally from Abington, Pennsylvania, Kerri chose to volunteer in Kentucky largely because of her previous experience with CAP. “I was hooked once I attended WorkFest when I was a sophomore,” she says. ” I knew this area was special and this organization really made me feel appreciated.”
Carrie Holdsworth
Carrie, a Smith graduate from Belchertown, Massachusetts, was working full-time when she heard about CAP from a couple of volunteer alumni. She says she quit her job and came to Kentucky because “God brought me here and I want to serve.” Carrie is hoping to use her time at CAP to further discern God’s plan for her. Carrie began her service at Healing Rain Substance Abuse Recovery Center in January 2011. She lives in Rockcastle Volunteer House.
Meghan Rader
Meghan, a 2010 graduate of King’s College, worked at a preschool before joining CAP as a long-term volunteer in January 2011. She serves at one of CAP’s Child and Family Development centers and lives in McCreary Volunteer House. The Collingswood, New Jersey, native says she is volunteering with CAP because “I want to make a difference.” She hopes to gain an better understanding of herself and grow spiritually.
Eric Dempsey
Eric, from Brighton, Michigan, was working full-time before joining CAP in January 2011. The University of Dayton grad serves in the Elderly Housing program and lives in Johnson Volunteer House. Eric feels now is the right time to volunteer. “I have been given so much in my life that I feel the need to give back to those who are less fortunate,” he says. “After graduating college I felt this is a unique window in my life in which I can really give a lot of my time.”
Chris Ward
Chris, from Hazelton, Pennsylvania, was working in graphic design before starting at CAP in January 2011. The King’s College grad is serving in CAP’s Community Development program, and hope he can gain some professional experience in the nonprofit sector during his volunteer time. But most of all, Chris wants to help others. ‘i hope that what I will be doing will make a difference in the lives of others,” he says. “Maybe it won’t be anything substantial, but if I can make the tiny burdens of life lighter for someone, then that will be a great joy for me.” Chris lives in Johnson Volunteer House.
Brian and Staci Vanderpool
Brian and Staci met as camp counselors at Camp Shawnee. Now they are married and back at CAP to volunteer full-time at the camp. Brian is originally from Martin, Kentucky, and Staci comes from Atlanta, Georgia. Brian has been around CAP his entire life, and after spending several summers as a camp counselor at Shawnee, he feels called to be a long-term volunteer there. Staci, who previously served as a long-term volunteer in Housing, feels the same way. “God has moved deeply in my heart for the children of eastern Kentucky, and continues to lead me back.” The couple lives in Floyd Volunteer House.
