A Healing Journey

In the realm of mental health, stories of transformation can serve as beacons of hope, which is what Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) strives to impart on the people we serve. In CAP’s service area, the need for mental health providers and services is four times greater than the national average. The counselors in CAP’s Family Life Counseling Services (FLCS) are working diligently to meet that need.

“We are meeting people where they are in their mental health journey. However, in our region, it can be challenging for an individual to focus on mental health if they are not able to meet their basic needs,” said FLCS counselor Mattie Craft. “That’s why our mission at CAP is a good thing. We build relationships and work together to address all the needs of a person.”

CAP’s FLCS counselors invest in the lives of participants in the program and offer consistent services and encouragement while maintaining a network of other agencies and partners that can provide additional resources as needed. A participant’s journey to bettering their mental health takes time, and in some cases, it can take years.

“This is some of the hardest work that these people will do, but we are there to let them know someone cares about them,” Craft said.

Nearly four years ago, Craft began counseling services with a woman who had experienced childhood trauma, alienation from her family, unhealthy relationships, and physical challenges, among other challenges. The woman experienced struggles during her counseling journey, not attending sessions, slipping back into unhealthy habits, and not following through with the plans or resources Craft coordinated for her. But that’s not the end of her story. She asked Craft to not give up on her, she took accountability for her actions, and she focused on making a change in her life.

“When someone is trying to make a change in their life, sometimes they have a relapse and it may lead to a downward spiral,” Craft said. “We encourage them and remind them that relapse is just a moment. They can stay in it and let it get worse, or they can turn it around. Despite her moment, this woman has changed her life.”

Today, the woman has overcome her challenges and has discovered a passion for helping others, continues to work, went back to school, and is rebuilding relationships with her family. “I wish you could see her smile. She smiles so big, gives thanks, and can say she is proud of herself, too. This woman loves the life she is living in this present moment,” Craft added. “This is a story of hope, transformation, and redemption.”

During FY24, FLCS served 457 participants in Eastern Kentucky through telehealth and in-person sessions. This year, the generosity of CAP supporters made it possible for the program to move into a new facility.

“I believe our donors have made a major impact in the work that we do,” Craft said. “Our new counseling center has been a beautiful thing. We want people to know their worth, and walking into this space makes them feel important and cared for. We are thankful for the work we are able to do, and our participants are appreciative of the services they receive, all because of the generosity of our donors.”