3 minute read
FROM THE PRESIDENT
While the past three years have brought unforeseen circumstances that have challenged our organization like never before, my heart is full of hope for the future because of you. Through a global pandemic to historic inflation and back-to-back natural disasters, your compassion has made it possible for us to pivot to serve the changing needs of Appalachia.
As we started the fiscal year, the continued outpouring of generosity we received in the wake of the July 2022 floods was remarkable. Because of your faithfulness, CAP was able to get nearly 100 families back in their flood-damaged homes and partner with Appalachia Service Project to build 10 new homes for families impacted by the flood — families like the Ritchies. As the waters surrounded their home the night of the floods, Reggie Ritchie, sick with COVID, carried his wife and granddaughter to safety one at a time on his shoulders just before their home was knocked off its foundation. Your compassion has made it possible for the family to have a safe, warm, and dry home again. Thank you.
The generosity from friends like you also made it possible for CAP’s Home Repair program to add eight new positions and to expand our impact. This change allows us to serve more families, create high-impact teams to work on homes, and give more short-term volunteers the opportunity to serve and support our mission. While we have seen the need for home repair services grow in recent years, we look forward to the work we will do with this restructuring as we strive to eliminate 80% of substandard housing in our service area.
In October, we entered the public phase of our greatest philanthropic effort — RISE and Shine: The Campaign for Christian Appalachian Project. This effort will bolster our mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia. Because of the commitment of supporters like you, we have already made tremendous progress in reaching our goal of $95 million to enhance our programming in the years ahead. Thank you.
It is an exciting time to be a part of this dedicated organization, which has kept the people of Appalachia at the core of our mission since our founding. As we near our 60th anniversary, I am proud to reflect on where we have come from. Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants who have paved the way so we can continue to provide critical services for our brothers and sisters in Appalachia. Thank you for being a part of our legacy and for making our mission possible.
In gratitude,
