CAP
Volunteer Alumni Newsletter • Winter 2021
2. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Editorial Recruit Like A Pro!
Field Notes
from Amy Schill, 2003-05, assistant director for volunteers and AmeriCorps
4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Updates
love through service. These values attract volunteers from disparate backgrounds and perspectives, but somehow, united by this mission, we all belong.
Volunteer Program
6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Discernment Are We There Yet?
8. . . . . . . . . . . January Cohort 9. . . . . . . . Volunteer Prayers 10.. . . . . . . . . .
From the Blog Stories to be Told
B
elonging. As humans, we crave it. We desire to be a part of a community that acknowledges us and affirms us. When we belong we feel love and can give love. We find more purpose and fulfillment in our actions. Many find belonging in their families of origin or in faith communities, others; tragically, find community in groups based in hatred and united by violence toward a demonized other. We do not always find belonging in ways that ultimately help us or serve God.
Christian Appalachian Project
I find myself so grateful for the Christian Appalachian Project community that unites people around hope, around transformation, around sharing Christ’s
I’ve witnessed shared belonging through one-year volunteers, but I also see it among those who return annually for WorkFest and YouthFest, summer camp, or a mission trip. Even though I’m at CAP yearround, I feel more at home when we reunite each year. I believe we feel this sense of belonging at CAP because when we commit ourselves to be co-workers with God and co-workers with one another in that holy project, we catch a glimpse of the ultimate communion of saints. Whether you served once or return year after year, I hope CAP has been a place of belonging and purpose for you. In this issue, you’ll meet new and recommitting volunteers. Join us as we pray that they feel Christ’s love as part of this community, and that they may in turn share that love with CAP’s participants.
EDITORIAL
Recruit like a pro! CAP Volunteer Recruiter Ashley Ellis demystifies the process
A
fter completing service, many of you have experienced that sense of sadness and asked the question what’s next. It can be harder than you anticipated. You have developed a deep love for the people and place you served (they are your family and this is your home). You leave with new perspectives, a feeling of accomplishment, and excitement to continue the work. You also know that you cannot volunteer forever. So, what is next? The answer is simple, yet challenging: recruit your replacement (or your replacement’s replacement). Your story is our best tool. We want to help you harness your passion for CAP and give you what you need to make sharing that passion with others as easy as possible.
his perspective on why he continues to recruit for CAP and what tips he can share. He said, “If you are passionate about something, then you will talk about it with passion and others can see your excitement about what you do.” You already have the passion, but with the diversity and reach of CAP’s programs, how do you share that with somebody in just minutes rather than hours? Jim had some insight on that as well.
One aspect that helps CAP stand out from other faith-based programs is how we serve; our focus is not to proselytize; we are charged to share Christ’s love through service. Jim explains further, “what we do is share the Gospel of Christ in a very unique way: by helping the poor in times of hopelessness Recently I reached out to CAP Vol- and trial.” Letting people know unteer Alumnus Jim Zeirke to hear there are ways to share the Gospel
With so many homes in need of repair throughout Appalachia, CAP is grateful for the hundreds of volunteers that arrive each year to help us make homes safe, warm, and dry for our participants. 2
CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
– by living the Gospel – can create opportunities for people they never thought of and can lead people to doing things they never imagined. Perhaps you came to CAP as a camp volunteer and you were right in your element. Perhaps you came as a housing volunteer and you did not know the difference between a screw and a nail. Share the challenges you faced as somebody with no experience or the challenges you didn’t realize you’d face because you’ve been working with kids for 15 years. These experiences are what help prospective volunteers see themselves as part of our team. Jim shared that he was nervous about messing something up his first time on a housing crew. His crew leader said, “There’s not a mistake that you can make that I can’t fix!” Emphasizing that CAP doesn’t expect expertise or perfection, and that they will be supported and welcomed by CAP staff (despite skill level) can be the difference between a prospect choosing CAP over an opportunity where volunteers wouldn’t have that immediate support. Finally, while we want people to know every detail about the work, according to Jim, the mission sells itself. He sells them on where they will be volunteering because many people only associate Appalachia with poverty and coal. Once you
have served here, you gain a deeper understanding. You learn about the beauty of the region and the people who live here. You discover that Appalachia has a rich history and culture. You gain a unique ability to sell folks on the experience outside of the service placement. The cultural experience can be as big a draw as the work itself. For those from Appalachia, there is a unique opportunity to share personal experiences with volunteers from outside the region. Many of you have helped the recruitment team over the years whether you know it or not. We consistently receive volunteer applications from people who learned about CAP from an alum. Word of mouth is the most powerful tool we have, and we can only wield that power with your help. We want to encourage you to continue to serve by sharing your experience, formally by speaking to a group or informally with friends and family.
““If you are passionate about something, then you will talk about it with passion and others can see your excitement about what you do.””
–Jim Zeirke, Volunteer Alumnus
The Volunteer Program will support you in any way we can. We have developed an ambassador kit; a tool kit with a variety of resources to make sharing CAP’s mission and your personal volunteer story as easy as possible. These kits, and our recruiters, are available to you if you would like extra support. Email volunteer@chrisapp.org to let us know how you will share your CAP story! CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
3
VOLUNTEER
PROGRAM UPDATES
CORONAVIRUS The Volunteer Program has adapted throughout the pandemic in order to keep our volunteers as safe as possible. A number of safety protocols have been put into place such as daily sanitization, testing after travel, masks, daily temperature logs, and state-provided guidance like grocery pickups instead of in-person shopping. We have also encouraged discussions about risk tolerance as our volunteers navigate personal choices that affect community like social/religious activities.
to keep the health and safety of campers and staff as our highest priority.
CAMP REPAIR AND CAMP SEASON UPDATES Camp Shawnee was closed in the fall of 2018 because of a mudslide and road slip that worsened over the winter. In March 2019, the announcement was made that regular programming at Shawnee would not happen that summer. Although traditional camp was not a possibility, two day camps were held at local schools and two overnight teen weeks were held at CAP’s Foley Mission Center. Throughout the following years plans were made and funds were raised to be able to make the needed repairs. We are happy to announce that thanks to our generous donors and determined staff members, the Camp Shawnee hillside and road project repairs have been completed.
GROUPS Becky Neuenschwander will be transitioning from Sandy Valley Region Volunteer Life manager to Groups manager, and overseeing the Groups program CAP-wide. As the Groups manager she will lead and supervise all staff in both regions working and serving in the Groups program.
As the 2021 camp season approaches, we are looking to build on the success of last year’s “Camp in a Box” at-home camp option. We are also hoping to engage volunteers in camp opportunities, while continuing 4
CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
WORKFEST AND YOUTHFEST As schools and universities rearrange their academic calendars to accomodate virtual education, spring breaks have been eliminated, making our traditional WorkFest and YouthFest seasons impossible. CAP is adapting by opening up to other groups and continuing to welcome individual skilled carpenters and cooks.
VOLUNTEER LIFE Our traditional Volunteer Life manager position in each region will convert to a Volunteer Life coordinator position in each region. Jenny King will be transitioning from Volunteer Life manager to Volunteer Life coordinator in the Cumberland Valley Region and Betsie Carroll will continue her work as Volunteer Life coordinator in the Sandy Valley Region. They will lead and oversee all things Volunteer Life including all CAP volunteers and AmeriCorps members living both in our volunteer houses and the local community.
ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUR MISSION? You are the perfect person to spread the word. We make it easy! You can start by sharing social media posts with your family, friends, and churches. Do you want to speak to people about CAP? We have everything you need from bulletin inserts and presentation materials to recruiters that can help you with anything that you need.
J JO U US
Christian Appalachian Project
Contact Ashley to begin your ambassador journey! 606.392.4679 (o) | 606.308.2329 (c) aellis@chrisapp.org
CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
5
DISCERNMENT
PART ONE OF A TWO-PART SERIES
ARE WE THERE YET? “Are we there yet?” This is the quintessential question posed by every child on the vacation trip. Every wise parent has answered “Not yet” or “Almost.” The spiritual life is similar. We embrace hope for something new – we wait, we yearn for transformation. Discernment is a practice that helps us more intentionally engage in the journey to a more authentic and loving way of being and service.
ative Spirit. One who takes a pile of clay – the Hebrew word for dirt/ clay, ‘adamah,’ becomes the basis for Adam – gives it some shape and breathes life, Spirit, into it. Spirit that creates seeks to draw us ever closer. This is what discernment is about: discovering more deeply our intimate connection with God who draws us in. And in turn, how this enlarges our capacity for love of God, neighbor, and self. A never-ending journey.
always begin by asking – What is stirring in you? He was asking – how is God moving in you and how is the Spirit speaking? He would call these “nudges.” Read and ponder the Emmaus story (Luke 24:1335, especially verse 32). Am I attentive enough to be aware of these stirrings?
An Ever-Evolving Understanding and Practice I have experienced the strength Relationship of this stirring, this yearning, to Discernment’s foundation is rela- One of my most-trusted and different degrees. One of the most tionship. In the creation story (Gen beloved companions on several of obvious was the movement that led 2:7) we are introduced to God’s cre- my discernment journeys would me to volunteer with CAP back in 6
CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
1986. I had this extremely beautiful moment of clarity in my senior year of college. I would call that one of those strong stirrings. There are also the less intense stirrings and movements that still speak and invite.
Our culture values busyness to the point where it can become a marker of our worthiness. But I discovered that I need to take time away, to be silent. Not to think, not to process, not to be “productive” as society defines it. But just to sit, rest assured that the Spirit is presSince that time, my understand- ent. And to seek to turn this into a ing of discernment has changed position of deeper awareness. in the following ways. This speaks to some of the elements that I find ▶ Invitation necessary in any discernment It is easy for me to get distracted process: with all the noise that seems so close at hand. And it seems that ▶ From thinking to listening technology has made this more of Because I can default to “head- a pitfall. Discernment invites me space,” it had been natural for me to go deeper than this, to adopt a to believe discernment was about way to not be mindlessly carried thinking my way through things, away on some current. What steps about figuring things out. In real- can I take to identify distractions ity, the movement is away from and seek to tune them out, to move thinking and towards listening. away from them? Again, a recognition of something stirring within – an awareness ▶ A stance of life more than a thought. Sometimes, when I think of discernment, I go to those times ▶ From head to heart and gut where I’ve pondered “larger” deciIn the same way, it is natural for me sions. And truly, discernment is to go to my head when I process. important at these times. But I But discernment has taught me have come to believe that discernto honor my default, but to round ment is an ongoing way of being. out and balance this with what my How do I become a better listener intuition and heart are saying. throughout the entire journey? ▶ Silence, quiet My world and life can be filled with much noise. It seems to simply be part of this human walk on earth.
Casey Sterr lived in the Berea House and served in Jackson County in 1986-87. He now lives on his 10-acre homestead near Frankfort, KY.
Discernment Part Two will appear in the fall newsletter.
CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
7
January 2021 Volunteer Cohort
These volunteers and AmeriCorps Members were commissioned for a first or new term of service in January!
ANDY PERRY Meredosia, IL Elderly Services
INNA MALYUK Lexington, KY Grateful Bread
KAREN MULDER Carroll, IA Elderly Services
SARAH SMITH Cloquet, MN Grateful Bread
SAMUEL VAN AMBERG Greeneville, TN Housing
JOSH MULLINS Elderly Housing Recommitment
Not pictured: CODY CARRIGAN, Ambler, PA, Housing
8
CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
LIBBY WASSERBECK Granby, CO Camp AJ
KAT NEAL Marshall, TX Camp Shawnee
VOLUNTEER PRAYERS
Please join us in praying these volunteer prayers throughout the year
Each orientation, we invite our new volunteers to write a prayer for their time with CAP. We invite you to pray with them. I ask that I would be able to make a positive impact on the people I come into contact with, both participants and volunteers. I ask that I would grow in relationship with the volunteers, employees, and participants. I pray that I would grow in my understanding of who God is during this time. I pray that God would reveal to me where I still need to grow and then correct my path. I pray that God would guide me into the situations that I need to be in and guide me away from where I don’t need to be. Protect me from injury and accidents. Give me wisdom for all situations. I pray for hope, love, and that we find what we are looking for, that which makes us happy. Dear Lord, I thank you for opening this door and making clear my path to return to missions work and CAP. I pray for intentionality in the realms of service, community, and spirituality throughout this year. I also ask that you will make clear the path to follow a year down the road: whatever you might be calling me to - mission work domestically, overseas, or otherwise. Please Lord, make a way. I ask you for a present and a future soaked in the goodness of Your presence, community, and service. Bind my wild and wandering heart to thee. Amen. May all beings be free from suffering and the causes of suffering. May all beings rejoice in the well-being of others. May all beings live in peace, free from greed and hatred. I ask for prayers for the new year and hope that a lot of good can be done by all the volunteers and CAP people. Thank you, God, for having brought all of these volunteers to CAP. I ask that even during the difficult and slow days they are able to experience the joy of life, have peace of mind, and embrace the moment. Please pray for me so that I can do the will of God. Give me the patience to be still and listen to the Lord. Let me
feel God guide me each day and be joyful in that feeling. Give me the strength to carry out His mission for me. Give me the courage to be the best servant possible for the people I serve. Help me also to be a good housemate and learn from all those around me. Ask God never to let me lose the joy of being here. Let me renew that joy each day. My prayer for the coming year is to learn more about Christ and His love for people by serving the people of Appalachia. My hope is to use the gifts and education God has given me to help children living in communities struggling with poverty and provide them with an education and experiences to better their lives. I want to be a good friend, coworker, and servant to those God places around me and make sure this little area of the world knows His love. I would like to pray for the people of Appalachia, for their need is much greater than mine. I would like to pray that CAP gains all the resources to continue serving these people and they never feel forgotten or unloved. In this, I would also like to pray for others, outside of Appalachia that are experiencing similar situations – refugees in Iraq, orphans in Rwanda, starving in India, and all those in most need of Christ’s mercy. I would also like to pray for all the CAP volunteer houses, that everyone gets along and continues to remember why we are here. In this, I would also like to pray for their families so that they accept the decision to serve and are supportive. This also includes acceptance of missing the loved ones and consoling feelings of loneliness. I would like to pray that all the volunteers remember that we are here to serve, not merely help, because when you have the mindset of helping it can be to put yourself above those you are serving. I pray the volunteers remember we are not superior in any way and we are only here to serve. CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
9
from the blog: Stories to be Told A newly minted college graduate, Louisa Gould had just one more thing to accomplish before beginning her post-graduate life. She wanted to volunteer. More than 30 years ago, in 1987, her mother Bonnie MacDonald volunteered with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) after her own graduation. Her mother often reminisced about the families and elderly participants she met while serving at CAP’s Sunshine Center. “It was very valuable to hear those stories growing up,” Louisa said. Those stories put CAP at the top of her list when she began her nonprofit search. “There were many other organizations doing valuable work, but they were office jobs. It was appealing to be able to immerse myself in the local community and get to ple we serve, and see the tangible difference we are know people here,” she elaborated. making in the community,” she recounted. Louisa wasn’t daunted by the fact that she had never been to Appalachia and was excited to learn about the region. And so, after graduation, she committed herself to AmeriCorps service in a region of the country sight unseen.
Louisa has already begun to see the benefits of living with her fellow AmeriCorps Members. “My favorite thing about living in community is feeling like I have a solid support system I can count on if I ever need anything,” she said.
Sherri Barnett, Grateful Threadz and Grateful Bread manager, says that volunteers and AmeriCorps Members make a huge difference. “Volunteers who jump in and work hard make it possible to serve the lines of participants who need our support,” she said. “They are invaluable to us.”
Shared beliefs have helped her housemates quickly form friendships and settle into a place far from home. “I already feel so close to my housemates through the meaningful conversations we’ve had thus far, as well as their mere presence in our common living space whenever I’m home,” she explained.
“Coming down here, I knew what service I would be doing, but it didn’t really fully register until I brought food out to my first car,” Louisa said. “Serving in the pantry, you get to experience firsthand why CAP does what it does.”
Louisa and her housemates are compiling a list of local rivers and waterfalls to explore and making plans to visit nearby cities. Louisa is soaking it all in as she gathers her own stories and experiences. She plans to make memories that she will want to share for years to come.
As carload after carload of participants travel through the pickup line, Louisa could see that many Louisa Gould was a short-term volunteer from the August of the participants had been worn down by the pan- 2020 Cohort. She was interviewed at the beginning of her demic. “It is so powerful to interact with the peo- term of service. 10 CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
WISH YOU COULD ALWAYS BE AT CAP? Never miss another YouthFest/WorkFest season when you come to work as a Groups Admissions Coordinator at CAP. If you are passionate about service and love to work with groups? This job is for you! As a Groups Admissions Coordinator you will coordinate the scheduling and placement of all Mission, WorkFest, and YouthFest groups. You will also assist with hosting, facilitating, cooking, retreats and orientation as needed. You are the face of CAP for all Cumberland Valley Mission Groups and will engage individuals, churches, and organizations before, during, and after their volunteer experience to help further engage and expand their impact as partners with CAP. Apply today! bit.ly/GroupsAdmissionsCoordinator
THE NEWSLETTER IS GOING DIGITAL!!!!! If you want to continue to receive a print version of the volunteer newsletter, please let us know by calling, emailing, or mailing us: 310 Beiting Lane Mount Vernon, KY 40456 alumni@chrisapp.org 1.800.755.5322 (toll free) 606.256.0973 (o)
Do we have your email address on file? Please contact us to make sure! CAP CONNECTION • Winter 2021
11
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
Nonprofit Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
Christian Appalachian Project
310 Beiting Lane Mount Vernon, KY 40456 alumni@chrisapp.org 1.800.755.5322 (toll free) 606.256.0973 (o)
CAP Connection is published twice a year by the CAP Volunteer Program. Have news to share? Please post it in our Facebook Group! bit.ly/facebookCAPalumni Have a recruiting opportunity? Please send it to volunteer@chrisapp.org.
ALUMNI RESOURCES We want to hear from you! Join the CAP Volunteer Alumni page where you can share your post-CAP life and talk to other volunteer alumni. Request to join at facebook.com/groups/capalums
Alumni Survey
Coming soon to an inbox near you! We want to hear all of your feedback, positive or critical, to continually improve how we communicate with and respond to volunteer needs and nurture a community of diversity and inclusion.
Check out these online resources for job postings, webinars, and networking or volunteer opportunities: Alumni Facebook bit.ly/facebookCAPalumni CVN Alumni bit.ly/CVNformervolunteers AmeriCorps Alums bit.ly/AmeriCorpsalums
Follow us on social media!
