Corps Members serve a year in Eastern Kentucky in Christian Appalachian Project (CAP)'s Volunteer Program. Corps Member program placements, which include education, food pantry service, home repair, elderly services, retail service, and more, can be found at https://serviceyear.org/christianappalachianproject/#org-positions.
Individuals can choose to serve as a CAP Volunteer, an AmeriCorps Member, or as both concurrently. CAP Volunteers have the opportunity to live in intentional community (room and board provided) with other volunteers, sharing in community meals and devotion and reflection several nights a week. AmeriCorps Members and Volunteers choosing to live on their own in the local community are eligible for a living allowance.
Service Activities
Service activities at placement sites will vary depending on the Corps Member's service position. Activities include home repair and construction, teaching and tutoring, food pantry services, thrift store services, elderly visitation and transportation, in-home respite services, utility and crisis assistance, and volunteer hospitality. Detailed position descriptions can be found at https://serviceyear.org/christianappalachianproject/#org-positions.
Community Need Addressed
Volunteer Corps and AmeriCorps Members will be placed in one of the positions listed on our Positions page (https://serviceyear.org/christianappalachianproject/#org-positions). Members address the need for education, affordable and safe housing, access to healthcare and social support for the elderly, supplemental and emergency food assistance, affordable clothing, and utility assistance. Many residents of our primary service areas in Kentucky wrestle with the challenges of rural poverty.
Position Outcomes
Members increase housing and food security, academic performance, and social and emotional well-being, as well as reduce the overall impact of chronic poverty in under-resourced communities. More details regarding the aims of each service position can be found on our Positions page (https://serviceyear.org/christianappalachianproject/#org-positions).
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Health coverage, Housing, Living allowance, Relocation allowance (if applicable), Student loan forbearance, Training
In addition to the benefits described above, members also receive access to free mental health counseling.
All food and housing is provided for members who choose to live in a CAP volunteer community house. Members who choose to live on their own receive an increased living allowance in lieu of room and board.
Education Benefits
CPR/First Aid, other position-specific certifications may be available dependent on the program placement.
Skills you will gain
Conflict resolution, project management, serving in a team, position-specific skills (these vary by program placement).
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Speak clearly, in precise language and in a logical, organized and coherent manner
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Tools
Carefully consider which tools or technological solutions are appropriate for a given job, Consistently choose the best tool or technological solution for the problem at hand, Operate tools and equipment in accordance with established operating procedures, safety standards, and ethical guidelines
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment