The Elderly Program is a very special focus of the Christian Appalachian Project.  As our population ages, it becomes ever more important to care for our elders.  Elderly like Florence and Lois cannot imagine life without CAP, and we cannot imagine life without them.  They have been in the program for several years, but they aren’t simply elderly participants, they are blessings to all who meet them.

Florence and Lois are sisters.  Lois is 82 and is still able to drive short distances, usually to the grocery or pharmacy to pick up the basic essentials for herself and Florence.  Though Lois has a difficult time with her hearing, she is able to get around just fine to take care of Florence, who is 89.  Florence moved in with Lois a couple years ago, when she became unable to take care of herself.  Florence has suffered from multiple strokes and is now confined to a wheelchair.  She is mostly paralyzed on one side, but uses the other hand to power her chair.  Florence grew up right handed, but has trained her left hand to become her dominant hand. After one of her strokes, she taught herself to write with her left hand so she could keep writing her poetry and motivational stories inspired by past experiences. She has written four volumes of poetry which she has published and distributed to friends and family.

Both Lois and Florence have a very strong Christian faith that influences others around them. Amongst hardship and grief, their faith in God is a beautiful witness to His providence.  Lois spends free time gardening her flowers and vegetables.  She takes great pride in her work and keeps her home neat and tidy.  CAP employees and volunteers provide elderly visitation as a simple way to remind seniors that they are not alone.  We also have helped in home improvement projects, building three different ramps to provide wheelchair access, as well as replacing wood on the front porch due to decay and the danger of Lois or Florence falling through the rotted wood.  They also participate in the Food Pantry program when money is tight and food is slim.

Lois says, “I don’t know what we would do without CAP.”  She often repeats how much she and Florence have benefited from CAP over the years and just how much she loves the Christian Appalachian Project.

Silver and gold foil covered the walls, stars and balloons hung from the ceiling, music filled the air, and the dance floor was packed for CAP’s Rainbow Respite’s evening of “Dancing Under the Stars”. Respite Service participants as well as other groups of people with developmental disabilities were invited to spend one Friday evening on the dance floor at CAP’s Community Center in Mount Vernon, KY to meet others, have fun, and practice their latest dance moves.
The evening began with the room filled with tables, plates full of pizza, and a time to enjoy the company of one another. One participant, Greg, greeted us at the door and proceeded to tell us about a situation he had been in. He told us about the work he was involved with, that he was in the business of roofing. Greg explained that he was working on a home one afternoon, climbing on the roof laying shingle after shingle when he fell. He fell from the top of a house to hit the hard, solid ground below. His back has still not recovered and causes him much pain if taking part in too much activity. That is why, he continued to tell us, “I will be attending the dance tonight, but I’m not dancing.”

Greg is 42 years old and has been participating in the Respite Center for at least 6 years. During his stays at the center, he makes friends quickly with his outgoing personality and great sense of humor. Through CAP, he is able to strengthen his social skills, learn new activities, and practice his already good work ethic by helping in daily chores.
His visits to the Respite Center free up time for his caregiver and family to take some time to regroup and tend to other family needs, knowing that he is in great hands. Greg enjoys his time out with his friends and his stay at the Respite, but is always happy to reunite with his family and tell them all about the fun he had with his peers.
We listened as Greg finished explaining the reason for his sore back and he marched away toward the pizza line. Not too long after, I felt a tap on my shoulder, I turned around and there was Greg reminding me that he will not be dancing this evening because of his back. I tell him I understand and that there are plenty of seats to sit and enjoy watching the dancing unfold so not to worry about not being able to participate.
Moments later, the tables started to be cleared and the dance floor opened. The “Electric Slide” “Faithfully” and “Cupid Shuffle” were a few of the many songs that began the evening. Immediately, participants, visitors, and volunteers took to the floor and moved every which way to the sound of the music. And after only one song was played, I looked to the dance floor to see Greg amongst the crowd swinging his arms, legs, and feet, dancing with the best of them.

The evening was a great opportunity for people with developmental disabilities to let loose, have fun, socialize, and dance. Greg and all the participants left with great big smiles on their faces and a couple of new dance moves up their sleeves.