By Abigail Martin 

In 2015 Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) President/CEO Guy Adams presented his 30-year vision for the organization. This plan was created to inspire, challenge, and focus the creative energies and labors of CAP toward a shared vision for the future.  

“Having a vision allowed us to keep longer term goals in mind and to break those goals down into smaller pieces of shorter length to see regular progress realized toward longer-term, larger in scope goals,” Adams said. “In addition to the mission, core values, and guiding principles, the 30-year vision provided all stakeholders with the knowledge and confidence that the organization and its leaders knew what the organization was about and where it was headed, both short-term and long-term.” 

The 30-year plan stated:  

Develop and grow a leadership training and development program for youth in CAP’s primary and secondary service counties with at least 1,000 active and alumni members. 

Grow or expand various Early Childhood Education and Youth Empowerment Services programming to a total of 11 counties.  

Operate and/or partner in six additional food pantries. 

Work and partner to eliminate 80 percent of the substandard housing in CAP’s primary service counties.  

Build increased capacity for financial resources and support through expanding human service programs.  

“It is my belief that the implementation of the 30-year vision with a focus on strategic planning (shorter term goals broken down into 3–5-year timeframes), has helped CAP function in a more effective and efficient manner. The result is more individuals in need in Appalachia are being served more effectively and efficiently,” Adams added.  

Indirect services to counties in all 13 Appalachian states are delivered through Operation Sharing with durable goods donated from corporate America and redistributed by CAP to around 1,200 schools, churches, agencies, and nonprofits across all Appalachian states and the Ozark regions of Arkansas and Missouri. 

The future of CAP is to continue to be totally focused on its mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia as it has done since its founding in 1964. “I think CAP, under future leadership, will continue to focus on the mission and the delivery of that mission as God and the wisdom of CAP’s future leaders discern,” Adams concluded. 

The past, present, and future of CAP has been, is, and will be influenced by the generosity of its donors. To help keep our mission going for future generations, please consider leaving CAP in your will. 

To get started, visit: Other Ways to Give | Christian Appalachian Project

FreeWill makes estate planning warm, intuitive, and totally free, so you can more easily care for the people and causes you love.