Special anniversaries invite us to pause, look back with gratitude, and look ahead with renewed purpose. This year, Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) celebrates two meaningful program anniversaries, each representing 40 years of faithful service, generous support, and lasting impact in Appalachia.  

“Though each program meets a different need, together they tell a larger story of CAP’s mission in action,” said Jennifer Stolo, CAP President & CEO. “For 62 years, CAP has helped children, their families, and seniors experience hope, stability, and care through the compassion of donors, volunteers, staff, and community partners.” 

 For 40 years, CAP Operation Sharing Distribution Services has stretched generosity farther by distributing gift-in-kind donations to partner organizations throughout the Appalachian region. What began as a way to connect donated goods from corporate partners with communities in need has grown into a vital network of support for nonprofits, churches, schools, and community agencies in all 13 Appalachian states, as well as two Ozark states, Arkansas and Missouri. 

CAP multiplies the impact of donated items by placing them in the hands of trusted partners who know their communities’ needs. Over four decades, 28,000 tractor trailer loads of essential items worth $3 billion have been distributed. 

“Operation Sharing has a tremendous impact across our region,” said Jeff Burchett, CAP Operation Sharing Distribution Services director. “Because of our generous donors, we're able to connect essential resources with the people and communities who need them most.”  

While CAP Operation Sharing Distribution Services meets basic needs across the region, CAP Family Life Counseling Services (FLCS) addresses another critical need of emotional and mental well-being of individuals and families.  

This fall CAP FLCS also marks 40 years of compassionate care. Through counseling, guidance, and support, the program has helped individuals and families navigate stress, grief, trauma, family conflict, and personal hardship while finding a safe place to be heard. 

 According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 3 million people in Kentucky live in communities without enough mental health professionals. Many people are struggling quietly, facing barriers such as limited provider availability, distance, and cost. Through counseling services, CAP helps bridge those gaps, ensuring individuals and families do not have to face difficult seasons alone. 

“When people focus on their mental health, they become better parents and partners, strengthen relationships, and have more mental and emotional energy to draw from. It’s truly exponential,” said Chris Griffith, CAP FLCS manager. 

Together, these anniversaries celebrate more than four decades of service and impact and reflect tens of thousands of lives changed. CAP remains committed to meeting needs, strengthening communities, and ensuring that hope continues to reach people across Appalachia.