Christian Appalachian Project understands that full-time volunteers do not have to be twentysomething to make a difference. On the contrary, we recognize that second-career volunteers offer experience and expertise that Appalachia needs. About a third of CAP’s long-term volunteers are 55 or older, and CAP welcomes single and maried retirees to apply for any of our individual volunteer opportunities.

Although we encourage all volunteers to live in community, we understand that community living is not for everyone, especially if you are used to having your own space. Some long-term volunteers may choose our Independent Living option. Though these volunteers are responsible for locating their own housing and will bear most of the financial responsiblity, CAP does provide an additional food and living stipend to these volunteers to help defray housing costs. Independent Living volunteers do not live in community, but they are still asked to make a commitment to Community–one of the three pillars of CAP volunteer life–by participating in dinner and devotion at their assigned volunteer house at least twice a month, and by attending all required volunteer meetings and retreats. Senior long-term volunteers who do choose to live in community can expect to have a private bedroom if at all possible.

CAP also understands that older volunteers may have more family obligations than their younger counterparts, and all long-term volunteers receive ten vacation days a year–in addition to holidays–to visit friends and family. Special arrangements can be made if additonal time off is necessary for family emergencies.

Want to learn more? Request an application packet or sign up for our monthly e-newsletter today!