APPALACHIA – (Oct. 13, 2022) Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) has selected Southland Christian Church and Thomas Vierheller, Ph.D., as its 2022 Champions of Appalachia. The award recognizes individuals and organizations that have had a positive, long-term impact in the lives of people in the region.

“We are proud to honor this year's Champions of Appalachia and highlight their dedication in serving the region,” said Guy Adams, CAP president/CEO. “Their tireless efforts have shown the impact that can be made when we have the opportunity to come together for one cause, and that is transforming the lives of people in Appalachia.”

Since April 2021, Southland Christian Church has provided more than 7,200 hours of volunteer service in CAP’s programs. Notably, the church has provided critical, hands-on assistance during CAP’s response to flooding in spring of 2021 and summer of 2022. Southland volunteers were some of the first to respond to help muck out devastated homes and process donations for flood victims. 

In addition to disaster relief, Southland volunteers have also served in CAP’s Home Repair Program, Grateful Bread Food Pantry, and Grateful Threadz Thrift Store. Southland has also donated supplies and financial support toward CAP’s programs.

“We are appreciative of this award, but we are more appreciative for Christian Appalachian Project,” said Mark Perraut, missions pastor for the church. “We are grateful for all they do and the opportunities that they’ve given us to come alongside and help.” 

Vierheller has taught biology at Big Sandy Community and Technical College in Prestonsburg for nearly 30 years. His passion for providing educational opportunities and outreach programs to his community led to the establishment of the East Kentucky Science Center on the college campus. Before the center was established, local students had to travel several hours for the opportunity to visit a planetarium.

He was also instrumental in establishing an educational walking trail and a community garden to offer fresh produce to hungry children, their families, and seniors, both also located on the college’s campus. 

“I want to emphasize that whether it is the garden, the outreach programs, the science center, even my role teaching biology at the college and beyond, all of them have been made possible by partnerships,” Vierheller said. “While I am being recognized with this award, these efforts were about different groups coming together for the same purpose.”

The annual Champions of Appalachia celebration is underwritten by NetGain Technologies, LLC, a leading provider of Information Technology services and solutions since 1984. NetGain’s sponsorship supports CAP’s mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.