NEWS RELEASE - July 28, 2016

 MOUNT VERNON, Ky. — Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) has received an AmeriCorps grant from the Kentucky Commission on Community Volunteerism and Service (KCCVS) for the 2016-17 fiscal year. The grant supports 51 full-time members who will commit one year (1700 service hours) to provide housing services, long-term hunger support, emergency assistance, disaster relief, early childhood education, character education and tutoring, summer programming, and elderly and disability services for people in need in 14 Eastern Kentucky counties. The grant additionally supports 40 members to serve 300-hour terms at CAP’s summer camps.

“We’re thrilled to be an AmeriCorps program for the coming year,” said Amy Schill, CAP’s AmeriCorps Program Director. “So many Americans—particularly young people—want to be involved in a year or summer of service, but financial considerations like student loans hold them back. AmeriCorps helps make service possible, and encourages civic engagement and a spirit of service beyond the AmeriCorps term. Having AmeriCorps members will greatly aid CAP in our mission to transform lives in Appalachia.”

AmeriCorps members serve to provide affordable, safe, warm, and dry housing, decrease food insecurity, meet crisis needs, increase school readiness, and increase greater independence and social support for the elderly, persons with disabilities, and their caregivers. Members will leverage additional volunteers to assist with housing repair and summer camp.

KCCVS Executive Director Joe Bringardner said the 2016 AmeriCorps grant cycle was highly competitive due to the strong demand by organizations competing for AmeriCorps resources. The national competition prioritized investments in economic opportunity, education, veterans and military families, and disaster services.

AmeriCorps is a national service program that helps address the most critical problems in our nation’s communities. In addition to being a part of this national service network, full-time AmeriCorps members with CAP will also receive an Education Award of $5,775 upon successful completion of service. Summer members will receive an award of $1,222. These awards can be applied toward eligible student loans, or used toward future education expenses. AmeriCorps members and long-term volunteers with CAP are eligible to receive a modest stipend, health insurance, professional development opportunities, and room and board in an intentional community.

CAP is currently accepting applications for AmeriCorps members to begin a year of service. Our next admissions dates are August 15 and October 1. CAP’s Volunteer Program also offers short-term (3 weeks – 10 months) and long-term (one year) volunteer opportunities. To apply, visit www.christianapp.org or call 800-755-5322.