On April 18, the Christian Appalachian Project’s Elderly Program met for its biannual dinner.  Each spring and fall, the program organizes an afternoon in which participants from across CAP’s service area can gather together in one place for a great meal and fellowship

As participants continued to arrive, one gentleman led the group in the singing of hymns.  Lunch was served and rounds of Bingo followed.

Caseworkers in each county organized transportation, as many seniors no longer drive due to health or affordability.  Navigating the hills, hollers, and one-lane roads can become a challenge for elderly with impaired vision.

“Honey, CAP is great.  They pick me up and take me to doctor’s appointments or the store or just come to sit and visit a while,” explained one participant, Lynn.  Lynn lives alone in Rockcastle County, and unfortunately does not have the opportunity to see her family very often.  The last time she saw them was four months ago and the days can become quite lonely.  She is very appreciative of CAP and the individual service she receives.  Most recently, she visited the new Grateful Bread and Grateful Threadz location on an outing.  Though some participants live on their own, others have grown children and grandchildren that still share their home, and still others live in assisted living facilities.

As conversations continued, kind, elderly women spoke of their days in high school and on the cheerleading squad; fond memories of the “simpler” days.  You can hear the longing in their voices for days long gone.  Though so many of the seniors look back on fond memories, CAP’s elderly services work daily to create new memories with home visits and social gatherings.  Though hardship may come, we pray that we are a bit of light and hope.  Our Elderly Program was designed to serve seniors in Appalachia who are isolated and in need.  We provide food, clothing, social activities, and transportation.

Though aches and pains have settled in their bones, so many of the participants are positive and grateful for the help they receive.  Thank you for the blessing you are to the elderly in Appalachia.