BEREA, Ky. (October 31, 2025) – Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is proud to announce the recipients of the 2025 Champions of Appalachia Award: Rob and Brittany Lawson, wealth advisors at Thrivent, and Seth Long, Executive Director of HOMES, Inc. The award honors individuals and organizations who are making a major impact on the region and its people.

“CAP has grown in scope and impact through its first 50 years, when the Champions of Appalachia event recognized our first honorees. Now, 60-plus years after its founding, and as the largest organization in the nation solely focused on helping people in need in Appalachia, I am proud that CAP recognizes other organizations and individuals also making a major impact for the region and its people,” said Guy Adams, CAP’s president/CEO.

Rob and Brittany Lawson exemplify the spirit of the Champion of Appalachia award through their unwavering commitment to faith, service, and compassion. “As a child of Appalachia, I had always wanted to be able to give back and do something more for the region,” Rob Lawson said.

“I started working with CAP around 2013. What really impressed me about CAP was the love staff and volunteers had for the people they served and for the region,” he added. “It wasn’t just about meeting a basic need; it was about building relationships with the people. And from that point I’ve been hooked and doing everything I can to help Christian Appalachian Project.”

Seth Long, Executive Director of HOMES, Inc., has led transformative efforts in Eastern Kentucky for nearly two decades, including disaster recovery, sustainable housing, and community leadership. “I’m just really appreciative to be recognized as an organization for the work that we’ve done, it’s been an honor to serve.”

The Champions of Appalachia celebration highlights the power of service, partnership, and generosity in building hope and transforming lives throughout the region. The annual Champions of Appalachia celebration is underwritten by NetGain Technologies, a leading provider of Information Technology services and solutions since 1984. Netgain’s sponsorship supports CAP’s mission to build hope, transform lives, and share Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.