The Mountain Spirit Spring/Summer 2026

n A Fresh Direction

n NEXT Is NOW

n 40 Years of Delivering Hope

n A Guiding Light in Service

VOL. 45, NO. 1 SPRING/SUMMER 2026

A LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

It is an exciting time at Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). A time filled with new beginnings and moments of celebration. Our journey has been marked by continued growth and success in our mission.

In this issue, you will meet our new President & CEO, Jennifer Stolo. A California native, Stolo brings decades of leadership experience in human services, philanthropy, and missiondriven storytelling, and she’s stepping into this role with deep respect for CAP’s history and a hopeful vision for our future. Read more about her on page 6.

Brianna Stephens bstephens@chrisapp.org

The journey of CAP has been defined by visionary leadership, collaborative planning, and a steadfast commitment to our mission of serving the people of Appalachia. This year, we are embarking on our fourth strategic plan, NEXT Is NOW. On page 10, you will learn about this plan’s aspiration statements, which are guided by goals and operating objectives that encourage action and ensure future success.

See your compassion in action through the Jackson County Food Pantry on page 12. The pantry is the enduring legacy of Joyce Marks, who led the pantry for 40 years. Following her passing last year, CAP has carried on her mission and, because of the generosity of donors, we are constructing an expanded facility to serve even more families. This expansion aligns with CAP’s ongoing strategy to increase the number of food pantries in our network and reinforces our dedication to serving the evolving needs of our communities.

On page 24, you can also read about Nina Isaacs. She served alongside Marks at the pantry and has dedicated her life to feeding her neighbors in need. She is now an AmeriCorps Volunteer serving at the pantry through CAP.

Since our founding in 1964, supporting children in our region has remained at the heart of our mission. Today, we provide a wide range of programs for youth, from infants to teenagers, designed to help them reach their fullest potential. On page 18, discover how CAP’s Youth Empowerment Services fosters meaningful connections with students, teaching important life skills, supporting emotional well-being, and building strong communication abilities. Then, on page 28, find out how our Family Advocacy program partners with families to make sure children receive the school supplies, clothing, hygiene essentials, and other resources they need to thrive throughout the school year.

None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of people like you. We are deeply grateful for each of you who have chosen to walk alongside us, investing your resources, your trust, and your passion into our mission. Your compassion not only sustains the work we do today but also fuels our vision for tomorrow. Together, we will continue to achieve great things and build a legacy that continues for years to come.

Spirit

Building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Brianna Stephens

COPY EDITOR

Stephanie Avent

PHOTO CREDITS

Toy Adams, Morgan Adams, Jordan Allen, Tina Bryson, Becky Clay, Sonya Denney, Bob Hutchison, Shana Miller, Ricki Pryor, Rushie Risner, Brianna Stephens, Jennifer Stolo, Kelley St. Germain/Appalachian Memory Keepers, Renee Thomas

CONTACT US

By phone: 859.269.0635

Toll-free: 866.270.4227

Email: capinfo@chrisapp.org

Website: christianapp.org

SUBSCRIPTIONS

The Mountain Spirit is published twice a year. The suggested donation is $20.00. Subscription requests and other correspondence should be sent to:

Christian Appalachian Project

The Mountain Spirit P.O. Box 55911 Lexington, KY 40555-5911

Copyright 2026. Christian Appalachian Project, Inc. All rights reserved. Christian Appalachian Project is a nonprofit Christian service organization operating throughout Appalachia. Christian Appalachian Project is recognized by the Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and is qualified to receive taxdeductible contributions.

Special Feature

6 A Fresh Direction

Bryce Haneline

Bryce is CAP’s manager of Finance and strategic plan coordinator.

ON THE COVER: CAP Board of Directors Chair Bob Hutchison and President & CEO Jennifer Stolo volunteered to stock food items at the Jackson County Food Pantry.

Jennifer Stolo’s journey to become CAP’s sixth President & CEO reflects a lifelong calling to service. She meets people where they are while stewarding CAP’s mission forward.

10 NEXT Is NOW

As CAP enters a new chapter, our NEXT Is NOW strategic plan outlines a vision for growth, collaboration, and leadership transition that strengthens partnerships and expands impact across Appalachia.

12 More Than a Pantry

As CAP assumes leadership of the Jackson County Food Pantry, staff and volunteers continue Joyce Marks’ commitment to the community. This ongoing work meets hunger needs while offering encouragement and hope to neighbors facing hardship.

14

40 Years of Delivering Hope

From a single donation to a multi-state distribution network, Operation Sharing celebrates 40 years of delivering essential goods through trusted partners. Each day, the program meets basic needs across the region, offering hope to Appalachian families.

18 Hope in Every Hallway

Through in-school services, camps, and leadership programs, CAP’s Youth Empowerment Services supports students’ academic and emotional growth, while fostering confidence and a strong sense of purpose.

20 A Special Friendship

Through consistent visits and genuine companionship, CAP’s Elderly Services program helps seniors remain independent while building meaningful relationships that reduce isolation and strengthen community belonging.

22 Mission Moments

Mission Moments highlight real stories from CAP programs that show our mission in action. These stories and experiences honor our participants, employees, and volunteers alike.

Compassion

24 A Guiding Light in Service

Nina Isaacs’ quiet dedication at the Jackson County Food Pantry embodies faith in action. She ensures families receive nourishment with dignity and hope through compassionate service.

28 Bridging the Gap

CAP’s School Readiness initiative equips students with essential supplies, clothing, and support. This eases financial strain on families and helps children across Eastern Kentucky start the school year prepared to succeed.

Appalachia Spotlight

30 Stories Worth Remembering

Kelley St. Germain preserves Appalachian history through film, photography, and oral storytelling. He challenges stereotypes and safeguards cultural memory so future generations can know the people, places, and traditions that shape the region.

32 From Service to the Stage

Musician Jordan Allen traces a path from small churches to national stages, weaving faith, lived experience, and Appalachian roots into music that reaches well beyond the region.

Guy Adams Honored as 2025 Philanthropist of the Year

CAP recognized former President & CEO Guy Adams as the organization’s 2025 National Philanthropy Day honoree for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the organization's mission.

A fifth-generation Appalachian, Adams brought a personal perspective to CAP’s work, rooted in his family’s deep ties to Eastern Kentucky’s coal-mining region. His vision for CAP focused on expanding services while maintaining low administrative costs. During his tenure, he stewarded a healthy Major Gifts program, personally cultivating a portfolio of donors who remain committed and faithful to CAP’s mission.

“Guy’s leadership has transformed CAP’s philanthropy program,” said Phyllis Caudill, CAP’s vice president of Philanthropy. “His tireless work has ensured that the organization can continue meeting the needs of the people we serve in Appalachia.”

Christmas Joy Delivered to Children Impacted by Disaster

CAP’s Operation Sharing program, in partnership with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, brought Christmas cheer to hundreds of Eastern Kentucky children whose families were impacted by devastating tornadoes and floods during 2025.

Nearly 1,000 students in Laurel and Pulaski Counties received toys valued at approximately $150 during special distribution events featuring hot chocolate, cookies, and a visit from Santa. Students in Pike County who were affected by severe flooding in February 2025 also received gifts through Family Resource Coordinators, ensuring children across the region experienced the joy of the season.

“When the cameras leave, the struggle is still there. Families are still trying to put their lives back together long after the initial help is gone,” said Aaron Thoms,

manager of CAP’s Operation Sharing program in Paintsville. “CAP is committed to sticking with the communities we serve for the long haul. We want them to know they haven’t been forgotten, and we’ll continue to walk beside them as they rebuild and move forward.”

CAP Programs Support Communities During Winter Storm

In January, winter storms caused widespread challenges across Central and Eastern Kentucky. Multiple CAP programs stepped up to address the needs of vulnerable populations impacted by the severe winter weather.

Ahead of the storm, CAP’s Home Repair program delivered generators to medically dependent individuals, while CAP’s food pantry network distributed fresh produce and emergency food boxes before shutting down temporarily due to hazardous driving conditions. The Disaster Relief program actively monitored weather conditions in partnership with local and state emergency management officials.

CAP’s Family Life Child Development Center (CDC) prepared for the storm by sending learning materials home and maintaining communication with families despite power-related disruptions. Employees also recorded daily lessons and shared with families for children to watch. The CDC worked with Grateful Bread Food Pantry to pack emergency food bags

for families who had to keep their children home for an extended amount of time because schools were closed and needed additional food.

The Elderly Services program took critical steps to protect seniors by delivering medications, groceries, household supplies, generators, and portable heaters before conditions worsened. Although in-person visits and transportation were paused due to dangerous roads, staff remained in frequent contact with participants to ensure their well-being and coordinate emergency assistance as needed.

“We are committed to supporting Appalachian families during severe weather events,” said Jamie Conley, director of CAP’s human services programs in Johnson, Martin, Floyd, Magoffin, and Knott Counties. “CAP remains focused on participant safety and meeting essential needs in affected communities.”

A Fresh Direction

BY TINA V. BRYSON

Appalachia roots run deep for Jennifer Stolo, the new President & CEO of Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). Although she was born and raised in California, she fondly recalls the summers she and her sister spent in Pottsville, Pennsylvania, with their grandparents.

“This feels like home to us,” Stolo said. “I think of it less as a relocation and more of a homecoming. I have great memories of watching big thunderstorms while sitting on the porch with my family or chasing fireflies at night.”

She added, “I am deeply honored and humbled to join CAP and to help steward its extraordinary mission alongside its dedicated board, staff, volunteers, and community partners who serve with such compassion. I feel blessed to follow in the footsteps of leaders who have built decades of faith-driven service. CAP’s mission and impact align closely with my values and life’s work.”

For the past three years, her work has brought her to Kentucky, Tennessee, and Georgia. She served as CEO & Producer for Robert Craig Films, a production company focused on inspirational storytelling.

“God brings all of these life experiences together, and we don’t see the whole journey,” she explained. “But He sees it. He’s always preparing us for each step of the way.”

The most recent film project, titled “No Address,” focused on homelessness. It became a national campaign to bring the human side of homelessness forward while helping the larger community see not only the need, but the person.

“I care about providing hope to children in need,” said Stolo, who previously served as President & CEO of Make-A-Wish Northeastern & Central California and Northern Nevada. “Having a heartfelt wish granted provided children with critical illnesses a renewed sense of hope and the much-needed joy and strength for their ongoing fight.”

In all her leadership roles, Stolo has worked to see the person behind the need and credits her mother, who ran the pediatric oncology outpatient department at Stanford Children’s Hospital when Stolo was growing up.

“She was a great role model. She showed us how much service matters,” Stolo recalled. “It was tough in the beginning because outcomes weren’t as good as they

are today. But my mother had a heart and love for her patients. She taught us that we were expected to give back. I know nothing different.”

Stolo added, “I walked out of college knowing I wanted to serve. I didn’t know exactly how, but it made me feel good to be part of a community and serve people in whatever way they needed. I went from child development to foster care to underserved communities needing access to oral health, then Make-A-Wish, then homelessness, and now here. They’re different types of human services, but the overarching theme is that God took me on this journey so I could be an inspiration for others.”

She noted with a smile that her mother proudly tells friends, “She’s the first female President & CEO of CAP.” Stolo places the historic moment in context. “Great leaders can be anyone. I am grateful that CAP has entrusted me to lead this next chapter. It feels like a fresh direction.”

She added, “We’re here to meet people where they are, not where we think they should be. It’s important to be one in unity because we have one mission: to build hope, transform lives, and share Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.”

“Even before I began, walking the hallways, you feel God’s love in this community. It feels good to be here.”

— Jennifer Stolo

Stolo is taking time to visit all CAP programs, meet the staff and conduct one-on-one meetings to gather feedback as she begins this new role.

“Right now, I’m here to listen and learn so I can lead wisely,” she said. “We will continue to preserve the mission and build on the trust CAP has, so that we can take thoughtful risks. We want to be here another 61 years.”

Kentucky welcomed her with freezing temperatures, snow, and ice, but she and her husband are making a smooth transition. She may be on her way to joining Big Blue Nation and says she already owns a UK Wildcats sweatshirt and license plate cover.

“I love sports and being with my family,” said the mother of six. “I enjoy playing Yahtzee, indulging in New Yorkstyle cheesecake, and taking road trips!”

Stolo concluded, “I tell my children: if you wake up and it doesn’t feel like a job and you get to make a difference in someone’s life, you can’t buy that. It’s been a beautiful life to give back. In Appalachia, people love their families, want to do good for others, and value traditions. I’m grateful for the services that CAP provides to the community. Even before I began in this role, I visited multiple CAP sites and could witness God’s love everywhere. It feels good to be here.”

Listen to more of Stolo's story on “The Mountain Spirit” podcast at christianapp.org/podcast or by scanning the QR code at the top of this story. n

Special Feature

The journey of Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) has been defined by visionary leadership, collaborative planning, and a steadfast commitment to its mission of serving the people of Appalachia. As CAP enters a new chapter with the approval of its fourth strategic plan, NEXT Is NOW, the organization stands poised to navigate a period of transition and growth.

We have already witnessed many transitional moments with significant retirements and the hiring of our new President & CEO, Jennifer Stolo. Over the next three years, we anticipate onboarding new team members and new volunteers and serving in new ways.

Drawing on the wisdom of past leaders, the guidance of many advisers, and the engagement of dedicated volunteers and employees, CAP has crafted a clear direction for our future. Through faith, service, and compassion, CAP continues to build hope, transform lives, and share Christ’s love throughout Appalachia, ensuring the organization remains strong and responsive to the evolving needs of the region.

As we read in Proverbs 15:22 (NIV): “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed.” Using the Lord’s guidance, we engaged volunteers, staff, board members, and CAP leaders in strategic listening sessions to collaboratively define our future direction and identify key priorities for the mission. Through this feedback and dedicated prayer, we distilled these dreams into three aspiration statements. Each aspiration statement is guided by goals and operating objectives that encourage action and ensure future success.

Aspiration Statement One is to expand our impact across Appalachia by strengthening current partnerships and building new partnerships in underserved counties. CAP has long seen the impact that positive and sustainable partnerships can have. This aspiration statement will ensure that current partnerships are maximized while new partnerships are successful, mission aligned, and impactful.

Aspiration Statement Two is to enhance our impact through collaboration and integration of CAP programs. Through deeper integration and collaboration, CAP programs can amplify the effects for families experiencing challenges in Appalachia. By establishing a targeted approach for families to access CAP’s comprehensive range of services, we can maximize the support available to these families to ease the burdens of poverty.

Aspiration Statement Three is to ensure a CEO transition that is well-planned, transparent, and successful. Although nearing completion, this effort was not without significant and diligent effort from staff. Ushering in a new President & CEO while honoring the previous one was achieved through the efforts of many employees and volunteers.

As the newest strategic plan leader, I am honored and excited to collaborate in shepherding these aspirations, goals, and objectives to better serve children, their families, and seniors in Appalachia. In this time of transition and with a bright future ahead of us, we recognize that NEXT Is NOW, and we are ready to embrace the opportunities that lie before us. n

CHURCH RELATIONS

“Do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Hebrews 13:16 (NIV)

. Your church can make a difference for people in need in Appalachia. By volunteering or giving financial support, your congregation helps us extend hope and compassion. Together, we can continue to serve as the hands and feet of Christ for many years to come.

or email

CAP's Jackson County Food Pantry Coordinator Jenny Parker and community volunteer Mary Brockman walk armfuls of food out to a participant's car.

More Than a Pantry

BY BRIANNA STEPHENS

In a distressed community facing the compounding impacts of poverty and limited resources, Joyce Marks became a beacon of hope, touching and transforming countless lives throughout Jackson County. For 40 years, she devoted herself wholeheartedly to leading the local food pantry, serving residents with unwavering kindness, compassion, and tireless dedication every single day.

Prior to her passing in January 2025, Marks had begun a partnership with Christian Appalachian Project (CAP), ensuring the work she'd done with the food pantry would continue. Since the Jackson County Food Pantry transitioned to CAP in April 2025, the organization has continued to grow pantry services to meet an increasing need for food. In just six months, the pantry increased its support from 400 families per month to serving 700 families.

Through generous donor funds, CAP is constructing a new 4,200 square-foot pantry facility to continue fighting

hunger and feeding hope in Jackson County. The new pantry will allow more space to provide additional services, operate more efficiently, and offer both a shopping experience for participants and a drive-thru option.

“We want to honor Joyce’s legacy by providing the same services in a way that she did with dignity and respect,” said Carolyn Lindsey, director of CAP’s human services programming in Rockcastle, Jackson, and McCreary Counties. “She respected and loved her community, and we will honor that by doing the same. We will make sure that she is remembered.”

In September 2025, CAP broke ground on the new facility, which is now nearing completion. One of Marks’ sons, John, is vice president of JMBA, Inc., the company responsible for building the new pantry. At the same time, CAP is building a new office facility adjacent to the pantry. This space will house CAP’s Family Advocacy, Elderly Services, and Home Repair programs in the county, offering a centralized location for people seeking services.

Local officials,

“We are here every day to empower people, to transform lives, and to share Christ’s love,” said Jenny Parker, one of Marks’ daughters and the pantry coordinator. “We do this every day through our pantry staff, our partners, and our volunteers who come to serve.” Each pantry box that leaves the Jackson County Food Pantry is carefully and lovingly packed with staple items, like peanut butter, canned goods, meats, fresh produce, and dairy items. But the pantry meets needs beyond hunger.

“At the pantry, we strive to offer not just food but hope and encouragement to everyone who walks through our doors,” Parker said. “Each visit is an opportunity to show genuine care and help lighten someone’s burden.”

Parker witnessed a young woman’s life transform after she received compassionate service at the pantry last summer.

It was a humid 80-degree day. A car pulled up to the pantry, and she stepped out barefoot, walking across the gravel parking lot to the door without flinching. Her hair was uncombed, and her jeans and long-sleeved shirt were soiled. Parker welcomed her and asked if she needed services, but the woman only nodded and kept her head down.

When it was her turn to shop, the woman, seemingly in low spirits and embarrassed, only responded in a small voice. But as her pantry box started to fill, she held her head higher and excitement filled her eyes. When she was offered a special treat, cake mix and icing, she told the staff she hadn’t had a cake in a year.

“We finished filling her box, ensuring she had the essentials she needed,” Parker said. With her immediate hunger addressed, the woman gratefully accepted a warm embrace from the staff and a prayer card. Prayer cards are given to program participants and offer uplifting messages from CAP’s compassionate donors.

As staff helped her shop, the young woman began to let down her guard. She shared that she didn’t even own a pair of shoes. “When I first didn’t have shoes, it really hurt my feet, especially the heat because of the summer,” she confided. “The hot blacktop was burning my feet. But now I think I’m getting used to it.”

The staff were determined not to let her leave the same way she had arrived, however. With her need for food and spiritual blessing met, pantry staff focused on how to meet her physical needs.

Parker and her sister, Mary Brockman, who volunteers at the pantry, immediately reached out to a local thrift store and made arrangements for the woman to pick up a pair of shoes the following day. The woman was even more excited as she left the pantry.

“She went through the pantry door to the parking lot with a skipping bounce to her step across the uneven gravel,” Parker said. “Our purpose each day is to uplift our neighbors in need and let them know someone cares for them. We want to fill empty cupboards, and we also want to fill hearts with hope and dignity. We don’t want anyone to feel alone in the struggles they face.” n

40 Years of Delivering Hope

BY TINA V. BRYSON

What began in 1986 with an unexpected gift of 29 truckloads of children’s books has grown into a program that extends the reach of Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) to all 13 Appalachian states. This year, CAP celebrates 40 years of our Operation Sharing program.

From its beginnings in a donated tobacco barn in Pulaski County to today’s multi-warehouse operation, the program has expanded its reach across Appalachia, distributing billions of dollars’ worth of essential items to families, churches, and community partners. Yet, according to longtime director Jeff Burchett, the heart of the program has never changed.

“I am most proud of Operation Sharing’s history of helping people in need. Our staff have been delivering hope through partnerships, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to Appalachian communities for the past four decades,” Burchett said. “Our donors make it possible to provide essential items to families across the region.”

To date, Operation Sharing has received and distributed over $2.9 billion worth of donated goods throughout Appalachia and the two Ozark states of Arkansas and Missouri. In recent years, Operation Sharing partnered with the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation and Good360 to provide toys and household items to children and families, some impacted by natural disasters like Hurricane Helene.

For 40 years, Operation Sharing has played a vital role in delivering hope and essential resources to Appalachian communities, helping families recover from hardship and disasters through generosity and partnership.

Operation Sharing distributes essential items from CAP’s two warehouses to partner organizations, some of which host volunteer-led community distributions.

In recent years, the program has served communities in Kentucky, North Carolina, and Tennessee hit by tornadoes, floods, and hurricanes. “Operation Sharing’s quick response and long-term recovery efforts are critical when these disasters happen,” Burchett explained.

“We get needed supplies like water, food, and cleaning supplies to people immediately after a disaster, and that is essential. Long-term recovery is just as important to help families become whole again.”

That heart for service is most visible in the partnerships that sustain the program. Today, Operation Sharing works alongside an extensive network of partner organizations, ensuring donated goods reach people where they live. Burchett emphasized that those relationships are essential.

“Partnerships mean the world to Operation Sharing. Without our donor partners and recipient agencies, we simply would not have the reach we need.”

One powerful example of that reach is Community Bridge in West Virginia. What started as a small foster closet inside a church has grown into a regional nonprofit serving tens of thousands of people each year. Executive

“Our donors make it possible to provide essential items to families across the region.”

— Jeff Burchett

Director Chris Kimbro credits Operation Sharing as a turning point in that growth. “CAP has been a key part of our story,” Kimbro said. “Their partnership helped us meet needs we never could have met on our own.”

As Operation Sharing looks ahead, its mission remains rooted in the same values that launched it four decades ago. Each day the staff demonstrate faith, collaboration, and compassion in action.

“A good leader and a successful program are built on great people working together,” Burchett said. “And together, we will continue to deliver hope for many years to come.” n

Service Hope in Every Hallway

BY EMILY BRASHEAR

Through close partnerships with local school systems across Eastern Kentucky, Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) remains committed to supporting Appalachian youth and families, making transformative impact in their lives.

CAP’s Youth Empowerment Services (YES) helps Appalachian youth grow into confident, capable young adults through three components: summer camp, a Teen Leadership initiative, and in-school services.

“When I go into a classroom, I’m most passionate about life skills, communication, and mental health,” said Becky Clay, YES community educator in Johnson, Martin, and Floyd Counties. “I really love talking about

that with the kids, and when sixth or seventh graders start opening up and sharing, that’s something special.”

YES employees and AmeriCorps Volunteers partner with teachers and administrators to build meaningful connections with students that last long after the bell rings. They tailor lessons to the unique strengths and passions of each student, providing consistent support and guidance every day.

“To have them open up in front of their peers, that’s a big compliment,” Clay said. “It lets me know that our content is working.” YES staff teach valuable lessons in bullying prevention, character education, leadership, life skills, and social-emotional learning.

“Our students are learning to be stewards of themselves. They’re giving, they’re growing, and they’re learning to lead.”

— Cindy DeRossett

The success of YES today is especially meaningful after the disruption of services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, during which YES met with classes virtually, offering classroom assistance and maintaining connections in a time of isolation.

“Getting back into schools after COVID was tough,” said Emma Griffith, YES coordinator. “Once you have a lapse in services, it’s hard to pick up where you left off.”

In response to the impact of the pandemic, CAP’s youth programs have transitioned to help children address challenges both in academics and in social-emotional growth. Since students have returned to in-person learning, YES has been working diligently with teachers and administrators to meet them where they are and help them overcome challenges. “We’re able to walk into a classroom, and teachers know we’re there to support their students,” Clay said.

“CAP’s in-school service is absolutely wonderful. It is a vital component in my classes,” said Paige Caudill, a middle-school life-skills teacher in Johnson County. “The YES team does a great job of engaging the students in meaningful lessons about coping skills, communication skills, and relationships.”

Caudill added, “Middle school is hard, and the programs offered by CAP’s in-school services help ease the daily challenges students face.”

One student, who is being raised by her great-grandmother, has been so influenced by YES that she’s asking about the classes she will need to work for CAP someday. “She wants

Becky Clay, YES community educator, works with students on life skills, communication, and mental health.

to serve others just like she has been served,” said YES Teen Empowerment Advocate Cindy DeRossett, who works alongside Clay in Johnson, Martin, and Floyd Counties.

YES creates an engaging learning environment for students of all ages, whether leading sessions with kindergartners or discussing self-confidence with high schoolers. “We adapt to the school, the age group, and the community,” Clay explained. “No two classrooms are alike, and that’s the beauty of it.”

As the team looks ahead, they’re exploring new ways to nurture both minds and hearts. They’re growing connections in nearby counties and have joined schools in projects like a school gardening initiative that pairs hands-on learning with emotional growth.

Because of the compassion of donors and strategic partnerships, YES is empowering and inspiring Appalachian youth, helping them discover their voices and their strength.

“Our students are learning to be stewards of themselves,” DeRossett said. “They’re giving, they’re growing, and they’re learning to lead.” n

Service

A Special Friendship

BY BRIANNA STEPHENS

Each month begins with Patty and her dog, Lucky, eagerly waiting for a knock at her front door. They know they’ll open it to find Renee Thomas, a Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) Elderly Services caseworker who has visited for nearly 20 years.

“I love Renee to death,” Patty said. “She’s a sweetheart, and she’s helped me so much. We’re close friends. It makes me feel happy when she comes. We have a special relationship.”

During her monthly visits, Thomas delivers Patty's monthly pantry box from CAP’s Grateful Bread Food Pantry and helps her shop for groceries, pay her bills,

and go to medical appointments. She also takes her to visit her mother, who lives in a nursing home. But the two friends also have fun together.

While the goal of CAP’s Elderly Services program is to help seniors remain independent as long as possible, an additional key focus is to increase socialization for seniors. Many seniors in the program live alone without family nearby to visit or help them. For this reason, it is important to give seniors companionship and let them know they’re not alone. Bringing program participants together helps foster new friendships and build bonds that strengthen their sense of community and belonging in a region where resources are limited.

Over nearly two decades, Renee Thomas, a CAP Elderly Services caseworker, has developed a close friendship with Patty through the program.

“We’re loyal about going to the homes of our participants to check on them,” Thomas said. “Patty doesn’t always have to need something. We visit, sit on her porch, or just go for a ride to get her out of the house. When she comes to our social events, she sees all the other participants, talks with them, and makes close connections with them.”

When it’s Patty’s birthday, Thomas, like many other caseworkers, makes it a point to celebrate with her. Patty's favorite birthday celebration was dining at a local Mexican restaurant with Thomas, enjoying her favorite meal, being sung to, and having an ice cream dessert.

“That was such a special birthday for me because of Renee,” Patty said.

And during other big moments in Patty’s life, CAP was— and will continue to be—there to help her. When Patty's mother suffered a medical challenge and transitioned to the nursing home, Thomas helped her find a new apartment as well as a bed, dresser, nightstand, and other furniture. CAP’s Operation Sharing program provided cleaning supplies, and Facilities Management helped deliver furniture items to her apartment. Thomas continues to find small household items that allow Patty to be independent in her new home.

(Above) Thomas took Patty to her favorite restaurant to celebrate her birthday. (Left) Patty danced and laughed with other participants during a social event hosted by Elderly Services.

“It means so much to me that CAP was there to help me. They are all very good people,” Patty said. “Having my own home, my own belongings, it gives me hope.”

The deep connection between CAP employees and program participants grows quickly through consistent support and companionship. These interactions go beyond just providing services. They offer genuine friendship and emotional support. Through these caring relationships, participants feel valued, less isolated, and more deeply connected to their community. The trust and affection that develop over time often make the caseworker-participant relationship feel like an extension of family, offering both practical help and heartfelt companionship.

“I feel like CAP has a big impact on Patty,” Thomas said. “She knows that and understands we’re there to help her, and in the meantime, we’ve built this close relationship. Our participants are just like family to us. It’s a privilege to serve and know them.”

Patty is grateful for CAP and the compassionate donors who support our programs and services. “The community would be bad without CAP. There are not a lot of resources to help people here,” Patty said. “I’d tell [the donors] thank you so much for what they have done for me.” n

Mission Moments

Mission Moments are stories from across Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) programs that showcase how we are living out our mission of building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia.

Whether our daily work is in direct service, support, or administration, these moments unite us in our purpose and highlight our core values of faith, service, and compassion. By sharing these experiences, we honor our participants, employees, and volunteers,

Turning Unexpected Challenges Into Joyful Moments

It was supposed to be a peaceful day of fishing at Camp Shawnee for our Elderly Services participants, with folding chairs lined up near the lake and stories traded over the soft splash of lures. Our participants had been looking forward to it for weeks. But the fall weather had other plans.

demonstrating our ongoing commitment to growth and excellence.

We are deeply grateful for our donors, whose generosity makes every Mission Moment possible and empowers us to carry out our work each day. Your support not only enables us to serve and uplift people in need throughout Appalachia but also helps us honor the stories and lives of our participants, volunteers, and employees. Your commitment inspires us and strengthens our mission, reminding us that together, we can make a lasting difference in our region.

As they sat near the lake for a few minutes, a blast of cold wind swept through the camp, making everyone pull their coats tighter. The lake shimmered, beautiful but uninviting. It was too cold to be near the water, so the event was moved into Camp Shawnee’s cafeteria. Disappointed murmurs followed. Many had been looking forward to casting a line, maybe catching something, maybe not. It was more about being out there with the others.

Dan Wotton, an energetic AmeriCorps Volunteer in Elderly Home Repair, was entirely unbothered by the change of plans and stepped forward without hesitation. Inside the cafeteria at Camp Shawnee, Dan sprang into action. He found a board game and the game Jenga. Before long, he had the room buzzing. You could really see the compassion Dan had while interacting with the participants. And the participants? They couldn’t stop talking about how much fun they had. Some even asked if they could skip the fishing next time and just stick with games at Camp Shawnee. What was supposed to be a chilly, disappointing day turned into a memorable event. Because sometimes, the best moments happen when plans fall apart and someone steps up to make something better.

By Rushie Risner, Elderly Services Caseworker

Answered Prayers and a Nourished Spirit

Serving the community through CAP is truly a Mission Moment every day. One of many that stands out to me is when a single mom of three came into the pantry. She had never been there before and was ashamed to get help. I assured her that’s what we are here for, and everyone needs help from time to time. As she was shopping, I noticed her holding back tears. As we finished shopping, her 9-year-old daughter looked up at her and said “Mommy! Jesus answered our prayers! This is everything we needed to make the noodle soup and everything we needed we didn’t have at home!”

With a beautiful smile on her face, she hugged me three times before leaving. One of many reasons I love serving the community is truly reducing physical and spiritual hunger in Rockcastle County.

By Kayla Bussell, Grateful Bread Food Pantry AmeriCorps Volunteer

Listening With Compassion

I received a call from a woman who requested that I remove her mother from our mailing list, as her mother had recently passed away. While I was updating her mother’s donor record to reflect this, I offered my condolences by saying, “I’m sorry for your loss.”

The caller started to cry and told me that, of all the organizations she had contacted for this reason, I was the only one who expressed sympathy. I let her know that I truly empathized with her because I, too, had lost my mother. She went on to share that her mother was a generous person who loved helping others.

She said she wanted to make a donation herself, feeling it was something her mother would have wanted as she handled her affairs. My Mission Moment was simply being present and listening. I

recognized the pain in her voice and the difficulty of her situation.

By Alice Murphy, Donor Services Specialist

Compassion

As an AmeriCorps Volunteer at

A Guiding Light in Service

BY EMILY BRASHEAR

For more than 74 years, Nina Isaacs has called Jackson County home. She has quietly built a legacy rooted in service, faith, and the belief that feeding others is essential—especially when you know what it means to be hungry.

“There is really a need here in this county,” said Isaacs, an AmeriCorps Volunteer at Christian Appalachian Project’s (CAP) Jackson County Food Pantry. “You would have to be at the food pantry each day to see how bad people really need it.”

Jackson County faces some of the highest food insecurity rates in the region. There, 20.7% of residents struggle to access consistent, nutritious food (Feeding America, 2023), and 15% of food-insecure individuals earn too

much to qualify for SNAP assistance. Much of the county is also a food desert, with limited local grocery options and long travel distances many families cannot manage.

“People often feel shame at needing to use a food pantry, but Nina welcomes them and encourages them in a way that puts them at ease,” said Libby Wasserbeck, Jackson County Food Pantry manager.

Through her various roles and volunteer activities, Isaacs has built relationships with multiple generations of families in the county. Before retiring, she spent more than 30 years preparing food for students at Jackson County High School. She was also a familiar face in the kitchen at CAP’s Camp AJ, serving as a cook for 28 summers in a kitchen that was affectionately named in her honor for several years.

“I believe in treating everybody good because the Bible teaches us to love everybody because He first loved us.”

— Nina Isaacs

“Camp AJ is one of the most wonderful places in the world,” Isaacs said. “It’s more like heaven than any place on this earth. Campers would go there and they’d be nervous, but by the end of the week, they would want to stay because there was so much love from the counselors and everybody else.”

Isaacs is also currently involved in CAP’s Elderly Services program, where she takes part in social gatherings and activities, forming connections with other seniors in her community.

After her husband of 55 years passed away, she began volunteering alongside Joyce Marks, who led the pantry’s efforts for 40 years. The two became close friends, serving hundreds of families each month through the pantry.

When Marks passed away in 2025, Isaacs continued to volunteer, reassuring families that pantry services would remain available to them. When CAP assumed operations of the food pantry, she became an AmeriCorps Volunteer to continue Marks' legacy and to further her commitment to feeding her neighbors in need.

“Nina’s compassion and faith are a guiding light in her life and service,” Wasserbeck said. “It is common for her to tell us that she prays for our participants at night after hearing their stories during the day.”

Isaacs often extends her workday to deliver food to people she knows cannot get to the pantry for their boxes, like one grandmother who’s caring for her grandson. They would otherwise go hungry by the end of the month.

“It was something Joyce did every week for many years,” Wasserbeck said. “Nina carries on that tradition in her friend’s memory and because of her love for those pantry participants. When Ms. Nina knocks on your door, she brings hope as well as food for your table.”

Isaacs participates in social events and activities through CAP's Elderly Services as a program participant.

She added, “If she learns about other needs, she does not hesitate to assist people in finding the help they require. The people of Jackson County adore her and know she is a reliable and helpful person. More importantly, that compassion extends to all.”

Isaacs’ passion for service has not gone unnoticed. She is a recent recipient of the Governor’s Service Award in National Service. The award recognizes individuals and programs that have demonstrated service beyond standard expectations.

Isaacs is grateful for the donors who support CAP’s pantry network and the growth of the Jackson County Food Pantry. She is grateful that through her service to her community and her endeavors, she gets to know, serve, and love each person who walks through the pantry doors.

“I believe in treating everybody good because the Bible teaches us to love everybody because He first loved us,” Isaacs said. “I hope when people come in here, they know I love them.” n

The Soul of Appalachia in Every Story

The Mountain Spirit Podcast brings you powerful stories of resilience, deep-rooted love for place, and a shared commitment to service across the Appalachian region. Each episode features heartfelt conversations with artists, writers, community leaders, policymakers, and the dedicated employees and volunteers of Christian Appalachian Project. It’s an immersive audio journey into the soul of Appalachia —where history, hope, and humanity meet.

Be a Part of the Story

• Tune In Today – Search The Mountain Spirit Podcast on your favorite podcast app and start with our latest episode.

• Show Your Support – Leave a review, drop a comment, or give us a like to help others discover the show.

• Spread the Word – Share the podcast with someone who loves Appalachia, storytelling, or community-driven change. Find The Mountain Spirit wherever you get your podcasts.

• Join the Mission – Visit christianapp.org to learn how you can support or volunteer in Appalachia.

Compassion

CAP's Family Advocacy program equips children for success in school by providing school supplies and clothing.

Bridging the Gap

BY BRIANNA STEPHENS

The table overflows with vibrant folders, pencils, binders, crayons, backpacks, and other school essentials at the Jackson County Back-to-School Bash. Children buzz around the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) table to pick out their supplies for the upcoming school year. But while their children happily choose their favorite folders or backpacks, many families in Appalachia quietly struggle to afford all the essentials at home. CAP’s School Readiness component through the Family Advocacy program is there to bridge the gap for families in need across Eastern Kentucky.

The Kentucky Retail Federation estimated clothing, shoes, and supplies for the 2025–2026 school year would cost $562 per elementary and high school age student. Last August, 590 families attended the Back-toSchool Bash, a community event to help equip students with essential school supplies and local services.

“One woman we met during the bash looked at me and said ‘You don’t know how much we appreciate this. It’s always needed, but we needed it more than ever this year,’” said Shana Miller, a lead caseworker in CAP’s Family Advocacy program for Rockcastle, Jackson, and McCreary Counties.

“We bridge the gap in the need,” added Morgan Adams, who serves as a caseworker alongside Miller. “There are a lot of families in need, and we are here to support them and the school districts we serve as much as we can.”

Miller and Adams collaborate with Family Resource Centers across the three school districts to identify what supplies are needed most to support students for the school year. Together, they partner with 15 schools and strive to ensure the Family Resource Centers are stocked with as many of these essential supplies as possible in addition to making them available at various back-to-school events.

“Whether through monetary support or the donations of supplies, our donors are critical to the work we do,” Miller said. “If it wasn’t for our donors, their generous gifts, and what the Lord has put on their hearts, we could not do what we do. They are living out CAP’s mission and giving hope to families.”

The caseworkers expressed their gratitude for a generous donor whose contribution of 100 backpacks this school year ensured that every student in need of one within their districts received it. They also commended two retired teachers from Alabama who make an annual trip to Kentucky to personally donate and deliver school supplies to local schools.

Although providing school supplies is a major focus of the School Readiness initiative, Miller and Adams also partner with Family Resource Centers to make sure students receive clothing, hygiene products, and other critical items that contribute to their success.

“The price of everything is going up, and families on fixed incomes are having to make hard decisions on how they spend their money,” Miller said. The caseworkers

have seen a growing need for clothing this school year and try to provide three new outfits for each child that is referred to CAP.

“New school clothes can make a big impact on a child,” Adams added. “I’ve picked clothes for children who have never had new clothes for school before. Hearing them say ‘This means the world to me,’ makes me feel fulfilled in what I do.”

Sometimes, the Family Resource Center acts as a liaison between CAP and the family, while in other cases, CAP contacts the family directly after receiving a referral to assess their specific needs. Because of CAP’s wide range of programs, staff can also connect families with additional organizational resources, such as Christmas distributions, food pantry services, home repairs services, mental health counseling, youth programming, and more.

“We are here to be a friendly face and constant support for the families we serve,” Miller said. “At CAP, our impact is measured not just by number, but by the lives we touch and the meaningful relationships we build with our participants.” n

Appalachia Spotlight

Stories Worth Remembering

BY TINA V. BRYSON

Kelley St. Germain, founder of Appalachian Memory Keepers, has built a life around honoring the stories, traditions, and people of Appalachia. From his roots in Owensboro, Kentucky, to his work in North Carolina, St. Germain’s journey reflects a deep commitment to cultural preservation and authentic storytelling.

Originally drawn to economics and corporate marketing, St. Germain’s passion for history never faded. Inspired by his greatgrandfather’s stories and his father’s love of local history,

he eventually shifted focus. He earned a master’s degree in history and launched a career that blended media production with heritage work.

In 2017, St. Germain founded Appalachian Memory Keepers, a nonprofit dedicated to preserving Appalachian identity through film, photography, and oral history. What began as a side project on social media quickly grew into a thriving online community. Today, the organization reaches tens of thousands across platforms, offering what St. Germain calls “an online museum” of Appalachian life.

As founder of Appalachian Memory Keepers, St. Germain (at right) travels the region to preserve and share the history, heritage, and culture of Appalachia.

St. Germain crafts captivating stories of Appalachia through extensive research and sit-down interviews. He has created a variety of award-winning films through his storytelling, two of which are pictured below.

His work challenges stereotypes and uplifts the voices often overlooked in mainstream portrayals of the region. “Appalachia is one of the last places in America it’s still okay to ridicule,” St. Germain said. “We’re here to change that.” Through documentaries, house tours, and community-sourced stories, he and his team spotlight the richness and resilience of Appalachian culture.

St. Germain is especially proud of capturing stories that would otherwise be lost, such as interviews with elders, forgotten industries, and communities like Junaluska in Boone, North Carolina. His work is driven by service. “We serve future generations by preserving this and making it available to them,” he said.

In a rapidly changing world, St. Germain’s mission is to ensure Appalachia’s legacy endures, one story at a time.

Listen to more of St. Germain’s story on “The Mountain Spirit” podcast at christianapp.org/podcast or by scanning the QR code at the top of this story. n

Appalachia Spotlight

From Service to the Stage

BY TINA V. BRYSON

Jordan Allen’s story is one that echoes through the hills of Appalachia, rooted in faith, shaped by family, and carried by song. Raised in London, Kentucky, Allen found his voice in the pews of a small church where he grew up.

With a guitar always nearby thanks to his father’s love of music, Allen’s early years were filled with the sounds of old rock and heartfelt hymns. “My dad was in bands in the 60s and 70s and had a guitar out a lot when I was growing up. I started playing guitar [at] about 14 and singing about 15, and so the first times I really sang was in church,” he said.

As a teenager, Allen began writing songs that reflected the world around him. “I just write about life the way that I see it, and I think that if you’re walking with Christ, what comes out of you is going to be through a Biblical lens … I’m not perfect at it, but that’s the way I try to do things,” he explained.

His faith doesn’t confine his music to one genre. It’s a blend of bluegrass, soul, country, and Southern rock, all stitched together with the thread of his faith. “I write church music for the unchurched,” Allen said. “There’s a lot of avenues in my songwriting that I get to talk about my faith, but I think for me it’s just like I’m writing from the perspective of a Christian husband and father.”

His journey has taken him from local coffeehouses to national stages, including a memorable run on season 27 of “The Voice.” “So [John] Legend, he’s very picky, right? And I was like there’s no way John Legend’s gonna turn for me. I wasn’t even considering it—and then he turned around, and I was just blown away.”

Jordan Allen is a Kentucky-born singer-songwriter whose soulful blend of bluegrass, country, and rock reflects his Appalachian roots, faith, and heartfelt storytelling.

Appalachia

“Someday, you know, we can really see everything that the Appalachian Mountains have to offer, from every genre, from hip hop to bluegrass. It’s all here.”

— Jordan Allen

It’s not fame that drives Allen, but it’s the purpose inside of him. And that was put to the test when a devastating tornado struck Eastern Kentucky. “You just don’t ever expect an EF4 tornado to come through your hometown in London … There were some people that are family to me that lost everything, and we couldn’t communicate with them that night. I didn’t know if they were OK for a while … But they have their lives and that’s the story for a lot of people in London,” he recalled, emotion in his voice.

Whether performing at the Bluebird Café or helping neighbors after a devastating tornado, Allen leads with compassion and conviction. His dream for Appalachian songwriters is to be seen in all their diversity.

“There’s more to Appalachian songwriters than mountain music. I play Southern music. For me, it’s bluegrass, country, soul, all that kind of stuff just kind of melded into one rock and roll,” Allen said. “Someday, you know, we can really see everything that the Appalachian Mountains have to offer, from every genre, from hip hop to bluegrass. It’s all here.”

Allen is proof that Appalachia is more than a place. It’s a spirit. One of generosity and deep-rooted love. And through his music, he’s helping others see that too.

Listen to more of Allen’s story on “The Mountain Spirit” podcast at christianapp.org/podcast or by scanning the QR code at the top of this story. n