Christian Appalachian Project looks back on 60 years of service

FRANKFORT, Ky. (FOX 56) — The Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) is celebrating 60 years of service, and an anniversary event at the state Capitol Tuesday highlighted how crucial the organization is.

Since 1964, CAP has been responding in times of need, and while 60 years of service is something to celebrate, leaders of CAP say it’s also a sign of how vital its services are.

“In our many anniversary events, we set out to provide context, so that when people see our historical photos and videos, they will see children, their families, and seniors in Appalachia not as caricatures, but as real people longing for the same things we all longed for,” Tina Bryson, director of communications, said.

Members and volunteers with CAP are working to help Eastern Kentucky residents get back on their feet after February’s floods, a real-time showcase of what this team does.

“CAP has responded with boots on the ground to over 50 tornadoes, floods, hurricanes, and ice storms. When our neighbors are hurting and in need, we are there to help. We give them hope for tomorrow,” Robyn Renner, disaster relief director, said.

That’s done through things like rebuilding efforts, all coming together from donors, employees, and volunteers. Through decades of work, this logo has become one of comfort for those in need. Gov. Andy Beshear spoke on how the CAP logo can bring comfort to those in need.

“The idea is that those who have been through the worst of the worst deserve the best of the best. Our goal shouldn’t just be to rebuild. It should be to march forward together to enrich and better the lives of our people. I’ve seen the Christian Appalachian Project do it over and over,” Beshear said.

Bryson said what started as a vision from Founder Reverend Ralph W. Beiting has led to a ripple effect that’ll be felt for years to come.

“When I think about this current response or the many ways that CAP will come alongside people in the decades that will follow, I’m reminded of a quote by our founder. ‘As I was once called to the mountains. I now call you, please put your hand in mine and let us walk boldly forward. With God’s grace, we can still climb mountains and reach distant horizons,’” Bryson said.

To learn more about CAP, or to donate and help them in their mission, click here.