Christian Appalachian Project announces RISE and Shine Campaign

APPALACHIA–(October 19, 2023)–Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) announced the public phase of a three-year $95 million transformative campaign. This effort will allow CAP to be mindful of the immediate opportunities to grow and to discern the best way to continue to offer comprehensive services to people navigating the challenges poverty creates in Appalachia.

RISE and Shine: The Campaign for Christian Appalachian Project is CAP’s largest and most ambitious philanthropic effort to date and will bring benefits to each of CAP’s 17 human services programs. During the campaign thus far, $78.1 million has been committed with a focus on four priorities: Standing with Appalachian Youth and Families, Meeting the Most Basic Human Needs, Building Strategic Partnerships, and Strengthening the Heartbeat of Volunteerism.

“We are so excited to introduce the RISE and Shine campaign to the public. We really believe CAP is doing God’s work in our own backyard,” said Rob Lawson, co-chair of the campaign along with his wife Brittany. “If more people knew about CAP and the needs in Appalachia, then they would do something about it, too. We hope this campaign inspires people to participate in the life-changing programs and services of CAP, which restore hope to thousands of Appalachian children and families who struggle each day to break free from poverty.”

Over the past three years, CAP has met increased needs in Appalachia amid the backdrop of natural disasters, recovery from a global pandemic, and continued historic inflation. People with scant financial resources have suffered the most. But, with the strength and commitment of CAP supporters; thousands of children, their families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities in Appalachia have access to critical services andresources during this difficult time.

“My passion comes from where I come from,” Lawson said. “The truth of the matter is, Eastern Kentucky, Appalachia, is forgotten. There is a lot of help needed there. I’m a poor kid from Eastern Kentucky, so I get it; I understand the need. We join others with anticipation that CAP’s already generous current donors and a host of new ones would declare support by committing funds that continue to advance CAP’s mission.”

More information about the campaign and ways to get involved can be found at https://www.christianapp.org/rise-shine.
 
Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) has been building hope, transforming lives, and sharing Christ’s love through service in Appalachia since our founding more than 50 years ago. With the help of donors, volunteers, staff, and the communities we serve, CAP has grown to impact the lives of more than 1.5 million people each year through nine priorities including programs that address food insecurity, substandard housing, disaster relief and recovery, and mental health.

The Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce is located at 178 College Street in Pikeville and serves more than 500 businesses in eight Eastern Kentucky Counties: Floyd, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike. The Chamber’s mission is to serve the businesses of Southeastern Kentucky through a commitment to networking, advocacy, education, and collaboration as we partner together to enhance the business climate in our region.