LANCASTER — One of the largest charities in eastern Kentucky, an agency started by Newport native Monsignor Ralph Beiting to service the Appalachian community, announced a 20 percent reduction in its work force and expenses after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

        The Christian Appalachian Project employs 270 people and offers 70 programs to the 49 Kentucky counties identified as part of Appalachia. Spokeswoman Karen Spivey said that after the attacks, the $73-million-a-year organization began to feel a fall in support.

        The agency frequently benefits from the volunteerism of area church members and students, from Northern Kentucky University to Xavier University.

        “I would encourage anyone to contribute to local charities,” Ms. Spivey said. “We're feeling our own crisis here at CAP, as are other nonprofits.”

        Nearly 46 full-time positions will be affected by the reorganization. The reduction in staff will come in the forms of layoffs, voluntary reduction in hours and early retirement.

        CAP offers material and counseling services to the estimated 1,105,602 people living in Kentucky's Appalachian region. According to the Washington-based Appalachian Regional Commis sion, of which Gov. Paul Patton is a commission member, there are about 296,431 people below the poverty rate in Kentucky's Appalachia. CAP provides emergency aid such as money for rent, bills and food, and offers seed and gardening supplies. It runs two shelters for abused women.

        CAP also provides in-kind donations to the 12other states defined as part of Appalachia.

        “This certainly is not going to impact the level of services we provide folks,” Ms. Spivey said. “We'll just have to do things with less staff.”

        CAP has a volunteer force of about 80 people. More than 20 people from the Northern Kentucky area have volunteered regularly with the agency in the past five years.

        Student volunteers have come from Northern Kentucky University's Baptist Student Union, according to former campus minister Bill Ellis, as well as the Catholic Newman Center.

        CAP said that students from the University of Cincinnati and Xavier University have participated in the agency's alternative Spring Break WorkFest.

        Ms. Spivey said that because of the cuts, the organization would look more toward volunteers to keep programs going. Anyone interested can call (859) 792-3051.

Prosecuting Jorg could get tougher
Police brutality convictions rare
Officer describes striking Owensby
Fuller bases campaign on 'walk of faith'
Anthrax scare at IRS office
Award open for nominees
Council approves plan to ease density of low-income housing
CPS board candidates put focus on reforms
School board candidates
Faculty faction targets Steger
Parents group united, helping
Township needs a focus, some say
Tristate A.M. Report
PULFER: The Oyler case
RADEL: 'King' has 50 years of ribbing
Bill adds authority on group homes
Bond issue is seed money for school
Candy making is magic
City leaders often at odds
Court transcript quality criticized in Butler Co.
Doctors: Baby suffered new traumas
Dueling ads condemn, state support for Lebanon City Council candidates
Eight compete in Kings
Electric chair may be out in Ohio
Rainy-day dip-in passes House
Ky. charity cutting back work force
Patton stresses clean environment
Plummer challenging Koenig in Kenton GOP primary