Interview with Mary Leavell, March 7, 1991

Interview Summary

Mary Leavell talks about her family's history in Garrard County, Kentucky. She talks about her application for a position at Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). Leavell describes the structure of the Christian Appalachian Project mail department when she arrived in 1971. She talks about the lack of training she received when she arrived. She talks about the number of employees in the department and describes an average day of sorting mail and donations. She talks briefly about how the department has changed over time. Leavell talks about why she was chosen to be promoted to supervisor of the mail department and the difficulties she encountered in being a supervisor. Leavell talks about some of the changes that occurred, specifically in the mail department, after the move to CAP's current location. She says the operations at the new office were more organized and more efficient. She talks about hiring new employees, new technology, the pace of their work, and turnover rates of their employees. She talks about worries over paychecks not clearing due to budget issues. Leavell talks about the leadership of CAP.

Interview Keyword

Christian Appalachian Project (CAP) Payroll Management Supervisors Supervision Working conditions Promotions Father Ralph W. Beiting Bill Begley Staff Employees Donors Donations Mail departments Fundraising

Interview LC Subject

Appalachian Region Appalachian Region--Economic conditions Appalachian Region--Social conditions Christian Appalachian Project Leavell, Mary Leavell, Mary--Interviews Social service, Rural Nonprofit organizations. Work. Professions. Vocation. Women--Employment. Financials Fund raising. Personnel management. Occupations Careers Community development Community-based family services Community-based social services

Interview Rights

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Interview Usage

Interviews may be reproduced with permission from Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History, Special Collections, University of Kentucky Libraries.