Before the Appalachia Service Project expanded to year-round ministry, its program's primary focus was with high school-aged youth groups who volunteered to serve through the home repair program for one of eight weeks during the summer months at a center operating for ten weeks only.
Now, through the year-round centers, the ministry of the ASP allows all kinds of volunteer groups (young adult Sunday school classes, adult prayer groups, retired adults, college campus ministries, college sociology classes, high school youth with adult leaders, and families) an opportunity to serve any time of the year for a day, weekend, week, or month. Couples or individuals also have opportunities for short term and long term service. Individuals interested in volunteering can come alone or form a "group". Two or three people can accomplish a great deal. ASP will work with you to find fees and donations that are fair and equitable.
Also, a wider variety of housing needs are addressed by our permanent presence in these two communities served through our year-round ministry. The full-time center staff persons work with their local advisory board in determining the needs of the community and then guiding our programs which work to meet these needs.
JONESVILLE CENTER
In September 1983, ASP opened its first year-round center in Jonesville, Virginia (Lee County). With the establishment of the Jonesville Center, the ministry then expanded beyond the summer home repair program. It also expanded opportunities, both short term and long term, for volunteers. Further development and establishment of our programs increased our ability to meet the housing needs in Lee County.
CHAVIES CENTER
In Chavies, Kentucky (Perry County), ASP opened a second year- round center in 1991. A two-story refurbished elementary school serves as the Chavies Center. The facility consists of four large dormitory rooms, with carpet and bunk beds, capable of housing up to 65 persons. Bathroom and shower facilities, kitchen and dining hall, and ample meeting space fill the rest of the facility. One or two long term volunteers can stay in a one-bedroom apartment, with kitchen and bath, located in the Center.
The full time staff at Chavies sets up the construction projects and provides expertise and support during the week. In addition, staff prepares meals and facilitates evening gatherings. if your group has alternative center-life needs or interests, the staff would be willing to work with you.
The Chavies center provides numerous opportunities for volunteers to participate in ASP's housing ministry. Volunteers may work in any of the different programs which ASP currently operates in Chavies.