ASP is a an active ministry at Jerusalem Lutheran. We hope you will find it in your heart to participate. Not all of our “Team” are the volunteers who attend the trip. So much of what needs to be done to fulfill this mission depends on volunteers and help on a Parish level.
If you have questions, here are some FAQ’s to help you out:
Q: What does “ASP” Stand for AND what is it?
A: “ASP” stands for ‘Appalachia Service Project’. ASP is a Christian ministry, open to all people, that inspires hope and service through volunteer home repair in Central Appalachia.ASP’s vision is to see substandard housing in Central Appalachia eradicated and everyone who comes in contact with ASP transformed.
Q: Why do residents of Appalachia need our help?
A: Because conditions there have deteriorated with economic changes in industries, unemployment and lack of access to transportation systems and new industries to replace obsolete ones.
- $20k is more than the annual income of half the families
- 4,341 houses do not have plumbing
- 26% of the population live at or below the poverty line
- 2,382 homes do not have complete kitchens
Q: How old do I need to be?
A: ASP is open to volunteers ages 14 and up. You must have completed 8th grade prior to attending the trip. Young/Adults (ages 18 and up) need to have proper clearances which are provided by JELC. For more information, please email us using the form on the contact us page and selecting from the drop down “ASP Information”.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: This is a multi-prong answer – ASP charges each volunteer $325 for the week. It costs an additional $200-$300/volunteer for transportation (rental van, gas), insurance, some meals, etc. JELC picks up a portion of this expense which is reimbursed by the team’s fundraising efforts throughout the year prior to the trip. Volunteers are asked to pay accordingly:
- 1st Volunteer in a family – $250
- Each additional volunteer from a family – $225
- MONEY SHOULD NEVER BE THE DECIDING FACTOR! If you feel the calling to attend, but cannot afford it, we will get you on the trip. Contact Pastor Dan, Brad Good or Caesar Gorski for more info.
Q: What/When are fees due?
A: A $50 Deposit is due Jan 31st ($100 for families with more than one volunteer). Final payment should be made by June 30th, but if needed, payment plans through the year are no problem!
Q: Am I required to help with fundraisers for the trip if I’m attending?
A: YES. JELC is picking up a significant portion of each volunteers fees. Therefore, each volunteer is required to fund raise throughout the year prior. We understand everyone has personal commitments, but this is part of the commitment to serve. There are multiple opportunities to help, including:
- Breakfasts (4-5/year): adults cook and kids serve JELC members between services (730a – 11a)
- Rent-a-Teen: hire a teen to help with projects or chores around the house or outside, for example: setting up Christmas Tree, raking leaves, painting, cleaning, etc.
- Parent’s Night Out: in December, the ASP team babysit the little ones (ages 5-10) while parents enjoy an evening out to dinner or shop for Christmas gifts.
- Hoagie Sale: During January, prior to the Super Bowl, the ASP team sells reservations for hoagies to be picked up Super Bowl Sunday after church at JELC.
- Clothing Drive: in the Spring (dates TBD) donations are accepted including: gently used clothing, bikes, toys, shoes. Money raised is based on weight from total donations picked up.
- Other Donations: corporate sponsorship and donations (ie. discounts for van rental, safety equipment, tools), cases of water and gatorade, gas gift certificates, monetary donations for meal sponsorship (ie. team night out, meals while traveling, ice cream evenings) and gifts for host families.
Q: I don’t have any construction experience. Should I still go?
A: YES! This answer applies to ANY age, youth or adult. There is PLENTY to do! Plus, you might learn something along the way, you never thought you were capable of accomplishing. You’ll need some basic tools, like a hammer, gloves, pliers, screwdrivers and of course a Bible. Everything else will be provided between JELC volunteers and ASP tools. No need to invest in expensive tools.
Q: Where do we stay in Appalachia?
A: Usually a school or community center. You will need an air mattress or cot and a sleeping bag.
The ASP Team meets regularly throughout the year and participates in a pre-trip cookout in June for fellowship, last minute details and submission of final paperwork. If you have additional questions or concerns, contact us and we can answer your questions or connect you with someone who has participated it the past.
Below are some links to answer more questions from ASP:
ASP Website
About ASP
ASP Locations
How to Volunteer with ASP
Packing List
What daily devotionals look like