Scroll down to see Calendar of Events and links to important websites. 

ASP Mission

The Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is an ecumenical Christian ministry, open to all people, that inspires hope and service through volunteer home repair for low-income families in Central Appalachia.  ASP’s goal is to make homes “warmer, safer, and drier” for struggling families in rural Central Appalachia.
 

ASP Vision

Appalachia Service Project envisions the eradication of substandard housing in Central Appalachia and the transformation of everyone who comes in contact with this ministry.
 

Repairing Homes, Transforming Lives

ASP is more than just a building program. ASP helps Appalachia's (and America’s) poorest families but the families can help change your life, too. ASP also provides a unique framework that fosters transformational experiences for volunteers, families served, and staff — by building relationships with each other that break down cultural, social and economic barriers. When you change the lives of others, they have a way of changing you.  The ASP philosophy of service has remained the same since its founding: ASP encourages people to act responsibly in the face of human need and injustice.  By transforming faith into ASP service, volunteers respond to a basic specific need: housing. By putting aside their own needs and desires, ASP volunteers free themselves to share talent, love, and concern with the people of Appalachia and with one another. More important than construction know-how is a willingness to enter the communities and homes of Central Appalachia with sensitivity, concern, and love — accepting people right where they are and just the way they are.
 

ASP at St. Luke’s

The First United Methodist Church, in conjunction with St. Luke’s Parish, sponsor the annual ASP program that involves approximately 100 youth and adult volunteers from both churches, as well as from Westborough and the surrounding communities. Under the leadership of Jonathan Owen, the Westborough youth fundraise throughout the year in order to fund their trip to Appalachia.  Each youth is required to fundraise, participate in informational programs, perform service hours, as well as attend a weekend skills and safety training program.  While at the assigned site in Appalachia, volunteer work crews spend a week on a designated home improving the structure making it “warmer, safer and drier.”  Each volunteer gets to know the family whom they are helping, works closely with the ASP group leaders and staff at the ASP Center, and participates in daily devotions.  All volunteers experience the gift of giving and self-sacrifice and gain an understanding of the region and the people as well as enhance their relationship with God. 

For more information:

• Watch for the annual "ASP Info Meeting" held in the fall and see how ASP can change your life!  (Watch St. Luke's bulletins, Flocknotes, or view the calendar below for dates/times)

• Youth volunteers (rising freshman and older,) parents, and adult group leaders are welcome.

• Contact Debbi Ziegler at [email protected] for more information.  

• Visit Westborough ASP's website http://www.westboroughasp.org .  

• Keep in touch with updates & activities on ASP's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/WestboroughASP

• View the national ASP website here: www.asphome.org.