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HomeOur MinistriesYouth MinistriesAppalachia Service Project

“We accept people right where they are, just the way they are”

– ASP Founder Glenn “Tex” Evans

Appalachia Service Project (ASP) is a home repair ministry to families of Central Appalachia. Youth and adult participants grow spiritually, gain self confidence, and bridge communities in the fresh mountain air while repairing roofs, floors and bathrooms, in addition to making homes accessible through porch and ramp repairs or additions.

For over 25 years, adult volunteers from St. Paul’s have taken youth (14+) for this week-long service project each summer.  Two adult volunteers accompany each van of up to five youth.  This is a wonderful opportunity for our youth to connect, serve others, and grow!

A typical day with ASP starts with breakfast in the dining hall of the living quarters (usually a community church or school), after which teams prepare lunches and water coolers for the day. Vans are loaded with supplies, and teams spend most of the day at their work site, often interacting with the families they are serving. Teams return the the Center by late afternoon, with plenty of time to shower and help with a few chores to maintain the center or help with dinner. Evenings are spent in fellowship, hanging out with teams from other churches and learning about the Appalachian culture. Jigsaw puzzles, four-square, CanJam and ice cream trips are plentiful.

ASP can truly be a life-changing experience. Adult chaperones have not only been blown away by the experience of helping the families of Appalachia, but by the incredible dedication of the young people who participate. Construction experience is not necessary; patience and an openness to learning are all that is needed.

ASP 2025: June 22 – 28    Destination: Avery County, NC

The following are required ASP events and meetings for all volunteers. Please email asp@stpaulscary.org if you are an ASP volunteer and cannot attend an event. 

  • April 1 – Sign up CLOSED!! 
  • April 11, 2025 – ASP Spaghetti Dinner – 6-8 p.m., arrive at 4:30 p.m.
  • May 10 – ASP Primer Training  (8 a.m.-12 p.m.)
  • May 17 – Adult and Youth Leaders Meeting (9 -10 a.m. by invitation only)
  • May 17 – Adult and Youth Volunteer Orientation including parents  (10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.)
  • June 15 – ASP Commissioning Service (during the 9 a.m. worship service)
  • June 21 – Van Packing for the trip (11 a.m. -12 p.m.)