What is the Appalachia Service Project?

The Appalachia Service Project is an organization headquartered in Tennessee that addresses the housing needs of Central Appalachia. Facilitated by an ASP administrative staff, our SS Simon and Jude volunteers give of their time, resources, and talents. Projects range from repairing foundations to roofing a house and everything in between. Most volunteers are unskilled or semi-skilled, yet the work done is incredible. The volunteers to ASP come from many areas of the country, walks of life, professions, and Christian denominations; yet the common theme of service binds volunteers into a family. Volunteers give freely of their time so that they might complete “miracles” of home repair and live out the Gospel.

SS. Simon and Jude parish in West Chester, PA hopes to have 42 volunteers this summer helping low income families in Central Appalachia who are in need of home repairs. Our volunteers focus on making houses warmer, safer and drier for people caught in economic distress and unable to complete these repairs themselves. In many areas of Appalachia over 20% of families live below the poverty level. Median income is approximately $25,000 per year.

• Christian based (prayer, singing, activities)
• $500 per person - $200 at registration (sponsors can help), $300 in fund raising
• Two adults with every five teens
  
• Adults drive teams in a caravan of rented vans
• Bring air mattress to sleep on and wear old jeans and t-shirts for work
• Cafeteria food

Tasks include:

Follow all Rules and Regulations set up by ASP and SSJ
Build relationships with those we serve

Adults must:

• be licensed, have a good driving record, and be able to drive a large SUV or van for several hours at a time
• be approved through a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check
• obtain a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance
• attend the Archdiocesan Safe Environment Training
• be at least 25 years old
  

Teens must:

• have completed 9th grade and be at least 14 years old
  

Photos from 2005 Project

• Help SS. Simon and Jude parish youth make a special weeklong journey
  
• A Typical Week at ASP
  
• Expectations, Rules, and Regulations
  

For more information call:
Annette Glaudel at 610-431-9566
malarkyinc@aol.com