Registration Limitation

The number of adult volunteers signed up for the trip dictate the number of youth we are able to take.  Once we reach that number, we will be instituting a waiting list for any additional youth who are interested in attending this year.

  • If you are an adult or college student, we welcome you to register.
  • If you are a youth whose parent is also going on the trip, we welcome you to register.
  • If you are a youth who has attended one of the first orientation sessions or has already spoken with us, and are not registered, please register immediately or you will be placed on the waiting list.
  • All other youth are encouraged to sign up and will be placed on the waiting list in the order in which you submit your registration.

We continue to look for additional adults to go on the trip and often registered youth need to drop out, so there is the possibility of coming off the waiting list.  Should this not be the case, a full refund will be given.

Parent & Volunteer Meeting

All new and returning ASP youth volunteers and at least one parent are required to attend one of these sessions. This meeting will review pertinent information regarding Jesse Lee ASP’s plans, standards and rules. The goal is to ensure that all leaders, volunteers and their parents share the same understanding when it comes to the program’s expectations.

If you have not already done so, at this meeting you will be expected to sign up for the required activities (basic, ramp, car wash).  So please bring your calendar.

There are 12 meetings to choose from and the dates and times are listed below.  The meetings will take place in the Chapel.  Please use the button to sign up for one of the sessions. If you have any questions regarding this meeting, please contact Deb Ahle at 203-240-1864.

Tuesday, February 25
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, February 26
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM
Thursday, February 27
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM
Tuesday, March 4
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM
Wednesday, March 5
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM
Thursday, March 6
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
7:45 PM – 8:15 PM

Sign Up for Volunteer & Parent Meeting

 

Online Sign Ups

Signups for all activities are online. When signing up, please keep some things in mind:

  1. In order to sign up, the system requires that you use the same UNIQUE email that you used to register for ASP. Please make sure you are consistent.
  2. Within 24 hours of signing up, you will be sent an email asking you to “opt-in” to the system for text messages. This is required by Sign-Up Genius to allow us to send you reminders via text message. If you do not opt-in, reminders will go to your email.
  3. If necessary, the same link can be used to make changes up to 48 hours before your scheduled activity. Once into Sign-Up Genius, it will prompt you to input an email address. It will then send you an email with instructions on how to make the change. This is to prevent someone else from making a change to your selection.
  4. If you determine within 48 hours of an event that you are unable to attend a session that you have signed up, please reach out to the contact person for that activity.

 

Information Meeting for New Volunteers

INFORMATION MEETING FOR NEW VOLUNTEERS

High-school teens and adults are invited to attend an information session on Wednesday, January 24th. Leaders and previous volunteers will share details about the preparation and home-repair week planned for this summer with the Jesse Lee Appalachia Service Project (ASP). This year’s trip is scheduled for June 29th-July 7th.

This no-obligation meeting will introduce students and their parents – and any other interested adults – to the Appalachia Service Project overall and the developing plan for Jesse Lee ASP’s 40th year.

The one-hour information session will start at 7:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary at Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church, 207 Main Street.

ASP is a national Christian volunteer organization founded by Rev. Glenn “Tex” Evans, a Methodist minister, in 1969. Since then, more than 420,000 volunteers from across the nation have participated in week-long mission trips to make more than 18,500 homes in West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia and North Carolina “warmer, safer and drier.”

Jesse Lee ASP is open to anyone who will have completed their freshman year of high school this summer. Adults are encouraged to volunteer – both those who have teens participating and those who do not. You don’t have to be a member of Jesse Lee or any church, you don’t have to live in Ridgefield, and you don’t need to be an expert with a hammer to volunteer. Basic construction skills and safety rules are taught in training sessions prior to going on ASP.

You don’t have to pre-register for the January 24th information session.

Previous ASP volunteers need not attend the information meeting. However, they should plan to attend one of the two required “first orientation” meetings on either Wednesday, Feb. 7th or Tuesday, Feb. 13th.

For more details, feel free to browse through this website or call Deb Ahle (203-240-1864).

ASP in WV Info

As the West Virginia departure date moves quickly closer, the excitement is starting to grow!  The following are some tidbits that may be helpful as you prepare for the trip.

Events leading up to departure:

  • Friday, June 25  
    • 6:30-7:30 pm  – Van Packing in the rear parking lot of Jesse Lee Church
  • Saturday, June 26  
    • 7:00 am – Adults arrive for pre-trip meeting
    • 7:30 am – Youth arrive at Jesse Lee Church rear parking lot
    • 8:00 am – Commissioning Service on front lawn (families & guests welcome)
    • 8:30 am – Caravan Departure

 

Packing List: Download Suggested Packing List

Tool List: Download Tool & Supply List

 

Some additional events are scheduled for after the volunteers return from the trip. Please plan on joining us:

  • Friday, July 9  
    • 8:00-9:00 pm  – Slide show & Ice cream on the front lawn of the Jesse Lee
  • Sunday, July 11
    • 9:30 am – ASP volunteers lead the worship service at Jesse Lee

ASP At Home Info

As the start date of the At-Home program moves quickly closer, the excitement is starting to grow!  The following are some tidbits that may be helpful as you prepare for the week.

Upcoming events (some times are approximate):

  • Sunday, June 27  
    • 7:00-9:00 pm  – Kick Off Meeting in the back yard of Jesse Lee Church
  • Monday, June 28
    • 8:15 am – Morning devotions at Bed, Bath & Beyond  (13 Sugar Hollow Rd, Danbury)
    • 9:00 am – Arrive at worksite
    • 4:00 pm – Depart from worksite and return to individual homes
  • Tuesday, June 29
    • 8:30 am – Arrive at worksite for morning devotions
    • 4:00 pm – Depart from worksite and return to Jesse Lee Church
    • 4:30 pm – Meal & Evening Gathering
    • ~8:00 pm – Pick up from Jesse Lee and return to individual homes
  • Wednesday, June 30
    • 8:30 am – Arrive at worksite for morning devotions
    • 4:00 pm – Depart from worksite and return to Jesse Lee Church
    • 4:30 pm – Meal & Evening Gathering
    • ~7:00 pm – Pick up from Jesse Lee and return to individual homes
  • Thursday, July 1
    • 8:30 am –Arrive at worksite for morning devotions
    • 9:00 am – Arrive at worksite
    • 4:00 pm – Depart from worksite and return to individual homes
  • Friday, July 2
    • 8:30 am – Arrive at worksite for morning devotions
    • 4:00 pm – Depart from worksite and return to Jesse Lee Church
    • 4:30 pm – Meal & Closing Ceremony & Share Circle
    • ~7:30 pm – Pick up from Jesse Lee and return to individual home

 

Download Tool & Supply List

 

Some additional events are scheduled for after the volunteers complete their work week.  Please plan on joining us:

  • Friday, July 9  
    • 8:00-9:00 pm  – Slide show & Ice cream on the front lawn of the Jesse Lee
  • Sunday, July 11
    • 9:30 am – ASP volunteers lead the worship service at Jesse Lee

 

ASP 2022 Plans

Orientations

Due to the current COVID environment, we are not permitted to have large in-person activities at this time. To satisfy the orientation requirement, volunteers must attend three online programs to learn about the Appalachian culture as well as the “Three S’s” – safety, sensitivity and stewardship.  Each of the three sessions will be offered twice; you only need to attend one.  The interactive meetings will begin promptly at 7:30 and last approximately one hour. 

The dates are as follows:

  • Orientation 1 – February 2nd and February 15th
  • Orientation 2 – March 23rd and March 29th
  • Orientation 3 – April 27 and May 3
  • Orientation 4 – June 8

Skills Training

We want to ensure that our volunteers are properly trained whether they are going to Appalachia or will be participating in our At-Home version of the project.

BASIC SKILLS TRAINING

Anyone who has not been on ASP before is required to attend a 2-hour session that will include brief lectures and demonstrations on work site safety. It will also include instruction and supervised individual practice on the safe use of the circular saw, power drill, and hammer. Click “read more” to get additional information and sign up.

Youth and adults who have not been on ASP before are required to attend a 3-hour in person session that will include brief lectures and demonstrations on work site safety. It will also include instruction and supervised individual practice on the safe use of the circular saw, power drill, and hammer. These sessions are held rain or shine in the back parking lot of Jesse Lee Church.

Everyone needs to wear proper work site attire: long pants, a shirt that tucks in (no sleeveless shirts; no low necklines), work boots (no sneakers).  If you have long hair, please tie it back. Participants with improper attire will be sent home.

Everyone needs to bring a 16 oz. claw hammer, a 12′ or longer retractable tape measure, pencil, speed square, wonder bar, a pair of safety glasses and a pair of work gloves.

You will need to register and turn in your Jesse Lee ASP Waiver & ASP Volunteer forms prior to participating in Basic Skills.  (Jesse Lee Waiver & ASP Forms)

The 2024 basic skills sessions will be held at Jesse Lee Church and are offered on the following dates:

Saturday, April 12
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1:45 PM – 4:45 PM

Sunday, April 13
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Saturday, April 26
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1:45 PM – 4:45 PM

Sunday, April 27
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Contact: Nik Parker, 203-788-6704

Basic Skills Sign Ups

 

read more

RAMP BUILDING SESSIONS

All ASP participants are required to participate in a wheelchair ramp building session. This 3.5-hour session is designed to imitate a standard workday on the ASP trip. Participants will be assigned a work crew based on experience and will assist in the assembly of several segments of a wheelchair ramp. Click “read more” to get additional information and sign up.

All ASP participants are required to participate in a wheelchair ramp building session. This 3-hour session is designed to imitate a standard workday on the ASP trip. Participants will be assigned a work crew based on experience and will assist in the assembly of several segments of a wheelchair ramp.

Participants should bring their own snack and water bottle. Everyone needs to wear proper work site attire: long pants, a shirt that tucks in (no sleeveless shirts; no low necklines), work boots (no sneakers). Participants with improper attire will be sent home. Everyone needs to bring a 16 oz. hammer, a pair of safety glasses, a pair of work gloves, a tape measure, a speed square, a wonder bar and a pencil. If you have a battery operated drill/driver, please bring that as well (no need to go out and buy one as it is not a mandatory tool for the trip).

You will need to register and turn in your Jesse Lee ASP Waiver & ASP Volunteer forms prior to participating in Basic Skills or Ramp Building.  (Jesse Lee Waiver & ASP Forms)

If you are interested in reviewing the ramp building designs, you can download them here:  .

The 2025 ramp building sessions will be held on the following dates:

Saturday, May 3
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Saturday, May 17
8:00 AM – 11:00 AM
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, May 4
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Sunday, May 18
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
2:30 PM – 5:30 PM

Contact:  Andre Lerchi, 203-918-7499
Contact:  Dave Sigworth,203-648-7063

Ramp Building Sign Ups

read more

Car Washes

ASP participants are required to work a car wash prior to the trip. Car washes are held on Saturdays from April through June, in the front driveway of Jesse Lee, with two shifts: 10:30 AM – 1:45 PM, and 1:30 PM – 4:45 PM. Click “read more” to get additional information and sign up.

ASP participants are required to work a car wash prior to the trip. Car washes are held on Saturdays in April, May and June, in the front driveway of Jesse Lee, with two shifts: 10:30 AM – 1:45 PM, and 1:30 PM – 4:45 PM.

Shorts that are not too short and sandals or flip-flops are permitted at car washes. T-shirts need to adhere to the same guidelines as work site T-shirts (long enough to tuck in, no sleeveless shirts, no low necklines).

In case of rain, you might get a message that the car wash has been canceled. If you do not receive a message, you should report at the regular time, as there may be an alternative project for you to work on.

Contact: Bill and Sharon Dornfeld, 203-241-8705

Car Wash Sign Ups

 

read more

Stock Sales

Everyone participating in ASP is expected to sell at least 25 shares of $10 “ASP Stock.” This is our largest fundraising effort and it gives your family and friends an opportunity to contribute towards the amazing work you will be doing. Click “read more” to get additional information.

Everyone participating in ASP is expected to sell at least 25 shares of $10 “ASP Stock.”

 

Contact: Karen Doman, 630-251-4320

 

Here is how you sell ASP stock:

1. Reach Out & Contact People.
Reach out and contact people who might be able to support you for $10. Checks should be made out to “Jesse Lee ASP Group.”

2. Stock Sales Report Form.
Keep track of everybody to whom you sell stock. Record their names and mailing addresses on the form. This form must accompany every check. It’s how we send them the thank you notes, so write legibly.

3. Stock Prospectus and Certificate.
Make sure the each person receives a copy of the Stock Certificate.Print the prospectus double-sided and fold it in half for the best presentation.

4. People Can Also Buy Stock Online.
People can also buy stock on your behalf online with a credit card. Anybody who uses this option will be able to download the prospectus and certificate themselves. You will not need to record their information on the report form because the online form will capture all the information we will need.

5. Sample Letter to Friends & Relatives
If you would like a sample letter/email that you can send to friends and relatives, feel free to use this text:

Dear Aunt Sally (obviously, change this if your aunt’s name isn’t Sally),

I’m writing to let you know that I will be participating in the Appalachia Service Project this summer. We will be going into the Appalachian region for a week to work on homes and help make them warmer, safer, and drier. We will stay in a center, probably a school, with volunteers from other parts of the U.S. and we will work along side the families who live there.

We’ll be doing stuff like repairing roofs, fixing or replacing floors, installing sheet rock and insulation, painting, digging drainage ditches, building room additions or porches, siding the exterior or perhaps some simple plumbing and electrical work.

To get ready for this trip, each one of us has to spend at least eight hours learning carpentry skills; at least eight hours learning about the people in Appalachia and about living in the center; and at least eight hours fund raising. We have two main fund raising efforts: car washes and stock sales.

You probably guessed that that’s the reason for my letter.

I need to sell at least twenty-five shares of stock in our Project at $10 per share. I’d like you to consider investing in our Project. It is a great way for me to learn and to serve! And, it’s also a way for us to help people who need it. I think that you will find being a part of our Project is a great return on your investment!

Although the Appalachia Service Project volunteers from Ridgefield are from many denominations and faiths, our Project is sponsored by Jesse Lee Memorial United Methodist Church. This means that all donations are tax deductible.

If you would like to invest in our Project by buying one or more shares of stock, please send me $10 for each share you would like to buy. Checks should be made payable to “Jesse Lee ASP Group.” Or, you can go online to www.JesseLeeASP.org and purchase the stock there.

I really appreciate your help because we couldn’t do it without the support of our friends and families.

Thanks, and I’ll try to write more often…

read more

 

 

 

ASP National

The national ASP organization has added a number of COVID safety protocols for this summer’s trip including: limiting the number of volunteers who can stay at its “centers”; requiring that masks be worn unless volunteers are eating, sleeping or showering; and prioritizing exterior home repairs, like roof and siding replacements.

For more details, please check out the links below:

ASP COVID-19 Response

ASP Volunteer Protocols Quick Guide

ASP COVID Response FAQs

ASP 2021 Plans

Sign ups are closed for youth volunteers.  Interested adults and young adults may email us at jesseleeasp@gmail.com to check on availability

Orientations

Due to the current COVID environment, we are not permitted to have large in-person activities. To satisfy the orientation requirement, volunteers must attend three online programs to learn about the Appalachian culture as well as the “Three S’s” – safety, sensitivity and stewardship.  Each of the three sessions will be offered twice; you only need to attend one.  The interactive meetings will begin promptly at 7:30 and last approximately one hour. 

The dates are as follows:

  • Orientation 1 – March 17th and March 22nd
  • Orientation 2 – April 21st and April 26th
  • Orientation 3 – May 12th and May 17th

Skill Training

Whether Jesse Lee ASP does a trip to Appalachia or an At-Home version of the project, we want to ensure that our volunteers are properly trained.

BASIC SKILLS TRAINING

Anyone who has not been on ASP before is required to attend a 2-hour session that will include brief lectures and demonstrations on work site safety. It will also include instruction and supervised individual practice on the safe use of the circular saw, power drill, and hammer. Click “read more” to get additional information and sign up.

Youth and adults who have not been on ASP before are required to attend a 3-hour in person session that will include brief lectures and demonstrations on work site safety. It will also include instruction and supervised individual practice on the safe use of the circular saw, power drill, and hammer. These sessions are held rain or shine in the back parking lot of Jesse Lee Church.

Everyone needs to wear proper work site attire: long pants, a shirt that tucks in (no sleeveless shirts; no low necklines), work boots (no sneakers).  If you have long hair, please tie it back. Participants with improper attire will be sent home.

Everyone needs to bring a 16 oz. claw hammer, a 12′ or longer retractable tape measure, pencil, speed square, wonder bar, a pair of safety glasses and a pair of work gloves.

You will need to register and turn in your Jesse Lee ASP Waiver & ASP Volunteer forms prior to participating in Basic Skills.  (Jesse Lee Waiver & ASP Forms)

The 2024 basic skills sessions will be held at Jesse Lee Church and are offered on the following dates:

Saturday, April 12
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1:45 PM – 4:45 PM

Sunday, April 13
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Saturday, April 26
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
1:45 PM – 4:45 PM

Sunday, April 27
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Contact: Nik Parker, 203-788-6704

Basic Skills Sign Ups

 

read more

RAMP BUILDING SESSIONS

More information will be coming soon.

Fundraising

More information will be coming soon.

 

ASP National

The national ASP organization has added a number of COVID safety protocols for this summer’s trip including: limiting the number of volunteers who can stay at its “centers”; requiring that masks be worn unless volunteers are eating, sleeping or showering; and prioritizing exterior home repairs, like roof and siding replacements.

For more details, please check out the links below:

ASP COVID-19 Response

ASP Volunteer Protocols Quick Guide