Hey readers, welcome back! It is a blessing to be with you all once again as the journey of ASP is steadily coming to a close. There are technically still a few weeks left, but some centers are already done with volunteer groups for the summer, and many more are in their last week of construction now. It’s been amazing to see all the awesome projects being completed and seeing homeowners watch the amazing progress staff and volunteers have made to reach that main goal of keeping homes warmer, safer, and drier. This week has been a whirlwind for sure! Haley and I traveled back to Knott County, Kentucky, then to Cocke County, Tennessee, to capture some very special disaster recovery events, but we also got to meet some great people along the way. I’ve got a story to tell about a woman who lost everything in the recent Kentucky floods, but thanks to ASP and her community, she’s back on her feet. Â
Mrs. Rhonda was one of many survivors who suffered home loss after the recent floods in Kentucky. This spring, she received a brand-new home, graciously built for her by ASP in Wayland, Kentucky, and she’s had the most humbling experience through it all. As soon as we pulled into the driveway, she immediately came out from her screened door and was eager to invite us in and show us what she’d done to the place. She went through every inch of the house in every room, even the outside and the backyard. Her excitement was so electric. She was so happy to share her blessing with us, and it was amazing to see. In talking to Mrs. Rhonda, she told us about how grateful she feels because even after ASP finished building the house, she was fortunate to have family and friends who also gifted her things for the house to help furnish, decorate, and truly make it her home. She mentioned that they threw a housewarming party for her, and she thought it was so sweet; they even made her a cake in the shape of her new house! Overall, Mrs. Rhonda is such a happy-go-lucky person whose laughter is just so contagious. I am thankful that her life has been blessed by ASP and the support of those closest to her, I wish her nothing but the best!Â
This week, we also got to experience two ASP events celebrating the efforts of ASP’s New Build and Disaster Recovery program, its partners, and the overwhelming success that they’ve had. I thought it was awesome to see that other side of ASP that is still relatively new. The disaster recovery efforts have obviously been very crucial recently, as many individuals are still in the process of recuperating after enduring these natural disasters. After spending time observing how the process is handled for these new build projects, I can tell you that it’s very different from home repair processes, but the same objectives and results still apply. Homeowners’ lives have truly been changed by these new homes, and although they may not get to see every volunteer crew that helps build their home, they still grow a special attachment to ASP, just in a different way. Meeting and speaking with many of the partners and upper management behind these new home builds at the events was a great experience. They are all kind and stand-up people, which is refreshing to see considering the usual stereotypical ‘corporate’ personas most are familiar with. It was a pleasure and an honor to be a part of celebrating the achievements of this program, and a special huge shoutout to those summer staffers who have jumped into these disaster recovery centers headfirst, not necessarily knowing what it would be like. I believe most would agree that you have all done an incredible job. Â
I have thoroughly enjoyed how the summer has played out, and I can’t imagine how it will feel when everything officially wraps up. I am anxious for those final emotions, but until then I’m sure there will be lots of developing stories with wonderful happy endings that I can’t wait to be a part of. Until next week, I hope to see you guys again same time next Tuesday!Â
Until next time readers, Â
Josh Adams
Story Gathering Intern
