churches and individuals who have a common interest in missions . Headquartered in Decatur , Georgia , CBF is small but sponsors missionaries around the world . Jasper herself was commissioned as a field representative in 2014 .
“ I was commissioned under an initiative called Together for Hope ,” Jasper explained , which focuses on persistent rural poverty particularly in McCreary County as one of its initial focus sites .
Through her secular work , Jasper was already equipped to teach financial literacy and nutrition education . “ Those became the foundation of my ministry ,” she said , “ especially in the beginning .”
As she began to work with the homeless , Jasper ’ s work expanded into case management . She also works with seniors and survivors of domestic abuse .
“ I can help someone get an ID or their birth certificate , or do a resume ,” Jasper said . “ I can help them look for a job and apply for housing — various things like that . But also a growing part of my ministry is pastoral counseling .”
Jasper ’ s ministry has also grown to cover some 10 counties in southeastern and south-central Kentucky as well as east Tennessee .
“ My ministry has really evolved and grown over the years ,” she said . “ I have a very diverse ministry so it ’ s
Jasper works to support the schools ’ family resource centers with back-toschool supplies , food and hygiene items .
UNSUNG HEROES 2023
Jasper made the move from Somerset to Corbin , where she has established an office in the First Baptist Church . | Photos by Janie Slaven
not just one particular thing .”
Jasper partners with three schools — Pine Knot Elementary in McCreary County , Oneida Elementary in Scott County , Tennessee , and East Bernstadt Elementary in Laurel County . Jasper works to support the schools ’ family resource centers with back-to-school supplies , food and hygiene items .
“ They are the ones that have the pulse of that school of the families who need a little extra help ,” Jasper said of family resource directors . “ I really look to them to tell me what the needs are . My goal when I work with a community or partner is not to tell them what I ’ m going to do but to ask where can we walk together — what are the needs and how can I support you in that effort .”
The schools are central to one of Jasper ’ s largest projects , known as Christmas Boxes for Appalachia , for which she receives support from partners in nine states . This year , the program distributed some 2,800 boxes not only to Jasper ’ s partner schools but also to at-risk middle and high school students , senior centers , residential programs for at-risk teens and
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