Avondale Samaritan Place (ASP) is where faith meets community. Born in 2013 from a shared vision between Avondale and Canterbury United Methodist Churches, ASP was created to be a “Community Hub for Christian Service.”

Located in the Avondale UMC gym, ASP serves as the mission arm of Avondale UMC and brings together neighbors, local businesses, and community partners to build relationships that make life better for everyone.

Our work focuses on walking alongside those on the margins—helping ensure that as Avondale grows and transforms, everyone has a place at the table. Through shared service, connection, and compassion, we strive to make the love of God visible in real and practical ways.

Want to learn more?
📧 ssims@avonumc.net
📞 205.868.3345

  • Susan Hunt Sims
  • Jeff Bowman

Christmas Village

Each December, the ASP gym becomes a joyful Christmas Village where parents shop for gifts for just $5 per child, choosing three gifts that feel just right. This simple model honors parents’ dignity and ensures every child experiences the wonder of Christmas.

The Village thrives through community generosity—donated toys, neighborhood volunteers, and local seasonal hires all bring this tradition to life. You can help, too! Volunteer or donate to make this Christmas unforgettable for children and families in Avondale.

💚💜 Volunteer: click HERE
🎁 Amazon wishlist: click HERE
💵 Donate money: click HERE

Community Events

At ASP, building relationships with our neighbors is at the heart of everything we do. Our year-round community events—like Cookies with Santa and Egg-cetera—bring families together for crafts, games, and holiday fun, creating a safe, welcoming space for connection and care.

Volunteers and supporters make these events possible. Help us continue spreading joy in Avondale by donating or joining us for the next event!

💚💜 Volunteer: email Susan (ssims@avonumc.net)
💵 Donate money: click HERE

🎅🏾 Join us Sunday, December 7 at 2pm for Cookies with Santa

Food Cooperatives

At ASP, feeding families is about more than filling plates—it’s about nourishing hearts, building friendships, and growing faith together. Our three monthly co-ops—Alpha, Omega, and Joy—serve 150–175 people with groceries from The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, including canned goods, fresh produce, frozen meats, and breads.

Beyond the food, these gatherings are a place for conversation, care, and prayer, where neighbors support one another and lift each other up. It costs about $1,000 each month to sustain all three co-ops—your gift helps feed families and reminds our neighbors they’re not alone at the table.

💚💜 DONATE today

Homeless Ministry

At ASP, our homeless neighbors are valued members of our community. During the week, anyone who stops by receives a snack bag, cold water, and a warm smile. On Mondays, we host a sit-down lunch with sandwiches prepared by volunteers, where a social worker helps connect guests to resources and support.

It costs about $350 per week for snack bags and $250 per month for weekly lunches. Your gift helps us continue showing care, dignity, and love to our neighbors.

💚💜 Amazon wishlist: click HERE
💵 Donate money: click HERE

Use Your Noodle

At ASP, we believe learning is best when curiosity leads the way. Use Your Noodle is our summer enrichment camp that inspires children to explore, ask questions, and dream big, helping them grow academically and in confidence, creativity, and problem-solving.

In 2025, 78 students participated, guided by teachers, college professors, and local volunteers, with support from community partners. Educating one student for a 3-week session costs $1,050—your gift helps foster curiosity and learning that lasts a lifetime.

💚💜 DONATE today
🎥 WATCH the 2025 highlight reel

Senior Ministries

At ASP, caring for our seniors is about creating connection, dignity, and joy every day.

One way we do this is through our monthly Beeson Senior Lunch where about 35 seniors gather for a warm meal, devotion, gentle chair exercises, Bingo, and Mrs. Gloria’s famous “Happy Birthday.”  Laughter, conversation, and care fill the room — a small snapshot of the love our seniors receive through the support of our amazing social work team.

A gift of $400 covers one monthly senior lunch that nourishes both body and spirit.

💚💜 DONATE today

Lawn Ministry

At ASP, a well-kept lawn can bring peace of mind and pride to our neighbors. Many in our community can’t maintain their yards due to age, health, or financial constraints. Twice a week from May through October, our crew mows, trims, weed-eats, and blows lawns, helping neighbors care for their homes with dignity.

Volunteers are always welcome to serve, meet neighbors, and make a visible difference. Operating costs run about $350 per week, and your support keeps lawns—and spirits—looking their best.

🌿 Volunteer: email Susan (ssims@avonumc.net)
💚💜 DONATE today

Move It

At ASP, sneakers squeak, laughter echoes, and kids discover just how fun being active can be! Our weekly Move It program—created in partnership with UAB’s Kinesiology Program—brings students after school from Avondale Elementary and Red Mountain Community Schools together for 6–8 weeks of games, races, and team activities.

Each session helps kids stay strong, healthy, and confident while building connections between schools, college students, and the ASP community. A $50 gift keeps one child moving, growing, and grinning from ear to ear.

💚💜 DONATE today

Job Creation

At ASP, creating opportunities for neighbors to thrive goes hand in hand with serving the community. We hire part-time team members from the neighborhoods we serve.  These folks help run programs like the Food Co-op, Lawn Ministry, Homeless Lunch, Move It, and seasonal events. They truly are the heart and backbone of everything we do.

Staffing multiple programs costs about $1,100 per week. Your gift helps keep these programs thriving while providing meaningful employment to neighbors making a real difference.

💚💜 DONATE today

Interested in Learning More or Getting Involved?

📧 ssims@avonumc.net
📞 205.868.3345