Next Step Ministries, the non-profit group that conducts mission work around the country is making its first of several visits over the next decade to San Augustine County this week doing home repair projects such as roofing, siding, dry walling and constructing wheel-chair ramps.

Around 40 teenagers, ranging from middle school to college age from across the county have descended on the area, spending their Spring Break.

San Augustine County Judge Samye Johnson said an invitation was extended to Next Step Ministries in 2014 to be a part of a community team to revitalize San Augustine County.

She says the group has been working on three houses in San Augustine this week, in addition to one in Broaddus.

After this week, Next Step Ministries is planning on returning to San Augustine this summer for two months, then three months for every summer the next 10 years.

Judge Johnson said through a private donation 17 windows have been replaced in one of the houses being worked on by the group this week.

Judge Johnson adds that a Next Step Ministries Meet & Greet will be held at 6 p.m. Friday at The Ayish Caboose for an old-fashioned community social cook-out to welcome "The Next Step" Workforce team to San Augustine.

She encourages all residents to stop by and give Next Step a friendly San Augustine smile.