2019 Response

I came to bring change, not realizing that in this year I would be changed. CLAIRE, BON SECOUR VOLUNTEER MINISTRY

Since its inception, 92 members have served the needs of more than 100,000 vulnerable individuals through collaboration with 43 human service organizations. Members serve vulnerable individuals in areas of health, education, nutrition, and other social services including positions in but not limited to nursing and pre-med/healthcare, children's reading programs, urban high school classroom assistants, youth job readiness coaches, food pantry assistants, refugee resettlement, emergency and basic needs support, community outreach, case management and housing/shelter with children, youth, adults and seniors. TYPE OF PLACEMENT: Education, Health Care, Social Services. Unique to our program, members serve in the ministry of their choice where members grow personally, professionally and spiritually to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Service sites are with nonprofit organizations in full-time positions that directly serve vulnerable populations. Applicants are encouraged to be open to the needs and availability of nonprofits and in conversation with Change A Heart staff REQUIREMENTS: This experience is challenging, but also rewarding and fulfilling. While there is no typical member background, all candidates must meet basic eligibility requirements: single men and women, ages 21 to 30, demonstrated openness, flexible, communicative, sense of humor, willingness to serve and be served, live and serve with others who may be different than you, share in a mutually supportive environment in which you can grow, favorably satisfy background check, high school diploma or GED, bachelors degree or work related equivalency. Appreciation for Franciscan spirituality a plus. Individuals of all work experiences, educational backgrounds, ethnicities and residential locations encouraged to apply. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Room and board, personal stipend, food, transportation and loan deferment. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Members live in community with other members in urban neighborhood. SIZE OF PROGRAM: Our program is very sensitive to the needs of our members, and actually, that is what makes us so unique. We are small in size with no more than 6-8 members each year. Staff support is local. TRAINING: One-week orientation, five retreats, closing retreat. Retreats centered on Christian reflection, rest, prayer. All other training is provided by the service site and varies depending on the site. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Our program is small, so space is limited. Early admission is given to applicants who apply prior to June 1; late admission deadline is July 1. Program year begins with orientation late-August; ends the following July. Applications accepted on rolling basis. Christ House 1717 Columbia Rd., NW Washington, DC 20009 202-328-1100 ylv@christhouse.org w christhouse.org CONTACT: Christine Paukstis, Coordinator of Year-Long Volunteers regarding their interests and discernment. AREA OF SERVICE: Pittsburgh, PA (urban) LENGTH OF SERVICE: 11 months, renewable.

needs of the service sites and available resources. Placement is made to facilitate each volunteer's response to a "call" to service. Full-time volunteerism demands flexibility, commitment and vision. It is much more than a "job." AREA OF SERVICE: Florida and the Dominican Republic LENGTH OF SERVICE: One year, renewable. Immediate placements available. The service year typically runs August through June. REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be age 21 or older, female or male, single or married. Applicants who are degreed or who have life experience needed by CV service sites will be considered. Applicants need to be positive, self-initiating and self-motivated individuals; they must have an interest in social justice and a commitment to personal growth. People from all faiths are welcome. Applicants are expected to complete an application, personal essays and reference forms in addition to a personal interview via skype or in person. FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS: Volunteers receive housing, health insurance, and a monthly stipend for food, utilities, and personal expenses. CVIF also provides mileage reimbursement for transportation to and from all retreats once in program. LIVING ARRANGEMENTS: Volunteers live in community with other volunteers, with some exceptions. Volunteers are connected with local support people, and encouraged to develop a support community in the area in which they are living. SIZE OF PROGRAM: 15-25 volunteers annually TRAINING: Volunteers participate in CV development program which includes a weeklong orientation, three weekend retreat/workshops and a week-long formation program. APPLICATION DEADLINE: Please visit our website at cvif.org for the most recent deadlines. Change A Heart Franciscan Volunteer Program 830 Western Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 412-334-4746 volunteers@sosf.org w changeaheartvolunteers.org F facebook.com/changeaheartvolunteers L @Change_A_Heart CONTACT: Patricia J. Moran, Director AFFILIATIONS: Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities GOAL OF PROGRAM: Change A Heart is an 11 month service experience that empowers young adults to live simply in community while serving a vulnerable population. Change A Heart’s vision is to inspire and mentor young adults in the Franciscan spirit to further develop their skills of faith-filled service. Change A Heart does this by providing tools, resources and support so members can be intentional about living out their Christian call of modeling justice, peacemaking, hospitality, caring for the earth and all creation. Members' experiences impact not only themselves, but the local community of western Pennsylvania, and most importantly those who are marginalized by walking with clients and providing direct essential services. Rooted in the spirit of St. Francis, Change A Heart was founded in 1999 by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities.

26 RESPONSE 2019 | A DIRECTORY OF FAITH-BASED VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES