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Do
I have a choice in where I'm placed?
Yes! We do everything possible to place applicants at
the work site and geographical location of their choice.
Volunteers are never arbitrarily placed, nor are they
placed at a site where they do not wish to be. We actually
encourage you to look at the job descriptions and check
out the web sites of our worksite agencies, and apply
with a particular site and job in mind.
How religious do I have to be?
Our Program is Catholic in origin and history and does
have a religious foundation, but the faith emphasis
is on reflection and contemplation. LSA Family in Mission
Volunteers and The Little Sisters of the Assumption
believe in "faith through action," and volunteers
are encouraged to witness their faith through the work
that they do. Volunteers wishing a daily religious experience
may attend mass with the Sisters, but this is left to
the wishes of the individual volunteers and not a structured
part of the program. It is imperative, however, for
a volunteer to have the capacity for self / soul searching.
Volunteers are expected to be at weekly community meals
and prayer/reflection and to actively participate in
the community life of their residence.
How
will I afford to live?
Volunteers receive a $100.00 monthly stipend, $225 monthly food allotment and Health Insurance, if needed, from the service
site. Student loans can be deferred
while serving with the LSA FIM Volunteers. One of the aims of the program
is to experience a very simple lifestyle.
Do I need to bring
a car?
Not necessarily. The volunteer communities at times can share use of a
car, and at the New York site, mass-transit is readily
available (many New Yorkers don't own cars).
How safe will I be?
While the work sites are in marginalized, inner-city
neighborhoods, volunteers are never asked to go anywhere
or do anything unsafe. Our program has been in existence
for 35 plus years, and in that time we have never
had a volunteer victimized in any felonious manner.
Safety rules are part the program's orientation.
Do you accept International
applicants?
International applicants are accepted, but only for
a term of service of one year or more.
What are the living situations like?
Volunteers live in apartments in house either with or
near the Little Sisters of the Assumption. Each volunteer
has their own private bedroom and shares a fully equipped
kitchen, a full bathroom, and common living space with
other volunteers and/or Little Sisters. Each residence
has TV/VCRs, PC, and laundry facilities.
How does my time commitment
affect my volunteer experience?
A one-year commitment is preferred because it allows
for the volunteer to have a substantial "settling
in" period, while still allowing enough time for
them to serve, live and feel at home in an areat. A one-year commitment also allows for a greater
range of positions available to the volunteer, as there is
time for them to be better-trained and to learn on-the-job.
Our program also operates on a program year beginning
in early September and mid-January. However, applications are received on a rolling basis and there may be openings at other times as well. The year is arranged or programmed
to build community and offer support at the various
stages of the experience.
How long does the
application process take?
It generally takes about two to three months from when
we receive an application to when the volunteer is approved.
We prefer volunteers to start in early September or
mid-January, but no one is ever denied acceptance based
upon their availability alone.
What are the weekly hours of service?
Volunteers typically abide by a standard 5-day, 40 service hours per week. They may be called upon to serve extra hours
in the evening or weekend if their ministry calls for it,
but in these instances they would receive compensatory
time. A balanced lifestyle of service, reflection and relaxation
is the goal.
Can I speak with a
current or former volunteer to get a volunteer's perspective on your program?
Yes, we encourage this and have volunteers and alumni/ae
who are prepared to speak with you. Contact the program
coordinator to arrange for this.
Can I visit the service site
and volunteer residence before I apply or before I accept a position?
Yes, we encourage this and will do our best to accommodate
a visit. You must provide your own transportation for
such a visit.
How
can I get more information?
Contact the application coordinator
at 212-722-7404 or send an email to
coordinator@lsafim.org
Maria Lugo
LSA Family in Mission Volunteers
475 East 115th Street, 1st Floor New York, NY 10029
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