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LSA FAMILY IN MISSION VOLUNTEERS
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
LSA Family in Mission (LSA FIM) Volunteers live in impoverished neighborhoods
in New York and Massachusetts and work alongside human
service and home health care professionals in a variety
of programs based in the neighborhoods in which they
live. LSA FIM Volunteers live in community, sharing residences
with other volunteers, in houses with or near the Little
Sisters of the Assumption. Volunteers and Little Sisters
in each mission city share a weekly community meal and
community prayer. Each volunteer has a placement supervisor
and each residence has a liaison to the LSA community that
helps to manage the house and facilitate community living.
Service Opportunities
LSA Family in Mission Volunteers serve in a variety of positions.
Volunteers teach in adult education programs, teach
ESL and Spanish Literacy, work in child care centers,
organize tutoring and mentoring programs, help agencies
with computers and IT issues, make home visits to families,
staff food pantries and thrift shops, organize youth
programs, and assist families in obtaining other emergency
services. Our program fits your placement to your talents,
gifts and experience and/or trains you to take on a
new ministry in which you may be interested. Please
use the links on the Service Areas
page of our website to find more information on specific
agencies, positions available at each agency, and complete
ministry descriptions.
Minimum
Requirements for Beginning the Discernment Process
Although Catholic Christian in our orientation, the
LSA FIM Volunteer program values and believes in the dignity and integrity
of all people. We encourage applications from people
of diverse backgrounds. Applicants must be 20 years
old by the start of their service, and be willing to
live a simple lifestyle and commit to being an active
member of the community. We welcome applications
regardless of race/ethnic background, religious affiliation
or spiritual practice, national origin, age, disability,
gender, sexual orientation, or marital status. Applying
to the LSA FIM Volunteer program is not like applying for a job. In
addition to the necessary paperwork, there is a process
of discernment on the part of the potential volunteer
and the LSA FIM Volunteer program. While the paper application and
necessary forms and references are in process, the LSA FIM Volunteer Coordinator will be in
conversation with the prospective volunteer through
phone calls and email. A face-to face interview with
a LSA FIM Volunteer staff member, Little Sister of the Assumption,
or one of our alumnae/i is also required. Whenever
possible we encourage prospective volunteers to visit
the mission site and community in which they are interested.
Length
of Service
We prefer a one-year minimum commitment, and offer the
option to renew for up to one additional year. The preferred
starting date is early September or mid-January. Applicants
will never be rejected based solely upon their inability
to meet a preferred start date.
Benefits
All volunteers
will have their own bedroom in one of our volunteer
apartments and share a bathroom, fully equipped kitchen,
and common living space with other volunteers and/or
the Little Sisters of the Assumption. Some applicants
may be eligible for the Americorps
Education Award Grant program through our collaboration
with the Catholic
Volunteer Network.
The placement site provided full health insurance, a monthly stipend
of $100.00, and a weekly food allowance.
Personal
and Spiritual Growth
All volunteers are required to attend a week of reflection
and several weekend gatherings throughout the year.
The Program Coordinator meets with each volunteer on a
regular basis for reflection and mentoring. Volunteers
are encouraged to enjoy the cultural and spiritual outlets
each mission city has to offer. Communities offer hospitality
by sharing their material, physical, and spiritual resources.
CONTACT:
Maria Lugo
LSA Family in Mission Volunteers
475 East 115th Street, 1st Floor
New York, NY 10029
Tel.
212-722-7404
Fax
212-722-7405
Email : coordinator@lsafim.org
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