Social
Concerns
Summer Fellowship
Upper Room Recovery Community/Recovery Cafe
Volunteer Non US Citizen
Yes
Categories:
Language Preferences:
Location Details
Description
The Upper Room Recovery Community is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals build meaningful, sustainable lives in recovery from substance use disorder. Through supportive recovery housing, peer support, treatment partnerships, life-skills development, employment assistance, community resources, and strong connections to the local recovery community, we walk alongside individuals as they rebuild their lives and move toward independence. Our work is rooted in the belief that recovery is about more than abstinence—it is about restoring hope, building relationships, creating opportunity, and helping people discover what is possible for their future. Interns at The Upper Room have the opportunity to work directly within a growing, community-based organization and see firsthand the impact that compassion, connection, and practical support can have on individuals, families, and the greater South Bend community.
Student Role
The student intern will become an active part of The Upper Room Recovery Community and will spend the majority of their time working directly with residents and individuals utilizing our recovery and community-based services. Students will have opportunities to build relationships with residents, participate in recovery-focused activities and groups, assist individuals with employment searches, résumés, life skills, goal setting, accessing community resources, and other needs that support long-term stability and independence. They may also spend time at our Recovery Center welcoming participants, helping facilitate activities, connecting individuals to resources, and simply being present and engaged with members of the recovery community. Depending on the student’s interests and strengths, they may assist with community outreach, special events, volunteer activities, educational programming, or the development of new initiatives designed to meet identified needs in our community. We want our interns to experience the human side of nonprofit and recovery work. Students will be encouraged to listen, learn, build meaningful relationships, and recognize the strengths and potential of the individuals we serve. They may accompany staff during community outreach or partnership activities and will have opportunities to learn from our leadership, house staff, peer support professionals, community partners, and residents. Approximately 5–8 hours per week may be dedicated to behind-the-scenes nonprofit work such as researching community resources, assisting with grant or program research, preparing materials for events or groups, organizing donations, updating resource information, helping with communications, or completing other administrative projects. Whenever possible, responsibilities will be tailored to the student’s academic interests, skills, and professional goals while ensuring that their experience remains centered on direct service, relationship building, and meaningful engagement with the recovery community.
Work Schedule
Students will generally work Monday through Friday, approximately 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., for a total of 35–40 hours per week. Because recovery support and community engagement do not always occur within traditional business hours, there may be occasional opportunities for students to participate in evening groups, community events, resident activities, outreach efforts, or special programs. When evening or weekend participation is scheduled, the student’s weekday hours will be adjusted accordingly. We will work with each student to establish a consistent weekly schedule while allowing flexibility for meaningful experiences that arise throughout the internship. Students will generally be free during evenings and weekends unless an activity or event is planned in advance.
Orientation
Prior to arrival, The Upper Room will participate in the two required Zoom meetings to begin building a relationship with the student, discuss expectations, learn about their interests and goals, and prepare them for working within a recovery-focused environment. Once on site, students will receive a comprehensive orientation that includes an overview of The Upper Room’s mission, programs, recovery housing model, staff roles, community partnerships, confidentiality and professional boundaries, safety procedures, trauma-informed practices, and appropriate interaction with residents and program participants. Students will also be introduced to staff, tour our facilities, and learn about the different programs and resources available to the individuals we serve. Throughout the eight-week experience, a designated staff supervisor will meet individually with the student at least once each week for formal supervision. These meetings will provide an opportunity to discuss experiences with residents, ask questions, process challenges, review responsibilities, receive feedback, and connect the student’s daily experiences to their academic and professional goals. In addition to formal weekly supervision, students will work closely with staff throughout each day and will be encouraged to ask questions, seek guidance, and participate in team discussions. Because students will be working with individuals in recovery, we will place particular emphasis on confidentiality, healthy boundaries, dignity, respect, trauma-informed engagement, and understanding recovery as an individualized process.
Housing Information
The Upper Room Recovery Community does not provide on-site housing for student interns. Students will need to utilize housing arranged through the program or other approved accommodations within the South Bend community. Students will commute to The Upper Room for their scheduled internship hours and will not reside within our men’s or women’s recovery residences.
Spanish Language Proficiency
Beginner Spanish Preferred
Drivers License
If the student has a license and is willing.
Student Preferences
Ability to understand substance use disorder
Start And End Dates
May 17 to August 13 2027