DeSales Service Works
Volunteer Non US Citizen
Yes
Categories:
Spanish Language Preferences:
Location Details
Description
DeSales Service Works brings people of differing backgrounds together under the banner of Christ to the benefit of both the volunteers (generally from middle class, more affluent backgrounds) and residents of our neighborhood (generally more disadvantaged). DSW makes an impact, demonstrating the power of gentle strength in a world that can be aggressive, violent, and broken. We join the good work going on here to improve life for our struggling sisters and brothers. Our presence and work points to the reality of God’s presence and love. Service also impacts those who serve; as Pope Francis puts it, “When you meet the needy, your heart grows bigger.”
Student Role
Students work with people experiencing homelessness and or addiction via three of DeSales’ service partners: Joseph’s House of Camden shelter, Last Stop 12 Step recovery program (in Camden and nearby in the Kensington section of Philadelphia), and Agape pop-up service fairs. With all three we join the community—both those serving and those receiving services—providing food, drink, clothing, books, some prayer, and a lot of listening and connection. Work includes preparation and transporting materials. Working directly with people is the focus. Students become part of the overlapping communities of the shelter, the Last Stop, and Agape. By that I mean students get to know neighbors while staffing a clothing table or giving out coffee or by listening to people share their story at an AA/NA meeting and sitting down together at the meal afterwords.
Work Schedule
The following presents the typical structure of a week Sunday off Monday 5:00pm to 10:00pm Last Stop AA/NA four hours at Joseph’s House answering the door and phone, etc. Monday or Friday Tuesday 9:00am to 1:00pm Food and clothing Joseph’s House shelter 5:00pm to 8:00pm Last Stop AA/NA Wednesday 9:00am to 5:00pm Neighborhood projects Thursday 9:00am to 12:00pm Agape pop-up service fair 5:00pm to 7:00pm Dinner at Joseph’s House shelter 7:00pm to 8:00pm AA/NA at Joseph’s House 8:00pm to 10:00 AA/NA Last Stop Friday 9:00am to 1:00pm Food and clothing at Joseph’s House shelter four hours at Joseph’s House Friday or Monday Saturday 9:30am-12:00pm Agape pop-up service fair
Orientation
Orientation involves meeting our service partners, reviewing their missions and meeting their community members.
Housing Information
The DeSales volunteer house is actually three connected city row houses. Notre Dame students have one house with four bedrooms (one bed per room), a bathroom and a half, laundry room a community room. There is a shared kitchen and chapel and a lovely porch and back garden.
Spanish Language Proficiency
Not Applicable
Other Language Proficiencies
There is opportunity to speak Spanish. The majority of Spanish speakers here also speak English.
Background Check
Fingerprints, Safe Environment Training
Drivers License
No
Student Preferences
Flexibility is important. One of our service partners Joseph’s House, is pretty structured, with a standard building and paid employees. DeSales serves meals on the porch of the shelter in order to serve both residents and people who are still living outside. Last Stop and Agape are fluid projects run by people who were on the streets themselves only a few years back. I do not mean that they are not organized, I do mean that service with all three partners brings us close to people in need and provides a community environment for these encounters.