Welcome to this 2009 edition of UCC Mission Trip Opportunities.
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You are about to embark on a journey of transformation - the transformation of God's people - you - and those your group serves with and among. Mission trips in the United States are a powerful way to experience the multi-layered realities of people. You can reflect on your faith in light of these realities and your service. And you are challenged to make new commitments for justice advocacy and continued service in your own community, the wider U.S., and around the globe.
Three stages of mission trip action are all vital for a successful mission trip.
- Preparation - not only in packing your suitcase and setting travel plans, but also in training on cross-cultural relationship skills and gaining a working knowledge of social, economic and faith issues. This preparation equips your group to enter more fully into the lives of people you meet and situations you encounter.
- On-site participation and reflection - enables you to share your gifts and talents with others and experience God's work in the world in new ways.
- Follow-up action - when you return home involves you and your congregation in justice advocacy that addresses root causes of the justice issues you encountered and motivates you for continued service with God's people.
Ucc Mission Trip participants have experienced just this during the past year - and have told the story.
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A 17 year old high school junior was in New Orleans on his third disaster recovery mission trip and was interviewed by the Times-Picayune newspaper. "Listening to people's stories down here got me thinking: Maybe people in Maine have different stories that they'd like to tell. So I started opening my ears a little bit instead of just living inside my little circle of friends; I have tried to reach outside my safety zone. I listen to people a lot more than I used to." The columnist reflected on the experience, "Like so many tens of thousands of others who have come here with an open mind and a pair of work gloves, this place has changed his life."
--J. G., First Paish Congregational |
Rev. Sue Artt journeyed with a group of 17 members of her congregation to Biloxi, MS to work alongside the folks at Back Bay Mission. "We found, upon our return, that our small contributions had big pay-offs not just for the people of Mississippi, but, indeed, for each of us who went on the trip. The devastation left by Hurricane Kartina, along with the generalized poverty of the area served as an eye-opener for all of us, and a heartbreaker for many. Our mission trip, more than just changing lives in Mississippi, changed hearts in Nashville, opening up a continuing conversation of how we can be better stewards in God's hurting world."
--Rev. Sue Artt, St. Paul |
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F.A.S.T. (Faithful Advocates Serving Together) participants, C.G., M.S. and M.D., were featured on a segment of Nickelodeon television's Nick News. In light of this mission trip in the Appalachian region of Tennessee, they told the story to the world. "Our mission was to help people who were in poverty. ... What I saw on the mission trip kind of reminded me of a third-world nation. Basically, the problem there is a lack of jobs. ... It really opened up my eyes to how much needs to be done. I think that I got back so much more than I gave..."
--Raymond Village Community Church |
* Introduction
Resources Available for Mission Trip Leadership
Mission Trip Tracking Request
Table of Contents by State
Index by Focus of Mission Trip
Mission Trip Planning Ideas
Commissioning and Covenant Service
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* Resources Available to Help Equip You for Leading Your Group in a UCC Mission Trip
Richter, Don C. Mission Trips that Matter: Embodied Faith for the Sake of the World.
Nashville: Upper Room books, 2008. Available from Upper Room www.upperroom.org/bookstore and other book sellers.
Explores the purpose of a mission trip and highlights preparation and readiness for new experiences. Part II's chapter headings offer a hint of what is to come: Attentive Eyes, Attuned Ears, Sturdy Backs, Beautiful Feet, Open Hands, Courageous Lips, Conspiring Noses.
Disciples Home Missions and Week of Compassion. Get Dirty for Jesus! A Handbook for Organizing work Trips. Available from Office of Disciples Volunteering at www.discipleshomemissions.org/Volunteer/SpecialProjects/ODVresources.htm.
Includes helpful resources for logistical planning as well as preparation Bible studies and suggestions for follow-up advocacy actions.
- On-Site Participation & Reflection:
Global Ministries. Mission Pilgrimage Journal: Seeing the Face of Christ in our Global Partners. Available from United Church of Christ Resources at 800 537-3394 Code: WCMPJ Mission Pilgrimage Journal.
Written particularly for participants in People-to-People Pilgrimages through UCC/Disciples Global Ministries, this booklet prompts reflection on the short-term mission experience with Bible passages, prayers and questions that are important within the United States as well as around the globe. It helps emobdy the local-global connections of mission.
Lupien, Julie and Michelle Scheidt. Remaining Faithful: How Do I Keep my Experience Alive? A Manual for Reflection, Integration and Prayer after a Short-Term Experience in Another Culture. Longmont, Colorado: From Mission to Mission, 2006. Available from Mission to Mission www.missiontomission.org/page6.html.
Questions and reflection starters for use after returning home. Includes a list of websites helpful for further action for justice and mission. Can be used as a group or as individuals.
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* LISTING BY STATE
Arizona
BorderLinks
Humane Borders
Arkansas
Heifer International - Heifer Ranch
Harvest of Hope
California
All Peoples Christian Center
Centro Romero Center for Border Ministries
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection
Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM) (Fresno)
Interfaith Community Services
Colorado
Denver Urban Ministries
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection
La Puente Home, Home Repair Service Projects
La Puente Home, Service Opportunities
San Luis Valley Habitat for Humanity (Alamosa)
District of Columbia
Harvest of Hope
Youth Service Opportunities Project (YSOP)
Florida
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection
Harvest of Hope
UCC National Disaster Recovery Florida Conference
Georgia
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection
Harvest of Hope
Koinonia Partners
Hawaii
Lani Kamaha’o Peace Village
Illinois
National Disaster Ministries Long-Term RecoveryDiscovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection
Rockford Workcamp
Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center
Indiana
National Disaster Ministries Long-Term Recovery
Iowa
National Disaster Ministries Long-Term Recovery
Kentucky
Henderson Settlement
Faithful Advocates Serving Together (F.A.S.T.)
Urban Spirit
Louisiana
New Orleans Association – Souther Central Conference UCC-Long-Term Disaster Recovery
Terrebonne Readiness Assistance Coalition
Maine
H.O.M.E., Inc.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland
Maryland
Brethren Service Center
Massachusetts
Boston Urban Outreach
Heifer International Overlook Farm
Mississippi
Back Bay Mission (Biloxi)
Missouri
Emmaus Homes, Inc. (Marthasville)
Emmaus Homes, Inc. (St. Charles)
Urban Mission Experience at Epiphany
United Church Neighborhood Houses
Shannondale Community Center
New Hampshire
Horton Center
New York
Habitat for Humanity (Buffalo)
Cluster 13, Inc.
Dunkirk Conference Center
Project Hospitality, Inc.
Youth Service Opportunities Project (YSOP)
North Carolina
Franklinton Center at Bricks
Ohio
Good Works, Inc.
Nu-Vizion Christian Fellowship UCC
Washington United Church of Christ
Pennsylvania
Habitat for Humanity (York)
Harvest of Hope
Mensch Mill Camp and Conference Center
Old First Reformed Church (UCC)
The Pittsburgh Project
Urban Service Learning Experience
Rhode Island
Irons Homestead Camp and Conference Center
—Providence Experience
South Carolina
Harvest of Hope
South Dakota
RE-MEMBER
Wakonda United Church of Christ Congregation
Tennessee
Appalachia Service Project, Inc.
First Congregational UCC
Morgan-Scott Project for Cooperative Christian Concerns
Sunset Gap Community Center
Texas
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection
Inman Christian Center
Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries
Vermont
Addison County Community Action Group
Virginia
Harvest of Hope
Washington
Yakama Christian Mission
West Virginia
Alderson Ministerial Assocation
Appalachian South Folklife Center
Wisconsin
Pilgrim Camp and Retreat Center
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* INDEX BY FOCUS OF MISSION TRIP
Educational/Immersion Mission Trips
BorderLinks (AZ)
Humane Borders (AZ)
Centro Romero (CA)
Urban Spirit (KY)
Heifer International - Heifer Ranch (AR)
Heifer International Overlook Farm (MA)
Service-Learning Mission Trips
- Rural
Addison County Community Action Group (VT)
Alderson Ministerial Assocation (WV)
Appalachia Service Project, Inc. (TN)
Appalachian South Folklife Center (WV)
Cluster 13, Inc. (NY)
Faithful Advocates Serving Together (KY)
Good Works, Inc. (OH)
Harvest of Hope (DC, FL, GA, MS, PA, SC, VA, )
Henderson Settlement (KY)
H.O.M.E., Inc. (ME)
H.O.M.E.S., Inc. (KY)
La Puente Home Repair (CO)
La Puente Social Service (CO)
Morgan-Scott Project for Cooperative Christian Concerns (TN)
Wakonda United Church of Christ (SD)
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* MISSION TRIP PLANNING IDEAS
1. Gather information. Use this listing to explore the opportunities that are available. Explore websites. You can also access volunteer opportunities on-line at www.ucc.org/volunteer. Feel free to call the Volunteer Ministries office. Talk to others who have participated in mission trips. What do they suggest? Are there young people or adults from these groups who would be willing to come and talk to your group about their experiences? Hearing first-person stories can generate enthusiasm within your group for the trip you are planning.
2. Select the site. Involve the members of your group in the decision. Consider where the passion of your group lies. Consider how this mission trip can encourage your congregation in current directions of mission or open the possibility of new directions and the development of a 'culture of mission.'
Hose sites have different emphases in their ministry and opportunities for groups. Educational immersion trips often focus on meeting people, hearing their stories, and being equipped and empowered to return home with a strong justice advocacy commitment. Service-learning sites offer opportunities for 'hands on' service and acquaintance with the local people and issues. Disaster recovery mission trip sites are developed in areas affected by natural disaster several months after the disaster and continuing for the long-term.
Other considerations in finding a good match for your group is geography, cost, and age of the participants in your group.
3. Prepare the participants. Encourage leaders to attend a training event for leading mission trips - or host a training event in your Association or Conference. Contact the Volunteer Ministries office for ideas. Utilize resources from the bibliography listed on page 2 of this booklet.
Gather the group for trainings on cross-cultural skills and familiarity with social-economic-faith issues in the area where you will serve. If your host site engages in construction ministries, practice basic skills with all members of your group.
4. Determine a budget. The major categories to consider when determining a budget are transportation, lodging, food, special events (i.e., amusement park, tours, museums), insurance, donation toward materials, and cost for leadership expertise (i.e. crew bosses, adult sponsors). You may find it easier to figure the cost per person, multiply by the number of participants, and then add other discreet costs to it. Transportation costs will depend on whether you rent a van, charter a bus, or fly. Food costs per person per day averages between $10 and $15 when you prepare your own meals. You may wish to plan for at least one dinner out.
5. Raise the funds. Many groups use this task to help build a team spirit among the group members so that they get to know one another and learn how to work together. Building this spirit can help to make the trip more meaningful and fun. Do not let finances be a deciding factor in who is able to participate in the trip. Strive to make the trip as affordable as possible. Find scholarship support, if necessary, so that everyone who wants to go is able to do so.
There are many great fund-raising ideas. Here are a few: service and talent auction, talent show dinner, pledges, gift wrapping service, parents' day out, homemade candy sale, and selling "stock" in the trip. Fund-raising events can be a good experience in learning to know one another better and how to work with each other.
6. Plan the schedule. Determine the schedule before you depart so that the participants (and their families) know what to expect. Include realistic work hours and free time. Have devotion, Bible study, or worship time every day. Attend worship in the host community if possible.
When you are on the trip, schedule teams to lead worship, shop for food, and prepare meals. Other tasks to assign are: treasurer, photographer, first-aid person, and secretary/correspondent (to send thank-you notes, etc.).
7. Connect with the congregation. Before you leave, plan to have a covenant and commissioning service for the participants. You can find a sample covenant and commissioning liturgy in this booklet. This helps the congregation participate in the mission trip with those who are traveling through their prayer, support and openness to new ideas when the group returns. During the trip, write blogs to connect people at home in your daily experience. When you return, find creative ways for the participants to tell the story of the trip. Use pictures, words, songs, skits, displays, and sermons. Look for local mission projects that the congregation can become involved in to continue to foster the spirit of service that the trip generated.
8. Become advocates for economic and social justice. When you return to your own community, become advocates who speak out against the systems that oppress persons and who work to encourage change. For more ideas, contact the Volunteer Ministries office www.ucc.org/volunteer, Global Ministries www.globalministries.org or Justice and Witness Ministries of the United Church of Christ www.ucc.org/justice.
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* COMMISSIONING AND COVENANT SERVICE FOR MISSION TRIP GROUPS AND CONGREGATIONS
Based on Matthew 25:31-40
(Use this resource to send a group on a mission trip and involve the congregation.)
Mission Trip Group: We embark on this mission trip EXPECTING THE UNEXPECTED -- To meet God in new ways,
Congregation Side One: I was hungry.....
Congregation Side Two: and you gave me food
Congregation Side One: I was thirsty.....
Congregation Side Two: and you gave me something to drink
Congregation Side One: I was a stranger.....
Congregation Side Two: and you welcomed me
Mission Trip Group: To be present with our sisters and brothers in difficult life situations
Congregation Side One: I was naked.....
Congregation Side Two: and you gave me clothing
Congregation Side One: I was sick.....
Congregation Side Two: and you took care of me
Congregation Side One: I was in prison.....
Congregation side Two: and you visited me
Mission Trip Group: To ask new questions of faith,
Congregation:
When was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?
Mission Trip Group: To commit ourselves anew to action as part of God's mssion in the world.
Congregation: Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, youdid it to me.
One from Congregation: Now as we send you out - we commission you -
- Go with our gratitude for your willingness to embody your faith in the world through this mission trip.
- Go with our prayers for your safety.
- go with our expectation that you will experience God, yourselves, and the world in new ways and will return to live that faith.
One from Mission Trip Group: Now as you send us out - we commission you...
- Pray for us and the people among whom we serve.
- Receive our stories of love and transformation when we return and open yourselves to God's transformation.
- Engage even more faithfully in this community, the wider United states, and the globe inspired by the experiences of this mission trip.
All: Amen.
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ARIZONA
BorderLinks (Tucson)
Contact: Trip Coordinator
620 South 6th Ave.
Tucson, AZ 85701
E-Mail: education@borderlinks.org
Phone: 520.628.8263
Fax: 520.740.0242
Web site: www.borderlinks.org
Work Needed: BorderLinks specializes in experiential education trips to the United States-Mexico border. Groups may request the addition of a service/learning component to the experience.
Time: All year-round. Register at least eight weeks in advance.
Group Size: 10 persons
Minimum Age: Negotiable
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Come with open minds and hearts and a willingness to learn. Housing may include dormitory-style accommodations and/or home stays with families.
Cost: $120/day per person, which covers all programming, translation, housing, meals, leadership, and local transportation; $25 application fee for one day & $50 for multiple days.
Educational/Advocacy Components: A core mission of BorderLinks is to provide groups with learning experiences that are interactive experiential, reflective, and often life-changing.
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Humane Borders (Tucson)
Contact: Sue Ann Goodman
First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
740 E. Speedway Blvd.
Tucson, AZ 85719
E-Mail: humaneborders@gainusa.com
Phone: 520.628.7753
Web site: www.humaneborders.org
Work Needed: This is a combination service and educational experience. Volunteers learn about the social, political, economic and theological complexities of border issues with far reaching effects throughout the U.S. Participants actively engage in a life-saving humanitarian effort to maintain water stations in remote desert areas where large numbers of migrants are at risk of dying from dehydration. Tasks may include routine maintenance and cleaning of vehicles and equipment, assembling, painting and maintaining water station equipment, picking up trash in fragile desert environments along the border, sewing flags and making flag poles for water station sites, as well as office work including filing, copying, preparing mailings, media research, and maintaining the libraries of articles, videos and CDs.
Time: Welcome all year. Average group stay is 3 or 4 days. Longer stays available.
Group Size: If group is 20 or larger, call to discuss special arrangements.
Minimum Age: High school age
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5/6
Conditions: Housing is in the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) fellowship hall and classrooms. Facilities include showers, full kitchen with utensils, meeting space, worship space, 20 cots, washer/dryer for laundry, large screen TV with video and DVD players. Groups provide their own transportation, meals, bedding, towels, and toiletries. Some groups may be requested to bring tools, paint brushes, etc. Local resources include: University of Arizona, The Desert Museum, Biosphere 2, Pima Air Museum, Titan Missile Museum, Saguaro National Monument, mountain hiking trails, ski area on Mount Lemon.
Cost: $12 per person per night to First Christian Church for lodging and $10 per person per day to Humane Borders for activities.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Related educational opportunities south of the border (1) colonias and maquilladoras (2) visit Casa de la Divina Misericordia in Nogales (3) visit/work at an albergue (shelter) (4) visit Iglesia Sagrada Corazon or Iglesia Sagrada Familia in Agua Prieta (5) visit Iglesia San Juan (6) visit migrant center in Altar (63 miles south of the border).
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ARKANSAS
Harvest of Hope
Contact: Lauren Holcomb
The Society of St. Andrew
3383 Sweet Hollow Road
Big Island, VA 24526
E-Mail: sosahoh@endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Fax: 434.299.5956
Web site: www.endhunger.org
Work Needed: Participants glean crops and donate the produce to food assistance programs such as food banks and soup kitchens.
Time: Groups submit applications to attend. Deadlines are four weeks before the event. Weeklong camps are scheduled for senior-high groups in the summer. Weekend camps are scheduled in the spring, summer, and fall for junior-high groups, student and young adult groups, and intergenerational groups. Camp locations vary.
Group Size: Six is a good size. At some events, several church teams can be accommodated. No team is too small.
Minimum Age: 10 years.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 If bringing a mixed gender group, must have a male and female leader.
Conditions: Harvest of Hope staff arranges housing for groups at church camps or college dormitories. Housing conditions vary by location. Some are very rustic with sleeping accommodations on floor mats. Some are more modern.
Cost: Weeklong camps $185 per person, includes housing, meals and programming; Weekend camps $75 per person, includes housing, meals and programming.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Participants learn about hunger through a variety of educational tools, coupled with worship. Hunger education components of the program happen each evening in large and small groups.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in Virginia, South Carolina, georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Arkansas, and Washington, D.C.
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Heifer International– Heifer Ranch (Perryville)
Contact: Ranch Events Office
55 Heifer Road
Perryville, AR 72126
E-Mail: ranchevents@heifer.org
Phone: 501.889.5124
Fax: 501.889.3164
Web site: www.heifer.org/ranch
Work Needed: Programs are primarily educational and several of the available programs also include service projects such as gardening, composting, tending livestock and maintaining Ranch facilities.
Time: Programs are offered year-round. Weeklong programs that include service are offered each spring and summer. Adult programs are offered in the fall.
Group Size: 10 minimum.
Minimum Age: Youth must be sixth graders or older. Adult groups require minimum age of 18.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Programs primarily take place outdoors. All programs require a good amount of walking.
Cost: Tuition fees vary per program and include programming, lodging and meals.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Education components vary per program and may include an overnight experience in the Global Village, Challenge Course activities and hands-on activities illustrate Heifer's cornerstones.
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CALIFORNIA
All Peoples Christian Center
(Los Angeles)
Contact: Saundra Bryant, Executive Director
822 East 20th Street
Los Angeles, CA 90011
E-Mail: allpeoples@allpeoplescc.org
Phone: 213.747.6357
Fax: 213.747.0541
Web site: www.allpeoplescc.org or www.discipleshomemissions.org
Work Needed: A balance is sought between relationship building and more physical work, such as painting the interior and exterior of the building, maintenance/construction-type work on neighborhood houses, and food program distribution. Groups also work with children and youth within the existing programs of daycare/preschool and after-school programs.
Conditions: Housing is at the First Christian Church of Torrance which is about a 20-25 minute drive southwest of All Peoples. They provide showers, sleeping space, kitchen and gym. Groups do their own cooking.
Cost: $150 registration fee and $5.00 per person daily fee; excluding housing donation.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Impact Discussion allows staff to speak to group about different programs at the center. Soap-Making/Reality Tour introduces group members to the neighborhood and the soap and lotion making business designed to give young men and women hope for a different future. “Face to Face Sharing” includes individuals sharing from their experience about realities of the context. Some of the topics are immigration, “what it’s like to be a kid,” serving as the body of Christ, poverty. Ideally, “Face to Face Sharing” is arranged for an hour each day.
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Centro Romero (San Ysidro)
Contact: The Daniel F. Romero Center for Border Ministries, Centro Romero
173 W. Hall Avenue
San Ysidro, CA 92173
Email: immersions@theromerocenter.com
Phone: 619.428.8700
Fax: 619.428.8705
Website: www.theromerocenter.com
The Experience: Educational-transformational immersion seminars along the border focus on issues of globalization, economic policies, immigration, and community empowerment. Participants have the opportunity to meet with people of different perspectives ona variety of social, political, economical, faith, and environmental issues. Centro Romero strives to coordinate visits and talks with people who live on both sides of the border and that are directly affected by the challenges of the U.S. - Mexico border (San Diego-Tijuana). Activities include talks with activists; community organizers; church leaders working to bring about social change.
Time: Weekend Immersion Seminar: Fri. - Sun. Weeklong Educational-Transformational Seminar: Sun. - Sat.
Group Size: Minimum of 10 people. If an individual or small group would like to come on a trip, there is often the possibility of adding onto an existing group.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Hotel. The group leader is responsible for arranging and confirming hotel reservations. Centro Romero provides each participant with a pre-established hotel fee of $27.50 plus tax (double ocupancy) and $55.00 plus tax, for single.
Cost: $200.00 per person for the weekend immersion experience; $365.00 for the weeklong. The fee pays for all the pre-immerision reading materials; food, programming, and international health insurance. Participants are responsible for arranging their own transportation to and from San Diego as welll as for their transportation to/from their hotel. Centro Romero provides airport pickups for a minimum fee. Registration forms and fees are due to Centro Romero at least six weeks before the scheduled trip date. The remaining balance is due 4 weeks prior to arrival.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Centro Romero immersion seminars are based on a Pablo Freire educational model. According to Freire, education should be structured around a particular problem or issue identified by the community in question and the critical analysis of their realities followed by intentional work seeking social change; connecting the areas of education, advocacy and mobilization. At Centro Romero we understand that all participants bring their unique experiences, perspectives and backgrounds. Throughout our weekend or weeklong program, opportunities for reflection are built into the schedule providing the space for interaction between participants. All participants are encouraged to fully engage in the totality of their immersion experience including planning, readings, visits, discussions, and reflections.
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Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (Hollywood)
Contact: DOOR Program National Office
430 West 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
E-Mail: door@doornetwork.org
Phone: 303.295.3667
Fax: 866.559.3248
Web site: www.doornetwork.org
Work Needed: DOOR is an urban learning and service program. Many of our service experiences are interactive in nature. Your group might serve food in a soup kitchen, play with homeless children, or work with migrant workers. Other service experiences, however, are more task-oriented. You might help construct or clean housing units that temporarily shelter homeless families.
Time: Year-round. Weeklong and weekend experiences available.
Registration deadlines:
Jan. 15 for Feb. 1 – May 31 trips; March 1 for June 1- Aug. 31 trips; 10 weeks prior for fall/winter trips. If you are interested in coming after the deadline, please call the national office for availability.
Group Size: Groups or combinations of groups totaling 60 participants (summer) and 45 participants (spring/winter/fall).
Minimum Age: 13
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing is provided at a local church or in the Hollywood Community House. There are a limited number of bunk beds, otherwise, participants sleep on the floor in sleeping bags. Thin camping mats are ok, but not air mattresses. Each facility has showers and air conditioning.
Cost: Weeklong: $295 per participant, Sunday evening through Friday noon. Covers lodging, all meals from Monday morning to Friday evening except Wednesday evening and scheduling logistics. Weekends: $95 per participant.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Evening speakers, group reflection, worship, and Bible study. We believe processing the experiences of the week is fundamental to learning.
See: Colorado (Denver), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), Florida (Miami) and Texas (San Antonio) for other DOOR Locations.
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Fresno Interdenominational Refugee Ministries (FIRM, Inc.)
Contact: Sharon Stanley, Executive Director
E-Mail: soulhikr@aol.com
Or Sophia DeWitt, Project Director
E-Mail: sophiad@firminc.org
1940 N. Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93703
Phone: 559.487.1500
Fax: 559.487.1550
Web Site: www.firminc.org
Work Needed: Tutor with Southeast Asian and/or Slavic Refugees learning English and citizenship. Assist with child care co-op and meal programs. Work with children from low-income neighborhoods and refugee families during FIRM’s intensive “Summer Youth Project” (June-July). Special events are held year round.
Time: Year-round, especially during June-July and Spring Break.
Group Size: Up to 25
Minimum Age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Lodging is available at the FIRM office for a nominal fee. FIRM staff can provide suggestions for lodging with local churches and inexpensive dining at local ethnic restaurants.
Cost: $7.00 per person per day to cover the cost of FIRM staff preparing activities for your group.
Educational/Advocacy Component: FIRM staff provide any needed training and support. Educational components such as cultural background and neighborhood tours, meals and story sharing with newly arrived refugees, Bible study and reflection opportunities can be arranged to fit the desires of your group.
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Interfaith Community Services (Escondido)
Contact: Nusrat Symons
550 West Washington Avenue, Ste. B
Escondido, CA 92025
E-Mail: nysmons@interfaithservices.org
Phone: 760.489.6380 ext. 221
Fax: 760.740.0837
Web site: www.interfaithservices.org
Work Needed: Food bank organization, pantry cleaning, painting, transitional housing, and landscaping.
Time: Yearlong. Contact organization three to six months before trip.
Group Size: 10–15 persons
Minimum Age: 15 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Volunteers are housed in local homes and local churches.
Cost: Please call for cost.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Exposure to how Interfaith offers a full continuum of care for the displaced and underserved.
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COLORADO
Denver Urban Ministries
[DenUM] (Denver)
Contact: Caroline Schultz
Urban Education Coordinator
1717 East Colfax Avenue
Denver, CO 80218
E-Mail: caroline@denum.org
Phone: 303.350.5062 or 303.355.4896 ext. 305
Fax: 303.355.3495
Web site: www.denum.org
Work Needed: Work sites include, but are not limited to preparing and serving meals for the homeless, sorting donations in a food bank, building or repairing low income housing, painting homes, nurturing and tending gardens and working with children of economically disadvantaged families.
Time: Any time of year. One to seven day experiences available.
Group Size: 40 maximum
Minimum Age: 12 years
Conditions: DenUM arranges lodging in local churches. Showers and kitchen facilities provided. Groups are responsible for own transportation and food.
Cost: $20 per person per day, plus a $100 nonrefundable deposit is required to secure reservation.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Urban Education couples a variety of service opportunities with at least one day in which participants focus on common barriers to self-sufficiency. Mission participants meet one or more homeless speakers who are committed to honest, frank discussion about their experiences and observations.
Further, DenUM’s experiential learning curriculum brings participants into personal relationship with poverty and urban issues through walking tours, poverty simulations and reflective activities. Through service and education, groups develop an awareness of the stereotypes, misconceptions and ongoing local debates surrounding poverty and homelessness.
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Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (Denver)
Contact: DOOR Program National Office
430 West 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
E-Mail: door@doornetwork.org
Phone: 303.295.3667
Fax: 866.559.3248
Web site: www.doornetwork.org
Work Needed: DOOR is an urban learning and service program. Many of our service experiences are interactive in nature. Your group might serve food in a soup kitchen, play with homeless children, or work with migrant workers. Other service experiences, however, are more task-oriented. You might help construct or clean housing units that temporarily shelter homeless families.
Time: Year-round. Weeklong and weekend experiences available.
Registration deadlines:
Jan. 15 for Feb. 1 – May 31 trips; March 1 for June 1- Aug. 31 trips; 10 weeks prior for fall/winter trips. If you are interested in coming after the deadline, please call the national office for availability.
Group Size: Groups or combinations of groups totaling 75 participants (summer) and 40 participants (spring/winter/fall).
Minimum Age: 13
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing for groups is at the First Mennonite Church (has A/C) and the Denver Inner City Parish (has fans). Sleep on floor in sleeping bags. Each church has 4 showers available.
Cost: Weeklong: $295 per participant, Sunday evening through Friday noon. Covers lodging, all meals from Monday morning to Friday evening except Wednesday evening, and scheduling logistics. Weekend: $95 per participant.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Evening speakers, group reflection, worship, and Bible study. We believe processing the experiences of the week is fundamental to learning.
See: California (Hollywood), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), Florida (Miami) and Texas (San Antonio) for other DOOR locations.
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La Puente Home, Inc.
(Home Repair Service Projects) (Alamosa)
Contact: Brian Benke
317 State Ave.
P.O. Box 612
Alamosa, CO 81101
E-Mail: lapuenteoutreach@hotmail.com
Phone: 719.587.0785
Fax: 719.587.3499
Web site: www.lapuente.net
Work Needed: Wide range of moderate construction activities.
Time: Year round
Group Size: 8–13 people
Minimum Age: All ages welcome. Participating children under age 12 need one-to-one adult supervision.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:4
Conditions: Housing is in local churches and community centers.
Cost: $40 per person per workday
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders are responsible for programming.
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La Puente Home, Inc. (Alamosa)
Contact: Allison Cruse
P.O. Box 1235
Alamosa, CO 81101
E-Mail: volunteers.lapuente@gmail.com
Phone: 719.589.5909
Fax: 719.587.0810
Web site: www.lapuente.net
Work Needed: Cooking meals in shelter, construction, food bank help, community garden, gleaning, painting, sorting at thrift store.
Time: Year round
Registration Deadline: No deadline, but summer spots usually fill up around November or December.
Group Size: Up to 15 people
Minimum Age: No minimum age, but please have appropriate supervisors for youth.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:6 or 1:7
Conditions: Participants stay at host churches in the community with showers, kitchens and floor space.
Cost: $20 per person per workday. $50.00 is a suggested donation to the Church lodging host.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders are responsible for programming.
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San Luis Valley Habitat for Humanity (Alamosa)
Contact: Audrey Liu
P.O. Box 1197
Alamosa, CO 81101
E-Mail: slvhabitat@yahoo.com
Phone: 719.589.8678
Fax: 719.589.1773
Web site: www.habitatcolorado.org
Work Needed: We build passive solar adobe homes with low-income families in rural Colorado.
Time: Spring-Fall. Please contact us for application and information.
Group Size: Up to 20 people
Minimum Age: High school age, 15 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:4
Conditions: Our projects are located in a beautiful mountain valley surrounded by 14,000 feet peaks. Housing is in local churches that include showers, kitchen and fellowship space.
Cost: $200 per person per week materials fee; $5 per person daily fee as housing donation.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Your group leader will coordinate program.
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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Harvest of Hope
Contact: Lauren Holcomb
The Society of St. Andrew
3383 Sweet Hollow Road
Big Island, VA 24526
E-Mail: sosahoh@endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Fax: 434.299.5956
Website: www.endhunger.org
Work Needed: Participants glean crops and donate the produce to food assistance programs such as food banks and soup kitchens.
Time: Groups submit applications to attend. Deadlines are four weeks before the event. Weeklong camps are scheduled for senior-high groups in the summer. Weekend camps are scheduled in the spring and fall for junior-high groups, student and young adult groups, and intergenerational groups. Camp locations vary.
Group Size: Six is a good size. At some events, several church teams can be accommodated. No team is too small.
Minimum Age: 10 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 If bringing a mixed gender group, must have a male and female leader.
Conditions: Harvest of Hope staff arranges housing for groups at church camps or college dormitories. Housing conditions vary by location. Some are very rustic with sleeping accommodations on floor mats. Some are more modern.
Cost: Weeklong camps $185 per person, includes housing, meals and programming; Weekend camps $75 per person, includes housing, meals and programming.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Participants learn about hunger through a variety of educational tools, coupled with worship. Hunger education components of the program happen each evening in large and small groups.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in Arkansas, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
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Youth Service Opportunities Project [YSOP] (Washington, D.C.)
Contact: Program Director
1317 G Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
E-Mail: ysopdc@ysop.org
Phone: 202.347.2525
Website: www.ysop.org
Work Needed: YSOP is a Quaker organization that welcomes young people from any religious affiliation to engage in service. Volunteers work in teams in soup kitchens, family shelters, and drop-in centers in Washington D.C., providing basic services to people who are hungry and homeless.
Time: Overnight, weekend, and weeklong mission trips are available.
Group Size: Minimum of 12 participants.
Minimum Age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Accommodations are provided. Bring your own sleeping bag. Food, supervision by YSOP staff, orientation, and education/reflection programs are included. No TVs, radios, Walkmans, alcohol, nonprescription drugs, or smoking. Weeklong mission trips include time for recreation and sightseeing, and for college students, speakers on career opportunities in service.
Cost: Depends on program type. Call for fees.
Educational/Advocacy Components: By combining meaningful volunteer work with a communal living and learning program, YSOPers provide vital services to people in need and at the same time are able to reflect on their experience and broaden their perspectives.
See additional YSOP location in New York City.
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FLORIDA
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (Miami)
Contact: National Office, The Door Program
430 West 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
E-Mail: Door@doornetwork.org
Phone: 303.295.3667
Fax: 866.559.3248
Website: www.doornetwork.org
Work Needed: DOOR is an urban learning and service program. Many of our service experiences are interactive in nature. Your group might serve food in a soup kitchen, play with homeless children, or work with migrant workers. Other service experiences, however, are more task-oriented. You might help construct or clean housing units that temporarily shelter homeless families
Group Time: Year-round. Week-long and weekend experiences available.
Registration deadlines:
Jan. 15 for Feb. 1 – May 31 trips; March 1 for June 1- Aug. 31 trips; 10 weeks prior for fall/winter trips. If you are interested in coming after the deadline, please call the national office for availability.
Group Size: Groups or combinations of groups totaling 75 participants (summer) and 45 participants (spring/winter/fall).
Minimum Age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing is provided in a local church. each participant needs a sleeping bag and pillow. Thin mat is OK, but please no air mattresses.
Cost: $295 per participant, Sunday evening through Friday noon. Covers lodging, all meals from Monday morning to Friday evening except Wednesday evening and scheduling logistics.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Evening speakers, group reflection, worship and Bible study. We believe processing the experiences of the week is fundamental to learning. One evening seminar devoted to cross cultural issues facing the many immigrant communities of Miami.
See: California (Hollywood), Colorado (Denver), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), and San Antonio (TX) for other DOOR locations.
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Harvest of Hope
Contact: Lauren Holcomb
The Society of St. Andrew
3383 Sweet Hollow Road
Big Island, VA 24526
E-Mail: sosahoh@endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Fax: 434.299.5956
Website: www.endhunger.org
Work Needed: Participants glean crops and donate the produce to food assistance programs such as food banks and soup kitchens.
Time: Groups submit applications to attend. Deadlines are four weeks before the event. Weeklong camps are scheduled for senior-high groups in the summer. Weekend camps are scheduled in the spring and fall for junior-high groups and intergenerational groups. Camp locations vary.
Group Size: Six is a good size. At some events, several church teams can be accommodated. No team is too small.
Minimum Age: 10 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5. If bringing a mixed gender group, must have a male and female leader.
Conditions: Harvest of Hope staff arranges housing for groups at church camps or college dormitories. Housing conditions vary by location. Some are very rustic with sleeping accommodations on floor mats. Some are more modern.
Cost: Weeklong camps $185 per person, includes housing, meals and programming; Weekend camps $75 per person, includes housing, meals and programming.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Participants learn about hunger through a variety of educational tools, coupled with worship. Hunger education components of the program happen each evening in large and small groups.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, Mississippi and Washington, D.C.
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United Church of Christ Disaster Recovery Ministries, Florida Conference – Disaster Recovery
Contact: Stephanie Cohan,
Volunteer Coordinator
Phone: 305.758.4845 or 800.416.1147
E-Mail: recovery@uccfla.net
OR Rev. Karen Thompson,
Minister for Disaster Response & Recovery
6001 NW 8th Avenue
Miami, FL 33127
Phone: 305.758.4845 or 800.416.1147
E-Mail: kthompson@uccfla.net
Work Needed: Long-term recovery from hurricane and tornado disasters throughout the state of Florida, particularly in central and southern Florida. Work includes rebuilding and repair ofhomes. Skills are needed in roofing, siding, dry walling, painting, debris removal, etc.
Time: Throughout the year. Weekend, week or longer periods are available.
Group Size: Can be accommodated. Individuals, couples and groups encouraged.
Minimum Age: 15
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing in local volunteer shelters and churches near work locations are arranged through volunteer coordinator. Work groups are responsible for supplying their own bedding, meals and transportation.
Cost: $50/person/week; $10/person/day if staying less than one week. Payable in advance or onsite.
Educational Components: Group leaders are responsible for own programming.
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GEORGIA
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (Atlanta)
Contact: DOOR Program National Office
430 West 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
E-Mail: door@doornetwork.org
Phone: 303.295.3667
Fax: 866.559.3248
Website: www.doornetwork.org
Work Needed: DOOR is an urban learning and service program. Many of our service experiences are interactive in nature. Your group might serve food in a soup kitchen, play with homeless children, or work with migrant workers. Other service experiences, however, are more task-oriented. You might help construct or clean housing units that temporarily shelter homeless families.
Time: Year-round. Weeklong and weekend experiences available.
Registration deadlines:
Jan. 15 for Feb. 1 – May 31 trips; March 1 for June 1 – Aug 31 trips;10 weeks prior for fall/winter trips. If you are interested in coming after the deadline, please call the national office for availability.
Group Size: Groups or combinations of groups totaling 60 participants (summer) and 40 participants (spring/winter/fall).
Minimum Age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing is at one of 2 local churches, both with A/C and shower facilities.
Cost: Weeklong: $295 per participant, Sunday evening to Friday noon. Covers lodging, all meals from Monday morning to Friday evening except Wednesday evening and scheduling logistics.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Evening speakers, group reflection, worship, and Bible study. We believe processing the experiences of the week is fundamental to learning. One evening presentation devoted to Martin Luther King teachings against racism, violence and materialism.
See: California (Hollywood), Colorado (Denver), Florida (Miami), Illinois (Chicago) and Texas, (San Antonio) for other DOOR locations.
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Harvest of Hope
Contact: Lauren Holcomb
The Society of St. Andrew
3383 Sweet Hollow Road
Big Island, VA 24526
E-Mail: sosahoh@endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Fax: 434.299.5956
Website: www.endhunger.org
Work Needed: Participants glean crops and donate the produce to food assistance programs such as food banks and soup kitchens.
Time: Groups submit applications to attend. Deadlines are four weeks before the event. Weeklong camps are scheduled for senior-high groups in the summer. Weekend camps are scheduled in the spring, summer and fall for junior-high groups, student and young adult groups and intergenerational groups. Camp locations vary.
Group Size: Six is a good size. At some events, several church teams can be accommodated. No team is too small.
Minimum Age: 10 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 If bringing a mixed gender group, must have a male and female leader.
Conditions: Harvest of Hope staff arranges housing for groups at church camps or college dormitories. Housing conditions vary by location. Some are very rustic with sleeping accommodations on floor mats. Some are more modern.
Cost: Weeklong camps $185 per person, includes housing, meals and programming; Weekend camps $75 per person, includes housing, meals and programming.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Participants learn about hunger through a variety of educational tools, coupled with worship. Hunger education components of the program happen each evening in large and small groups.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in Arkansas, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
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Koinonia Partners
Contact: Hospitality Coordinator
1324 GA Hwy 49 S
Americus, GA 31719
E-Mail: hospitality@koinoniapartners.org
Phone: 229.924.0391 ext. 12
Fax: 229.924.6504
Web Site: www.koinoniapartners.org
Work Needed: Projects may include tending pecan and fruit orchards, trail and grounds maintenance, assistance with summer youth camp or after-school programs for elders and children, or home repair ministry work.
Time: Any time of year. The earlier the group contacts the Coordinator, the greater chance there will be housing available for the group.
Group Size: Up to 20 in Guest House, occasionally more if other visitor housing is vacant – please contact Coordinator to confirm.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:4 for primary; 1:8 or fewer for secondary.
Conditions: Guest house has living space, bedrooms, shared bathroom and shared kitchen. Linens provided. Camping is possible. 8 RV hookups and several smaller guest lodgings are available for small groups or families. Weekday noon meals shared with community, other meals on your own.
Cost: Suggested donations: $15 per person per night lodging, $6 per adult for noon meal $3 per child for noon meal.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Koinonia is an intentional Christian community and farm whose mission is to offer opportunities for spiritual renewal and work for social justice by serving neighbors and participating in peacemaking projects. Days consist of prayer, work, study and service. There is a museum of Koinonia history and local African-American history on-site, as well as a small gift store. Tours of the farm and grounds are available. Koinonia is the birthplace of Habitat for Humanity and other organizations.
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HAWAII
Lani Kamaha’o Peace Village (Oahu)
Contact: Hawaii Conference Office
1848 Nu’uanu Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96817-1702
Email: hcucc@hcucc.org
Phone: 808.537.9516
Website: www.hcucc.org
Work Needed: Clearing trails, creating program activity areas, light construction, painting, electrical, planting, weeding, general site improvement projects. Outdoor work.
Time: Year-round
Group Size: 25–30 participants
Minimum Age: 12 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: Groups leaders responsible for programming and supervision of all participants during camp duration and free time.
Conditions: Tenting (tents provided). Groups must provide own bedding, linens, towels, sleeping bags/mats/pillows. Groups provide own work clothes, gloves, sunscreen/mosquito repellent. Day off opportunities include ocean activities, hiking, cultural/historical tours, that is, Polynesian Cultural Center, Arizona/Missouri Memorials, famous landmarks, beaches, and scripture-based low-ropes course (additional fee). Lani Kamaha’o is located in the lush, tropical Makao Valley, Windward, Oahu, which provides awesome opportunities for experiencing the unique beauty of God’s creation.
Cost: $18 per day includes lodging and use of equipped kitchen. Must provide own food and transportation.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Hawaiian Cultural/History program; history of Christianity in the Hawaiian Islands; Scripture-based challenge initiative course; native flora/fauna program; Hawaiian language/music program/beginning ukulele; Hawaiian arts/crafts.
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ILLINOIS
National Disaster Ministries - Long-Term Recovery - Illinois
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator
Website: www.ucc.org/volunteer/disaster-recovery-volunteers/disaster-recovery-mission
Work Needed: The role of the wider UCC in disasters is focused on long-term recovery of a community. Clean Up and Rebuild from floods of summer of 2008 are in process. Persons with particular construction skills are sought for the rebuild process. Work projects done in cooperation with local Long Term recovery Committee.
Group Size: Any size group. Individuals may join with groups that are on-site during a particular week.
Minimum Age: 15 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 groups are asked to have one person in eight in the group be knowledgeable in home repair and rehabilitation techniques and as crew leaders.
Conditions: UCC host congregation in each location provides space for sleeping bags and air mattresses, access to showers, laundry facilities and kitchen. Groups should bring their own air mattresses and sleeping supplies. Groups provide and prepare their own food.
Cost: $50 per person per week to help defray housing costs. $10 per person per day for periods less than one week.
Educational Components: Groups are requested to do an orientation before leaving home and a de-briefing upon return. The journal "Meeting God in the Ruins: Devotions for Disaster Relief Volunteers" is recommended for use during the disaster recovery mission trip. Copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at www.elca.org/dcs/disaster.
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Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (Chicago)
Contact: Door Program National Office
430 West 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
E-Mail: door@doornetwork.org
Phone: 303.295.3667
Fax: 866.559.3248
Web site: www.doornetwork.org
Work Needed: DOOR is an urban learning and service program. Many of our service experiences are interactive in nature. Your group might serve food in a soup kitchen, play with homeless children, or work with migrant workers. Other service experiences, however, are more task-oriented. You might help construct or clean housing units that temporarily shelter homeless families.
Time: Year-round. Weeklong and weekend experiences available.
Registration deadlines:
Jan. 15 for Feb. 1 – May 31 trips; March 1 for June 1 – Aug 31 trips; 10 weeks prior for fall/winter trips. If you are interested in coming after the deadline, please call the national office for availability.
Group Size: Groups or combinations of groups totaling 65 participants (summer) and 45 participants (spring/winter/fall).
Minimum Age: 13
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing is at First Church of the Brethren, Chicago. Each participant needs a sleeping bag and pillow for sleeping on the floor of the church. Thin mat is OK, but please no air mattresses. Church has A/C and shower facilities.
Cost: Week-long: $275 per participant, Sunday evening through Friday noon. Covers lodging, all meals from Monday morning to Friday evening except Wednesday evening and scheduling logistics.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Evening speakers, group reflection, worship, and Bible study. We believe processing the experiences of the week is fundamental to learning.
See: California (Hollywood), Colorado (Denver), Georgia (Atlanta), Florida (Miami) and Texas (San Antonio) for other DOOR locations.
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Rockford Workcamps [A Project of Rockford Urban Ministries] (Rockford)
Contact: Stanley Campbell, Executive Director
201 Seventh Street
Rockford, IL 61104
E-mail: rockfordworkcamps@hotmail.com
Phone: 815.964.7111
Web site: www.gbgm-umc.org/urbanmin/
Work Needed: Located in an urban, inner-city setting, we provide low-income housing renovation/repair, serve local food pantries, soup kitchens, youth outreach programs, natural prairie restoration, and much more. Nature of work is tailored to the group's experience and interests.
Time: June, July and August (Fall and Spring camps are available but not guaranteed.)
Group Size: Maximum 80
Minimum age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Project provides housing at a local church, kitchen facilities, bathrooms, showers, worship/guided reflection if desired, materials/supplies for housing renovation/repair, on-site devotions and free or reduced price tickets to local entertainment. Group should bring its own bedding, food, and tools - tools vary depending upon nature of work.
Cost: $15 per person/per day
Educational/Advocacy Components: RWC provides the attendees the opportunity to interact with the residents they help to put a face on the impact they are making. Free historical tours of the neighborhood are available. Many groups spend time at Magic Waters Water Park - RWC provides free tickets on Wednesday nights.
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Tower Hill Camp and Retreat Center – Illinois Conference (Sawyer, MI)
Contact: Kay Jorgensen
Outdoor Ministries
Illinois Conference UCC
12173 Tower Hill Road
Sawyer, MI 49125
Email: registrar@towerhillcamp.org
Phone: 269.426.3881
Fax: 269.426.8255
Work Needed: General site improvements such as roofing, construction, scraping and/or painting, and landscaping. Also general maintenance projects and limited forestry management.
Time: Early spring and late fall, some winter projects subject to lodging availability.
Group Size: 15-50 persons ages 14 and older.
Conditions: Lodging provided. Bring you own bedding.
Minimum Age: None
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Cost: Three meals at $18 per day.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Organized “Habitat/Volunteer” summer programs, primarily for church youth groups with adult chaperons with a ratio of 1:6. Other times, group leaders responsible for own programming.
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INDIANA
National Disaster Ministries Long-Term Recovery - Indiana
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator
Website: www.ucc.org/volunteer/disaster-recovery-volunteers/disaster-recovery-mission
Work Needed: The role of the wider UCC in disasters is focused on long-term recovery of a community. Clean Up and Rebuild from floods of summer of 2008 are in process. Persons with particular construction skills are sought for the rebuild process. Work projects done in cooperation with local Long Term Recovery Committee.
Group Size: Any size group. Individuals may join with groups that are on-stie during a particular week.
Minimum Age: 15 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 Groups are asked to have one person in eight in the group be knowledgeable in home repair and rehabilitation techniques and as crew leaders.
Conditions: UCC host congregation in each location provides space for sleeping bags and air mattresses, access to showers, laundry facilities and kitchen. Groups should bring their own air mattresses and sleeping supplies. Groups provide and prepare their own food.
Cost: $50 per person per week to help defray housing costs. $10 per person per day for periods less than one week.
Educational Components: Groups are requested to do an orientation before leaving home and ade-briefing upon return. The journal "Meeting God in the Ruins: Deovtions for Disaster Relief Volunteers" is recommended for use during the disaster recovery mission trip. Copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at www.archive.elca.org/disaster/resources/05-09-01Katrinaprayer.asp.
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IOWA
National Disaster Ministries Long-Term Recovery - Iowa
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator
Website: www.ucc.org/volunteer/disaster-recovery-volunteers/disaster-recovery-mission
Work Needed: The role of the wider UCC in disasters is focused on long-term recovery of a community. Clean Up and Rebuild from floods of summer of 2008 are in process. Persons with particular construction skills are sought for the rebuild process. Work projects done in cooperation with local Long Term Recovery Committee.
Group Size: Any size group. Individuals may join with groups that are on-stie during a particular week.
Minimum Age: 15 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 Groups are asked to have one person in eight in the group be knowledgeable in home repair and rehabilitation techniques and as crew leaders.
Conditions: UCC host congregation in each location provides space for sleeping bags and air mattresses, access to showers, laundry facilities and kitchen. Groups should bring their own air mattresses and sleeping supplies. Groups provide and prepare their own food.
Cost: $50 per person per week to help defray housing costs. $10 per person per day for periods less than one week.
Educational Components: Groups are requested to do an orientation before leaving home and ade-briefing upon return. The journal "Meeting God in the Ruins: Deovtions for Disaster Relief Volunteers" is recommended for use during the disaster recovery mission trip. Copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America at www.archive.elca.org/disaster/resources/05-09-01Katrinaprayer.asp.
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KANSAS
South Central Kansas Tornado Recovery Organization
Contact: Matt Deighton,
Volunteer Coordinator
201 N. Main (Banco Insurance Bldg)
PO Box 208
Haviland, KS 67059
E-Mail: deighton_1@hotmail.com
Phone: 620.723.3155
Website: www.havilandtelco.com/~scktro
Work Needed: Long-term recovery efforts in clean-up, repair and rebuilding from tornadoes of May 4th -5th, 2007 that extensively damaged the community of Greensburg, Kansas.
Time: Year round. Weeklong or daily volunteers. .
Group Size: Groups of any size of individuals.
Minimum Age: None
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing available in volunteer village. Tools and materials provided.
Cost: Small Fee (information available upon registration)
Education/Advocacy Components: Group leaders are responsible for own programming.
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KENTUCKY
Henderson Settlement (Frakes)
Contact: Jerry Lambdin
P.O. Box 205, Highway 190
Frakes, KY 40940
E-mail: workcamp@hendersonsettlement.info
Phone: 606.337.3613
Fax: 606.337.2225
Web site: www.hendersonsettlement.com
Work Needed: Basic construction projects for community home repair and campus projects of maintenance on farm and facilities.
Time: Year-Round
Group Size: Up to 128 persons per week.
Minimum Age: High School age
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Dormitory with A/C. Groups bring own bedding and linens. Meals provided 3 times a day.
Cost: Spring and fall, $175 per person per week; summer, $195 per person per week. Cost covers room and board including meals, programming, and activities.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Opportunities provided for cultural, economic, and spiritual growth.
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Faithful Advocates Serving Together (F.A.S.T.) (Whitesburg)
Contact: Brenda Tyler
Office of Disciples
P.O. Box 1986
Indianapolis, ID 46206-1986
E-mail: brenda@dhm.disciples.org
Phone: 317.713.2642
Fax: 888.346.2631
F.A.S.T. is a mission trip opportunity jointly sponsored by the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). In 2009 the local partner agency is H.O.M.E.S. [Housing Oriented Ministries Established for Service, Inc.]
65 Bentley Avenue
Whitesburg, KY 48158
Work Needed: Home repair in Letcher, Knott Letcher, Knott, and Floyd Counties in southeastern Kentucky.
Time: Summer - June 7 - August 8 in one-week cycles from Sunday evening through saturday morning.
Group Size: 35. Smaller groups are encouraged and will be combined with other groups on-site.
Minimum Age: None. Children are encouraged to volunteer alongside their parents. Special activities for engaging children can be arranged.
Conditions: Volunteers housed on-site in barracks-style bunkhouse with bunk beds, separate kitchens, and bathhouse. Groups provide and prepare their own food.
Cost: $200 per person per week. (FAST $225 per person and $125 per child under 12) (if include food then $250 per person adn $150 per child) $40.00 non-refundable deposit per person is required. Fees include building materials, work supervision, housing, food, F.A.S.T. leaders' guide, T-shirt and supplemental insurance.
Educational/Advocacy Components: F.A.S.T. integrates a pre-trip process of Bible study and learning about the region with a weeklong economic justice reflection led by the summer hosts. Groups are encouraged to return home to advocate for economic justice in Appalachia and in their own communities.
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Urban Spirit (Louisville)
Contact: Rev. Dr. Deborah DeMars Conrad
P.O. Box 11434 (448 N. 26th Street)
Louisville, KY 40251
E-Mail: ravdeb@urbanspirit.org
Phone: 502.550.1236 (Cell)
Fax: call for number
Web site: www.urbanspirit.org
Work Needed: Projects vary, depending on the needs of the partner agencies.
Time: Year round
Group Size: Minimum 6, maximum 60.
Minimum Age: Entering 6th grade; for special circumstances or family groups call for conversation.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: There is not a lot of plush comfort here, as we work on that “experiencing poverty” thing. Bring your sleeping bag. Your team (or “family”) will make decisions about where to sleep. You may sleep on the basement floor, or you may move into the dormitories with air conditioning showers and bunks. That depends on your team’s resources and choices.
Cost: $275 per person, includes all program materials, food, accommodations, projects and local transportation. See web for “special deals.”
Educational/Advocacy Components: Our program combines community service with education. In the Poverty Immersion Week, you won’t just learn about poverty; you’ll live it from Sunday evening until Saturday morning. What would it be like to be a single mother of three living on minimum wage in America? We’ll help you find out. In teams, you’ll work with agencies in the neighborhood, live in the church, earn low wages and try to provide the things your team needs. You’ll also participate in games and activities, special meals, bartering, Bible studies, discussions, story-telling, community exploration, journaling – all designed to reinforce the lessons of poverty. Food, shelter, health care, child care, work, hygiene, transportation, leisure-all these and more become part of the challenge. Then as the week is drawing to a close, you’ll work on a plan to create change in your own community. After the Poverty Immersion Week, you’ll want to return for Poverty Level II, Leadership for Church and Community, developing skills, acquiring tools and having experiences designed to prepare you to make a difference.
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LOUISIANA
New Orleans Association, South Central
UCC National Disaster Recovery and Rebuilding
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator
Disaster Recovery Office
135 Sauve Road
River Ridge, LA 70123
E-mail: ucchurricanerecovery@yahoo.com
Phone: 504.258.7306
On-Line Registration: www.ucc.org/volunteer/hurricane/huricane-recovery-volunteer.html
Work Needed: Long-term disaster recovery work following 2005 & 2008 Gulf Coast hurricanes. The work is primarily rebuilding of private homes.
Time: Year-round. Groups are encouraged to come Sunday evening through Saturday morning.
Group Size: Any size group. Individuals may join with groups that are on-site during a particular week.
Conditions: Accommodations are made at one of three local UCC congregations. Bunks are provided. Groups should bring their own air mattresses and sleeping supplies. Kitchen, toilets, and showers are available on-site. Groups provide and prepare their own food.
Cost: $50 per person per week to help defray housing costs. $10 per person per day for periods less than one week.
Minimum Age: 16 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 Groups are asked to have one person in eight in the group be knowledgeable in home repair and rehabilitation techniques and as crew leaders.
Education Components: Groups are requested to do an orientation before leaving home and a de-briefing upon return. Upon registration, materials will be provided to assist in these reflection processes. Orientation materials are also available at www.ucc.org/volunteer/hurricane. Group leaders are responsible for coordinating these sessions.
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Terrebonne Readiness Assistance Coalition (Terrebonne and Lafourche Counties)
Contact: Michelle Liner
1220 Aycock St.
Houma, LA 70360
E-mail: michelleliner@trac4la.com
Phone: 985.851.2952 or 877.TRAC4LA
(9 am to 4 pm, M-F, CST)
Fax: 985.851.1401
Website: www.trac4la.com
Work Needed: Long-term recovery from flooding and hurricane damage in Terrebonne and Lafourche Counties. Work includes home rebuilding and repair. All willing workers welcome. Specialized skills needed are electrical, plumbing, roofing, flooring, framing, and siding.
Time: Minimum of 3 days.
Group Size: 5 to 50 people.
Minimum Age: 18 years
Conditions: The accommodations are poly-propylene tents connected to an air/heat duct system. Cooking and shower facilities are available on site. Individuals are responsible to bring their own bedding and personal hygiene items.
Cost: $20 per day for accommodations
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders are responsible for own programming.
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MAINE
H.O.M.E., Inc. [Homeworkers Organized for More Employment] (Orland)
Contact: Jackie Burpee
P.O. Box 10
Orland, ME 04472
E-Mail: info@homecoop.net
Phone: 207.469.7961
Fax: 207.469.1023
Web site: www.homecoop.net
Work Needed: Volunteers help with home construction and carpentry, home repair, community outreach, cooking in soup kitchen, and painting. Work is also needed in a recovery barn, and other manual labor, as well as assistance in a Summer Day Camp Program. Groups may work either on-site or at a housing project in Dedham.
Time: Year round.
Group Size: Up to 50, including adult sponsors.
Minimum Age: High school age and older.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Lodging is provided in the Volunteer Center which is equipped with full kitchen and showers. Bring bedding, paper products, food, clothing appropriate for manual labor, work gloves, appropriate footwear, and tools for your own use. We do expect you to honor our dress code. Adult supervision is necessary at all times. Groups may prepare their own meals in the Volunteer Center, however, we serve a hot lunch daily in the soup kitchen for a small donation. There are several stores nearby, also a grocery store and pharmacy 3 miles away.
Cost: Groups assigned to work on a major project such as home building may be requested to contribute towards purchasing materials. There is no cost for board. Donations to help further the mission's work are appreciated.
Educational/Advocacy Components: H.O.M.E. is engaged in social and economic reconstruction by running several homeless shelters with one on the grounds themselves. Groups work intimately with H.O.M.E. employees and residents in a reciprocal partnership with a commitment towards social change. Work supervisor meets with group and group leaders to provide scheduling and instruction daily.
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Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland, Inc. (Portland)
Contact: Kate Callahan, Youth Coordinator
P.O. Box 10505
Portland, ME 04104
E-Mail: youth@habitatme.org OR volunteer@habitatme.org
Phone: 207.772.2151
Fax: 207.772.8113
Web site: www.habitatportlandme.org
Work Needed: All aspects of home construction skilled and unskilled.
Time: June through August - working Monday through Friday for a one or two-week period.
Group Size: Groups of 10–15
Minimum Age: High school age. Preference is 16 years of age as minimum.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing will be provided in local churches or church homes. Work groups will provide their own bedding. Showering facilities will be available nearby. Churches will be equipped with kitchen facilities and work groups will be responsible for their meals. Groups should be accompanied by at least one person familiar with building who can provide some on-site supervision. Habitat is unable to furnish local transportation to and from the work site(s).
Cost: We welcome donations of $55–$100 per person per week.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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MARYLAND
Brethren Service Center (New Windsor)
Contact: Kathleen Campanella, Conference Coordinator or
New Windsor Conference Center
500 Main Street, P.O. Box 188
New Windsor, MD 21776-0188
E-Mail: KCampanella_gb@brethren.org
Phone: 800.766.1553 or 410. 635.8747
Fax: 410.635.8719
Website: www.brethren.org/genbd/BSC
Work Needed: Several programs on campus rely on volunteers. These include the SERRV: A Greater Gift.
Time: Year-round. Groups may come for one day or several days at a time, Monday through Friday.
Conditions: New Windsor Conference Center is available for lodging.
Cost: Those coming from out of town may stay overnight at the New Windsor Conference Center at a discounted rate. Lunch is provided at no charge for those working six hours or more. Contact conference coordinator for rates.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Staff provides orientation tour of Brethren Service Center. Group leaders are responsible for other programming.
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MASSACHUSETTS
Boston Urban Outreach – A Program of
City Mission Society of Boston (Boston)
Contact: Carl McDonald
14 Beacon Street #203
Boston, MA 02108
E-mail: information@cmsboston.org
Phone: 617.742.6830 ext. 210
Fax: 617.742.8470
Web site: www.cmsboston.org
Work Needed: City Mission Society of Boston, the second oldest mission agency in the US, is a UCC affiliated agency. Through Boston Urban Outreach, we are prepared to offer mission opportunities to groups. Service opportunities can include a variety of worksites serving with homeless population, vacation Bible school programs, feeding and clothing ministries.
Time: Year-round.
Group Size: 10 minimum; 50 maximum
Minimum Age: Junior high. Recommended for youth and adult groups.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Group are housed at an inner city UCC church within the Greater Boston area.
Cost: $350 per person per week (includes food, meals are prepared by the group). Groups can provide their own food, then basic cost is $75 per person for programming and $13 per night per person for lodging.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Boston is a center of Congregational History. We can provide a walking tour to rediscover these roots. For additional fees, daily reflections can be provided by staff. We also can make arrangements for specialized programs with speakers available to share their firsthand experiences about life in prison or life as a homeless person. Call us to customize a program for your group.
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Heifer International
Overlook Farm (Rutland)
Contact: Chris Wychorski
216 Wachusett Street
Rutland, MA 01543-9761
E-mail: overlook.farm@heifer.org
Phone: 508.886.2221
Web site: www.heifer.org/overlook
Work Needed: Programs are primarily educational and several of the available programs also include service projects such as gardening, composting, tending livestock and maintaining farm facilities.
Time: Programs are offered year-round. Weeklong programs that include service are offered each winter and summer. Adult programs are offered in the fall, winter, and spring.
Group Size: 12 minimum; 16 maximum. *Limited openings for groups up to 32 maximum in spring and summer.
Minimum Age: Youth must be sixth graders or older. Adult groups require minimum age of 18.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:7
Conditions: Programs primarily take place outdoors. All programs require a good amount of walking.
Cost: Tuition fees vary per program and include programming, lodging and meals.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Education components vary per program and may include an overnight experience in a Heifer Global Village. Experiential activities illustrate Heifer's cornerstones.
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MISSISSIPPI
Back Bay Mission (Biloxi)
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator
1012 Division Street
Biloxi, MS
Email: dmorgan@datasync.com
Phone: 228.432.0301
Fax: 228.374.2922
Web site: www.backbaymission.com
Work Needed: Disaster recovery work following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005.
Minimum Age: 14 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 Adult leadership is necessary and vital to success of experience.
Conditions: Lodging and mattresses provided. Group must bring own bedding. Group must provide food and prepare own meals.
Cost: $50 per participant per week to defray utility costs plus $150 per group. Write for additional information for registration cost.
Educational Components: Back Bay Mission staff provides education regarding issues of poverty, justice issues in disaster and the church’s role in enacting social change.
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MISSOURI
Emmaus Homes, Inc. (Marthasville)
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator
2200 Highway D
Marthasville, MO 63357
Phone: 636.443.2207
General Phone: 636.534.5200
Fax: 636.433.2216
Web site: www.emmaushomes.org
Work Needed: Yard work, painting, carpentry, cleaning, filing, and assistance in recreational and educational programs.
Time: All seasons, but more in spring, summer, and fall.
Group Size: Maximum 25
Minimum Age: 15 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: We have group housing for a maximum of 25 available on campus. Groups must provide their own bedding. Kitchen and dining facilities are available to groups providing their own meals. In addition, we offer evening activities with the residents of Emmaus Homes providing a time to interact with the people being supported by the work group.
Cost: A donation of $5 a day per person would be appreciated to offset the cost of utilities.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Throughout the stay opportunities are offered for individuals to work in our Day Habilitation Program. This is an opportunity to work directly with residents under staff supervision.
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Emmaus Homes, Inc. (St. Charles)
Contact: Priscilla Bizer
2200 Randolph Street
St. Charles, MO 63301
E-Mail: Bizerp@emmaushomes.org
Phone: 636.946.6144
General Phone: 636.534.5200
Fax: 636.947.1336
Web site: www.emmaushomes.org
Work Needed: Housekeeping and maintenance projects, yard work, activities with clients, including adult day-care programs.
Time: All year. Need 30 days to 15 advance notice to schedule volunteer time. One day visit, unless other arrangements are made.
Group Size: 20-25 persons
Minimum Age: 15 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Call to make arrangements for overnight accommodations at local churches and other agencies. (None available on campus.) Groups make arrangements for meals on their own.
Cost: None
Educational/Advocacy Components: Day habilitation program available for volunteers M-F only 10:00 - 2:30 p.m. This is an opportunity to work directly with clients and residents under supervision of staff.
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Urban Mission Experience at Epiphany UCC - (St. Louis)
Contact: Sue Kupfer, Executive Director
2911 McNair Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63118
E-mail: umestl@yahoo.com
Phone: 314.517.0164
Website: www.umestl.org
Work Needed: Groups work with several religious non-profit agencies in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Work may include sorting donations, stocking shelves, bagging groceries, cleaning facilities or assisting neighbors, working in a children’s summer program, painting and yard service. Activities can be tailored according to group interests and staff availability. Groups get an overview of many ways the church is active in mission here.
Time: Weeklong "Urban Encounter" mission trips may be scheduled from late May through August. Trips of less than a full week are also available. Call for availability.
Group Size: Maximum number 40
Minimum Age: Minimum age is sixth grade.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing is provided in a UCC Church. Sleeping rooms are air-conditioned. Bring sleeping bags and air mattresses. Groups may use church kitchen for meal preparation. Showers are available at nearby recreational center.
Cost: $150 nonrefundable deposit per group is required with reservation. Suggested donation for housing is $25 per person per night for weeklong "Urban encounter" mission events.
Educational/Advocacy Components: The "Urban Encounter" program is designed with three components: 1) service work, 2) reflection on the experience, and 3) rest and recreation. Groups should plan to work 4-5 hours per day at each mission site. Trained facilitators are available one evening to help youth reflect on issues of poverty and racism which they will encounter in their mission work. Interaction with local youth groups is part of the program. Local recreational opportunities include swimming, ball games, St. Louis Arch, Six Flags, Zoo, Grant's Farm, and many special interest museums.
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United Church Neighborhood Houses (St. Louis)
Contact: Mildred Madison
Volunteer Coordinator
5621 Delmar, Suite 104
St. Louis, MO 63112
E-Mail: vcoordinator@neighborhoodhouses.org
Phone: 314.383.1733
Fax: 314.361.6873
Web site: www.neighborhoodhouses.org
Work Needed: Work projects may include painting, cleaning, and yard work at centers located in the city of St. Louis. Summer camp programs need work camp groups for crafts, games, field trips, and meal preparation.
Time: Year-round. Contact office to arrange time and schedule.
Group Size: 25–30 per group.
Minimum Age: 13 years
Conditions: Housing options list available on request. Groups provide their own food.
Cost: None.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Groups can choose to work on various activities directly with the children in our centers.
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Shannondale Community Center (Salem)
Contact: Jeff R. Fulk
HC 62, Box 340
Salem, MO 65560
E-Mail: shannondale@centurytel.net
Phone: 573.858.3284
Fax: 573.858.3263
Web site: www.mmsucc.org/shannondale/shannondale_cc.asp
Work Needed: Carpentry, plumbing, painting, electrical, and yard cleanup on the site of the Shannondale Community Center. Projects also can be arranged for the improvement of the local community. The group is expected to provide the material to be used. Some general tools are provided by the Center.
Time: Spring, summer, fall. Registration is necessary.
Group Size: 40 persons per group.
Minimum Age: None. Older persons also welcome.
Adult to Youth Ratio: Senior high youth – 1:6; Junior high youth - 1:5. Adult leaders should have necessary construction skills so that the limited staff of Shannondale can provide direction but not direct supervision of the work site.
Conditions: Groups provide own bedding. Cooking facilities are available. Groups provide their own meals. Shannondale will prepare meals for groups of 25 or more. We are located near the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways Park. Float trips, retreat resources, adventure education, hayrides, and orienteering can be arranged for groups.
Cost: $8–$10 per person per day, depending on the lodging facility utilized. Work materials extra.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders provide own programming.
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NEW HAMPSHIRE
Horton Center – Pine Mountain
Contact: 140 Sheep Davis Road
Pembroke, NH 03275-3711
E-mail: rvodra@nhcucc.org
Phone: 603.225.6647
Fax: 603.225.2345
Website: www.nhcucc.org
Work Needed: Various on-site projects, based on ability & skills of the group, to enhance the camp. Local work projects can be arranged in the surrounding communities of Berlin and Gorham with local agencies.
Time: Mid-May through mid-October.
Registration Deadline: Open registration based on availability of space.
Group Size: 20-24
Minimum Age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 2:8 or 2:10
Conditions: Kitchen facility available.
Cost: $35 per night without meals; $50 per night with meals provided (during camp summer season)
Educational/ Advocacy Components: Explore life in northern New Hampshire, experience hiking in the White Mountains (hike Mt. Washington, highest in the northeast), river canoeing, rock climbing, caving, sleep on Pinkham Ledge under the stars, swim in a mountain river.
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NEW YORK
Habitat for Humanity (Buffalo)
Contact: Robert or Norma Henderson
Work Group Coordinators
2981 Hopkins Road
Amherst, NY 14228
Phone: 716.688.8054
E-mail: tefnorma@buffalo.edu or Ron Talboys, President of Habitat Buffalo
E-mail: habitatbuffalo@adelphia.net
Website: www.habitatbuffalo.org
Work Needed: Construction of rehab sites in the city of Buffalo, in partnership with lower income families. Volunteers will be assigned interior or exterior tasks depending on the stage of the building process, weather and other factors. Tasks can range from gutting and general carpentry tasks, to drywall installation, drywall finishing, painting and trim work. Vinyl siding occurs as well.
Time: Work times are available year round. Book early to get the week that best suits your group. Weeks in June, July, or August are suggested.
Group Size: Up to 20-25.
Minimum Age: 16 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Low cost housing is available at a local college in the summer and year round at a retreat center. These accommodations need to be booked as early as possible. Project provides orientation, local information, site supervision, materials and supplies.
Cost: A suggested donation of $100 per person/week will assist in this housing ministry.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Project provides orientation, local information, site supervision, materials and supplies.
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Cluster 13, Inc. (Camden)
Contact: Richard Pfister, Chair
P.O. Box 113 (84 Main St.)
Camden, NY 13316-0113
Email: rdpfister@g-mail.com
Phone: 315.245.0551 (home)
Phone: 315.264.0986 (cell)
Phone: 315.245.5758 (office)
Work Needed: Building, renovation, and repair of homes for those with unmet housing needs—mostly rural or county areas. Roofing, electrical, plumbing, and structural work on projects we select and supervise. Participants with some construction skills are helpful.
Time: Work is June–August. Call Dick Pfister to discuss schedule and projects or Christine Amway 315.245.1661 on local housing arrangement for your group.
Group Size: 10–35 per group.
Minimum Age: 16 years preferred. Junior high school aged participants will have more limited work projects available.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 Adult supervision required.
Conditions: Groups are housed in a school gymnasium with showers or at a local church. Group brings own sleeping bags. Church services are available at sponsoring churches.
Cost: Cluster 13 provides welcome dinner and one evening picnic; groups are responsible for other meals. No fixed cost, but donations of $100 per person in the group will be greatly appreciated. This helps us pay for the project materials.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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Dunkirk Conference Center (Dunkirk)
Contact: Julia LaGrow
3602 East Lake Road
Dunkirk, NY 14048
Email: CampDirector@dunkirkcc.org
Phone: 716.366.1900
Web site: www.dunkirkcc.org
Work Needed: General repairs to buildings, painting (skilled workers), carpentry (skilled workers), and maintenance of 110-acre grounds, ground clearing, landscaping, and weed cutting.
Time: April 1 to October 31. Length of stay is negotiable.
Group Size: Groups from 10 to 50. Smaller groups or individual persons may join other groups.
Minimum Age: 18 years
Conditions: Four-bedroom cabins with heat, hot water and showers in three areas.
Cost: Minimal cost includes everything.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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Project Hospitality, Inc.(Staten Island)
Contact: Rev. Will Nichols
100 Park Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10302
E-Mail: winichols@projecthospitality.org
Phone: 718.448.1544, ext. 115
Fax: 718.720.5476
Web site: www.projecthospitality.org
Work Needed: Groups will have the opportunity to serve in a soup kitchen and food pantry, assist with cleaning, repair, and painting of homes, prepare meals and help in the clothing pantry at our outreach center. Groups help in many ways at our emergency, transitional, and family shelters, and meet and talk with people who have experienced homelessness and hunger.
Time: Weeklong mission programs are available year-round. The program runs from Sunday evening until Saturday morning. Please call for a registration packet.
Group Size: Maximum of 20 people per group.
Minimum Age: Youth must have completed ninth grade. High school, college, adult, and intergenerational groups welcome.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5, entire group must include 2 adults
Conditions: Housing at a local church or home and food for your meals will be provided by Project Hospitality. Each participant should bring a sleeping bag, clothing for work and play, and an open mind!
Cost: Total cost is $150 per person for a weeklong trip. From this amount, a $150 registration deposit for the group (nonrefundable) is required in advance.
Educational/Advocacy Components: The orientation program includes a history of poverty, homelessness and HIV/AIDS in New York City and the community’s response to it. There is conversation about current issues and solutions in which Project Hospitality is involved. Throughout the week groups participate in two educational seminars, one on homelessness and the other on HIV/AIDS. Clients having dealt with these issues share personal testimonies. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and continue the discussion upon returning home.
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Youth Service Opportunities Project [YSOP] (New York)
Contact: Program Director
15 Rutherford Place
New York, NY 10003
E-Mail: ysopnyc@ysop.org
Phone: 212.598.0973
Web site: www.ysop.org
Work Needed: YSOP is a Quaker organization that welcomes young people from any religious affiliation to engage in service. YSOP in New York offers single day or overnight work camps serving the hungry and homeless of NYC.
Time: Overnight, weekend and weeklong mission trips are available.
Group Size: Minimum of 12 participants.
Minimum Age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Simple accommodations in the Friends Meeting House are provided (bring own sleeping bags). Food, supervision by YSOP staff, orientation, and education/reflection programs are included. No TVs, radios, Walkmans, alcohol, nonprescription drugs, or smoking.
Cost: Call for fees.
Educational/Advocacy Components: By combining meaningful volunteer work with a communal living and learning program, YSOPers provide vital services to people in need and at the same time are able to reflect on their experience and broaden their perspectives.
See also YSOP in District of Columbia
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NORTH CAROLINA
Franklinton Center at Bricks
Contact: Rev. Ervin Milton
P.O. Box 220
Whitakers, NC 27891
Phone: 252.437.1723
Fax: 252.437.1278
Email: eem5050@aol.com
Website: www.ucc.org/franklinton-center
Work Needed: Projects, depending on the size of the group, will be in areas of maintenance such as painting and cleaning buildings, repairing structures, and grounds work. We can also provide opportunities to work among rural people in areas such as health and education.
Time: Spring through fall.
Group Size: Any size up to 50 people.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Lodging is dorm style at The Center. Motel type lodging available on site at a higher cost.
Cost: 430.00 for meals and lodging per night; negotiable.
Educational/ advocacy Components: This sacred space, located in rural eastern North Carolina is a ministry with Justice and Witness Ministries, UCC. The Staff welcomes opportunities during the week to engage groups in conversation around justice issues, both local and global.
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OHIO
Good Works, Inc. (Athens)
Contact: Paul Richard, Director of Operations Good Works, Inc.
P.O. Box 4
Athens, OH 45701-0004
E-mail: goodworks@good-works.net
Phone: 740.594.3336
Web site: www.good-works.net - go to Short-Term Mission Teams
Work Needed: Work camps between September and May are involved in service projects on Good Works properties and in the community. The Summer Service Program from June through August provides opportunities for groups to get involved with intensive discipleship, educational service opportunities with the widow, the fatherless and the stranger. Groups can also be involved with the Friday Night Life (community meal) and Timothy House (shelter for the rural homeless).
Time: Work camps September - May: One day camps are scheduled 8:30-12:00, 12:30-4:00 or 8:30-4:00. Summer Service Program June – August: Arrive on Sunday leave on Saturday.
Groups Size: Groups from 5 to 30 depending on the service project and season.
Minimum Age: Junior High and older
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:4
Conditions: Groups stay in two large rooms in Hannah House (transitional housing facility). Groups supply their own bedding and food. Kitchen and pantry facilities are available.
Cost: Work Camp Program — No requested donation for day groups. Overnight groups $100 ($150 for weeklong). Summer Service Program — Total requested donation for a minimum group size of 15 is $3,000 ($375 deposit is due with application, $1325 is due June 1 and the remaining balance is due a week before you arrive).
Educational/Advocacy Components: Summer Service Program - Each group will get an orientation after they arrive and we lead a morning devotional/education time that focuses on issues of poverty and the Good Works Philosophy of Ministry. The Executive Director will also do a presentation talk with each group. Work Camp Program — brief orientation and devotional with each group.
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Nu-Vizion Christian Fellowship, UCC (Toldeo)
Contact: 2014 Cherry Street
Toledo, OH 43608
E-mail: nuvizioncf@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 419.241.9358
Fax: 419.241.5740
Work Needed: Possibilities include: building and facilities maintenance such as painting, cleaning, construction, lawn care; outreach such as working in CHEEP store clothing bank, staffing community events, trash pick up, repair on local houses, staffing church outreach events such as concerts or picnics; or children’s ministries such as working with summer programming of Bible study, arts & crafts; VBS. Staff matches work projects with the specific interests and skills of the group.
Time: Weekend trips year round. Summer trips begin the second week of June and end the second week of August. Registration deadline is May 1 for summer groups. Weekend trips are flexible.
Group Size: Up to 20
Minimum Age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Summer groups stay in hotels. Weekend overnights can be at the church with no shower facilities.
Cost: $100 per person per day for summer trips. $50 per person per day for weekend trips.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Heavy emphasis on God’s role in each person’s life. Groups will be given a curriculum to work on while at Nu-Vizion to be supplemented by Bible study, devotions, and down-to-earth discussions about urban problems and the role of ministry.
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Washington United Church of Christ (Cincinnati)
Contact: Jean Siddell, Work Camp Coordinator
2950 Sidney Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45225
E-Mail: outreach@washingtonucc.org
Phone: 513.541.7757 ext. 2
Fax: 513.541.7579
Web site: www.washingtonucc.org
Work Needed: Mission trips are experiences of worship and service. Experiences include simple construction, maintenance, street feasts, and work with neighborhood children and elders.
Time: Any age group year-round. Intensive opportunities during 9 weeks of summer.
Group Size: Ten to 35. Negotiable.
Minimum Age: No minimum age, but junior and senior high school and adult age preferred.
Adult to Youth Ratio: Senior High youth - 1:5; Junior High youth – 1:3
Conditions: Housing in church guesthouse and apartments with bunks. Full kitchen, dining, and shower facilities provided. Meals included in cost. Summer evening meals are cooked by work group.
Cost: $45 per person for weekend groups; $200 per person for weeklong groups. As groups express interest, they are mailed information. Reservations are secured by submitting a deposit ($50 per person for weeklong camp; no deposit for weekend groups). Sign up early for summer to assure availability.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Evening worship services are geared toward teaching about the neighborhood and reflecting on shared experiences.
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PENNSYLVANIA
Habitat for Humanity (York)
Contact: Dave Tarbert, Volunteer Coordinator
36 North Highland Ave.
York, PA 17404
E-mail: dave@yorkhabitat.org
Website: www.yorkhabitat.org
Phone: 717.854.6168
Fax: 717.854.1970
Work Needed: York Habitat builds new homes and rehabilitates older homes for those in need. We need help with painting, installing drywall, carpentry work, plumbing, electrical work, roofing, masonry and concrete work, cleaning, and every aspect of home building and renovation. Both skilled labor and fast learners welcome. Work required for all types of projects depending on construction schedule.
Time: Year-round.
Group Size: 10-20 people
Minimum Age: 16 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:4
Conditions: Housing is at the Trinity Retreat Center which includes a fully-equipped kitchenette and showers. Groups bring sleeping bags and prepare their own food.
Cost: $2 per person per night to cover lodging. A $50 deposit is required to reserve the Center for your group.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Hands-on learning of various construction skills. Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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Harvest of Hope
Contact: Julie Sykes Kaylor
The Society of St. Andrew
3383 Sweet Hollow Road
Big Island, VA 24526
E-Mail: sosahra@endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Fax: 434.299.5949
Website: www.endhunger.org
Work Needed: Participants glean crops and donate the produce to food assistance programs such as food banks and soup kitchens.
Time: Groups submit applications to attend. Deadlines are four weeks before the event. Weeklong camps are scheduled for senior-high groups in the summer. Weekend camps are scheduled in the spring, summer and fall for junior-high groups, student and young adult groups and intergenerational groups. Camp locations vary.
Group Size: Six is a good size. At some events, several church teams can be accommodated. No team is too small.
Minimum Age: 10 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 If bringing mixed gender group, must have a male and female leader.
Conditions: Harvest of Hope staff arranges housing for groups at church camps or college dormitories. Housing conditions vary by location. Some are very rustic with sleeping accommodations on floor mats. Some are more modern.
Cost: Weeklong camps $185 per person, includes housing, meals and programming. Weekend camps $75 per person, includes housing, meals and programming.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Participants learn about hunger through a variety of educational tools, coupled with worship. Hunger education components of the program happen each evening in large and small groups.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in Arkansas, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Washington, D.C.
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Mensch Mill Conference and
Retreat Center (Alburtis)
Contact: Jeremy Force
86 Camp Mensch Mill Road
Alburtis, PA 18011
E-mail: force@menschmill.org
Phone: 610.845.7013
Fax: 610.845.3013
Web site: www.menschmill.org
Work Needed: Groups work on-site at the conference center with maintenance projects. Staff can also assist in setting up work projects in Philadelphia and Reading, PA.
Time: Year-round.
Group Size: Maximum of about 20 people
Minimum Age: 7th grade (12 years)
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Groups are housed on-campus in cabins with bunk beds. Bring your own sleeping bags. Food is provided.
Cost: Please call for information.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Groups are encouraged to explore the rich historical and cultural sites in the surrounding areas. Information on historical and mission sites in Philadelphia, Amish Country, and historic Reformed Churches will be sent to you upon registration.
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Old First Reformed Church (UCC) (Philadelphia)
Contact: Asst. Director of Urban Ministries
151 N. 4th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19106
E-mail: volunteer@oldfirstucc.org
Phone: 215.922.4566
Fax: 215.922.6366
Web site: www.oldfirstucc.org
Work Needed: Projects with the homeless in shelters and soup kitchens, community projects, children’s services, and church property rehabilitation.
Time: Year-round.
Group Size: 15 maximum, November – April; 30 or more, other times of year.
Minimum Age: None
Adult to Youth Ratio: Prefer the adult to youth ratio to be 1:4
Conditions: Lodging is provided in the church; showers available. Group must bring bedding. Group must provide and prepare own meals. Kitchen and cooking utensils are available. Adult leadership is necessary. Sightseeing and educational opportunities at museums within walking distance of church.
Cost: Lodging: Weekend Fee flat rate of $65 per participant. Weeklong Fee is flat rate $175 per participant. (A non-refundable deposit of $175 for weekend camps and $350 for weeklong camps is necessary to secure dates> This amount will be deducted from the overall cost if the reservation is kept. Upon cancellation, the depoist will be retained by Old First Reformed Church.)
Educational/Advocacy Components: Volunteer coordinator on-site helps direct group to work projects and assists in reflection on the experience during the week.
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The Pittsburgh Project (Pittsburgh)
Contact: The Pittsburg Project
2801 North Charles Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15214-3110
E-mail: vcrosby@pittsburghproject.org
Phone: 412.321.1678
Fax: 412.321.3813
Web site: www.pittsburghproject.org
Contact Person: Amy Cornelius, Service Camp Coordinator
Work Needed: Rebuilding homes of elderly, isolated residents in urban Pittsburgh. Program emphasizes God's love in action and Christ's servant leadership.
Time: We have one-day, weekend, and weeklong camp sessions scheduled throughout the summer and school year.
Group Size: Up to 280 total participants for weeklong trips or weekends; group size varies from under five to 80 people per group.
Minimum Age: Some camps are for junior high students (grades 7-9); some are for senior high students (grades 9-12); some are combined junior/senior high, and others are collegians, adults or families (minimum age of children is 10 years).
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Meals, lodging, construction materials, and tolls provided. Pittsburgh Project establishes contact with homeowners, set up the worksites ahead of time, and provide technical guidance on site. Staff members train participants in safety guidelines and lead nightly worship. Group provides vehicles and adult (21+) worksite leaders.
Cost: One day camp ($20 per person); weekend camp ($80 per person); spring break camp ($250 per person); summer camp ($270-$360 per person)
Educational/Advocacy Components: Our staff provides nightly programming, worship and music, initiative games, small group leadership, meals, and work assignments. We also lead discussion groups in which teams learn about the city, learn about the homeowners they are serving, and brainstorm strategic action that they might take once they return home, to serve their own neighborhoods and cities.
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The First Presbyterian Church in Germantown’s
Urban Service Learning Experience (Philadelphia)
Contact: Christian Heyer-Rivera
35 W. Chelten Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
E-mail: summerservicelearning.fpcg@yahoo.com
Phone: 215.843.8811 ext. 18
Fax: 215.844.8141
Website: www.fpcgermantown.org
Work Needed: Wide variety of service sites including housing rehabilitation, painting and scraping, light landscaping and environmental restoration, clothing sorting for a thrift store supporting a drug and alcohol rehabilitation ministry and other projects depending on the needs of our partner organizations.
Time: Weeklong program during the summer; 3-day weekends during the school year. Groups registering by January 31st can choose their week during the summer and receive a discounted cost. Later registrations are also accepted.
Group Size: 5 to 20.
Minimum Age: Ninth grade
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:7
Conditions: Church provides air mattresses on the floor. Showers and all food provided.
Cost: $285/person, $260/person if registered before Jan. 31st
Educational/Advocacy Components: This is a service-learning program with a strong emphasis on reflection and learning from the urban setting. Participants learn about urban ministry through hands-on service three days during the week, as well as through presentations from people active in urban ministry. Morning devotions and evening theological discussions led by Urban Service Ministries staff connect the day's service to faith and vocation.
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RHODE ISLAND
Irons Homestead Camp and Conference Center —Providence Experience Northwestern Rhode Island
Contact: Rev. Kelly Thibeault
56 Walcott Street
Pawtucket, RI 02860
Email: KellyT@riucc.org
Phone: 401.724.7700
Fax: 401.725.7820
Web Site: www.ricucc.org
Work Needed: The Providence Experience is an opportunity to work with Human Service Agencies in the greater Providence area. Participants respond to the needs of the individuals and families and the community in which they reside. The Outdoor Ministries’ staff of the RI Conference United Church of Christ will assist you in contacting human service agencies in the greater Providence area. Since we work with a number of human service agencies, work projects can include: sorting clothes, painting, cleaning, gardening, working with children, and soup lines. We can also add renovation projects at local UCC churches. Since Irons Homestead is in its development stage, camp and conference center improvement projects are always needed.
Time: Year Round program. The service agencies the conference works with can find work for groups whether a day or a week. This is a first come first serve program. Registration deadline is solely determined by the availability of housing at the Rhode Island Conference Camp and Conference Center Lodge.
Group Size: Minimum of 5 persons and maximum of 32.
Minimum Age: Junior high. Family groups welcomed.
Conditions: Overnight accommodations are in our four-season lodge. Summers provide a private beach. Year round amenities include: campfire ring, meditation walk, volleyball, horseshoes, and snow sports (when we have snow). Lodge has 6 four person rooms and 4 two person rooms. 14 twin or twin/full futon bunks and 4 twin size cots insure that 18 persons will not have to climb to the top bunk. In the lodge there are private shower stalls, fully equipped kitchen, large meeting room with fireplace and screened–in porch.
Cost: $100 event fee plus $12 per person per night. These fees cover housing and use of the camp and conference center facilities.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Groups may spend some time in the Boston/Providence/Cape Cod area on a pilgrimage to some of the roots of our denomination. Visit Old South Church, Freedom Walk and Plymouth Rock. Part of the day can be spent at a work site or historical landmark and the rest spent re-creating or site-seeing. It is possible to provide anew experience each day.
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SOUTH CAROLINA
Harvest of Hope
Contact: Debbie Riley
The Society of St. Andrew
3383 Sweet Hollow Road
Big Island, VA 24526
E-Mail: gleansc@endhunger.org or sosahlean@endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Fax: 434.299.5949
Website: www.endhunger.org
Work Needed: Participants glean crops and donate the produce to food assistance programs such as food banks and soup kitchens.
Time: Groups submit applications to attend. Deadlines are four weeks before the event. Weeklong camps are scheduled for senior-high groups in the summer. Weekend camps are scheduled in the spring, summer and fall for junior-high groups, student and young adult groups, and intergenerational groups. Camp locations vary.
Group Size: Six is a good size. At some events, several church teams can be accommodated. No team is too small.
Minimum Age: 10 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 If bringing a mixed gender group, must have a male and female leader.
Conditions: Harvest of Hope staff arranges housing for groups at church camps or college dormitories. Housing conditions vary by location. Some are very rustic with sleeping accommodations on floor mats. Some are more modern.
Cost: Weeklong camps $185 per person, includes housing, meals and programming; Fall Weekend camps $75 per person, includes housing, meals and programming.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Participants learn about hunger through a variety of educational tools, coupled with worship. Hunger education components of the program happen each evening in large and small groups.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in Arkansas, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Washington, D.C.
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SOUTH DAKOTA
RE-MEMBER (Pine Ridge)
Contact: Tom McCann, Executive Director
P.O. Box 5054
Pine Ridge, SD 57770
E-mail: trips@re-member.org
Phone: 877.205.2105
Fax: 605.867.2285
Website: www.re-member.org
Work Needed: Projects include building and installing bunk beds in the homes of Oglala Lakota families on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota, and rehabilitation and renovation of homes. The weeklong trips are divided between service and cultural immersion.
Time: Groups are scheduled from March 1 through October 31. Registration is secured on receipt of deposit.
Group Size: 60 persons maximum.
Minimum Age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:6
Conditions: Dormitory-style housing with bunk beds, bathrooms, and showers. Full kitchen and dining facilities on site. Groups assist full-time kitchen staff in preparing and clean up of meals. All meals are provided.
Cost: $350 per person includes housing and meals from Saturday evening through Friday morning and some local transportation.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Cultural immersion activities scheduled in afternoons and evenings, including guest speakers, Lakota crafts, tours, museums, and social gatherings with Lakota friends.
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Wakonda United Church of Christ, Congregational
Contact: Elaine L. Miller, Pastor
P.O. Box 436
Wakonda, SD 57073
Phone: 605.351.3880
E-Mail: elmiller@aol.com
Work Needed: Persons with real knowledge of construction are needed to stabilize and repair bell tower of church building and putting the finishing touch on the painting done to the building in 2005 as an Association project. The second project involves shingling the church roof. Wakonda UCC, Congregational is a 18-member congregation comprised of members unable to do the final painting and repairs to their historic building due to their age and increasingly limited financial resources.
Time: Flexible
Group Size: Any size. Individuals with appropriate skills are encouraged.
Minimum Age: 16 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Materials, food and lodging provided by Wakonda UCC, Congregational.
Cost: None
Educational/Advocacy Components: Wakonda has a population of 400, located 25 miles from Vermillion and Yankton, SD. The church’s membership, through the long-time shared Christian Education Board, are meeting a community need for its children through a Wednesday evening Church School program, ages K-5th grade. It will begin its sixth year in September 2009. Mission trip groups help continue the UCC presence and ministry in this isolated area.
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TENNESSEE
Appalachia Service Project, Inc. (Johnson City)
Contact: Carolynn Bailey,
Director of Volunteer Department
4523 Bristol Highway
Johnson City, TN 37601
E-mail: cbailey@asphome.org
Phone: 423.854.4405
Fax: 423.854.9771
Web site: www.asphome.org
Locations: Opportunities are available in Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia. NOTE: All locations are scheduled by ASP National Offices via above information.
Work Needed: ASP is a relational ministry that builds and repairs homes for low-income families throughout central Appalachia (Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia).
Time: Summer - application deadline November 1; Fall, winter, and spring workweeks or weekends available for youth and adults; apply at least two months in advance.
Group Size: 70 maximum capacity. Groups work in teams of seven persons.
Minimum Age: 14 years. Volunteers range in age from high school to retired.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 2:5
Conditions: Housing in schools, community buildings or churches on cots or sleeping bags. ASP provides meals. Each group is expected to bring a van for each work team.
Cost: Room and board provided at $215 per person per week. Building materials provided at cost of $450 per work team for a week.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Morning devotions and evening programs provided by staff.
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First Congregational UCC (Memphis)
Contact: Julia Hicks, Director of Mission
1000 South Cooper Street
Memphis, TN 38104
Email: julhicks@hotmail.com
Phone: 901.278.6786 ext. 3
Fax: 901.725.8553
Website: www.firstcongo.com/freedomsummer.shtml
Work needed: Freedom Journey offers youth groups and interested adults an opportunity to explore issues in peacemaking. The city of Memphis serves as the setting to explore civil rights history, the legacy of the American Missionary Association and to see how individuals have used spiritual tools and resources to work towards peace.
Time: Year-round. Freedome Journey is a weekend event Friday 5:30 p.m. through Sunday noon.
Group Size: 26 bunks in Retreat Center. Pilgrim House Hostel has additional space.
Minimum Age: None
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Retreat Center has 26 bunks with shower facilities. Private rooms, dorm rooms and bunk rooms are also available at the Pilgrim House Hostel and Retreat Center.
Cost: Weekend Freedom Journey program $200, including tours, meals and lodging. Pilgrim House Hostel rates available on-line at www.pilgrimhouse.org
Educational/Advocacy Components: Groups tour museum sites - the National civil Rights Museum (constructed where Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated), Slavehaven (a stopping point on the underground railroad), the WC Handy Museum on Beale Street and Auction Street (where slaves were auctioned) - to experience this history. Groups then meet and learn from the many peace and justice advocates who have offices at the church to share perspectives on justice work in our day. These include presentations from people who fight environmental racism in a nearby neighborhood, students who are part of MAGY (Memphis Area Gay Youth), and those who run the congregation's "fair trade" store. Hear how a bicycle cooperative is a tool for social change and talk to volunteers with the Mid-South Peace and Justice Center about ways to resist violence and war.
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Morgan-Scott Project for Cooperative Christian Concerns (Deer Lodge)
Contact: Ella Smith, Executive Director
P.O. Box 8
1022 Old Deer Lodge Pike
Deer Lodge, TN 37726
E-mail: morganscott@highland.net
Phone: 423.965.3131
Work Needed: Housing repairs in poverty area of Appalachia.
Time: June, July and August. Work groups are also welcome in the fall and spring.
Group Size: 20
Minimum Age: 12 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Common lodging site. Group must bring linens and blankets or sleeping bags. Groups must prepare own meals (cooking facilities provided).
Cost: There is no cost per person, but each group is asked to send in advance or leave a check for at least one-half the cost of materials used in the projects they complete. (You tell us how much money you have to spend and we will give you projects that fit within that budget).
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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Sunset Gap Community Center (Cosby)
Contact: Josh Dunn, Work Camp Supervisor
1300 Sunset Gap Road
Cosby, TN 37722-3331
Email: sunsetgap@sunsetgap.org or wcsuper@sunsetgap.org
Phone: 423.623.4313
Fax: 423.623.2393
Website: www.sunsetgap.org
Registration: On-line
Work Needed: Rehabilitation of homes in the Community. Work supervisor provided.
Time: Summer
Group Size: 81 maximum
Minimum Age: None
Ration of Adults to Youth: 1:5
Conditions: Dormitory style bunk beds. On-site cook prepares evening meals. Groups prepare breakfast and sack lunches from food provided.
Cost: $75 deposit is required to secure your reservation. Weeklong $174 per person with meals; $72 per person without meals. Weekend $22 per person with meals; $15 per person without meals.
Project costs range from $200 to $2500. You will receive a Projects List from which to choose your primary project. Additional projects may be selected or assigned according to the size and productivity of your group, need, and monies available. The Projects are 1st come 1st serve and must be approved by the Work Camp Supervisor.
Education/Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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TEXAS
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (San Antonio)
Contact: Door Program National Office
430 West 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204
E-Mail: door@doornetwork.org
Phone: 303.295.3667
Fax: 866.559-3248
Web site: www.doornetwork.org
Work Needed: DOOR is an urban learning and service program. Many of our service experiences are interactive in nature. Your group might serve food in a soup kitchen, play with homeless children, or work with migrant workers. Other service experiences, however, are more task-oriented. You might help construct or clean housing units that temporarily shelter homeless families.
Time: Year-round. Weeklong and weekend experiences available.
Registration deadlines:
Jan. 15 for Feb. 1 – May 31 trips; March 1 for June 1 – Aug 31 trips; 10 weeks prior for fall/winter trips. If you are interested in coming after the deadline, please call the national office for availability.
Group Size: Groups or combinations of groups totaling 75 participants (summer) and 50 participants (spring/winter/fall).
Minimum Age: 13
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Housing is at LaCasa, a two-story, ten-bedroom facility one mile south of downtown, or First Mennonite Church of San Antonio. Each participant needs a sleeping bag and pillow. Both LaCasa and First Mennonite have shower facilities. La Casa has a limited number of beds.
Cost: Weeklong: $295 per participant, Sunday evening through Friday noon. Covers lodging, all meals from Monday morning to Friday evening except Wednesday evening and scheduling logistics. Weekend: $95 per participant.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Evening speakers, group reflection, worship, and Bible study. We believe processing the experiences of the week is fundamental to learning. One evening seminar devoted to urban or cross-cultural topics. Two additional sessions offered: one on service and other on race relations on the U.S.-Mexico border.
See: California (Hollywood), Georgia (Atlanta), Colorado (Denver), Illinois (Chicago), and Florida (Miami) for other DOOR locations.
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Inman Christian Center (San Antonio)
Contact: Daniel Saucedo
1214 Colima Street
San Antonio, TX 78207
E-Mail: admin1214@inmancenter.org
Phone: 210.222.9641
Fax: 210.227.9566
Web site: www.discipleshomemissions.org
Work Needed: Building and equipment remodeling (repair and renovation skills are helpful) projects may include installing drywall and painting. Summer work projects to improve buildings and equipment such as outdoor playground and building storage skids. For more information, please contact the center directly or visit our website.
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Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries (Los Fresnos)
Contact: Feliberto Pereira, Director
28259 Pereira Compassion Road
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
E-mail: fpereira@swgsm.org
Phone: 956.233.5198
Fax: 956.233.8802
Web site: www.swgsm.org
Work Needed: Carpentry, painting, building maintenance, electrical, plumbing and masonry work for homes, churches, and other projects. Sites in the U.S. and Mexico.
Time: All year. Call office for registration information.
Group Size: 15-50 (maximum).
Minimum Age: Junior high school age
Adult to Youth Ratio: Adult supervision required, especially during orientation session.
Conditions: Housing provided. Kitchen is available. The ministry is affiliated with the Southwest Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Cost: $11 per person per day for housing. $200 per person for materials.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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SETIO (Southeast Texas Interfaith Organization)
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator (Louis May)
3617 Gulfway Drive
Port Arthur, TX 77642
Email: lm@setio.org
Phone: 409.982.1510 or 409.984.9530
Fax: 409.983.1596
Website: www.setio.org
Work Needed: Long-Term Disaster response from 2008 Hurricane Ike. Focus on the repair and rebuilding of homes.
Time: Year-round. Groups are encouraged to come Sunday evening through Saturday morning.
Group Size: Any size group. Individuals may join with groups that are on-site during a particular week.
Conditions: Accommodations are at local churches arranged by SETIO Volunteer Coordinator. Kitchen/dining, lounge areas, and showers are available on-site. Groups provide and prepare their own food.
Cost: There is no set cost. Groups are encouraged to donate a reasonable fee to help off-set utility expenses.
Minimum Age: 18 years and older (16-17 with parental release).
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 Groups are asked to have one person in eight in the group be knowledgeable in home repair and rehabilitation techniques and as crew leaders.
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VERMONT
Addison County Community Action Group (Middlebury)
Contact: Jeanne Montross
P.O. Box 165
Middlebury, VT 05753
E-mail: jmontross@accag.org
Phone: 802.388.3608
Fax: 802.388.0756
Work Needed: Renovation, repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income, disabled, and elderly persons. Common labor work, carpentry, painting, wiring, plumbing, roofing, and exterior work.
Time: July and August
Group Size: 15–25 persons
Minimum Age: 14 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Workers bring bedding. Housing provided in churches at no cost. Workers provide and prepare food. Bring appropriate work clothing.
Cost: $50 per person per week would be appreciated for materials.
Educational/ Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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VIRGINIA
Harvest of Hope
Contact: Lauren Holcomb
The Society of St. Andrew
3383 Sweet Hollow Road
Big Island, VA 24526
E-mail: sosaglean@endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Fax: 434.299.5949
Website: www.endhunger.org
Work Needed: Participants glean crops and donate the produce to food assistance programs such as food banks and soup kitchens.
Time: Groups submit applications to attend. Deadlines are four weeks before the event. Weeklong camps are scheduled for senior-high groups in the summer. Weekend camps are scheduled in the spring, summer and fall for junior-high groups, and students and young adult groups, and intergenerational groups. Camp locations vary.
Group Size: Six is a good size. Initial group registration is limited to 18 per church. At some events, several church teams can be accommodated up to 60. No team is too small.
Minimum Age: 10 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 If bringing a mixed gender group, must have a male and female leader.
Conditions: Harvest of Hope staff arranges housing for groups at church camps or college dormitories. Housing conditions vary by location. Some are very rustic with sleeping accommodations on floor mats. Some are more modern.
Cost: Weeklong camps $185 per person, includes housing, meals and programming; Fall Weekend camps $75 per person, includes housing, meals and programming.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Participants learn about hunger through a variety of educational tools, coupled with worship. Hunger education components of the program happen each evening in large and small groups.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in Arkansas, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Pennsylvania, and Washington, D.C.
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WASHINGTON
Yakama Christian Mission (White Swan)
Contact: David Bell or Jill Delaney
2551 Signal Peak Road
P.O. Box 547
White Swan, WA 98952
E-mail: worktrips@yakamamission.org
or log@yakamamission.org
Phone: 509.874.2824
Web site: www.yakamamission.org
Work Needed: Yakama features Learning and Serving trips. Service opportunities vary according to the needs of the community and the mission site. Service also includes daily workshops to address cultural justice in a multicultural world.
Time: All year long.
Group Size: All types and sizes of groups.
Minimum Age: None
Conditions: Bunks for 20 people. Larger groups are welcome (lots of floor space!). RV spaces and tent sites are available.
Cost: Learning and Serving trips are $275 per person for the week. Includes lodging, food, and supplies. There are short-term opportunities, please check the website or call for price.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Learning and serving trips include intentional times for the participant to reflect on their role in the community. One to two hour workshops are required. They address various justice issues in a multi-cultural world. Video clips, games, exercises, and small group time are used to grapple with the issues and information provided. Each workshop delves into current issues facing our first-world society and experienced first hand by those living on the Yakama reservation. Workshops engage each group in learning about the principles of culture, race and ethnicity, so they return to their home congregation with a better understanding of justice.
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WEST VIRGINIA
Alderson Ministerial Association (Alderson)
Contact: Rev. Mark Stauffer
P.O. Box 176
Alderson, WV 24910
Email: markstauf@suddenlinkmail.com
Website: www.aldersonhospitalityhouse.org
Phone: 304.445.7854 (Church)
Alternate Address: Rev. Annette Carper
C/O Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church
P.O. Box 477
Alderson, WV 24910
Phone: 304.445.7814
Work Needed: Rehabilitation of homes in the community and possibility of work in local thrift shop. Work supervisor provided. Currently no volunteers are needed until 2010.
Time: Summer.
Group Size: 20 maximum.
Minimum Age: None.
Ration of Adults to Youth: 1:5
Conditions: Dormitory style bunk beds. On-site cook prepares evening meals. Groups prepare breakfast and sack lunches from food provided.
Cost: $225 per person.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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Appalachian South Folklife Center (Pipestem)
Contact: Shelli Osborne
P.O. Box 10 Rocky Mount Road
Pipestem, WV 25979
E-Mail: the_folks@folklifecenter.org
Phone: 304.466.0626
Web site: www.folklifecenter.org
Work Needed: Work is mainly focused on home rehabilitations for people in need but also includes other community development work such as stream clean-up, helping other nonprofits and working around the center supporting on-going work in the community.
Time: Registration is ongoing, but fewer opportunities are available in the winter months.
Group Size: 10–50 people
Minimum Age: 13 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Dorm-style lodging in Folklife Center buildings. Fully stocked kitchen provided (groups must bring and cook their own food). Group must also provide bedding or sleeping bags. Chapel on-site. Ample recreational opportunities available.
Hook-ups for recreational vehicles also available.
Cost: $175 per person per week includes lodging, worksite supervision, and education programs.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Center staff will provide work in community and at Folklife Center, develop field trips, and evening cultural programming. Sessions on Appalachian culture are provided.
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WISCONSIN
Pilgrim Camp and Retreat Center (Ripon)
Contact: Jeff Puhlmann-Becker
W 1010 Spring Grove Road
Ripon, WI 54971-8647
E-mail: jeff@ucci.org
Phone: 920.748.6750
Fax: 920.748.6752
Work Needed: Pilgrim Center is a year-round camp and retreat center. Located on Green Lake, Pilgrim Center offers guests and staff the beauty of nature all around the site. Work groups and individuals are invited to contact the managing director for more information about what the current needs are and how they can help.
Time: May through October, though summer availability may be limited.
Group Size: 20 maximum
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Lodging is free based on regular workday. Individuals must bring their own bedding or sleeping bag.
Cost: $18 per day for three meals and snack.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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