Welcome to this 2010 edition of UCC Mission Trip Opportunities.
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MULTIPLYING MINISTRIES
Act for Transformation - Be Transformed for Action
Mission Trips through UCC Mission Trip Opportunities multiply ministries. Use this resource to get connected with an organization already working with people in their local community and multiply the scope of those ministries. Connect with an organization with an on-going presence in their local community and multiply the depth of your interaction with people. Participate in mission with groups that come before you and those that come after you to multiply the influence of the energy, gifts and skills you share. Continue your involvement in the situations of the people you meet through advocacy in your own community and multiply those personal experiences into commitments that change the world.
Educational/Immersion Mission Trips
Service-Learning Mission Trips
Disaster Recovery Mission Trips
Regardless of the focus of the mission trip setting, your special attention to all three stages of mission trip action is vital for transformation.
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
New Resources promote preparation, reflection and advocacy
Bread for the World. “Getting Ready to Come Back: Advocacy Guide for Mission Teams “
UCC is one of sponsoring partners in the creation of this resource through your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing© Order from www.bread.org or 1-800-82-BREAD $10.00
Helps short-term mission teams understand how political, social and economic systems contribute to hunger and poverty. The guide will support and encourage mission teams to engage in advocacy as informed Christian citizens upon their return home. The guide focuses on advocacy for international mission teams, but is very appropriate for use by short-term mission trips within the United States.
Dutt, Krista. “Merge: A Guidebook for Youth Service Trips”
Merge is written for use with youth groups participating in service trips. Through seven sessions of preparation, on-site reflection, and follow up, this guidebook offers step-by-step plans for each session with discussions, fun activities, and reproducible journal pages for youth to record their experiences and thoughts. Topics include: build a team, connect with God through spiritual exercises, learn about cultural differences, explore God’s mission for the church, reflect on your experiences on the service trip, and apply what you learn back in your own setting. Krista serves as the National Program Director for DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for outreach and Reflection). Order from Mennonite Publishing Network: http://store.mpn.net/ or 800-245- 7894. $15.99.US 1-(800-245-7894)Other
Other Resources emphasizing:
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.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Meeting God in the Ruins - Devotions for Disaster Volunteers. Available free by calling 800.328.4648 (ISBN 6-0001-6788-1); pay shipping only.
Disaster recovery mission trip groups are encouraged to make use of resource. It takes volunteers through the preparations of leaving, working at disaster sites and returning home. The 48-page guide was written for individual devotions, but reflection questions can also be used in group settings. Since disaster volunteers often work in poor areas, the guide also offers facts on poverty.
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.
Wider Church Ministries/Justice and Witness Ministries, UCC. Public Policy Briefing 2010. Download copy from www.ucc.org/justice/uccbriefingbook or contact 866.822.8224 ext. 3725 to place an order for a printed copy.
Section I: Advocacy 101 addresses a biblical call to advocacy, developing an advocacy strategy, engaging in effective policy advocacy, media advocacy tips, and gettting involved through the Justice and Peace Action network (JPANet).
Justice and Witness Ministries, UCC. Advocacy resources, ideas and networks. www.ucc.org/justice/advocacy_resources
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... To be servants in the service of the whole family
--UCC Statement of Faith |
UCC Mission Trip Opportunities, 2010 is your OCWM (Our Church's Wider Mission) at work. Through your contributions to OCWM basic support, youa re maintaining the infrastructure to make possible the networks and partnerships that provide these service opportunities and long-term relationships in local communities. OCWM - Changing Lives!
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Several Host Sites in UCC Mission Trip Opportunities Offer On-Line Tool Kits that can be adapted for follow-up action from mission trips in many settings.
Example: Storytelling ideas - adapted from BorderLinks http://www.borderlinks.org/pdfs/Toolkit_for_Action.pdf
Suggestions for Storytelling
- Put a human face and a three-dimensional life on issues encountered. Relay the stories and concerns you heard directly from the people you met. Tell of your personal experiences, learnings, inspirations.
- Be intentional in your language, so as to not cause your listeners to be defensive and to keep their attention. Do not report everything that was said or done. Refrain from stating generalizations. Use language that expresses your personal connection to the concerns or injustices witnessed.
- Do not be discouraged! People at home have not had the same experience. Know that you have a valuable and unique experience to share. You never know who coul dmake connections with their own similar previous experience and be influenced for later action. Telling the story makes a huge difference for those you met during your trip that would otherwise have no voice!
- Be an organizaer yourself! With your stories, draw connections between what you observed in your mission trip setting and the reality of the community in which you live. Get involved in your community and help organize opportunities for others to interact with and serve with people affected by these same issues.
Share Your Story - Some ideas
- Participate in worship leadership at your church. Preach the sermon; write the liturgy, compose songs; create banners...soon after you return home, and 3 months later.
Plan a gathering with family and friends. Share your photos and experiences.
- Show a relevant DVD to friends and relatives, church groups, student groups, etc., and facilitate a conversation about the issues you encountered. Have information available about the cultures, social an deconomic issues effecting people in your mission trip setting. Provide opportunities for conversation and dialogue.
- Do a presentation for a larger community group, rotary club, church congregation, or other group you may have a connection to.
Determine a format for the event then put together a PowerPoint presentation, slide show, or panel discussion, if possible. A compelling presentation will engage your participants.
- Organize a teach-in. Partner with local organizations or activists involved with the issue to provide an educational event for the public.
- Write a Letter to the Editor. Tie your letter into a recent story in your local newspaper. Your letter has a better chance of being selected for publication if it is a response to a recent story or issue. Limit your letter to 150-200 words and keep in mind that the editors may shorten it due to space limitations. Lead with the most important information and then write in short paragraphs, focusing on one main issue. Read other Letters to the Editor to get a sense of how letters are structured. Include your full name, address, phone number and em-mail at the top of the page and sign the letter at the bottom. The paper will need to verify via phone or email. Follow up to see if the letter was received.
- Keep a Blog. Go to https://www.blogger.com/start to find out more about how to begin keeping a web log. Email the link widely. Become a part of MyUCC social networking space to find others who have participated in similar mission trips.
- Write an article. Write an article about your experience and submit it to magazines that focus on the issues you are addressing in your article. Keep your story at 800 words or less unless the style guidelines say otherwise. You can always go back and expand.
- Plan your next mission trip. Get others involved.
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* LISTING BY STATE
Alabama
Harvest of Hope
Arizona
BorderLinks
Humane Borders
Arkansas
Heifer International - Heifer Ranch
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
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
Illinois
National Disaster Ministries Long-Term Recovery
Discovering 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
Meeting Ground, Inc.
Massachusetts
Boston Urban Outreach
Heifer Learning Center at Overlook Farm
Michigan
United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM)
Mississippi
Back Bay Mission (Biloxi)
Harvest of Hope
Missouri
Blue Springs Terrace
Emmaus Homes, Inc. (Marthasville & St. Charles)
Harvest of Hope
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.
Project Hospitality, Inc.
Youth Service Opportunities Project (YSOP)
North Carolina
Franklinton Center at Bricks
Harvest of Hope
Ohio
Good Works, Inc.
Hiram Farm Living & Learning Community
Nu-Vizion Christian Fellowship UCC
Urban Immersion - Cleveland Style
Washington United Church of Christ
Oregon
JOIN
Pennsylvania
The PUMI Experience
Habitat for Humanity (York)
Mensch Mill Camp and Conference Center
Old First Reformed Church (UCC)
The Pittsburgh Project
Rhode Island
Irons Homestead Camp and Conference Center
—Providence Experience
South Carolina
South Dakota
RE-MEMBER
Tennessee
Appalachia Service Project, Inc.
First Congregational UCC, Memphis Freedom Journey
Morgan-Scott Project for Cooperative Christian Concerns
Sunset Gap Community Center
Texas
Disaster Recovery
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection
Inman Christian Center
Southwest Good Samaritan Ministries
SETIO (Southeast Texas Interfaith Organization)
Vermont
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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Additional Opportunities for Service: The office of Volunteer Ministries of the United Church of Christ provides volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, and at national UCC meetings. Through the Partners in Service Program, Volunteer Ministries partners with local agencies to place individual volunteers with agencies that match the skills of the volunteers with the needs of the agencies. Young adults serve in the midst of volunteer communities through Summer Communities and year-long UCC Companion Comunities: Young Adult Service Communities.
Mission Trips are a way in which the United Church of Christ provides volunteer opportunities for groups. Mission Trips are short-term in nature lasting up to a week, and are for groups of people. Group size can vary - ranging from family sized to church or community group sized. UCC Mission Trip Opportunities lists host sites within the United States. Disaster Recovery Mission Trips available. |
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* INDEX BY FOCUS OF MISSION TRIP
Educational/Immersion Mission Trips
BorderLinks (AZ)
Humane Borders (AZ)
Centro Romero (CA)
Urban Immersion - Cleveland Style (OH)
Urban Spirit (KY)
Heifer International - Heifer Ranch (AR)
Heifer International Overlook Farm (MA)
Hiram Farm Living and Learning Community (OH)
Service-Learning Mission Trips
National Disaster Ministries
Back Bay Mission Recovery / Rebuilding (MS)
New Orleans Association – United Church of Christ (LA)
Terrebonne Readiness Assistance Coalition (LA)
UCC National Disaster Recovery (FL)
Illinois Long Term Disaster Recovery (IL)
Indiana Long Term Disaster Recovery (IN)
Iowa Long Term Disaster Recovery (IA)
Texas City/Galveston (TX)
- Rural
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 (AL, FL, GA, MO, MS, NC, VA)
Henderson Settlement (KY)
H.O.M.E., Inc. (ME)
La Puente Home Repair (CO)
La Puente Social Service (CO)
Morgan-Scott Project for Cooperative Christian Concerns (TN)
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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. Attend or Coordinate a Mission Trip Leaders Training event in your UCC Conference or Association. Invite experienced mission trip leaders and "newbies" to share experiences and ideas. Contact the UCC Volunteer Ministries office for resource materials.
Watch for Mission Trip Leaders' Training via Webinar, coordinated by the UCC Volunteer Ministries Office during 2010. Coordinate a fuller event around the Webinar experience.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. Determine a 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. Plan, plan and then be flexible. Mission trips tend to take on their own time flow and mission happens in the unexpected spaces of our days.
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.).
8. Plan Safe. The UCC Insurance Boards suggest questions to consider and safety precautions to implement. See http://uccib.org Summer 2009 newsletter, page 3.
Transportation:
- Will you borrow or rent vehicles? Are the vehicles insured? Does the church have a "gired and non-owned vehicles" endorsement for its general liability policy?
- Have you betted the drivers? Are they licensed and do they have acceptable driving records?
- Are you using 15-passenger vans? Are the particular hazards understood and managed? Do drivers have a CDL (Commercial Drivers License)?
Permission:
- Have you obtained written permission with reasonable releases and disclaimers from the correct parents or guardians? (Consult attorney.)
Medical Emergencies:
- Are medical accommodations, allergies, special diets and medication requirements recorded?
- Have emergency contact instructions been provided by guardians?
Facilities:
- Have overnight facilities been inspected for cleanliness, safety and security?
Activities & Supervision:
When trips are prolonged and involve relative isolation of children, careful attention must be given to those who are supervising - for their protection and the protection of the children.
- Are adult-to-chid ratios adequate to the activities?
- Have background checks been conducted on non-clergy employees and volunteers?
- Have employees an dvolunteers received training in abuse prevention and detection?
- Are they First Aid/CPR/AED trained?
- Are there clear rules regarding contact with children?
- Are intended activities understood and age appropriate?
- Are children able and qualified for the activities? (e.g. swimming)
- Is safety equipment sufficient and properly sized? (e.g. flotation devices)
Custody Transfer:
- Is it clear for each child who is authorized to pick up the child upon return home?
9. 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.
10. 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
(Use this resource to send a group on a mission trip and involve the congregation.)
"Act for Transformation -- Be Transfored for Action"
Leader: You have been preparing for this mission experience.
Mission Trip Group: Now we embark on the trip.
Missiton Trip Participant A: to recognize Jesus in the vulnerable, the excluded, and the outcast.
Mission Trip Participant B: and commit ourselves to participating in acts of transformation that end these realities.
Leader: You have been preparing for this mission experience.
Mission Trip Group: Now we embark on the trip.
Participant A: to recognize God's love in the world.
Participant B: and commit our presence and gifts and skills to embodying that love.
Leader: You have been preparing for this mission experience.
Mission Trip Group: New we embark on the trip.
Participant A: to recognize ways society is organized that limit or deny opportunities for people to live the fullness of life that god intends.
Participant B: and commit ourselves to personal changes and public advocacy when we return home that the world can be transformed.
Leader (to congregation): You have been preparing for this mission experience.
Congregations: Now we send you out.
Congregant A: with gratitude for your commitment to act for transformation and to be transformed for action.
Congregant B: with prayers for your safety.
Congregant C: with commitment to receive your testimony when you return as part of our own journeys of faith.
Congregant D: with commitment to act in advocacy as prompted by the group's experiences in order to transform the world so that all may live the fullness of life that God intends.
All: Thanks be to God for the opportunity in this mission trip to act for transformation and to be transformed for action. May we be faithful to that calling. Amen.
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ALABAMA
Harvest of Hope (Birimingham)
See listing for National Headquarters under Virginia.
Contact: www.endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Work Needed: Participants glean nutritious produce from farmers' fields and orchards after harvest. This food, instead of being left behind to rot, is dellivered to those in need through programs such as local food banks and soup kitchens. Harvest of Hope is a national gleaning network.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in the following states: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.
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ARIZONA
BorderLinks (Tucson)
Contact: Education 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. BorderLinks' education programs focus on issues of immigration, community formation, sustainable development and social justice in the borderlands between Mexico, the U.S. and beyond. 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 - 13 people or 19 - 27 people
Minimum Age: Negotiable. Most programming is appropriate for middle-school age and up.
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: $130/day per person, which covers all programming, translation, housing, meals, leadership, and local transportation; $500 group deposit required (deducted from final trip balance.)
Educational/Advocacy Components: A core mission of BorderLinks is to provide groups with learning experiences that are interactive experiential, reflective, and often life-changing. BorderLinks provides experiential education that raises awareness and inspires action around global political economics. As a binational organization, BorderLinks bring people together to build bridges of solidarity across North and Latin American borders and promotes intercultural understanding and respect.
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Humane Borders (Tucson)
Contact: Adria Pearson or 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, 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 2 or 3 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: 1:6
Conditions: Housing is in the First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) fellowship hall and classrooms. Facilities include two showers, full kitchen with utensils, meeting space, worship space, 20 cots, washer/dryer for laundry, TV with video and DVD players. Groups provide their own meals, bedding, towels, and toiletries. Groups also provide their own high-clearance, desert suitable transportation once on site. 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: Half of the visit is spent in learning and observation in/around Tucson: (1) presentations & discussion with Humane Borders staff, (2) visit to federal court, (3) documentaries, (4) other, as requested. We also offer related educational opportunities south of the border, (5) visit various migrant ministries in Nogales, (6) visit migrant center in Altar (63 miles south of the border).
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ARKANSAS
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 includes 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 or correac@theromerocenter.com
Phone: 619.428.8700
Fax: 619.428.8705
Website: www.theromerocenter.com
Focus/Emphasis: 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). Educational tracks for seminars include spiritual/theological track; environmental racism/justice track; and globalization/workers rights track. See website for more details. 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/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: Border theology focuses upon the notion of praxis. The analytical experience of each particpant will begin before coming to the Romero Center and will focus on the readings sent to each participant before their arrival to San Ysidro. The reflective experience will start as soon as participants arrive at the Center and will be part of the learning process throughout the program. Each participant will be provided with a series of questions to help guide the analysis of the readings and thier reflections before, during and after each immersion experience.
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Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (Hollywood/Los Angeles)
Contact: DOOR Program National Office
See listing for DOOR programs in entry under national office in Denver, Colorado.
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. Groups experience the city and learn about it through volunteering at a variety of community agencies already present in the community, including soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Groups stay at facilities in the city, hear a local perspective on the city, use public transportation when available, interact with people of the city and reflect on their experiences.
DOOR locations nationwide: California (Hollywood/Los Angeles); Colorado (Denver), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), Florida (Miami) and Texas (San Antonio).
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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: nsymons@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: 303.355.4896
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, painting or repairing low income housing, nurturing and tending gardens and working with children of economically disadvantaged families, people with disabilities and the elderly.
Time: Any time of year. One to six day experiences available.
Group Size: 60 maximum per week
Minimum Age: 12 years
Conditions: DenUM arranges lodging in local churches. Shower and kitchen facilities provided. Groups are responsible for own transportation and food.
Cost: $165 per person per week; $100 per person for a half-week or week-end; plus a $100 non-refundable deposit is required to secure a 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.
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. Groups experience the city and learn about it through volunteering at a variety of community agencies already present in the community, including soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Groups stay at facilities in the city, hear a local perspective on the city, use public transportation when available, interact with people of the city and reflect on their experiences.
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 Sept. 1- Jan. 31 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 for high school aged youth; 1:6 for middle school aged youth
Conditions: Housing is arranged at local churches, either on the floor at the church or on cots. Participants bring their own sleeping bag and pillow (no air mattresses). Buildings are air conditioned. Showers are provided. See FAQ under "Discover/Short Term" on www.DOORnetwork.org for more details.
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: The program is designed to expose people to the city in a direct way. Evening speakers, group reflection, worship and Bible study challenge people to consider biblical responses to the issues of poverty, racism, and injustice facing the city as they daily live out their authentic Christian faith.
See: California (Hollywood/Los Angeles); Colorado (Denver), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), Florida (Miami) and Texas (San Antonio).
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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: Milly Hilligoss
911 State Ave., P.O. Box 1235
Alamosa, CO 81101
E-Mail: volunteers.lapuente@gmail.com or volunteers@lapuente.net
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: $25 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: audrey@slvhabitat.org
Phone: 719.589.8678
Fax: 719.589.1773
Web site: www.habitatcolorado.org
Work Needed: We build affordable 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
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 or 202.821.6217
Website: www.ysop.org and www.ysop.org/photogallery.htm
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: DOOR Program National Office
See listing for DOOR programs in entry under national office in Denver, Colorado.
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. Groups experience the city and learn about it through volunteering at a variety of community agencies already present in the community, including soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Groups stay at facilities in the city, hear a local perspective on the city, use public transportation when available, interact with people of the city and reflect on their experiences.
DOOR locations nationwide: California (Hollywood/Los Angeles); Colorado (Denver), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), Florida (Miami) and Texas (San Antonio).
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Harvest of Hope (Orlando)
See listing for National Headquarters under Virginia.
Contact: www.endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Work Needed: Participants glean nutritious produce from farmers' fields and orchards after harvest. This food, instead of being left behind to rot, is dellivered to those in need through programs such as local food banks and soup kitchens. Harvest of Hope is a national gleaning network.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in the following states: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.
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United Church of Christ Disaster Recovery Ministries, Florida Conference – Disaster Recovery
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator
E-Mail: flaconf@uccfla.org
Work Needed: Long-term recovery from hurricanes, tropical storms and tornado disasters throughout the state of Florida, particularly in central and southern Florida. Work includes rebuilding and repair of homes. 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: Groups are encouraged to make use of the resource, Meeting God in the Ruins - Devotions Disaster Relief Vounteers. Free copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by calling 800.328.4648 (ISBN 6-0001-6788-1); pay shipping only. Leaders are responsible for coordinating these sessions.
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GEORGIA
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (Atlanta)
Contact: DOOR Program National Office
See listing for DOOR programs in entry under national office in Denver, Colorado.
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. Groups experience the city and learn about it through volunteering at a variety of community agencies already present in the community, including soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Groups stay at facilities in the city, hear a local perspective on the city, use public transportation when available, interact with people of the city and reflect on their experiences.
DOOR locations nationwide: California (Hollywood/Los Angeles); Colorado (Denver), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), Florida (Miami) and Texas (San Antonio).
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Harvest of Hope (Tifton)
See listing for National Headquarters under Virginia.
Contact: www.endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Work Needed: Participants glean nutritious produce from farmers' fields and orchards after harvest. This food, instead of being left behind to rot, is dellivered to those in need through programs such as local food banks and soup kitchens. Harvest of Hope is a national gleaning network.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in the following states: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.
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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
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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 or by calling 800.328.4648 (ISBN 6-0001-6488-1); pay shipping only.
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Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (Chicago)
Contact: DOOR Program National Office
See listing for DOOR programs in entry under national office in Denver, Colorado.
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. Groups experience the city and learn about it through volunteering at a variety of community agencies already present in the community, including soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Groups stay at facilities in the city, hear a local perspective on the city, use public transportation when available, interact with people of the city and reflect on their experiences.
DOOR locations nationwide: California (Hollywood/Los Angeles); Colorado (Denver), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), Florida (Miami) and Texas (San Antonio).
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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: rockfordurbanmin@aol.com
Phone: 815.964.7111
Web site: www.gbgm-umc.org/urbanmin/
Work Needed: Bring open hearts and accepting ways for inner-city urban work experience that includes renovation of low-income housing, and/or work for nonprofit organizations including serving at soup kitchens and food pantries. A new project for those that wish to help the environment: transforming an old farm into a wetland prairie.
Time: Summer, but we operate throughout the year. Please call at least two months in advance (but some last-minute "miracles" have been known to occur).
Group Size: From 5 to 70 maimum, special accommodations for larger or smaller groups available.
Minimum age: 14 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:3 for Junior High volunteers; 1:4 for Senior High Volunteers.
Conditions: Project provides housing at a local churches with use of kitchen facilities. Groups provide own food and bedding. Showers are available at the church (Second Congregational UCC), or (for larger groups) Salvation Army and/or YMCA. If a more formal accommodation is desired, a nearby retreat center is available for housing at an additional cost. Bring your favorite tools! Full-time staff person serves onsite during the summer.
Cost: $150 non-refundable initial donation needed to confirm reservation. An additional $15 per day per person covers operational expenses and staff leadership (delivered before group arrives). Donations for tools and building materials only if you are able and the spirit moves you.
Educational/Advocacy Components: An "urban tour" and one evening program on the history of the city and of the low income housing development provided by Rockford Urban Ministries staff (upon request). Groups are welcome to design their own programs for the evening.
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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
Website: il-odm.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
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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: Tonya Adams Pettigrew
UCC Volunteer Ministries
700 Prospect Avenue E
Cleveland, OH 44115
E-mail: pettigrewt@ucc.orgPhone: 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: $225 per person per week. $125 per child 11 and under per week. A $40 non-refundable deposit per person is required. Fee includes program, building materials, work supervision, housing, 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
pONE: 502.778.7211
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 encouraged to make use of resource, Meeting God in the Ruins - Devotions for Disaster Relief Volunteers. Free copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by calling 800.328.4648 (ISBN 6-0001-6788-1); pay shipping only. Group leaders are responsible for coordinating these sessions.
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Terrebonne Readiness Assistance Coalition
(Terrebonne and Lafourche Counties)
Contact: Volunteer Coordinator
1220 Aycock St.
Houma, LA 70360
E-mail: information@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 Parishes. 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: New Windsor Conference Center
500 Main Street, P.O. Box 188
New Windsor, MD 21776-0188
E-Mail: nwcc_gb@brethren.org
Phone: 800.766.1553 or 410.635.8700
Fax: 410.635.8789
Website: www.brethren.org "Brethren Service Center"
Work Needed: Several programs on campus rely on volunteers. These include the SERRV: A Greater Gift and the warehouse and shipping for Church World Service "Gift of the Heart" kits.
Time: Year-round. Groups may come for one day or several days at a time, Monday through Friday.
Minimum Age: 14 years (Ages 14-16 require parental consent in writing.)
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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Meeting Ground, Inc.
Contact: Lyla Brown
Meeting Ground, Inc.
P.O. Box 808
Elkton, MD 21922
Email: volunteer@meetingground.org
Phone: 410.275.2936
Fax: 410.275.9441
Website: www.meetingground.org/workcmp.htm
Work Needed: Construction & renovation of facilities, including gardening, landcaping, sorting of donations (clothing, household goods, supplies, etc.) as well as maintenance of nature trail.
Time: Year-round. Groups may come for one day or several days at a time.
Conditions: Lodging at Clairvaux Farm Facility in Earleville, MD.
Cost: $35/person/day; additional donations towards costs of food, building materials & supplies are helpful. Contribution depends on size of group and work to be done. (Generally $750-$2,000).
Educational/Advocacy Components: Offers groups firsthand experience in meeting and working with persons who are experiencing homelessness. Residents and mission trip volunteers participate jointly in work projects as well as meals, worship and recreation. Staff is available to meet with groups during devotions and other times to share ministry and needs of the persons with whom we are in partnership.
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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: cmcdonald@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. One of the churches has showers available.
Cost: $80 per person program fee for arrangement of worksites, orientation, and directions to each site. $12 per person per night for lodging. Optional programs are available at additional costs.
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: Kate Sheehan
216 Wachusett Street
Rutland, MA 01543-9761
E-mail: overlook.farm@heifer.org
Phone: 877.663.1681
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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MICHIGAN
United Church Outreach Ministry (UCOM) (Wyoming)
Contact: Bruce Roller, Executive Director or Shawn Keener, Program Director
1311 Chicago Drive SW
Wyoming, MI 49509
Email: bruce.roller@UCOMgr.org
Phone: 616.241.4006 ext. 33 or ext. 23
Fax: 616.241.3433
Web site:www.UCOMgr.org
Work Needed: Sessions that incorporate work sessions are built around the interest and skills of teh volunteer groups. Sessions that incorporate work in one or more of the following areas are needed on a regular basis: gardening/landscaping, repair, maintenance and painting of the building (inside and/or outside); tutoring elementary and middle school children; warehousing product; rotating inventory; personal shopping; bulk food repackaging; coupon clipping; filing; data entry; sorting gently used clothing; artwork; photography; and many other operations and support activities.
Time: UCOM can utilize groups from 5 to 50 during any season. The trip should be scheduled with our program director (who also coordinates the volunteers) one month prior to arrival time.
Group Size: 5 to 50
Minimum Age: 12 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:7
Conditions: Depending on the size of the group. UCOM can provide on-site comfortable space for 20 people with sleeping bags. There are, four bathrooms here, but only two showers. Our supporting churches, however, are generally very generous both with "church sleeping spaces" and individual congregants willing to take UCOM volunteers into their homes. UCOM can provide on-site communal meals for $3 per meal.
Educational Components: UCOM's executive director is an ordained minister and former adjunct professor for Samaritan College. He is willing to work with group leaders to customize an education/worship experience that involves group leaders and volunteers to whatever extent they wish to be involved. Staff and supportive area clergy are a willing resource to these programs at UCOM. UCOM collaborates with more than 20 service agencies and 16 UCC congregations that are willing to showcase how this work fits into the wider justice picture in great Grand Rapids.
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MISSISSIPPI
Back Bay Mission (Biloxi)
Contact: Craig Teenkamp
1012 Division Street
Biloxi, MS
Email: volunteercoordinator@thebackbaymission.org
Phone: 228.432.0301
Fax: 228.374.2922
Web site: www.thebackbaymission.org
Work Needed: This program is one of Back Bay Mission's trademarks within the United Church of Christ. Back Bay Mission has developed a highly successful style of work camping based on experiential learning. While the "work" in work camping has become more intense and the term "housing recovery" more appropriate since Hurricane Katrina, BBM's model of work camping is more in demand than ever. It places equal emphasis on productivity (home rehabilitation or construction) and learning, using an action-reflection model. This powerful method helps people internalize their learning at the same time they build cohesive caring groups. From serving approximately 20 work teams per years before 2005, the program since Hurricane Katrina in 2005 has grown to hosting 40 teams as the Mission, along with many other organizations, responds to the overwhelming need for housing restoration. Work teams perform a wide range of tasks - from mold abatement to roofing to installing dry wall to electrical and plumbing work. When the Mission selects a home to restore, it commits to completing the project. The effort frequently requires many weeks' work by several different work teams.
Minimum Age: 14 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5 Groups are asked to include adults skilled in home repair.
Conditions: Lodging and mattresses provided. Group must bring own bedding. Group must provide food and prepare own meals.
Cost: $50 per participant per week plus $150 reservation per group.
Educational Components: Back Bay Mission staff provide education regarding issues on poverty, affordable housing and justice issues in disasater recovery, along with the church's role in enacting social change. The Community Empowerment ministry of Back Bay Mission serves the local and wider communities and initates fundamental systemic change through grassroots community organizing and advocacy. Information on www.thebackbaymission.org/Community_Empowerment.html; including the public awareness campaign of Back Bay Mission "Warm Welcome Gulf Coast" which attempts to dispel negative myths about affordable housing. (www.warmwelcomegulfcoast.org)
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Harvest of Hope (Jackson)
See listing for National Headquarters under Virginia.
Contact: www.endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Work Needed: Participants glean nutritious produce from farmers' fields and orchards after harvest. This food, instead of being left behind to rot, is dellivered to those in need through programs such as local food banks and soup kitchens. Harvest of Hope is a national gleaning network.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in the following states: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.
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MISSOURI
Blue Springs Terrace (Blue Springs)
Near Kansas city
Contact: Deloda Hempenius, Terrace Administrator
312 SW 19th Terrace
Blue Springs, MO 64015
Phone: 816.228.3447 Home or
Email: hempenius@aol.com
Web site: www.bluespringsterrace.org
Work Needed: Blue Springs Terrace provides independent living in supportive Christian community for ALL retired pastors and full-time Christian workers of the United Church of Christ and the Christ Church (Disciples of Christ) and/or their spouses. Houses are provided and residents pay a small monthly maintenance fee. Work projects include building assessments and repairs so that people can remain in their homes living independently.
Time: Weekends or week-long in spring or fall.
Group Size: Maximum 10
Minimum Age: None
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5.
Conditions: Groups stay at the "Agape House" Terrace Community Center. Bring your own air mattress and sleeping bag. Kitchen provided. Groups cook own food. Bring own tools and equipment for projects.
Cost: Donation accepted for materials.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Blue Springs Terrace is a member of the UCC Council for Health and Human Service Ministries (CHHSM). Conversation with retired church workers and clergy.
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Emmaus Homes, Inc. (Marthasville & St. Charles)
Contact: Dennis Kramme, Director of Development
Phone: 636.534.5310
Fax: 636.534.5311
Email: krammed@emmaushomes.org
Web site: www.emmaushomes.org
Marthasville Campus
11900 Emmaus Drive
Marthasville, MO 63357
St. Charles Campus
2200 Randolph Street
St. Charles, MO 63301
Work Needed: Yard work, painting, carpentry, cleaning, filing, and assistance in recreational and educational programs. Experience relationships with persons with developmental disabilities.
Time: All seasons
Group Size: Maximum 25
Minimum Age: 12+ years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5. (Requested ratio of 1:3 if group is composed of youth ages 12-15).
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 are offered, providing a time interact with the men and women of Emmaus.
Cost: Donation requested to offset the cost of utilities.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Throughout the stay opportunities are offered for individuals to work in the Senior/Recretation Program. This is an opportunity to work directly with residents under staff supervision.
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Harvest of Hope (Kansas City)
See listing for National Headquarters under Virginia.
Contact: www.endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Work Needed: Participants glean nutritious produce from farmers' fields and orchards after harvest. This food, instead of being left behind to rot, is dellivered to those in need through programs such as local food banks and soup kitchens. Harvest of Hope is a national gleaning network.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in the following states: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.
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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: $200 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 a potential part of this program. Local recreational opportunities include swimming, major and minor league baseball games, St. Louis Arch, Six Flags, St. Louis Zoo, Grant's Farm, City Museum and many special interest museums.
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United Church Neighborhood Houses (St. Louis)
Contact: 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. Projects also include stocking food pantry shelves and sorting clothes at teh thrift store. Summer camp programs need work camp groups for crafts, games, field trips, and meal perparation.
Time: Year-round. Contact office to arrange time and schedule. Only twelve (12) groups will be accommodated during the summer months.
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 Neighborhood Houses' 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 or 888.642.8229 x. 112
Fax: 603.225.2345
Website: www.hortoncenter.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 person per night without meals; $50 per person per night with meals provided (during summer camp 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 Virginia Leigh, Volunteer Coordinator
E-mail: bvleigh@aol.com
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: Betty Carpenter, Chair
P.O. Box 113 (84 Main St.)
Camden, NY 13316-0113
Phone: 315.558.2819
Email: cluster13@verizon.net
Website: www.cluster13ministries.org
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. Housing for groups is available late June through August.
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: Donation of at least $100 per person in the group helps pay for the project materials. Cluster 13 provides welcome dinner and one evening picnic. Groups are responsible for other meals.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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Project Hospitality, Inc. (Staten Island)
Contact:
100 Park Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10302
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. Resources and ideas for follow-up on hunger, homelessness, mental illness, living with HIV/AIDS at www.projecthospitality.org under "Issues and Public Policy."
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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 and www.ysop.org/photogallery.htm
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, overnight or weeklong work camps serving the hungry and homeless of NYC.
Time: Daylong, overnight 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 an educational, service learning component 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
Rev. Rose Wright-Scott, Minister for Program Development
Tracey Mann, Administrative Assistant
281 Bricks Lane, P.O. Box 220
Whitakers, NC 27891
Phone: 252.437.1723
Fax: 252.437.1278
Email: eem5050@aol.com; Ghana0295@aol.com; traceymann77@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: $30.00 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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Harvest of Hope (Durham & Charlotte)
See listing for National Headquarters under Virginia.
Contact: www.endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Work Needed: Participants glean nutritious produce from farmers' fields and orchards after harvest. This food, instead of being left behind to rot, is dellivered to those in need through programs such as local food banks and soup kitchens. Harvest of Hope is a national gleaning network.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in the following states: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia.
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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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Hiram Farm Living and Learning Community (Hiram)
Contact: Jason Bricker-Thompson
P.O. Box 157
11 Garfield Road
Hiram, OH 44234
E-mail: kimmeehummell@yahoo.com
Phone: 330.569.3441
Fax: 330.569.3441
Work Needed: Provides opportunities for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) to grow, learn, work and live in a setting focused on respect and support for individuals and the environment. Volunteers help with gardening, afternoon livestock chores, light and skilled construction projects (based on skill and need) and assist with craft and art projects with Austic participants on a limited basis.
Time: Weeklong groups: June - August
Weekend groups, all year around on a limited basis.
Group Size: Maximum 20 people.
Minimum Age: No minimum age.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:6
Conditions: College dorm facilities are available at $8/person, per night at Hiram College. Free floor sleeping space at Hiram Christian Church and showering at an area park may also be available. Programming space, a chapel and the college game room are available. Food is not included, but seasonal vegetables will be provided as available. Commercial kitchen space and dining room is available for breakfasts and dinners and cold storage for bag lunches.
Cost: Suggested donation of $100/person for a typical Sunday evening through Saturday morning week (not including housing - see above.)
Educational/Advocacy Components: Day and evening education and reflection programs are available with Farm an dHiram College staff on topics of Autism, inclusion, sustainability and Fair Trade (Hiram College has a Fair Trade store that will be ope to volunteers at a discount rate). Programming must be arranged ahead of time with the Hiram Farm staff.
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Nu-Vizion Christian Fellowship, UCC (Toldeo)
Contact: Rev. Will Stuart
(Mailing Address) P.O. Box 80145, Toledo OH 43608
Location: 2014 Cherry Street
Toledo, OH 43608
E-mail: nuvizioncf@sbcglobal.net
Phone: 419.241.9358
Fax: 419.241.5740
Work Needed: Focus of mission trip experience is to help your group experience the neighborhood and church of Nu-vizion, while assisting in certain projects that are part of the on-going ministries of this inner-city new church start. Project possibilities include: building and facilities maintenance such as painting, cleaning, construction, lawn care; outreach such as asorted feeding ministries, 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 and crafts; VBS. Staff matches work projects with the specific interests and skills of the group.
Time: One-day visits and 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: Groups stay at neighboring Park Congregational UCC with showers at the YMCA. Kitchen facilities are available.
Cost: One day visits have no fixed costs. $100 per person per day for summer trips. $50 per person per day for weekend trips...costs are negotiable based upon needs of the group (re: food, lodging, special events, etc.).
Educational/Advocacy Components: Nu-Vizion is a new church in the UCC, focusing on creating community with and among people in the neighborhood and this Toledo urban setting. Nu-Vision members and mission trip groups accompany each other during the experience. Groups encounter issues related to poverty, lack of mental health resources, racism aided by a curriculum resource developed in the Nu-Vizion context. Other encounters are through bible study/devotions, worship opportunities (often with the NVUCC community) and down-to-earth discussions about poverty/urban issues, multiculturalsim and the role of ministry in these areas.
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Urban Immersion - Cleveland Style
Contact: Robin Schreiber
Bethany UCC
3388 West 41st Street
Cleveland, OH 44109
E-Mail: rev.r_schreiber@earthlink.net
Phone: 216.631.6132
Fax: 216.651.5380
Website: www.uiclevelandstyle.org
Work Needed: The Urban Immersion - Cleveland Style Project is sponsored by a cluster of urban churches, and their supporting suburban ring partners. Your time here will be planned out (with your input) to highlight issues of hunger, poverty, health care, community, etc. Specific work for the core summer program might include helping out with food pantries or community meal serving, home or yard work for elderly or disabled neighbors, or tasks like cleaning up a small park, painting a room, or building an accessibility ramp.
Time: The standard group experience is a week-long group in the summer. Groups arrive on Sunday, and leave early Saturday. Shorter group experiences, during the summer, from Wednesday to Saturday, are also available, and may be more appropriate for younger groups. Individualized programs can be arranged at other times during the year.
Group Size: Any size up to 30. Your group may be combined with others for a total of 30 people.
Minimum Age: Junior High
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Conditions: Bring your own bedding and sleep in the church classrooms. Showers are available in the church and/or parsonage next door. Some meals will be scheduled for the group as part of the educational component of the program. For all other meals, groceries will be provided, and the meal preparation is up to the group (with some pre-prep help from us). There is a large kitchen available.
Cost: $230 per person for the week long group, $140 per person for the half week group.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Cleveland has two distinctions which make it a meaningful place to bring your group. First, it is the home of the UCC National Office, and a trip to the office will generally be part of the week. Less happily, it is regularly listed somewhere between #1 to #5 in measures of poverty: poorest, most children in poverty, most foreclosures, etc. We'd like you to the see the real people behind these numbers. Educational events and speakers will be scheduled, and theological reflection materials will be provided.
For the fun/recreational part of your Mission Trip, there is the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, parks on Lake Erie, sports, museums, music - many possibilities.
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Washington United Church of Christ (Cincinnati)
Contact: Jean Siddell, Work Camp Coordinator
2950 Sidney Avenue
Cincinnati, OH 45225
E-Mail: mommaj3@juno.com or 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: 10 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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OREGON
JOIN (Portland)
Contact: Anthony DeLorenzo
3338 SE 17th Avenue
Portland, OR 97202
Email: immersion@joinpdx.com
Website: www.joinpdx.com
Phone: 503.232.2031
Fax: 503.232.4640
Work Needed: Participants will go on an intensive immersion focused on learning about homelessness and social injustice in Portalnd, OR. This is done through living in solidarity with people on the streets, sharing meals with them, and taking tours to homeless camps. The nights will be spent reflecting and processing what was experienced during the day. Participants will leave the weekend with an understanding of the struggles people sleeping outside combat, as well as the knowledge of how to better help the homeless community.
Time: Any weekend (Friday - Sunday) October through June Application deadline - at least 3 months before the requested weekend.
Group Size: minimum of 10 and maximum of 25
Minimum Age: 15 years
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:4
Conditions: Participants are given 3 meals on Saturday, and breakfast on Sunday. In the spirit of solidarity, participants will sleep on the floor of JOIN's office.
Cost: $45 per person
Educational/Advocacy Components: JOIN staff leads the majority of the programming, as well as a few formerly homeless individuals helping with certain aspects of the weekend. The immersion coordinator has a variety of resources on hand to facilitate large and small group reflection time, including a church service, the two feet of social justice, role playing, and the opportunity for Q&A with people experiencing homelessness.
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PENNSYLVANIA
Habitat for Humanity (York)
Contact: Rijelle Kraft, Volunteer Coordinator
36 North Highland Ave.
York, PA 17404
E-mail: rijelle@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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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: oldfirstucc@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 Pittsburgh Project
2801 North Charles Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15214-3110
E-mail: bperry@pittsburghproject.org
Phone: 412.321.1678
Fax: 412.321.3813
Web site: www.pittsburghproject.org
Work Needed: Get on the road for an urban mission trip to Pittsburgh. Crazy cobblestone streets and soaring steel bridges connect neighborhoods dotted with elderly, isolated residents who need help now. Your group will spend time rebuilding their homes. You'll bear witness to God's great love and you'll see God in action throughout your visit. We challenge participants to take on a worldview that is underpinned by Christ-like servant leadership. Since our launch in 1984, we have deployed over 26,000 people from 35 states and four countries.
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 5 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 tools 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 PUMI Experience
Urban Service Learning Experience (Philadelphia)
Contact: Nancy Muth
35 W. Chelten Ave.
Philadelphia, PA 19144
E-mail: info@fpcgermantown.org
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
8 Summer 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 staff of the RI Conference, United Church of Christ, will provide you with contact information regarding human service agencies in the greater Providence area and possible volunteer opportunities. Work projects can include: sorting clothes, painting, cleaning, gardening, working with children, and soup lines. Renovation projects at local UCC churches can also be an option.
Time: Year Round availability. 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 10 persons and maximum of 32.
Minimum Age: Junior high. Family groups welcomed.
Conditions: Overnight accommodations are in our four-season lodge. Year round amenities include: campfire ring, meditation walk, volleyball, horseshoes, and snow sports (when there is 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: $125 event fee plus $15 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 the United Church of Christ. Visit Old South Church, the Congregational Library, 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 a new experience each day.
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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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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 Freedom Journey (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 $150, including tours, meals and lodging. Pilgrim House Hostel is also available for groups or individuals traveling through the area. Rates and other lodging information 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
Disaster Recovery (Texas City/Galveston) Cooperative opportunity through UCC and Christian Church/Disciples of Christ
Contact: Brenda Tyler
Office of Disciples Volunteering
Email: btyler@dhm.disciples.org
Phone: 317.713.2642 or 888.346.2631
Website: www.ucc.org/volunteer/disaster-recovery-volunteers/2008-hurricane-long-term
Work Needed: Long-term disaster recovery work from damage caused by Hurricane Ike in September 2008. The work is primarily the repair of individual homes.
Time: Groups are encouraged to come Sunday evening through Saturday morning.
Group Size: Housing available for up to 25. ratio of 1 or 2 persons with construction skills per 1 volunteers requested.
Conditions: Housing is at First Christian Church, Texas City, TX. bunks and showers are provided. Bring your own bedding. Kitchen facilities and cooking utensils are available. A list of local grocery stories is provided upon your arrival.
Cost: No set cost.
Minimum Age: 14 years.
Adult to Youth Ratio: 1:5
Educational Components: Groups are encouraged to make use of resource, Meeting God in the Ruins - Devotions for Disaster Relief Volunteers. Free copies may be ordered from the Evangellical Lutheran Church in America by calling 800.328.4648 (ISBN 6-0001-6788-1); pay shipping only. Group leaders responsible for own programming.
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Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection (DOOR) (San Antonio)
Contact: DOOR Program National Office
See listing for DOOR programs in entry under national office in Denver, Colorado.
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. Groups experience the city and learn about it through volunteering at a variety of community agencies already present in the community, including soup kitchens and homeless shelters. Groups stay at facilities in the city, hear a local perspective on the city, use public transportation when available, interact with people of the city and reflect on their experiences.
DOOR locations nationwide: California (Hollywood/Los Angeles); Colorado (Denver), Georgia (Atlanta), Illinois (Chicago), Florida (Miami) and Texas (San Antonio).
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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 & Bayview)
Contact: Feliberto Pereira, Director or Raquel Garcia, Assistant Director
28259 Pereira Compassion Road
Los Fresnos, TX 78566
E-mail: fpereira@swgsm.org; rgarcia@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: Maximum of 82 at Bayview site and a maximum of 28 at the Los Fresnos site.
Minimum Age: Middle school age youth with supervision through adults of all ages.
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: Groups are responsible for their costs of travel, housing, food, and work project. The costs are according to what project is chosen for the group's skills and level of work. Please visit their website for additional cost information and forms.
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.
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.
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.
Educational/Advocacy Components: Groups are encouraged to make use of resource, Meeting God in the Ruins - Devotions for Disaster Relief Volunteers. Free copies may be ordered from the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America by calling 800.328.4648 (ISBN 6-0001-6788-1); pay shipping only. Group leaders are responsible for own programming.
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VERMONT
No opportunities available at this time, check back for updates
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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: vaglean@endhunger.org
Phone: 800.333.4597
Fax: 434.299.5949
Website: www.endhunger.org
Work Needed: Participants glean nutritious produce from farmers' fields and orchards after harvest. This food, instead of being left behind to rot, is delivered to those in need through programs such as local food banks and soup kitchens. Harvest of Hope is a national gleaning network.
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 educational materials on hunger in the U.S. and food waste are located at www.endhunger.org/usa_hunger.htm.
Harvest of Hope events are arranged in Arkansas, Virginia, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, 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 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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