For over 50 years, Volunteer Ministries has provided opportunities for people to share their gifts of service and witness to others.  Through the act of foot washing, Jesus makes clear God’s call to serve others.  We are invited to ministries of service that reflect God’s love by responding to the needs of the world and involving ourselves in efforts to challenge injustices.  The logo of the towel and basin remind us of God’s call to serve.

This Partners in Service listing provides a wide variety of opportunities for people to engage in meaningful service, in cooperation with local churches, Conferences and host agencies.  The philosophy undergirding Volunteer Ministries is that all God’s people have been given gifts and that through our baptism we are called to offer these gifts in the service of others.  Read on to learn how you may offer your gifts through Partners in Service. . .

Full-Time Placements throughout the United States for Adults of All Ages

700 Prospect Avenue East
Cleveland, OH  44115-1100
www.ucc.org/volunteer
866.822.8224 ext. 3214 or ext. 3216

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PDF Format available here.

Apply Online- Apply Here

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CONTENTS

Contact Information
Partners in Service Program Description
Three-Way Partnership Agreement
General Information
Application Procedure
Index by Type of Ministry
Covenant & Commissioning Service 
Diverse Ministries

Host Agency Listing (By State)

Additional Volunteer Opportunities
Resources
Service Opportunities
Index of Host Agencies (Alphabetical)

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For Additional Information, Please Contact:

Mary Schaller Blaufuss
Executive for Volunteer Ministries
Phone: 216.736.3214
Toll-Free: 866.822.8224, ext. 3214
E-mail: blaufusm@ucc.org

Tonya Pettigrew
Administrative Assistant for Program
Phone:  216.736.3216
Toll-Free:  866.822.8224 ext. 3216
E-mail:  pettigrewt@ucc.org

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Volunteer Ministries is part of Wider Church Ministries.  Wider Church Ministries of the United Church of Christ works with Conferences and local congregations to develop relationships with partners throughout the global church. As companions with many partners nationally and internationally, we seek to lift up needs in our world and unite in a common mission of service.  www.ucc.org/wcm

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PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Partners in Service program offered through the Volunteer Ministries Office of the United Church of Christ, provides a variety of opportunities for service in diverse  settings as described in the following pages. Volunteers serve terms of two weeks to a year or more.

Who Volunteers?

Adults of all ages, 19-89, who are eager to serve, and have a willingness to learn and to gain a better understanding of themselves serve as full-time volunteers. Partners in Service  does not discriminate against applications on the baseis of religion, race, color, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, or disabilities. 

U.S. Young Adults, Busters and Baby Boomers

Adults of all ages participate in on-going service and advocacy ministries with partner organizations and congregations.

International Volunteers

International volunteers are placed upon the recommendation of partners in the Ecumenical Diaconal Year Network and recognized church partners of the United Church of Christ.

UCC Companion Communities:
Young Adult Service Communities

This young adult emphasis of the Partners in Service program places volunteers, ages 21-30, in intentional communities with host UCC congregations to serve with local mission agencies and congregational leadership with reflection on service and spiritual conversations as integral to the program.

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SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES 

*  UCC Companion Communities:
   Period:  June - August and September - May

*  Long-Term Partners in Service Volunteers
   (9-12 months)
   Period:  September - August and January - December

*  Short-Term Partners in Service Volunteers
   (2-8 months)
   Period:  Begin throughout year

*  Summer Partners in Service Volunteers
    Period:  End of May through mid-August

*  Ecumenical Diaconal Year Network
   (International Volunteers serving in U.S.)
   Period:  September - August

*  Evangelische Kirche im Rheinland
   Arbeitsstelle ZDL und Freiwilligendienst
   (International Volunteers serving in U.S.)
   Period:  August/September - July/August

*  Action reconciliation Service for Peace
   Placements for German volunteers coordinated through U.S. office of ARSP
   (International Volunters serving in U.S.)
   Period:  September - August

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THREE WAY PARTNERSHIP

Partners In Service reflects an intentional partnership among the volunteer, the hosting agency (project) and the Volunteer Ministries Office. Each party covenants with the others to share of themselves and offer their particular gifts and resources to one another to serve God’s people in need. Expectations of the parties involved in a successful placement are listed below. These expectations are based on a one-year term of service. Those provisions that do not apply or are negotiable for shorter terms are marked with an asterisk (*). 

**Partnership Covenants for the UCC Young Adult Service Communities are expanded to include the Volunteer Ministries Office, Host Congregation, Placement Agency and Volunteer.  The volunteer's financial expectations are the same.

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Volunteer Ministries Office

• Recruits, processes applications, and assigns each candidate to an acceptable service arrangement. Processing consists of gathering references on each candidate, sorting out likely projects according to the candidate’s description of interest, and entering into an agreement with a host agency.
• Arranges contact between agency and candidate so that both are satisfied and can make arrangements for service.
• Prepares visa requests and provides sponsorship for international volunteers.
• Contracts for background checks for U.S. volunteers (international volunteers must bring with them written evidence of criminal background check)
• Arranges for limited illness and accident insurance coverage during the service period under the Volunteer Ministries policy, if personal and/or agency insurance is not available.
• Maintains contact with volunteer and the hosting agency.
• Arranges for an annual gathering of volunteers serving terms of 9 months or longer.  Pays for lodging, food and program for this gathering.
• Arranges for the termination of volunteer’s service at the end of service period or at an earlier date if circumstances demand such action.

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Volunteer

• Offers skills, talents, and a willingness to be in service with others.
• Provides personal wardrobe.
• Assumes cost of any medical, optical, or dental treatment not covered by or going beyond the limits of insurance coverage.
• Pays for any personal trips or vacations during the service period.
• Pays for their entire round-trip travel costs to and from the host agency at the beginning and ending of service.

 
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Hosting Agency (Support varies at some agencies)

Provides orientation, training, and supportive guidance to volunteer.

• Is responsible for the volunteer during the period under its supervision in regard to working hours, days off, and vacation time in accordance with the agency’s policies.*
• Provides the volunteer with room and board during the service period.
• Provides special uniforms or clothes, if these are required.
• Provides for needed on-the-job transportation, including transportation to and from service site if volunteer is housed elsewhere.
• Pays the premium of illness and accident insurance for the period of service. (Volunteer Ministries has access to a short term limited illness and accident policy.   This insurance is mandatory, unless adequate insurance coverage is provided by the agency or volunteer.)
• Provides the volunteer with a monthly stipend of at least $100 per month for incidentals while in service.*
• Remains aware of the volunteer’s need for social activity. (Since volunteers are not in their own communities in most cases, it is requested that available social activities be shared with them.)
• Provides the transportation cost, or contributes a minimum of $300 for the volunteer to attend the Volunteer Retreat. (Retreats are held one weekend during the year for volunteers serving 9 month-1 year placements. Attendance is considered an integral part of the volunteer experience.)*

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GENERAL ITEMS OF IMPORTANCE
It is to be understood by all concerned that placement is full-time, approximately 40 hours per week. Any exceptions should be decided by the parties concerned. Volunteer service schedules often vary from week to week and may include evening and weekend hours.  Premature termination is possible, when necessary, and can be initiated with the Volunteer Ministries program by the volunteer, the host agency, or both. If an unsatisfactory placement has been made, a reassignment may be pursued. 

Financial Assistance
Some Conferences and local churches in which UCC Volunteers reside have financial aid programs to assist volunteers. Volunteers should make inquiries of Conferences and churches to ascertain if financial aid is available. 

Loan Deferment & AmeriCorps Education Awards
In some situations, student loans may be deferred for a period of up to three years while the recipient is engaged in service.  In certain placement sites and within the parameters of the AmeriCorps program, AmeriCorps Education Awards may be available for eligible students. 

Sabbatical Opportunities
Many hosting agencies welcome persons who are pursuing sabbatical experiences. Sabbatical placements include time for study and reflection.  Details of time and expectations are negotiated prior to the beginning of Sabbatical service.  The code “SB” following the agency description indicates that sabbatical opportunities are available.

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APPLICATION PROCEDURE

• Complete introductory on-line application for Partners in Service available at www.ucc.org/volunteer/volunteer-on-line-application.html or call to request a printed application form at 866 822-8224 ext. 3214 or 3216.
• Application part II will be sent to you.  Complete application part II and distribute reference forms to be returned directly to Volunteer Ministries Office.  All applicants must complete an application, provide references, and be screened according to UCC guidelines to protect against sexual misconduct.
• A telephone interview with the Executive for Volunteer Ministries is conducted after the application deadline and once the application and references are complete.
• Additional information on projects/host sites of interest is shared to assist the volunteer in discerning an appropriate placement.
• The Executive for Volunteer Ministries arranges for direct conversation between the project/host site and the volunteer applicant.  Although an applicant requests a particular project/host site, the project/host site makes the final decision as to whether or not to invite the applicant.  *Some projects request that the applicant complete a site-specific application.
• All details concerning service, expectations, and benefits are negotiated prior to the beginning of service by the applicant, project/host site, and Volunteer Ministries.  Written confirmation is provided by Volunteer Ministries office.

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APPLICATION DEADLINES

UCC Companion Communities:  Youth Adult Service Communities
     Application Part I Due:  March 1, 2009 & Part II Due:  March 15, 2009
     UCC Companion Communities volunteers will be notified of placement by the end of April, 2009.

Long-Term:  (9-12 months)
Start Date:  September, 2009
     Application Part I & II Due:  March 15, 2009

Long-Term: 
Start Date:  January, 2010
     Application Part I & II Due:  September 30, 2009

Short-Term:  (2-8 months)
     Application Part I & II Due:  3 months prior to desired starting date

Short-Term:  Summer
     Application Part I & II Due:  March 15, 2009

Some application deadlines are flexible.  To inquire about application deadlines, contact Mary Schaller Blaufuss, Executive for Volunteer Minisries blaufusm@ucc.org or 866 822-8224 ext. 3214 or 216 736-3214.

Partners in Service volunteers in long-term and short-term assignments are placed as applications are received and a good match is discerned.

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DIVERSE MINISTRIES 

• Camp and Conference Settings
  Blowing Rock Conference Center, NC
  Camp Mimanagish, MT
  Du Bois Center, IL
  Dunkirk Conference Center, NY
  Geneva Point Center, NH
  Hartman Center, PA
  Lani Kamaha'o, HI
  Living Waters Outdoor Ministry, PA
  Mensch Mill Camp & Conference Center, PA
  Merom Conference Center, IN
  N-Sid-Sen Camp & Conference Center, ID
  New Windsor Conference Center, MD
  Ohio Conference Camps, OH
  Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center, IA
  Pilgrim Pines Camp & Conference Center, CA
  Shannondale Community Center, MO
  Silver Lake Camp & Conference Center, CT
  Slumber falls Camp & Retreat Center, TX
  United Church Camps, WI

• Direct Social Service Emphasis
  Alderson Hospitality House, WV
  Appalachian South Folklife Center, WV
  Beatitudes Agelink, AZ
  Bethany Children's Home, PA
  Camp Courageous, IA
  Charles Hall Youth Services, ND
  Concerned Citizen's Mother's House, IL
  CWS Immigration & Refugee Program, PA
  Evangelical Children's Home, MO
  Emmaus Homes, MO
  Faithful Advocates Serving Togehter (F.A.S.T.), KY
  Hope Homes, OH
  Habitat for Humanity, CA
  Hopewell Inn, OH
  JOIN:  Connecting the Street to a Home, OR
  La Puente Home, Inc., CO
  Multi-Faith Works, WA
  Menual School, NM
  Neighborhood Houses, MO
  Old First Reformed UCC, PA
  Open Ground, KY
  Phoebe Ministries, PA
  Prisoner Visitation and Support, Various Locations
  Prodigals Community, NC
  Religious Coalition for Emergency Needs, MD
  Ryder Memorial Hospital, Puerto Rico
  St. Paul Homes, PA
  United Church Homes and Services, NC
  Uplands, TN

• Disaster Recovery Emphasis
  Back bay Mission, MS
  Emergency Response Disaster Child Care Program Various locations in U.S.
  Florida Conference UCC Disaster Ministries
  South Central Conference UCC Disaster Ministries, New Orleans, LA
  Texas Long-Term Disaster Recovery, UCC/Disciples, Galveston, TX

• Intentional Community Settings - Ecumenical Hosts
  Annunciation House, TX
  Catholic Worker House, CO
  Christ House, Washington, DC
  Discovering Opportunities ofr Outreach & Reflection, CA, CO, GA, IL, FL, TX
  Gould Farm, MA
  Innisfree, VA
  Jubilee Partners, GA
  Koinonia Partners, GA
  Open Door Community, GA
  Plymouth House of Healing, WA
  Su Casa Catholic Worker House, IL

• Justice Advocacy Emphasis
  Amistad America, CT
  Appalachian South Folklife Center, WV
  BorderLinks, AZ
  Brethren Mennonite Council, MN
  Casa Proyecto Libertad, TX
  Heifer International, AR, MA
  Interdenominational Theological Center, GA
  Interfaith Worker Justice, IL, LA
  National Farm Workers, CA, FL, NC, OR
  New Hope House, GA
  No More Deaths, AZ
  Pineros y Campesinos Unidos de Noroeste, OR
  UCC HIV AIDS Ministry, NY
  

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COVENANT and COMMISSIONING SERVICE

PARTNERS IN SERVICE
FULL-TIME VOLUNTEERS
Based on John 13:3-15

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HOST SITES, BY STATE

ALABAMA

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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ARIZONA

Beatitudes Agelink Intergenerational Child Development Center (Phoenix)

Mission:  supports young families through early education and child care services. The center also enriches the lives of older persons residing at the Beatitudes Campus of Care and in the surrounding neighborhood.

Volunteer Position:  Office assistance and interaction with pre-school children visiting Beatitudes Campus of Care.

Period:  January - March

Apply by:  September 30

Housing:  Host family

Minimum Age:  19 years

Beatitudes Center D.O.A.R. (Phoenix)

Mission:  provides in-home services, support groups, and education to elderly and disabled adults; caregivers of the elderly, grandparents raising grandchildren, and congregations developing health ministries.

Volunteer Position:  Eents assistance and Visitation

Period:  1-3 month placements year-round

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Host family

Minimum Age:  25 years

Borderlinks (Tucson)

Mission:  coordinates experiential trips to the United States-Mexico border to foster involvement in immigration and border issues.  www.borderlinks.org

Volunteer Position:  Group Assistance

Period:  3-12 month placements year-round

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Private room in volunteer housing or Host Family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Humane Borders (Tucson)

Mission:  provides water to persons in the Arizona desert and facilitates research and education on issues of borders and immigration.

Volunteer Position:  Humanitarian Assistance

Period:  2-12 months

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Home Stay

Minimum Age:  19 years

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No More Deaths (Tucson) 

Mission:  a coalition of faith-based partners working together to stem the rising numbers of migrant deaths in the Arizona deserts near the U.S.-Mexico border each year.  www.nomoredeaths.org

Volunteer Position:  Volunteers join in groups to camp in the Arizona desert to provide humanitarian assistance to persons encountered.  NMD is staffed entirely by volunteers from all walks of life and professions.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Desert Camp Site & Host Family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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ARKANSAS

Heifer International Learning Center, Heifer Ranch (Perryville)
*Site specific application required in additional to UCC Partners in Service applications.

Mission:  offers hands-on educational experiences that promote sustainable solutions to global hunger, poverty and environmental degradation.  www.heifer.org/ranch

Volunteer Position 1:  Host, receptionist, greeters.

Period:  2-6 month placements year-round

Apply by:  3 month prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment

Minimum Age:  25 yeas

Volunteer Position 2:  General education, livestock, horticulture, or maintenance

Period:  2-6 month placements throughout year or 7-12 month placements, beginning at staggering times throughout the year.

Housing:  Group housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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CALIFORNIA

Habitat for Humanity (Fresno)

Mission:  building community in partnership with low-income families through the construction of new houses, renovation of existing structures, and revitalization of neighborhoods. The current community includes 40 percent of all households are considered low-income and unemployment is more than triple the national average. www.habitatfresno.org 

Volunteer Position:  Volunteer coordination assistant; skilled construction leadership; assistant in ReStore, a retail store that sells construction supplies and materials to raise money for building homes.

Period:  2-12 month placements year-round

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment if available or Host family

Minimum Age:  19 years

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DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection) (Dwell Hollywood, Dwell Denver, Dwell Miami, Dwell Atlanta, Dwell Chicago & Discern-Spring in Chicago, Dwell San Antonio)

Mission:  urban service learning opportunities for young adults interested in discerning a call to urban ministry.  This program emerges out of DOOR's partnerships with Mennonite Mission Network and the National Volunteers Office (NVO) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (www.doornetwork.org)

Volunteer Position:  Participants serve in their placements agency/ministry 4 days a week, meet together with volunteer team 1 day a week, 1 day in a self selected local congregation and 1 day off.

Period:  September - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Volunteers live in intentional community

Minimum Age:  Ages 19-30

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Pilgrim Pines Camp & Conference Center (Yucaipa)

Mission:  committed to Social Justice, Progressive Christianity, Environmental Sustainability and extending an Extravagant Welcome to all. Offers outdoor ministry opportunities for all children, youth and adults, including special programs for those with developmental disabilities. www.pilgrimpinescamp.org  

Volunteer Position:  Volunteers serve as counselors, program staff and a variety of other positions.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  21 years

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COLORADO

Catholic Worker House (Denver)

Mission:  center for hospitality in the inner city. Founded with the vision of Dorothy Day's solidarity with the poor.  www.catholicworker.org 

Volunteer Position:  live very simply in Christian community and maintain the house of hospitality, including house cooking and cleaning and being present to the guests.  Work at a neighborhood thrift store and participate in advocacy work with the guests and other activities related to peace and justice.

Period:  2-12 month placements year-round

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Intentional Community with other volunteers and those served

Minimum Age:  19 years

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La Puente Home (Alamosa)

Mission:  nonprofit organization that provides emergency shelter, food services, advocacy, and transitional services for homeless people and community members in crisis. Services are provided to meet immediate needs and to empower people to live independently with dignity. www.lapuente.net 

Volunteer Position:  Shelter, thrift store, food bank, family assistance program, maintenance and repairs for La Puente's several facilities.

Period:  late August - early August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  volunteer group housing

Minimum Age:  19 years
 

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CONNECTICUT

Amistad America, Inc. (New Haven)

Mission:  to celebrate and teach the lessons of history, leadership, and cooperation inherent in the Amistad Incident of 1839 and to further the legacy through the Freedom Schooner Amistad. www.amistadamerica.org 

Volunteer Position:  Volunteers work on board the Amistad vessel as a deck hand or docent to interpret the ship and the story.

Period:  Placement periods vary.

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  On-board La Amistad ship during voyage and with host family while ship is docked.

Minimum Age:  19 years

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Silver Lake Camp and Conference Center (Sharon) 

Mission:  outdoor ministries site of the Connecticut Conference, UCC.  www.silverlake.ctucc.org 

Volunteer Position 1:  lead summer conferences and serve as leadership for summer camp program

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  April 1

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

Volunteer Position 2:  Alumni Relations

Period:  2-6 month placements September - May

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Camp House or other private housing

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DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Christ House (Washington)

Mission:  residential medical facility for homeless men and women who are too sick to be on the street or in shelters but not sick enough to stay in the hospital. Round-the-clock medical care, social services, meals, structured activities, clothing, and a place to recover are provided. Housing is sought for patients upon their discharge. www.christhouse.org 

Volunteer Position:  staff nurse, nursing assistant, social worker, community builder, generalist and maintenance assistant.

Period:  mid-August - Early August

Apply by:  March 15; positions often fill early in spring

Housing:  Intentional Community among volunteers in Emmanuel House near Christ House

Minimum Age:  19 years

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FLORIDA

Florida Conference Disaster Recovery Ministry, UCC (Lake and Sumter Counties) 

Mission:  encourages and facilitates UCC participation in long-term disaster recovery throughout the state of Florida.  Recovery projects from 2005-2008 are currently underway. 

Volunteer Position:  Volunteer sought for placement with Interfaith Long-term recovery committee to coordinate short-term volunteers and groups.

Period:  6-12 month placements

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Host family or Recreational Vehicle

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida/ Coalition of Immokalee Workers (Southwest Florida)

Mission:  faith-based community organizing to call on our religious values to educate, motivate and organizae the religious community in the U.S. on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for low-wage workers.

Volunteer Position:  Live and work in Immokalee, Florida alongside farmworkers and allies in the Campaign for Fair Food who are working to improve farmworkers' sub-poverty wages and working conditions.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15  Volunteers are placed as applications are received.  www.ciw-online.org or www.allianceforfairfood.org

Housing:  Host family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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GEORGIA

Interdenominational Theological Center  (Atlanta)

Mission:  educate Christian leaders for ministry and service in the Church and the global community through this consortium of denominational seminaries.  The ITC is establishing itself as a nationwide resource on the Black Church’s role in the renewal of American society.  www.itc.edu  

Volunteer Position:  coordination of marketing communication projects including public relations, special events management, advertising and creating brand awareness

Period:  September - May

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Apartment as available or host family

Minimum Age:  25 years

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DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection) (Dwell Hollywood, Dwell Denver, Dwell Miami, Dwell Atlanta, Dwell Chicago & Discern-Spring in Chicago, Dwell San Antonio)

Mission:  Dwell Atlanta (Denver National Office) provides urban service learning opportunities for young adults interested in discerning a call to urban ministry.  DOOR Atlanta focuses on the teaching and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. to work against racism, violence and materialism. This program emerges out of DOOR's partnerships with Mennonite Mission Network and the National Volunteers Office (NVO) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (www.doornetwork.org)

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Jubilee Partners (Comer)

Mission:  hosting and resettling newly arrived refugees. Jubilee Partners is also involved in various peacemaking activities and anti-death penalty work.  Residential Christian service community located in rural northeast Georgia, focusing on a compassionate lifestyle and trying to be responsible stewards of the resources available.  www.jubileepartners.org 

Volunteer Position:  Volunteers work in almost every activity at Jubilee--teach English and provide childcare for refugees as well as provide cultural information and skills, clean refugee houses between occupants, and do gardening, construction, and maintenance as needed.  Work is matched with experience and interest, but all also share in lots of work that is less than glamorous.

Period:  January 4 - May 23, 2009
              May 31 - August 15, 2009
              August 23 - December 23, 2009

Housing:  Intentional community with resident partners, seasonal volunteers, and refugees from war-torn countries.

Minimum Age:  19 years

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Koinonia Partners (Americus) 

Mission:  offers opportunities for spiritual renewal and work for social justice by serving neighbors and participating in peacemaking projects.  www.koinoniapartners.org

Volunteer Position:  Volunteers' days consist of prayer, work, study, serice, and fellowship.  Common tasks include tending pecan and fruit orchards, bakery work, maintenance and home repair ministry, work with children & Elders, and office work.

Period:  February - April;
             June - August
             September - December

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Intentional community with volunteers

Minimum Age:  19 years

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New Hope House (Barnesville)

Mission:  intentional Christian community working for the abolition of the death penalty.

Volunteer Position:  assist in the running of the hospitality house, visit prisoners, attend trials, and provide support to prisoners’ families.

Period:  2-6 month placements throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  In community with volunteers and staff in rural GA.

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Open Door Community (Atlanta)

Mission:  residential Christian community in the Catholic worker tradition (sometimes called a Protestant Catholic Worker House), serving the homeless, poor, and prisoners. www.opendoorcommunity.org 

Volunteer Position:  Resident volunteers assist with and participate in all activities of the Community, including soup kitchen work, supervision of showers and clothes closet, house cleaning, answering the phone and door, receiving and sorting donations, meal preparation and clean-up. Volunteers participate in the work of the Open Door Community in working for change in our social structures and in ourselves; in practicing hospitality and friendliness. 

Period:  September - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Intentional community with volunteers and those served

Minimum Age:  20 years
 

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HAWAII

Lani Kamaha’o (rural Oahu)

Mission:  rural outdoor ministry site of the UCC Hawaii Conference, providing cooperative living skills and environmental education programs to churches, schools, and community groups of all ages. www.hcucc.org/LaniKamahao/tabid/15961/Default.aspx 

Volunteer Position:  light maintenance, yard and grounds work, light construction, teaching environmental education, and facilitating low ropes course.

Period:  2-3 month placements year-round

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start of service

Housing:  tents.

Minimum Age:  21 years

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IDAHO

N-Sid-Sen Camp and Conference Center UCC (Harrison)

Mission:  outdoor ministries site of Washington-North Idaho Conference of the UCC serves local churches, the Conference, other churches, civic and educational groups. www.N-Sid-Sen.org

Volunteer Position:  counselors, camp nurse, chaplain, and maintenance staff. 

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  18 years

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ILLINOIS

Concerned Citizens, Inc. Mother’s House (Chicago)

Mission:  works with homeless populations to enable individuals to reclaim their lives through instruction and program assistance.

Volunteer Position:  case manager or volunteer coordinator

Period:  2-12 months throughout year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Private space within shelter

Minimum Age:  19 years

DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection) Dwell Chicago & Discern- Spring in Chicago (Denver National Office) 

Mission:  provides urban service learning opportunities for young adults interested in discerning a call to urban ministry. Chicago includes 77 unique ethnic neighborhoods and gathers people globally. It embodies in many ways the center of urban ministry thought.   This program emerges out of DOOR's partnerships with Mennonite Mission Network and the National Volunteers Office (NVO) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)  www.doornetwork.org  

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DuBois Center UCC (DuBois)

Mission:   camp and retreat center for the Illinois South Conference serving Southern Illinois and the Metro St. Louis, MO area, providing summer camp, retreat facilities, and an outdoor education program. www.duboiscenter.org 

Volunteer Position:  summer camp counselors, camp nurse, and outdoor education instructor.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  19 years 

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Interfaith Worker Justice (Chicago)

Mission:  faith-based organization that calls on our religious values in order to educate, motivate, and organize the religious community in the U.S. on issues and campaigns that will improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for workers, especially low-wage workers. www.iwj.org

Volunteer Position:  work on community organizing and public relations projects, Department of Labor projects, public policy programs, and website development.  

Period:  September - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Host family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Minimum Age:  19 years

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INDIANA

The Merom Conference Center, UCC (Merom)

Mission:  owned and operated by the Indiana-Kentucky Conference of the United Church of Christ and serves as host to year-round events such as youth retreats, work camps, school groups and summer camps.  www.merom.org

Volunteer Position:  kitchen, housekeeping or maintenance staff (year-round) or summer camp lifeguards

Period:  2-12 month placements throughout year or summer

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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IOWA

Camp Courageous (Monticello)

Mission:  year-round respite care and recreational facility in a camp setting serving children and adults with physical and/or mental disabilities. www.campcourageous.org

Volunteer Position:  counselor, camp counselor, pool lifeguards, or maintenance department.

Period:  2-12 months throughout year or summer

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Volunteer group housing

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Pilgrim Heights Camp & Retreat Center, UCC (Montour)

Mission:  outdoor ministry and retreat opportunities for children in summer camp programs as well as for people of all ages in an adult and family retreat programs throughout the year.  www.PilgrimHeights.org

Volunteer Position:  building/equipment maintenance and grounds staff; kitchen and housekeeping staff or summer camp counselors, nurse, or chaplain.

Period:  2-12 month placements throughout year; or summer

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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KANSAS

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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KENTUCKY

F.A.S.T. (Faithful Advocates Serving Together) (3-Way Partnership - United Church of Christ, Christian Church/Disciples of Christ, HOMEs - Whiteburg)

Mission:  F.A.S.T. mission trips involve groups in hands-on service in home rehabilitation in the Appalachian region while deliberately reflecting on issues of economic justice and faith.

Intern Position:  2 interns (1 UCC and 1 Disciples of Christ) serve as summer hosts for F.A.S.T. groups - working alongside groups, leading groups in reflection on economic justice and faith, providing hospitality and facilitating group-building among participating groups.

Period:  May 23 - August 9, includes 1 week of intern training

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Bedroom provided on-stie at HOMES

Minimum Age:  20 years

Open Ground (Harrodsburg/Springfield)

Mission:  proactive, community-building, cultural and expressive education center.  Programs increase social and environmental awareness, and intend to give greater voice and opportunity to individuals of marginalized populations and/or who have special physical, developmental, personal edification, or social needs.  www.openground.info 

Volunteer Postion:  director/administrator or organic gardening and general maintenance.

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment

Minimum age:  19 years

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LOUISIANA

Interfaith Worker Justice Center of New Orleans (New Orleans)

Mission:  multi-racial worker justice center to improve conditions for workers in rebuilding the city of New Orleans in conjunction with faith communities and organized labor movement. 

Volunteer Position:  Interns/volunteers work with community organizing and  helping low-wage workers understand their rights and options in the workplace.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  April 1

Housing:  Volunteer group housing

Minimum Age:  21 years

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South Central Conference, UCC, Disaster Recovery (New Orleans)

Mission:  long-term disaster recovery through work with rebuilding efforts.  (www.ucc.org/volunteer/hurricane)

Volunteer Position:  Full-time volunteers facilitate the work of short term disaster recovery  mission trip groups through service as on-site construction supervisor.

Period:  3-12 month placements throughout year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Volunteer group housing

Minimum Age:  21 years

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 MAINE

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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MARYLAND

New Windsor Conference Center (New Windsor)

Mission:  owned and administrated by the Church of the Brethren General Board and is known as “a quiet place to get things done.”  www.brethren.org/genbd/nwcc 

Volunteer Position:  host/hostess to provide Christian hospitality and serve the needs of the conference and retreat guests.  

Period:  2-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment in Conference Center

Minimum Age:  21 years

Religious Coalition For Emergency Human Needs (Frederick) 

Mission:  manages food banks and assists those with emergency, short-term needs to return to and maintain a state of economic self-sufficiency.

Volunteer Position:  Volunteers assist clients,  help coordinate special projects,  help maintain an up-to-date resource directory, participate in the computerization of office operations, work with local churches, and assist in the recruitment, training, and coordination of the volunteer staff.

Period:  September - August OR January - December

Apply by:  March 15 OR Spetember 30

Housing:  Shared apartment

Minimum Age:  19 years
 

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MASSACHUSETTS

Gould Farm (Monterey and Boston)

Mission:  therapeutic community for adults with mental illness. www.gouldfarm.org

Volunteer Position:  Community volunteer - Volunteers work directly with those who come for care and live in a community setting, participating in gardening, forestry, dairy and livestock care, cooking and kitchen responsibilities, reception, marketing, maintenance, recreation and residential support, roadside store and café, community health team, residential client services, administration, child care, and community coordination.

Period:  September - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Volunteer group housing

Minimum Age:  19 years 

Heifer International, Overlook Farm (Rutland)

Mission:  educates visitors about eliminating hunger and poverty through sustainable agriculture. It is a working farm that markets products from its integrated woodlands, organic garden, and more than a dozen livestock enterprises. www.heifer.org 

Volunteer Position:  Visitor Center hosts and education department to conduct field trips and lead education sessions, or agriculture department volunteer to help with animal chores and garden work.

Period:  2-12 month placements throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment or group housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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MICHIGAN

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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 MINNESOTA

Brethren Mennonite Council for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Interests (Minneapolis)

Mission:  justice based ministry of community building, education, advocacy and support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Mennonites and Brethren individuals and their families.  This organization challenges the discriminatory practices, policies and attitudes of the broader church community through the offering of resources, education and ongoing dialogue.  (www.bmclgbt.org)

Volunteer Position:  Kaleidoscope Coordinator, an outreach program to college aged students and young adults.  In addition to coordinator responsibilities, the volunteer will assist with general office duties.

Period:  September/October - August/September

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  BMC provides housing stipend

Minimum Age:  21 years

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MISSISSIPPI

Back Bay Mission (Biloxi)

Mission:  a community ministry of the United Church of Christ that operates in the primary program areas of direct services, work camps, social changes, new program development, and mission interpretation. and disaster recovery projects. (www.backbaymission.com)

Volunteer Position:  Volunteer coordinator or Work Site Coordinator for disaster recovery projects.

Period:  3-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Volunteer group housing

Minimum Age:  21 years

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MISSOURI

Emmaus Homes, Inc. (Marthasville)

Mission:  residential facility for adults who are developmentally disabled. (www.emmaushomes.org)

Volunteer Position:  Serve as companions to residents by assisting in group activities, recreation and residential services.

Period:  2-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment

Minimum Age:  18 years

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Evangelical Children’s Home (St. Louis)

Mission:  child-and family-service agency offering residential treatment for abused, abandoned, and neglected youth. Daycare center for preschool-aged children on campus.  (www.newbeginnings-ech.org)

Volunteer Position:  Pre-school teachers' assistant and grounds-keeping assistant

Period:  September - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Volunteer group housing

Minimum Age:  18 years

National Farm Worker Ministry (Placement possible in Oregon, California, North Carolina or Florida; national office in St. Louis)

Mission:  interfaith organization whose purpose is to be present with and support farmworkers as they organize for justice, empowerment, and equality.

Volunteer Position:  Community organizer; volunteers educate consumers, coordinate boycotts, promote union label products, organize rallies and delegations, arrange visits to farmworker camps and homes, write letters and leaflet, march, and pray. Volunteers assist in the development of educational materials and worship resources, organize faith-based groups for farmworkers, assist with presentations to local congregations.  (www.nfwm.org)

Period:  3-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Host family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Neighborhood Houses (St. Louis)

Mission:  neighborhood-centered ministry that supports inner-city families by helping children become hopeful, healthy, self-sustaining members of the community.

Volunteer Position:  Works with food pantries and serves as a program assistant for after-school activities and programs including summer camp.(http://www.neighborhoodhouses.org)

Period:  September - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Apartment

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Shannondale Community Center (Salem)

Mission:  rural community center provides outdoor ministry for the Missouri Mid-South Conference, UCC. (www.mmsucc.org/shannondale/shannondale_cc.asp)

Volunteer Position:  Craft center assistant and maintenance 

Period:  2-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Camp Housing or Host Family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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MONTANA

Camp Mimanagish (Billings)

Mission:  United Church of Christ Camp located in the Gallatin National Forest. (www.campmimanagish.org)

Volunteer Position:  cook, maintenance staff, and arts-and-crafts instructors.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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NEBRASKA

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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NEVADA
No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

Geneva Point Center (Moultonborough)

Mission:  ecumenical camp and conference center located on Lake Winnipesackee,running a day camp, overnight resident camp and hosting nonprofit and religious groups for retreats, conference, and camps.   (www.genevapoint.org)

Volunteer Position:  office assistance, building/grounds maintenance, guest housekeeping, and naturalist activities.

Period:  2-3 months throughout the year, especially summer

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Camp housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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Horton Center (Concord)

Mission:  seasonal site for family retreats, youth events, and camping for youth and adults, and serves as a base camp for a variety of trip/adventure camps. The summer program includes daily worship on Chapel Rock, hiking, rock climbing, caving, arts and crafts, music, dance, field games, swimming, and canoeing.  (www.nhcucc.org)

Volunteer Position:  Cabin leaders, program staff assistance, support staff, and expedition leaders.  

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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NEW JERSEY

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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NEW MEXICO

Menaul School (Albuquerque)

Mission:  coeducational school for grades 6 through 12 whose mission is to serve Native American, Hispanic, and other students.  Menaul School provides a college-preparatory, faith-based education with emphasis on preparing youth to serve their communities and the world.  (www.menaulschool.com)

Volunteer Position:  Tutor to students, chaplain assistance and maintenance staff.   

Period:  September - December OR January - May

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment

Minimum Age:  21 years

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NEW YORK

Dunkirk Conference Center (Dunkirk) 

Mission:  United Church of Christ camping center which hosts a year-round camping and retreat program for many persons, including those with physical, mental, and learning disabilities.  (www.dunkirkcc.org)

Volunteer Position:  Directors and co-directors for youth camps and camp chaplain.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp housing

Minimum Age:  21 years
 

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UCC HIV AIDS Ministry, Riverside Church

Period:  2-12 months throughout theyear

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Volunteer Position only available when home stay can be arranged.

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Plymouth Congregational Church United Chrch of Christ/Works Rights Center of Central New York

Mission:  Plymouth Congregational Church is an open and affirming, just, peace and sanctuary congregation of the UCC.  The Workers Rights Center organizes education opportunities for workers in various industries to get to know their rights.

Volunteer Position:  Staff Support to Worker Rights Center and the Detention Taskforce of Central New York

Period:  2-12 months

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment

Minimum Age:  19 years

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NORTH CAROLINA

Blowing Rock Conference Center (Blowing Rock)

Mission:  ecumenical Conference Center affiliated with the Southern Conference of the UCC located near the Blue Ridge Mountains,hosting retreats, reunions, special events for all ages, and specializes in the ministry of hospitality. (www.brccenter.org)

Volunteer Position:  Office assistant and host team, the maintenance/housekeeping team and program implementation team.   

Period:  2-12 month placements thorughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment

Minimum Age:  19 years

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Prodigals Community (Winston-Salem)

Mission:  ecumenical Christian community that provides vocational training, accountability and spiritual and emotional structure for residents with chronic substance abuse problems.  The outreach program educates and supports families of addicts and alcoholics. (www.prodigals.org)

Volunteer Position:  Transportation and maintenance, work crew leader, residence assistant, education aide in tutoring and computer training.

Period:  2-12 months

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment or Community Living with residents

Minimum Age:  19 years 
 

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United Church Homes and Services (UCHS) (Newton, Thomasville & Lake Prince Woods)

Mission:  continuing care retirement living opportunities in this not-for-profit organizationaffiliated with the Southern Conference of the United Church of Christ.  (www.uchas.org)

Volunteer Position:  Reception and hospitality office assistance, and campus activities.

Period:  2-3 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment or Host Family

Minimum Age:  19 years

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NORTH DAKOTA

Charles Hall Youth Services (Bismarck)

Mission:  Group home foster care to over 100 at-risk teenagers each year, assisting them in making the transition from a troubled adolescence to mature, responsible adulthood. (www.charleshallyouthservices.com)

Volunteer Position:  Church Relations Assistant

Period:  2-6 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Host Family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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OHIO

Hope Homes (Stow and  affiliates) 

Mission:  residential adult day care, supported living, and camping/recreational services for people with developmental disabilities and other special needs. (www.hopehomes.org)

Volunteer Position:  camp  counselor, maintenance staff assistant

Period:  2-3 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Host Family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Hopewell Inn (Mesopotamia)

Mission:  therapeutic farm community for adults with mental illnesses. (www.hopewell.cc)

Volunteer Position:  Residents assistant, animal and land care assistant; building, grounds and gardens caregiver.

Period:  2-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Host Family

Minimum Age:  19 years

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Ohio Conference Camps (Bellville and Brinkhaven)

Mission:  outdoor ministry opportunities and retreat programs.  (www.ocucc.org) 

Volunteer Position:  maintenance assistant, cook, camp counselor, resource leader in history, photography, music, and trail making.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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OKLAHOMA

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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OREGON

Pineros y Campesinos Unidos de Noroeste (PCUN) (Woodburn)

Mission:  union of farmworkers, tree planters, and nursery workers striving to improve working and living conditions for farmworkers through collective bargaining. (www.pcun.org)

Volunteer Position:  archives and office assistant and in radio broadcasting program.  Spanish language skills will be helpful, but not mandatory. 

Period:  2-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to start date

Housing:  Host Family

Minimum Age:  19 years

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JOIN:  Connecting the Street to A Home (Portland) 

Mission:  non-profit organization serving homeless individuals and families through street outreach, basic services, and rapid permanent housing placement.  A drop-in center ('the House') is a community space governed by principles of non-violence that offers homeless individuals and families access to showwers, lockers, restrooms, and a place to build relationships.  (www.joinpdx.com) 

Volunteer Position:   Drop-in Center ('the House')

Period:  September/October - August/September

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Site provides housing stipend

Minimum Age:  19 years

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PENNSYLVANIA

Bethany Children’s Home (Womelsdorf)

Mission:  residential treatment program serving boys and girls from 6 to 18 years of age. (www.bethanyhome.org) 

Volunteer Position:  Administrative aide with responsibility for tutoring and driving children to necessary appointments.

Period:  6-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Host Family or Campus Housing

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Church World Service Immigration & Refugee Program (Lancaster)

Mission:  Resettlement of international refugees in the U.S.

Volunteer Position:  Program Assistance

Period:  September - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Shared housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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Hartman Center (Milroy)

Mission:  year-round outdoor ministry facility of the Penn Central Conference, hosting 40 different camps each summer for campers of all ages. (www.hartmancenter.com)

Volunteer Position:  camp director, craft director, and lifeguard.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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Living Waters Outdoor Ministry (Greensburg)

Mission:  outdoor ministry and meeting center for the Penn West Conference of the UCC. (www.pennwest.org)

Volunteer Position:  summer camp director, counselor, nurse, grounds keeping/maintenance assistant.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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Mensch Mill (Alburtis)

Mission:  camp and conference facility of the Pennsylvania Southeast Conference of the United Church of Christ that hosts camps and retreat programs for all ages. (www.menschmill.org)

Volunteer Position:  camp counselor and assistant support staff.

Period:  Summer

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Camp Housing

Minimum Age:  19 years 

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Old First Reformed UCC (Philadelphia)

Mission:  historic downtown church with an extensive outreach ministry that includes a homeless shelter that operates in the church November through May.  (www.oldfirstucc.org) 

Volunteer Position:  Assistant Director of Urban Ministries.  Volunteer acts as liaison between the church and shelter, supervises the shelter program and coordinates a work camp program for short term volunteer groups.

Period:  September - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Apartment

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Phoebe Ministries (Allentown)

Mission:  long-term care through nursing homes, life-care communities, and apartments for independent living.  (www.phoebe.org) 

Volunteer Position:  Patient care assistant, Chaplain's Assistant

Period:  2-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to request start date

Housing:  Host Family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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St. Paul Homes (Greenville)

Mission:  multilevel care agency serving the elderly. (www.stpaulhomes.org)

Volunteer Position:  Chaplain’s assistant, activities assistant, secretarial assistant, or volunteer coordinator. 

Period:  2-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Minimum Age:  21 years

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PUERTO RICO

Ryder Memorial Hospital, Inc. (Humacao)

Mission:  provides healthcare to people in a wide area, plus nursing education, housing, and care for the elderly and persons living with HIV/AIDS.

Volunteer Position:  Patient care and hospital maintenance including gardening, data processing, day care, and nursing facilities.  Spanish is helpful.

Period:  2-6 months

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Volunteer house

Minimum Age:  19 years

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RHODE ISLAND

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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SOUTH CAROLINA

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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TENNESSEE

Uplands Retirement Village (Pleasant Hill)

Mission:  multilevel retirement-housing ministry. (www.uplandsvillage.com)

Volunteer Position:  General maintenance, financial development

Period:  2-12 months throughout the year

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Apartment or Host Family

Minimum Age:  21 years

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TEXAS

Annunciation House (El Paso)

Mission:  operates three houses of hospitality for the homeless poor on both sides of the U.S.- Mexico border. (www.annunciationhouse.org)

Volunteer Position:  live-in help in the houses of hospitality. Volunteers provide office support, border-issues education, and house maintenance. Spanish required.

Period:  September - August or June - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Community living with volunteers and those served

Minimum Age:  21 years

DOOR (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection)

Mission:  Dwell San Antonio (Denver National Office) provides urban service learning opportunities for young adults interested in discerning a call to urban ministry.  This program emerges out of DOOR's partnerships with Mennonite Mission Network and the National Volunteers Office (NVO) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (www.doornetwork.org)

Volunteer Position:  serve in their placement agency/ ministry 4 days a week, meet together with volunteer team 1 day a week, 1 day in a self selected local congregation and 1 day off.

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Casa Proyecto Libertad (Harlingen)

Mission:  provides legal assistance to refugees and immigrants arriving in the U.S. from all over the world. 

Volunteer Position:  Serve as paralegals in detention facilities for adults and unaccompanied minors.

Period:  September - August OR January - December

Apply by:  March 15 OR September 30

Housing:  Host Family OR Site provides housing stipend

Minimum Age:  21 years

 Slumber Falls Camp and Retreat Center, UCC (New Braunfels, TX)

Mission:  year-round outdoor ministry setting of the South Central Conference.  During june and July a residential youth camping program operates.  (www.slumberfalls.org)

Volunteer Position:  Volunteers have the opportunity to work in the area of their choice based on their gifts and talents. Areas of service include welcoming and assisting retreat groups, helping in the office, providing data entry, working in our food service department, and assisting our maintenance person. Counselors and resource specialists during summer.

Period:  2-12 months including summer

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  year-round facility reserved for volunteer includes heat/ac, private bedroom and bath, plus a nice living area complete with television and a small kitchenette.

Minimum Age:  19 years

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UTAH

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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VERMONT

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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VIRGINIA

Innisfree (Crozet)

Mission:  life-sharing community for adults who have mental disabilities. The community lies in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Volunteers come from all over the world to share a year of their lives. (www.innisfreevillage.org) 

Volunteer Position:  Long-term volunteers serve as house managers and companions who are responsible for cooking, housekeeping, and assistance with physical and social needs of their housemates, and the household budget.

Period:  September - August OR January - December

Apply by:  March 15 OR September 30

Housing:  Community living in homes with volunteers and residents

Minimum Age:  21 years

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WASHINGTON

Plymouth House of Healing (Seattle)

Mission:  transitional home for formerly homeless people or those at risk of being homeless who struggle with mental illness. (www.plyhc.org)

Volunteer Position:  Resident companions spend a year living in community with people in this transitional housing.  Being a companion here is an opportunity to provide friendship and support.

Period:  September - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  House with volunteers and residents

Minimum Age:  21 years

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Multifaith Works (Seattle)

Mission:    Multifaith Works builds relationaships of mutuality and care with people who are often abandoned and alone.  Connects with people living with AIDS and other life-threatening illnesses, people in chemical addiction recovery, and people wrestling with grief and loss.  By their practical assistance (sharing meals, providing transportation, assisting with household chores) and emotional support through nonjudgmental listening.  (www.multifaith.org)  

Volunteer Position:  Resident Advisor in transitional housing program

Period:  September - August OR January - December

Apply by:  March 15 OR September 30

Housing:  Community living with those served

Minimum Age:  21 years

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WEST VIRGINIA

Alderson Hospitality House (Alderson)

Mission:  offers support to incarcerated women by providing hospitality to family and friends who come to visit them. (www.catholicworker.org/communities/Commdetail.cfm?Community=122)

Volunteer Position:  House coordinator to welcome people, provide a listening ear, offer transportation, and assist with housekeeping and house maintenance.  Office skills and Spanish are helpful.

Period:  6-12 months

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Community living with other volunteers and those served

Minimum Age:  21 years 

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Appalachian South Folklife Center (Pipestem)

Mission:  serves children and youth from around the area, providing various learning experiences through day camps and workshops that cover topics including tolerance, anger management, and environmental consciousness. (www.folklifecenter.org) 

Volunteer Position:  Office Assistant/Program Implementation.

Period:  June - August

Apply by:  March 15

Housing:  Private space in volunteer housing

Minimum Age:  19 years

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WISCONSIN

United Church Camps, Inc. (Ripon and St. Germain)

Mission:  operates Pilgrim Center and Moon Beach Camp for the Wisconsin Conference.  (www.wcucc.org/outdoor.htm)

Volunteer Position:  site and grounds maintenance.

Period:  2-12 months

Apply by:  3 months prior to requested start date

Housing:  Volunteer housing

Minimum Age:  21 years

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WYOMING

No opportunities are currently available at this time.

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OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER PLACEMENTS

Available through the Common Global Ministries of  the United Church of Christ (UCC) and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).  Contact: Global Ministries Personnel Office, P.O. Box 1986, Indianapolis, Indiana  46262. Phone: 317.713.2565. (www.globalministries.org).

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OTHER RESOURCES

“With the Heart and Mind of a Servant” is an 8 minute video/DVD telling the story of UCC Volunteer Ministries through the actions and reflections of those who have participated in the past and encouraging individuals and groups be part of Volunteer Ministries in the future.   View on-line at www.ucc.org/volunteer.  DVD available to order.  Call 866.822.8224 ext. 3214.

 

UCC Mission Trips Opportunities 2009 lists sites for opportunities in the United States for groups to participate in volunteer service.  Posted on UCC Website:  www.ucc.org/volunteer/mission-trip-opportunities.html.  Order copies from United Church of Christ Resources 800.537.3394.

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ADDITIONAL VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN THE UNITED STATES

 A Christian Ministry in the National Parks

Mission:  places individuals in U.S. national parks to lead worship and fellowship activities in the parks. 

Volunteer Position:  Participants work with park concessionaires while leading worship and Bible study in the setting of the national park.  

Contact: ACMNP - Phone: 207.865.6852 or 800.786.3450; Fax: 207. 865.6852; (www.acmnp.com)

Period:  Summer

Housing:  Live with other summer national park employees in dormitory style housing

Age:  18-30 years 

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Emergency Response/Service Ministries—Disaster Child Care Program

Mission:  ecumenical effort that trains volunteers to provide special childcare in disaster locations.

Contact: Stanley J. Noffsinger; 601 Main Street; P.O. Box 188; New Windsor, MD 21776. Phone: 410.635.8731.

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Prisoner Visitation and Support

Mission:  nationwide visitation ministry to federal and military prisoners. The focus is on prisoners who do not ordinarily receive visits from family and friends, want or need supportive human contact, are in solitary confinement, or are serving long sentences.   (www.prisonervisitation.org).

Volunteer:  Trained PVS volunteer visitors offer friendship and a listening ear to help prisoners prepare to assume a useful place in society.

Contact: Eric Corson, PVS; 1501 Cherry St.; Philadelphia, PA 19102. Phone: 215.241.7117; e-mail:  pvs@afsc.org.  

Informational DVD:  available to borrow.  Call 866.822.8224 ext. 3214.

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Servcorps (Farmington, CT)

Mission:  non-profit organization offering the facilitation of week-long trips for groups and long-term placements for individuals in order to promote “a culture of service.” 

For more information see website:  (www.servcorps.org).

 
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INDEX OF HOST AGENCIES

Alderson Hospitality House (Alderson, WV)
Amistad America, Inc. (New Haven, CT)
Annunciation House (El Paso, TX)
Appalachia South Folklife Center (Popestem, WV)
Back Bay Mission (Biloxi, MS)
Beatitudes Agelink Intergenerational Child Development Center (Phoenix, AZ)
Beatitudes Center D.O.A.R . (Phoenix, AZ)
Bethany Children’s Home (Womelsdorf, PA)
Blowing Rock Conference Center (Blowing Rock, NC)
BorderLinks (Tucson, AZ)
Brethren Mennonite Council (Minneapolis, MN)
Camp Courageous (Monticello, IA)
Camp Mimanagish (Billings, Montana)
Casa Proyecto Libertad (Harlingen, TX)
Catholic Worker House (Denver, CO) 
Charles Hall Youth Services (Bismarck, ND)
CWS Immigration & Refugee Program (Lancaster, PA)
Christ House (Washington, DC)
Concerned Citizens, Inc. Mother’s House (Chicago, IL)
Disaster Recovery, UCC/Disiples (Galveston, TX)
Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection
    (DOOR) (CA, CO, FL, GA, IL,  TX) 
DuBois Center UCC (DuBois, IL)
Dunkirk Conference Center (Dunkirk, NY)
Emmaus Homes, Inc. (Marthasville, MO)
Epiphany UCC (St. Louis, MO)
Evangelical Children’s Home (St. Louis, MO)
F.A.S.T. (Faithful Advocates Serving Together)  (Whitesburg, KY)
Florida Conference, UCC Disaster Recovery
Interfaith Long-Term Recovery Committee (Lake & Sumter Counties)
Geneva Point Center (Center Harbor, NH)
Gould Farm (Monterey & Boston, MA)
Habitat for Humanity (Fresno, CA)
Hartman Center (Milroy, PA)
Heifer International, Overlook Farm  (Rutland, MA) 
Heifer International Learning Center, Heifer Ranch  (Perryville, AR)
Hope Homes (Stowe, OH, MD, MA)
Hopewell Inn (Mesopotamia, OH)
Horton Center (Concord, NH)
Innisfree (Crozet, VA)
Interdenominational Theological Center (Atlanta, GA)
Interfaith Action of Southwest Florida/Coalition of Immokalee Workers (Southwest Florida)
Interfaith Worker Justice (Chicago, IL)
Interfaith Worker Justice Center of New Orleans  (New Orleans, LA)
JOIN:  Connecting the Street to a Home (Portland, OR)
Jubilee Partners (Comer, GA)
Koinonia Partners, Inc. (Americus, GA)
Lani Kamaha’o (Oahu, HI)
La Puente Home (Alamosa, CA)
Living Waters Outdoor Ministry (Greensburg, PA)
Mensch Mill (Alburtis, PA)
Menaul School (Albuquerque, NM)
Merom Conference Center, The (Merom, IN)
Multifaith Works (Seattle, WA)
N-Sid-Sen Camp and Conference Center (Harrison, Idaho)
National Farm Worker Ministry (CA, FL, NC, OR)
New Hope House (Barnesville, GA)
New Windsor Conference Center (New Windsor, MD)
No More Deaths (Tucson, AZ)
Nieghborhood Houses (St. Louis, MO)
Ohio Conference Camps (Belleville & Brinkhaven, OH)
Old First Reformed UCC (Philadelphia, PA)
Open Door Community (Atlanta, GA)
Open Ground (Harrodsburg, KY)
Phoebe Ministries (Allentown, PA)
Pilgrim Heights Retreat Center, UCC (Montour, IA)
Pilgrim Pines Camp & Conference Center (Yucaipa, CA)
Pineros y Campesinos Unidos de Noroeste (PCUN)  (Woodburn, OR) 
Plymouth House of Healing (Seattle, WA)
Prodigals Community (Winston-Salem, NC)
Religious Coalition for Emergency Human Needs (Frederick, MD) 
Ryder Memorial Hospital, Inc (Humacao, PR)
Shannondale Community Center (Salem, MO)
Silver Lake Camp and Conference Center (Sharon, CT)
Slumber Falls Camp and Retreat Center UCC  (New Braunfels, TX)
South Central Conference, UCC Disaster Recovery (New Orleans Association)
St. Paul Homes (Greenville, PA)
Su Casa Catholic Worker House (Chicago, IL)
UCC HIV AIDS Ministry, Riverside Church (New York City, NY)
United Church Homes and Services (Newton, Thomasville & lake Prince Woods, NC)
Uplands Retirement Village (Pleasant Hill, TN)

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