Partnering Agency Responsibilities
of hosting a Change a Heart Member at Your Agency
Request a Member Application (PDF Application)

 

Benefits of Hosting a Member at Your Agency
What Some of Our Members Have Said About Their Experiences
What is Required of a Partnering Agency
See Examples of Our Agencies

 

Benefits of Hosting a Member at Your Agency

• Provide additional service(s) to those in need already being served by your agency
• Aid in training and development of a young leader
• Raise awareness of the underserved population your agency serves
• Educate a young adult in practical, hands-on, “real-life” experience
• Prepare a young adult for possible career path
• Empower others at agency with fresh, new ideas
• Guide a young adult through the advantages and challenges faced by your agency
• The Independent Sector places a monetary value of $19.51 per each hour of volunteer work that is completed. Thus, 1,700 hours of volunteer service x $19.51 per hour = $33,167 worth of work done by one of our program participants in one year
• 80% of our program alumnae continue to work at nonprofit agencies, or in volunteer positions, serving poor and vulnerable populations

 

What Some of Our Members Have Said About Their Experiences

“It is because of my volunteer experience that I returned to school and became a nurse... what a beautiful gift to discover something that I was passionate about and loved.” - Cheryl Cuglewski, 2001-02

“I used to say that volunteering was a way for me to responsibly avoid adulthood, but I left with a stronger sense of self, confidence in myself and my abilities, a determination to continue to make a difference in the world, and reassurance that God and my faith will help me to overcome any obstacle.” – Jackie Spizarny Bull, 1999-00

“I wanted to be a Change a Heart volunteer because I wanted to avoid the culture shock of being instantly on my own right after college. The great staff, fellow volunteers and Sisters of St. Francis provided the positive environment I was looking for. They have set me on an excellent path towards adulthood.” – Kyle Johnson, 2009-10

“One of the greatest things this program taught me was that humans, despite our differences in color, language, ethnicity, socio-economic status, etc. - we all experience pain and joy and needs, and that these are the essentials which unify us. It changed how I view people. I've been able to see persons more as individuals to love and get to know rather than persons who need my help.” – Laura McGee, 2009-10

 

What is Required of a Partnering Agency?

• Interview Member for mutually beneficial fit
• Provide Position Description
• Agency and staff possess full understanding of the Change a Heart: Franciscan Volunteer Program
• Agency has adequate space and technology to accommodate member position
• Agency identifies Supervisor for Member
• Periodic meetings between the Supervisor and Member are strongly recommended
• Financial responsibility of agency: The agency pays a total salary of $12,100, divided into monthly installments of $1,100 from September to July. This amount covers the cost of living expenses, transportation, personal stipend, and Health Insurance for the member. An invoice is sent to the agency each month.

Position Description Requirements:

• Position directly serves vulnerable, marginalized and/or under-served population
• Service is direct and meaningful and meets an identified need within agency and larger community
• Does not take away paid positions at agency
• Opportunity to function as/ or as closely as possible to a full staff member (ex. attends staff meetings and trainings)
• Utilizes unique gifts and talents of the individual
• Members will feel safe working at the site
• Members serve 40 hours per week and acquire 1,700 total hours of service during their year to be eligible for the AmeriCorps education award
• Position can include clerical or administrative work, but cannot be more than 20% of members total hours
• Abides by the Corporation for National and Community Service guidelines for AmeriCorps members, and service does not involve prohibited activities (see Supervisor Handbook for details)

Responsibilities of Supervisor:

Before Member Begins:

• Provide clear position description of Member responsibilities including daily hours, responsibilities and expectations, accountability structure and personnel policies and procedures
• Provide Member with an orientation and training for position including agency’s official polices and procedures
• Complete Partnering Agency Agreement and all required AmeriCorps forms including Supervisor Contract
• Supervisor reviews AmeriCorps Handbook for Supervisors

During the Placement Partnership:

• Supervisor supports member with well-structured supervision and feedback
• Supervisor reviews and approves monthly timesheets (online, if possible)
• Designated Site Supervisor will receive an orientation to program
• In January or February, a mid-year evaluation will be scheduled with Supervisor, Member and Director of Change a Heart.

Concluding the Placement Partnership:

• In June or July, an end-of-year evaluation will be scheduled with Supervisor, Member and Director of Change a Heart
• Supervisor will complete written evaluation of overall experience
• Member will also complete written evaluation of overall experience

 

Click Here to See Examples of Our Agencies.