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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the
philosophy of the Change a Heart: Millvale Franciscan Volunteer Program?
Where can I volunteer?
Do I have a choice about where I serve?
What type of work can I do?
What qualifications or experience
do I need?
How long can I serve?
What are the living arrangements
like?
What is community living like?
Are there age requirements?
I’m married and have children.
Can my spouse and I serve together? Can we bring our children?
Do I have to be a United States citizen
to volunteer?
Do I have to be Catholic or Christian
to volunteer?
What makes the Change a Heart: Millvale
Franciscan Volunteer Program unique?
How can I afford to volunteer?
What about transportation?
What about my student loans?
Q: What is the philosophy
of the Change a Heart: Millvale Franciscan Volunteer Program?
A: Our program was started by the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale,
Pa. in order to encourage young adults to serve the poor in positions
where the sisters could not be. Our volunteers serve in direct service
positions with poor and vulnerable people in the name of the Sisters
of St. Francis. The goal statement of the program is: As they serve
with the poor, rooted in the spirit of St. Francis and the mission of
the Sisters of St. Francis of Millvale, Pa., volunteers are invited
to accept the challenge of experiencing the power of God through relationships
which empower the powerless, promote peace, and transform the world
around them. Volunteers may seek their own spiritual growth in the milieu
of a community that shares a simple Franciscan lifestyle.
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Q: Where can I volunteer?
A: The Change a Heart: Millvale Millvale Franciscan Volunteer Program
places volunteers in Pittsburgh, Pa. (an inner city atmosphere), Greene
County, Pa. (a rural area), and Ashtabula, Ohio (ministering with Hispanic
Immigrants). Other options may be available in the future.
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Q: Do I have a choice about where I serve?
A: Yes! Our program works very closely with you to identify your gifts,
interests and academic experience. We do not have specific positions
that we are obligated to fill each year. Instead, we place each volunteer
at a non-profit agency where there is a need for a volunteer, and where
the volunteer will work with a population of his/her choice. Our goal
is to make the best match possible.
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Q: What type of work can I do?
A: All of our volunteers work in direct service with a poor or underserved
population. There are many opportunities to work in the social service
field including, but not limited to: social work, nursing, homeless
services, child care, mentoring teenagers, mental health services, family
social services, women services, and Hispanic ministry. Volunteers have
the opportunity to work with people of all ages including at risk babies/youth,
struggling adults, and the frail elderly.
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Q: What qualifications or experience
do I need?
A: A college degree or two years work experience is required to join
our full program. A college degree is not required of shorter term commitments
and alternative spring break trips. Each Change a Heart: Millvale Franciscan
Volunteer needs to have a commitment and desire to serve the poor, a
willingness to be flexible and learn new skills, and a good sense of
humor.
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Q: How long can I serve?
A: The Change a Heart: Millvale Franciscan Volunteer Program offers
different lengths of service. Our full program is 11 months long; starting
in August and ending the following July with an opportunity to renew
for a second year. A volunteer can also serve a shorter term of six
months, four months or during the summer. Also, we offer alternative
spring break trips, which allow for one week of service.
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Q: What are the living arrangements
like?
A: If volunteering in Pittsburgh, you will live in community with other
volunteers in a modestly furnished apartment in a lower-income neighborhood.
If volunteering in Greene County, you will live in community with a
Sister of St. Francis, or live in community with a lay couple whom you
will share ministry with.
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Q: What is community living like?
A: Community living can be the most difficult value to live, but can
also be the most rewarding. Community living is different than living
with roommates. You are intentional about spending time together and
making decisions together. You meet once a week for a house meeting
and once a week for a community night. Each community member will take
turns leading the house meeting and community night.
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Q: Are there age requirements?
A: Yes. Change a Heart: Millvale Franciscan Volunteers are between
the ages of 21 and 35.
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Q: I’m married and have children.
Can my spouse and I serve together? Can we bring our children?
A: The Change a Heart: Millvale Franciscan Volunteer Program looks
for single, young adults who desire to give their time to serve the
poor. We do not accept married couples, or volunteers with dependent
children.
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Q: Do I have to be a United States citizen
to volunteer?
A: Yes, our program only accepts U.S. citizens.
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Q: Do I have to be Catholic or Christian
to volunteer?
A: No. The emphasis on prayer and spirituality can strengthen you,
encourage you and enhance your volunteer experience. We ask that you
be open to reflecting on spirituality where ever you are on your faith
journey. Volunteers take turns leading prayer so each is able to do
so within their tradition. Retreats and spiritual direction are offered
to further nurture your personal and spiritual growth as a volunteer.
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Q: What makes the Change a Heart: Millvale
Franciscan Volunteer Program unique?
A: Our program is one of only three domestic volunteer programs in
the city of Pittsburgh. We offer great flexibility by allowing volunteers
to help choose their own ministry. We are able to offer personalized
attention and support throughout the length of time you serve as a volunteer.
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Q: How can I afford to volunteer?
A: Your basic needs are provided for while you volunteer, including
room, board, transportation to and from work, health insurance and a
personal stipend of $85 per month. Volunteers are asked to live simply
for the time that they are a volunteer.
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Q: What about
transportation?
A: The volunteer program provides for you to use public transportation
to and from your work site while you are a volunteer. A program car
may also be available for volunteers to use, especially in rural areas
or areas where public transportation is not readily accessible. The
program provides money to be used for gas and maintenance of the volunteer
car. Some volunteers choose to bring their own cars to the program.
You are responsible for the maintenance and insurance for your own car.
Volunteers are responsible for their own travel expenses to the orientation
site. Transportation home (up to $300) at the end of the term of service
may be provided to you by your ministry placement site.
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Q: What about my student loans?
A: Many of your student loans can be deferred for the time that you
are a volunteer (You will need to verify this with your personal loan
company). Also, we participate in the Americorps Education Award program,
which awards volunteers an educational award of up to $4,725 for 1,700
hours of service. A smaller award may be available for shorter lengths
of service. This award can be used to pay on student loans or toward
future education and doesn’t expire until seven years after it
is awarded.
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