Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Change a Heart Program?
Who can apply to become a program member?
How do you apply?
What benefits are there to doing a year of service?
How can I afford to do a year of service?
Why does the Pittsburgh area need program members?
Can I work for any non-profit I want?
How is Change a Heart funded?
Do I have to be Catholic or Christian to join?
What about transportation?
What about student loans?

What is the Change a Heart: Franciscan Volunteer Program?

Change a Heart: Franciscan Volunteer Program is a program that spritually, financially, emotionally, and physically supports single, young adults, between the ages of 21 and 35, who desire to give one year of their lives to serve the poor in full-time ministry positions. As they share in the spirit and mission of the Sisters of St. Francis, members are encouraged throughout their service year to live the values of:

Simple lifestyle

Community

Spirituality

Service with the Poor

During this year of service, members live in community with other members, share spirituality with each other, live a simple lifestyle and serve with the poor in full-time positions at local non-profit agencies. We place members in the inner city of Pittsburgh and surrounding cities with future possibilities of international placements. - top-

Who can apply to become a program member?

Single men and women between the ages of 21 and 35 may apply. All work experiences, educational backgrounds, ethnicities, and residential locations are encouraged to apply. - top-

How do you apply?

We are glad you are considering applying for this fulfilling program. The application process is very easy:

Step 1: Visit our contact us/apply page and download the Change a Heart preliminary application and submit it to the address listed.

Step 2: Once your preliminary application is received, it will begin a dialogue with the director. While not required, but often helpful to your discernment, you are encouraged to visit our current program members to gain a better perspective of what our program is about.

Step 3: Should you intend to commitment to our program, you will receive the formal application. This application includes reference letters to distribute to people who know you, a medical form for you to fill out, a medical form for a doctor to complete and essay questions for you to answer.

Step 4: Upon receiving all elements of your formal application, a formal interview is arranged with the director. Following a formal interview, acceptance to the program will be known!

Step 5: If accepted, dialogue and support will continue with director about specific service placement options. Selection of a service placement agency is dependent upon (1) an agency’s needs and (2) your interest and (3) education. Applicants will have an option of 1-3 agencies and ministry positions to discern.

Step 6: An applicant’s formal interview with potential service placement agency will be arranged through director. If there is a mutual decision that the applicant and agency are a good fit for both parties, then the application process has concluded! If however, it is not a good fit for whatever reason, process will continue until a match has been found. - top-

What benefits are there to doing a year of service?

Serve others through your time and talent to help those most in need. Members often find they receive far more from those they serve than they can ever give.

Gain a broader perspective on what's happening in the world around you.

Raise your own awareness about the institutions and structures that contribute to economic and social inequalities that lead to poverty and injustice.

Actively participate in intentional community with other members exploring what “community” means.

Live and serve with those who may be culturally different than you.

Share in a mutually supportive environment in which you can grow spiritually.

Embrace a lifestyle of simplicity in the Franciscan spirit. Examine your own lifestyle decisions and how those decisions impact others.

Life experiences that graduate schools and employers look for on resumes.

Room, board, food, transportation, medical insurance and a small stipend of $90 a month are provided.

Defer eligible student loans for the duration of your commitment.

Americorps Education Award, which provides education funds to directly apply to your student loans or to further advance your education, is available to those who qualify. - top-

How can I afford to do a year of service?

Since the Change a Heart program was designed for young adults with little work experience or just graduating from college, we do not expect you to be able to afford a year on your own with no pay. The Change a Heart program is supported by many donors, the Sisters of St. Francis, and the non-profit's where members serve; therefore, due to their charitable contributions, your living expenses are covered for the duration of your service time.

As a program member, you will receive many benefits, including room, board, health insurance, transportation to work and a personal stipend of $90 per month. Members live in a modestly furnished apartment. - top-

Why does the Pittsburgh area need program members?

You don’t have to look far to find people who need your help. With an increasing number of elderly, Pittsburgh is ranked in the top 10 major metropolitan areas with a large demographic of adults 65 years of age and older. In fact, 17.7 percent of Pittsburgh’s population is elderly, which is just behind only four other cities in Florida. In addition, there are more than 3,000 homeless children in Allegheny County each year and usually live with a single parent, moving between several different shelters throughout the year.In addition, the median household income for Pittsburgh is only $28,588, with 20.4% of the city's population living below the poverty line. Therefore, the Change a Heart Program is hoping to help raise some of these stats with the help of program memeberslike you. Help improve the quality of life for those in need in Pittsburgh through your talents, faith, hope and love. - top-

Can I work for any non-profit I want?

Just about! The Change a Heart Program offers young adults a unique opportunity to serve in the ministry of his or her choice during a year of service where members grow personally, professionally and spiritually to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Our members have served in a plethora of non-profits around Pittsburgh ranging from serving the hungry, counseling those in prison, to taking care of young children.

Applicants are encouraged to be open to the needs of placement agencies and in conversation with the Change a Heart director regarding their discernment of a particular service area. Accepted Change a Heart applicants have an option of 1-3 agencies and ministry positions to discern, contingent upon the agencies needs as well. - top-

How is Change a Heart funded?

The Change a Heart program is funded by various grants and donations that contributers give to make the program possible. These funds are dispersed to cover all of the members living costs as well as program costs. If you would like to give a donation, contact Kelly Caddy (program director). - top-

Do I have to be Catholic or Christian to join?

No. The emphasis on prayer and spirituality can strengthen you, encourage you and enhance your ministry experience. We ask that you be open to reflecting on spirituality where ever you are on your faith journey. Members 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 member.
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What about transportation?

Change a Heart provides for you to use public transportation to and from your work site while you are a program member. A program car may also be available for members 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 program member car. Some members choose to bring their own cars to the program. You are responsible for the maintenance and insurance for your own car. - top-

What about student loans?

Many of your student loans can be deferred for the time that you are a program member (You will need to verify this with your personal loan company). Also, we participate in the Americorps Education Award program, which awards program members 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. - top-

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