When is the application deadline?We accept applications on a rolling basis, with priority deadlines on January 15 and March 15,. Applications received after these dates will be processed in the order they are received until all positions are filled.
The St. Joseph Worker volunteer year starts at the beginning of August and runs through the end of June yearly. It’s important that all St. Joseph Workers have no other long-term obligations during this year (for instance, another overlapping volunteer commitment or job).
Chances of being accepted into the program are increased by applying before the March 15 application deadline and by being open about the kind of placement site experience you’re willing to have. Final acceptance hinges on a few things: acceptance by the St. Joseph Workers interview team, compatibility with an existing placement, and available space in the program.
Those who apply before the first priority deadline have the best chance of getting their preferred placement. During the interview process, we like to have people interview in person, if possible, at a few potential placement sites. This will allow supervisors and applicants to see how well the placement fits. If both the supervisor and applicant agree on a fit, then the placement can be secured.
All St. Joseph Workers receive a monthly stipend of $150. Because the program also supplies separate funds for housing, food, and other daily needs, this money is for discretionary spending.
Yes. At this time, we are able to provide AmeriCorps Education Awards to our Workers. The benefit is awarded after successful completion of the program, and is available to pay for qualifying educational expenses, including student loan repayments or future education.
Bringing a car is allowed, but not encouraged. The program does not reimburse mileage, gas, insurance or the other costs incurred by owning a car. We also cannot guarantee off-street parking for personal vehicles.
The St. Joseph Worker Program provides transportation to and from work. The program maintains a number of community cars and bikes to share. The program provides a bus pass for non-drivers. If Workers choose to bring their own bikes for transportation, the program does have limited funds for bike repair and maintenance.
While the SJW program can’t accommodate couples, lots of women have been able to balance community commitments while in a relationship. We understand that women who come to us are individuals who need time to themselves. While there are many program commitments, most women have been able to continue to keep time for themselves and for other communities that are important to them.
We can accommodate up to 9 St. Joseph Workers each year.
Each person will have her own bedroom space that is furnished with a single bed, dresser, chair, and lamp. The living room, kitchen, and other common spaces are fully furnished. The house also has a computer with internet access, house bikes, and a telephone. Individual women don’t need to bring very much to make it feel like home. Each woman decides to bring certain priority items with her, including clothes, decorations for her room, sheets for a twin bed, a pillow, and other important personal items.
St. Joseph Workers spend 36 hours a week at their placements, with the extra 4 hours set aside for training, 1 to 1s, spiritual mentoring, personal development and program opportunities. Most of this work takes place between the hours of 8-5, although certain placements have individual evening or weekend commitments. Certain nights of the week are scheduled community time. For example, Monday night is “Sharing of the Heart” night– in the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph (who have been doing this since their inception in France in 1650), this is a time to share a meal, and share what’s in our hearts and on our minds, in the context of spirituality and group sharing. Thursday nights are reserved for “Community Nights,” when the community has some fun together doing an activity of their choice. Sunday nights are usually the time for a short “Community Check-in,” a time to catch up with the others in the house and plan menus and schedules for the upcoming week.
When possible, we encourage Workers to stay on their families’ health insurance plans. If need be, the program provides health insurance. We do not cover eye or dental care. We ask that incoming St. Joseph Workers get a dental check and general physical before entering the program to set them up for the coming year. The program also pays for health care costs, including co-pays, up to $500 dollars over the course of the year.
Loan deferments or AmeriCorps affiliated forbearance are available for most federal loans.
St Joseph Worker alumnae go on to do many things, including finding employment with both non-profit and for profit organizations, pursue further schooling, participating in additional volunteer opportunities and volunteer abroad.