Change A Heart Franciscan Volunteer Program
Goal of Program
Change A Heart is an 11 month service experience that calls young adults to live and serve in the spirit of St. Francis, working with Pittsburgh nonprofits to help the most vulnerable. To inspire a sense of reverence, justice, and compassion by assisting those in need, and to instill a lifelong awareness of living. We do this by providing tools, resources and support so members can be intentional about living out their Christian call of modeling justice, peacemaking, hospitality, caring for the earth and all creation. Members' experiences impact not only themselves, but the local community of western Pennsylvania, and most importantly those who are marginalized by walking with clients and providing direct essential services. Rooted in the spirit of St. Francis, Change A Heart was founded in 1999 by the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Since its inception, 112 members have served the needs of more than 100,000 vulnerable individuals through collaboration with 43 human service organizations.
Type of Placement
Business & Administration | Arts & Music | Child Care & Day Care | Communications & Public Relations | Community Organizing, Outreach & Development | Counseling | Education | Elderly Outreach | Evangelization | Fund Raising, Grant Writing & Development | Health Care | Hispanic Ministry | Housing Issues, Shelter Staff & Group Home | Immigration & Refugee Services | Maternal & Infant Care | Mental Health | Parish Ministry & Pastoral Counseling | Peace & Justice Advocacy | Prison Ministry | Recreation, Camp Counseling & Coaching | Social Services & Poverty Relief | Social Work | Soup Kitchen & Food Distribution | Therapist (Physical, Speech, etc) | Tutoring & Literacy Programs | Volunteer Coordinator | Youth Ministry | Dentist | LGBTQI | Mentoring | Racial Justice Work | Disabilities Ministry | Domestic Violence Ministries
Service Area
Pittsburgh, PA (urban)
Service Length
11 months, renewable.
Requirements
This experience is challenging, but also rewarding and fulfilling. While there is no typical member background, all candidates must meet basic eligibility requirements: single men and women, ages 21 to 30, demonstrated openness, flexible, communicative, sense of humor, willingness to serve and be served, live and serve with others who may be different than you, share in a mutually supportive environment in which you can grow, favorably satisfy background check, high school diploma or GED, bachelors degree or work related equivalency. Appreciation for Franciscan spirituality a plus. Individuals of all work experiences, educational backgrounds, ethnicities and residential locations encouraged to apply.
Financial Arrangements
Room and Board | Stipend | Transportation | Loan Deferment/Forbearance
Living Arrangements
Members live in community with other members in urban neighborhood.
Training
One-week orientation, five retreats, closing retreat. Retreats centered on Christian reflection, rest, prayer. All other training is provided by the service site and varies depending on the site.
Application Deadline
Our program is small, so space is limited. Early admission is given to applicants who apply prior to June 1; late admission deadline is July 1. Program year begins with orientation late-August; ends the following July. Applications accepted on rolling basis.
Address
1575 McFarland Road
Pittsburgh PA, 15216
Phone: 412 334-4746
Website
http://www.changeaheartvolunteers.org
Primary Contact
Patricia
Affiliations
Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities
Secondary Contacts
Moran Patricia Moran