Cristo Rey Jesuit Volunteers
Goal of Program
Mission: Cristo Rey Jesuit High School provides a Catholic, college preparatory education and professional work experience to students from Spanish speaking families with limited financial means. Vision: The reason for the school’s existence is to advance the human and intellectual capacities, as well as the religious and cultural heritage, of the immigrant families it serves. Through its Corporate Work Study Program, faith-based college preparatory education, and Spanish heritage language curriculum, the goal is to prepare students to succeed in college and to assume leadership roles in the civic, religious, business and cultural life of our city and nation. As committed alumni of a Jesuit high school, graduates become men and women for others who are open to growth, religious, intellectually competent, loving, committed to justice, and work experienced.
Type of Placement
Cristo Rey Jesuit High School was established to provide working Latino families of Chicago’s Southwest Side with the opportunity to afford a Jesuit, college preparatory education. Started in 1998, the program was founded in response to the extensive needs and limited resources of Cristo Rey. It has grown to be a vital part of the school’s efforts in delivering quality, affordable education to our students. Our volunteers demonstrate a commitment to social justice, spiritual and personal growth, and intentional community living – all tenets of our program. Our volunteers give of their gifts and talents to serve the students and families of Cristo Rey in many roles, which could include: teaching, campus ministry, college counseling, coaching, corporate work study, volunteer coordinator, to name a few. They live in intentional community within the neighborhood and benefit from lives committed to reflection and action.
Service Area
Urban Chicago, IL
Service Length
Two years
Program Size
Total of 5 volunteers on site in an average year.
Requirements
Recent college graduates who exhibit enthusiasm, drive, commitment to the vision of the school, spiritual depth, a sense of justice, flexibility, love of education, interest in living in community, stamina, compassion for others, and desire to empower youth. In sum, Cristo Rey strives to find a balance between the needs of the school and the particular gifts of each volunteer. There are many needs at Cristo Rey and it doesn’t take long for a volunteer to find his or her niche within the school. Most volunteers in the past have found that they serve in the school in the classroom teaching subjects that span the curriculum. They have found their place on the field or on court coaching a wide range of athletic teams. Volunteers have led retreat programs and been heavily involved with campus ministry activities. They have also worked in various offices around school, volunteered their time at fundraising events, counseled, tutored and led many extra-curricular activities including student government, student play
Financial Arrangements
Stipend: $400/month for living and $200/month for loan repayment or savings for grad school. Upon successful completion of the program, volunteers will receive an additional $2,500 lump sum award. All monies received are subject to payroll taxes. The school provides room and board, utilities, dental and health insurance, car insurance for school vehicles and access to a vehicle for local transportation.
Living Arrangements
Volunteers live in a local four bedroom apartment, close to public transportation and within walking distance of the school. Volunteers share all community responsibilities which include cooking, grocery shopping, cleaning and planning spirituality and fun nights. Each week there are 2-3 community dinners and one community night which rotates between mass, spirituality, and fun. The volunteer community is designed to foster a commitment to living simply and examining the sustainability of resources in our lives.
Training
Volunteers are trained in using online grading software; volunteers complete teacher training modules on lesson planning, unit planning, and course planning; discipline, classroom management, and designing assessments.
Start Date
8/8/2021
Who to contact for application:
Ms. Rocio Juarez at rjuarez@cristorey.net