New Orleans
Watch a video by Laura Rockett about the work of New Orleans YAVs
Program or Partner
Presbytery of South Louisiana
Program Description
In response to disasters and the needs of neighbors, the PSL site seeks to serve others through organizations and congregations participating in building and rebuilding the community around them. Southern Louisiana and the Gulf Coast have seen the incredible strides that could only be made through the hands and hearts of volunteers.
Placement Opportunities (subject to change)
Center for Hazards Assessment Response and Technology (CHART): Volunteers facilitate an education outreach program and help develop a Presbytery-funded Wetlands Education Theological Project focused on environmental advocacy, specifically the issues of coastal restoration. Volunteers work with Bayou Blue Presbyterian church, develop relationships with indigenous communities, and connect them with vital resources.
Global Maritime Ministries: Volunteers welcome seafarers and port workers who are docked in New Orleans and Reserve, Louisiana through offering hospitality and a ministry of presence. Volunteers assist visitors at the GMM facilities in using the Internet, games of ping-pong, trips to the local stores, and sharing conversations about life, family, and work on the high seas.
JW Johnson Elementary School: Volunteers serve as the Community Garden Educator, connecting the community garden with classroom curriculum, and coordinating community members to plant, maintain, and harvest garden beds. Volunteers assist teachers of K-8 classes to inspire students, and the surrounding neighborhood, to learn about gardening and healthy, sustainable eating habits.
Habitat for Humanity: Volunteers assist the organization pursue its mission to provide affordable housing to residents and to eliminate poverty housing system in New Orleans. Volunteers serve as Assistant Site Supervisors, working in partnership with families, volunteers, and donors to complete projects that improve the neighborhood and lives of the community.
Mid City Ministries (Part-time position): Volunteers tutor and mentor at-risk children and youth through this growing ministry of Carrollton Ave. Church of Christ. Volunteers provide leadership and compassion to students who participate in the after school program, weekly character development program, summer camp, and ACT Prep program.
Parkway Presbyterian Church: Volunteers will experience service within a congregation seeking to follow Jesus Christ in word and deed. Volunteers will coordinate the Youth Group, participate in the preschool as a teacher’s assistant and activity coordinator, and assist the church utilizing social media. The congregation is open to the gifts and skills the volunteers bring to the ministry of the Church and being a part of the spiritual journey for individuals and families.
Project Homecoming: Volunteers help the Presbytery’s nonprofit organization to build resilient communities and fulfill housing needs of low-income, elderly and disabled individuals affected by the hurricanes of 2005. Three positions are available: 1.) Worksite Managers oversee volunteers and construction. 2.) Volunteer Village Managers coordinate and host weekly volunteer teams at the housing facility, Olive Tree. 3.) The PR/Marketing Assistant will help implement that PR/Marketing plan for Project Homecoming.
Tulane Medical Center: Volunteers gain skills as chaplain assistants in providing spiritual support to hospital patients, families, staff and visitors in the healing process of the mind, body and spirit. Volunteers will learn about hospital ministry, make visits to patients and families throughout the hospital, and help develop programming for the community.
Housing
Volunteers live in an urban neighborhood, sharing a duplex which can house eight volunteers.
Intentional Community Aspects
Volunteers are a part of an Intentional Christian Community program, and may be housed with other year-long volunteers committed to deepening their faith through service and reflection. Volunteers commit to intentional, covenantal and simple living. The intentional community is responsible for developing a covenant that guides the relationships and support structures the community will hold each other accountable to.
Volunteers meet weekly as a community to reflect on their mission experiences, concerns, vocational call, and faith journey. Volunteers lead Bible studies, book discussions, and commit to sharing the stories of their experiences in service and community through blogging, writing newsletters, and journaling. Volunteers also meet once a month for a joint service project and shared meal and worship.
Three local retreats provide time for spiritual renewal, with the spring retreat focused on vocational discernment. Support and encouragement will be found through other volunteers, site coordinator, congregation members, individual mentors, and the community of south Louisiana that truly appreciates the sacrifice and love of volunteers.
Requirements
Age: 20-29
Education: college desirable
Desired qualities
- Flexibility and openness
- Previous mission experience
- Interest in urban and cross-cultural living
- Own transportation (vehicle or bike)
Site Coordinator
Kathy Lee
Web site
(504) 942-0401 ext. 224