Vincentian Mission Corps Volunteer Program Expands to Philadelphia;

Seeks Young Adult Volunteers to begin in August

Following many years of service to the needy in St. Louis, Mo., the volunteers of the Daughters of Charity’s Vincentian Mission Corps Program will begin to serve in Philadelphia, Penn., this coming fall of 2016.  Philadelphia Vincentian Mission Corps Assistant Director, Emily Bland, is seeking applicants for the 10-month program that will begin in August and continue until June 2017.

Vincentian Mission Corps volunteers are young adults between the ages of 22 and 30 who want to dedicate nearly a year of service to people who live in poverty.  Some volunteers have graduated from college and want to serve before entering the workforce or pursuing further education.  Others have been working for a while since graduation but feel a call to service and a desire to learn more about themselves.  Some have decided to explore their options before committing to a degree program.  All volunteers have a desire to live in community and to grow spiritually.

The service year for volunteers is not only focused on direct aid to people who live in poverty, but also on learning about the root causes of injustice.  Volunteers participate in anti-oppression workshops.  They also attend weekly community nights where they learn more about systems and structures that affect people living in poverty and how advocacy and activism can be an important part of spirituality.

Benefits of the volunteer program include room and board, a small monthly stipend, health insurance if needed, transportation to and from the program, three facilitated retreats, week-long orientation, and possible student loan deferral.

For more information or an application:  Emily.bland@doc.org or visit the Vincentian Mission Corps website at:  www.vincentianmissioncorps.net

The Vincentian Family is an international group of people—ordained clergy, vowed sisters and brothers, and lay people who are inspired by the Gospel of Jesus Christ, evangelizer of the poor, as lived out by St. Vincent de Paul and St. Louise de Marillac.  Vincent and Louse were contemporaries in 17^th century France, known for their commitment to and love for the poor, the marginalized, and the forgotten.  Millions of Vincentians throughout the world, including our volunteers, help create and sustain projects focused on helping people living in poverty and bringing about systemic change.

Download the news release here.

News release information:  Belinda Davis

314-561-4616

belinda.davis@doc.org