2024-2025 Austin Scholars Student Handbook PDF

AUSTIN SCHOLARS PROGRAM 2024-2025 STUDENT HANDBOOK “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear peoples’...

AUSTIN SCHOLARS PROGRAM 2024-2025 STUDENT HANDBOOK “What does love look like? It has the hands to help others. It has the feet to hasten to the poor and needy. It has eyes to see misery and want. It has the ears to hear peoples’ sighs and sorrows. That is what love looks like.” Saint Augustine, Homily on the First Epistle of John 7.10 1  Welcome The Austin Scholars is a close-knit community rooted in the Augustinian tradition for students who are invested in serving others and being leaders on and off campus. Open to residential and commuter students, the Austin Scholars is available throughout all four years at Merrimack. It is also the oldest existing living-learning community on campus. The Austin Scholars have the following participation requirements: learning, serving, and living together. This handbook will serve as a guide to the Austin Scholars program, including information about the program’s foundations, academic requirements, service-learning, and community formation opportunities and expectations. If you have any questions about the program, please know that we are here to help you. Austin Scholars Leadership Fr. Raymond Dlugos, OSA, Vice President of Mission and Ministry [email protected] Dr. Dorie Mansen, Director of Austin Scholars Curriculum [email protected] Fr. Dan Madden, OSA, Director of Austin Scholars Formation [email protected] Ms. Morgan Stilphen, Austin Scholars Graduate Fellow [email protected] Stevens Service Learning Center Mary McHugh, Exec Director of Civic & Community Engagement, [email protected] Stevens Service Learning Center Jenna Bonnano, Assistant Director, Stevens Service Learning Center [email protected] Alysha Letendre, Assistant Director, Stevens Service Learning Center [email protected] Austin Scholars Affiliated Faculty Dr. Nicholas DiSalvatore, Assistant Professor of Practice, Humanities [email protected] Table of Contents Academic Expectations pp. 3-4 Ambrose Society p. 10-11 Service-Learning pp. 5-6 Catholic Social Tradition pp. 12-13 Community Life p. 7-8 Service Site Details pp. 14-25 Leadership Opportunities p. 9 Important Documents p. 26 2 Learning Together In the first two years, Austin Scholars take one class together each semester. These four, semester-long courses also fulfill Merrimack’s core curriculum requirements. Austin Scholar classes are reflection-based, fostering a connection between in-class content and community service performed. Austin Scholar tutors and teaching assistants provide peer support, in addition to the classes led by Austin Scholar faculty members. Austin Scholars are required to take four courses together during their first four semesters. In order to fulfill the Religious & Theological Studies Minor, students take a fifth course (at any point in their academic program). Students Entering Merrimack in Fall 2024 Austin Scholars Year Semester Course Core Requirement First Year Fall FYS1947: Who Am I? FYS Spring RTS1610: Doors to the Sacred RTS Second Year Fall RTS2400: Sex, Politics & History of St. Augustine HUMANITIES 1 Spring RTS2810: Sex, Marriage, Family, Work HUMANITIES 2 CORE CERTIFICATE IN RTS COMPLETION Third or Fourth Year Any Most Austin Scholars choose from a list of courses to complete their semester CORE MINOR in Religious & Theological Studies CORE MINOR in RTS COMPLETION Students Entering Merrimack in Fall 2021, 2022, 2023 Austin Scholars Year Semester Course Core Requirement First Year Fall EXP1101 & FYE1050 Explorations, FYE, and Diversity Spring RTS1610 Doors to the Sacred RTS Second Year Fall RTS2400 Sex, Politics & History of St. Augustine History Spring RTS2810 Sex, Marriage, Family, Work Ethics (note: Nursing students enroll in a different section of Ethics) 3 Austin Scholars may be enrolled in any school and major at Merrimack College. The Director of Curriculum works with the Deans of Schools at Merrimack to ensure you are able to fulfill both your major requirements and Austin Scholars designated coursework. Many Austin Scholars choose to declare a Minor in Religious & Theological Studies, which requires five (5) RTS courses. There are several options available for you to choose from in order for you to complete this minor. In order to declare an RTS minor, click here: https://connect.merrimack.edu/register/changemajor Since the academic class work for the Austin Scholar program is cumulative, it is imperative for each student in the program to pass the designated Austin Scholar class each semester. If a student fails one of the Austin Scholar program courses or does not complete the service-learning requirement for the Austin Scholars course, they will not be allowed to continue in the program. 4 Serving Together Austin Scholars serve in the community for a minimum of two hours each week (totalling at least 18 hours over the course of the semester). The service component of Austin Scholars is grounded in the principles of Catholic Social Tradition (see below) and supports several local organizations surrounding the college. The service-learning component of Austin Scholars encourages all students to develop leadership skills by serving those in need in our community. Freshmen & Sophomore Service-Learning: In their first two years, Austin Scholars will choose their service site from an approved list provided by the Stevens Service Learning Center. The service is varied so that students can have a broad range of experiences. Here are some of the Austin Scholar Community Partners: Bellesini Academy !Manos Felices! Bread & Roses Soup Kitchen Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School Catholic Charities Notre Dame Education Center D’Youville Life & Wellness Community Sí Se Puede Immaculate Conception School Lawrence Catholic Academy Lazarus House In addition to service, students may be required to complete an orientation/training prior to beginning service learning hours. Merrimack College provides transportation to and from your service site. It is your responsibility to be on time at the appointed pick-up and drop-off locations. You will be given a time sheet at the beginning of the semester, and it is your responsibility to have the service site’s volunteer supervisor sign-off on your time sheet every time you serve. These time sheets will be reviewed mid-semester and collected at the end of the semester. Service-Learning Failure Policies: Failure to complete the requirements of service learning is factored into your final grade. Since the academic class work for the Austin Scholar program is cumulative, it is imperative for each student in the program to pass the designated Austin Scholar class each semester. If a student fails one of the Austin Scholar program courses, he/she will not be allowed to continue in the program. Junior & Senior Service & Community Engagement: Third & fourth year Austin Scholars are part of the Ambrose Society of the Austin Scholars, with a wide variety of options to fulfill their civic and community engagement. See below in this handbook for more details. Important Service Learning Reminders: You are representing yourself and Merrimack College when you are interacting with the community. You are expected to dress, speak, and act appropriately while serving. You should refrain from posting on social media or using your cell phone during your service projects. 5  You are expected to be respectful of Merrimack College staff and property (Vans) while traveling to and from your service site. The Merrimack Calendar often does not align with the calendar of the organizations and schools we serve (e.g. Indigenous People’s Day and Fall Break; Veteran’s Day; Thanksgiving Break, etc.). Make sure to communicate with your supervisor and plan out our service times so that you fulfill your service requirement. If you have questions or problems about your service or about your site, you should go through these steps: 1. Contact your service site supervisor 2. Contact the Stevens Service Learning Center 3. Contact your Instructor 4. Contact Dr. Mansen “No one should spend so much time in contemplation that they ignore the needs of a neighbor, nor be so absorbed in action that they feel no need for contemplation of God. What should draw us to contemplation is not escape or laziness, but the opportunity to search for and discover truth, knowing that as we make progress in this search, we share our discoveries with others.” - St. Augustine, City of God XIX.19 6 Living Together For at least the first two years, resident Austin Scholars live together in community. Freshmen resident students live in Monican Centre and Sophomore Austin Scholars live in the South Residential Village. Upperclass Austin Scholars (members of the Ambrose Society) may choose to live in South, but are not required. Commuter students also are welcome in the Austin Scholars program. Commuters take part in Austin Scholar course-work, weekly service-learning, and community formation events throughout the year. A large piece of community life, beyond the dormitory experience, is the many social and spiritual events offered throughout the year. Social events include Boston sports games, BBQs, and the annual Christmas party. Retreats both on and off campus, including in the White Mountains, provide spiritual and relational growth. Austin Scholars are required to attend one retreat by the end of their Sophomore Year in order to be considered for the Ambrose Society. Retreats are offered through Campus Ministry, which include: LAUNCH, SEND Trips, as well as seasonal opportunities (e.g., Advent or Lenten Retreats). Required Events: There are also required events throughout the year that bring together all four years of Austin Scholars: Fall Semester Mass of the Holy Spirit Monday, Aug. 26 Service Site Fair (Freshmen & Sophomores) Wednesday, Sept. 4 Commissioning Mass Monday, Sept. 16 Class Dinners (Friendsgiving) Wednesday, Nov. 13 Christmas Party Thursday, Dec. 5 Spring Semester Annual Augustinian of Note Event Wednesday, Feb. 26 Class Dinners (Valentine’s Theme) Wednesday, Mar. 19 End of the Year Celebration of Service and BBQ Tuesday, April 22 Note: Scholars are excused from required events only if there is a conflict with CLASS or SERVICE. Austin Scholars Lounge All Austin Scholars have access to the Austin Scholars lounge located in the St. Augustine Center for Service & Formation (in North Residential Village - House 7, Suite 150) where students meet with fellow Austin Scholars, grab a snack, and study. 7 Community Expectations: St. Augustine modeled his living community after the first community of apostles, where “all were one in heart and mind” (Acts 4:31). The Austin Scholars follows in this tradition, building community that is centered on God and care for one another. In the joys and challenges of community, personal growth happens and relationships develop. Community also becomes the space where love for each other is practiced. As Augustine writes, “love is not self-seeking...so whenever you show greater concern for the common good than for your own, you may know that you are growing in love” (Rule, V). Furthermore, in community, whether in the classroom, residence hall, or service site, often conflicts emerge and mistakes are made. Austin Scholars are held to the same basic community standards as the rest of the Merrimack community. For disciplinary matters, Austin Scholars will go through the disciplinary process found in the Merrimack College student handbook. Both community standards and conduct processes can be found there. Please know that each matter that arises is an opportunity for growth. Other non-disciplinary issues will be handled with the same concern for the well-being of the student and the community. Austin Scholar RAs and the Residence Life Staff can assist with any issues related to living in the residence halls. Because Austin Scholars are leaders on campus and in the local community, in the case of serious infraction, removal from the program may be necessary and is up to the discretion of the directors. Belonging to the Austin Scholars is a privilege. Please respect the opportunities provided through living, learning, and serving together; and consider this time as an Austin Scholar as a chance to learn more about yourself and one another as we journey together toward God. “Without a friend, nothing in the world seems friendly” St. Augustine, Letter 130.2.4 8  Austin Scholars Leadership Within the Austin Scholars, there are many opportunities for student leadership. The Austin Scholars Leadership Program is the peer leadership branch of the Austin Scholars and is made up of a council and committees. The council is composed of a core team of student leaders who represent and work with the larger body of the leadership program. These students who make up the council and larger members of the leadership program work with the directors to provide opportunities for Austin Scholars throughout the year, including social events, formation opportunities, campus-wide service projects, and other special initiatives. Throughout the year, you will learn about opportunities to get more involved in this peer leadership branch of the Austin Scholars. Another important part of the leadership, especially for upperclassmen in the Ambrose Society, is the One Warrior program. This initiative connects upperclassmen with incoming freshmen to help them with their transition to college. One Warrior Upperclassmen reaches out to the incoming students they are paired with over the summer to answer questions and be a support in this time of transition. The upperclassmen then connect with the freshmen when they arrive on campus for various Austin Scholar events such as the Freshmen Olympics and Commissioning Mass, as well as a casual dinner. “All people are to be loved equally; but since you cannot be of service to everyone, you have to take greater care of those who are more closely joined to you by a turn, so to say of fortune’s wheel, whether by occasion of place or time, or any other such circumstance.” St. Augustine, On Christian Instruction I.28.29 9  Ambrose Society of the Austin Scholars Program Description The Ambrose Society is an opportunity for 3rd & 4th year Merrimack students to deepen their commitment to the pillars of the Austin Scholars Program. Inspired by St. Ambrose of Milan, who motivated, mentored and challenged St. Augustine as a young adult, members of Merrimack’s Ambrose Society will be asked to explore the many ways in which they serve as leaders among peers at Merrimack and beyond. As the upper class branch of the Austin Scholars program, the Ambrose Society respects and celebrates the growth of junior and senior members of the Merrimack community, and acknowledges that students are called to be civically-minded, community-engaged leaders on campus in academic and co-curricular endeavors, in professional pathways, and throughout the region in a wide variety of ways. The Ambrose Society seeks to assist juniors and seniors in both broadening and deepening their experience of the campus and local communities, and provides a lens through which to view their professional experience as civic and community engagement. While Ambrose Society members are not required to live in specific housing cohorts, students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of community, and will have extensive opportunities to both deepen and vary their experience as leaders in all their endeavors as Merrimack students. Program Expectations As members of the Ambrose Society of the Austin Scholars, students will be expected to: Participate in community engagement/leadership opportunities through a variety of avenues: ○ Austin Scholar Community Leadership (Member of Student Leadership) ○ Austin Scholar Academic Leadership (Teaching Assistant or FYE Mentor) ○ Austin Scholars Mentorship (Small Group Reflection Leader) ○ Merrimack Campus Leadership (MORE Council, MackGivesBack, Relay for Life, Residential Life, Admissions and Orientations, Wellness Peer Education, etc.) ○ Campus Ministry Leadership (SEND Trips; Liturgical Ministry; Retreat coordination) ○ Professional Community Engagement (Internships, Co-Ops, Clinical hours; Practicums)*** ○ Continued Service with Community Partner via Stevens Service Learning Center ***When considering professional opportunities, choose a place that will help you incorporate the Catholic Social Thought and/or the thought of Saint Augustine into your work. (For example, an internship, practicum, or co-op may be completed in one of the Austin Scholar service sites, or in a place whose work services the poor and the vulnerable.) All internships must be approved by the Directors of the Austin Scholars program, who are also available to help you decide your semester service placement. 10  Attend a minimum of one reflection or formation event per semester ○ Monthly gatherings planned by the council chair and committee for upperclassman engagement. Attend community-wide events (Mass of the Holy Spirit, Commissioning Mass, Christmas Party, Augustinian of Note Event & End of Year BBQ) Serve as mentor in the One Warrior program (see above under Austin Scholars Leadership). 11  Catholic Social Tradition The Austin Scholars Program is founded on the rich wisdom embedded in Catholic Social Tradition (CST). CST goes back centuries and provides a compelling challenge for living responsibly and building a just society. Modern CST, rooted in Hebrew and Christian Scriptures and articulated through a tradition of written documents, has evolved over time in response to the challenges of contemporary society. Often, we talk about certain principles of CST, but it is important to remember that CST is much more than principles: CST is a call to work towards a more just world. Through classwork, reflection, service, and community formation, Austin Scholars seek to live in accordance with CST. Foundations of CST At the foundation of Catholic Social Teaching are the concepts of the “dignity of the human person” and "common good.” Dignity of the Human Person: Human life is sacred and the dignity of the human person is the foundation of a moral vision for society. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. We believe that every person is precious (independent of ethnicity, creed, gender, sexuality, age or ability), that people are more important than things, and that the measure of every institution is whether it threatens or enhances the life and dignity of the human person. No human being should have their dignity or freedom compromised. Poverty, hunger, oppression and injustice make it impossible to live a life commensurate with this dignity. The Common Good: The Catholic Church teaches that the Common Good is “The sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and more easily.” It is both an IDEAL and a MORAL MEASURE. ○ As an IDEAL (or goal), the “Common Good”points to a state of affairs; a world in which all the conditions are in place that would allow everyone to reach their full potential as persons and communities (including, e.g., access to education, food, healthcare, safe housing, fair wages, and the ability to participate in political, cultural, and economic life). ○ As a MORAL MEASURE, the “Common Good” is a tool to evaluate whether our choices, policies, and institutions align with the ideal (e.g., Do my purchases reflect self interest, or do I spend my money in a way that supports environmental sustainability, fair trade, etc?). ○ The “Common Good” is reached when we work together to improve the wellbeing of people in our society and the wider world. The rights of the individual to personal possessions and community resources must be balanced with the needs of the disadvantaged and dispossessed. As Austin Scholars, we work to protect the dignity of every human being, and serve our communities (on campus and beyond) in efforts to support the Common Good. 12 Themes of Catholic Social Tradition: As we reflect on CST, several themes emerge. The work of Austin Scholars--in the classroom, in service, and in community--will support these themes. Life and Dignity of the Human Person: See above. This belief is the foundation of all the principles of our social teaching. Call to Family, Community, and Participation: The person is not only sacred but also social. How we organize our society in economics and politics, in law and policy directly affects human dignity and the capacity of individuals to grow in community. Marriage and the family are the central social institutions that must be supported and strengthened, not undermined. We believe people have a right and a duty to participate in society, seeking together the common good and well-being of all, especially poor and vulnerable people. Rights and Responsibilities: The Catholic tradition teaches that human dignity can be protected and a healthy community can be achieved only if human rights are protected and responsibilities are met. Therefore, every person has a fundamental right to life and a right to those things required for human decency. Corresponding to these rights are duties and responsibilities–to one another, to our families, and to the larger society. Preferential Option for the Poor: A basic moral test is how our most vulnerable members are faring. In a society marred by deepening divisions between rich and poor, our tradition instructs us to put the needs of poor and vulnerable people first. The Dignity of Work and the Rights of Workers: The economy must serve people, not the other way around. Work is more than a way to make a living; it is a form of continuing participation in God’s creation. If the dignity of work is to be protected, then the basic rights of workers must be respected—the right to productive work, to decent and fair wages, to the organization and joining of unions, to private property, and to economic initiative. Solidarity: We are one human family whatever our national, racial, ethnic, economic and ideological differences. We are our brothers’ and sisters’ keepers, wherever they may be. Loving our neighbor has global dimensions in a shrinking world. At the core of the virtue of solidarity is the pursuit of justice and peace. Pope Paul VI taught that “if you want peace, work for justice.” The Gospel calls us to be peacemakers. Our love for all our sisters and brothers demands that we promote peace in a world surrounded by violence and conflict. Care for God’s Creation: We show our respect for the Creator by our stewardship of creation. Care for the earth is a requirement of the Catholic faith. We are called to protect people and the planet, living our faith in relationship with all of God’s creation. This environmental challenge has fundamental moral and ethical dimensions that cannot be ignored. 13  Descriptions of Austin Scholar Service Sites BLESSED STEPHEN BELLESINI ACADEMY 94 Bradford Street Lawrence, MA 01840 http://www.bellesiniacademy.org/ (978) 989-0004 Staff Contacts: Julie DiFilippo Head of School Email: [email protected] Organization Description : Blessed Stephen Bellesini, O.S.A. Academy is an independent Catholic middle school dedicated to providing quality scholarship education to young men and women in grades five through eight from limited financial means living in Lawrence. The mission of the school is to provide an academically challenging and highly structured environment that develops the potential for each student to succeed in competitive secondary schools and colleges. The Academy is named in honor of Stephen Bellesini, a 19th century Augustinian friar who dedicated many years to the education of young boys from disadvantaged families in Italy. His school was known as la scola por gnent, or “The School for Nothing,” because it was tuition free. Service Learning Opportunities: After School Program (3-5 pm on Monday-Friday) - Assist in various after school activities ranging from sports, to art, to computer programming etc. Evening Study Tutors (6:30-8:30 pm on Monday, Tuesday & Thursday) - serve as a one-on-one tutor assisting students with their homework during the Evening Study Program Pre-service Requirements: Fill out a volunteer information sheet and CORI (all info must be filled out completely). Attach a copy of valid ID (license or passport) to the CORI form. On the first day we will go over all expectations/protocols. Appropriate Dress - no ripped jeans, no t-shirts or hats, no yoga pants, etc 14 BREAD & ROSES SOUP KITCHEN 58 Newbury Street Lawrence, MA 01840 (978) 681-8768 Staff Contact: Helen Gabin Volunteer Coordinator [email protected] Organization Description: Bread & Roses is a community kitchen serving Lawrence, Massachusetts, and the greater Merrimack Valley. Founded in 1980, our mission is to address the core necessities of the Merrimack Valley’s community members with a holistic and welcoming approach focusing on food insecurity and promoting self-empowerment. All in need have access to our services free of charge - regardless of their residential, legal, or income status. We strive to meet the life, health, and safety needs of those we serve through our community meals, food rescue, emergency pantry services, health services, case management, essential needs items, and access to laundry services. Service Learning Opportunities: Assist in Emergency Food Pantry Serve Dinner to the guests 2-3 volunteers per day are needed 2-3 volunteers per day are needed Monday through Thursday, 10:30am - 1 pm Monday through Thursday, 4pm to 6 pm. Pre-service Requirements: Orientation of B&R, and an overview of expected duties (on first day) Wear Closed Toe Shoes Hair should be tied back or use hair net 15 CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF THE MERRIMACK VALLEY Food Pantry 70 Lawrence Street Lowell, MA 01852 978-452-1421 Staff Contact: Kathryn Donnelly Food Pantry Coordinator [email protected] Organization Description: Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities (MVCC) is a community service site of Catholic Charities, Archdiocese of Boston. MVCC helps nearly 30,000 people in need from Lowell, Lawrence, Haverhill and surrounding communities annually through a wide range of services. The programs at Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities strive to prevent hunger and homelessness for local families in a financial emergency; engage young parents through skill building and education; provide elders support as they raise their grandchildren; and support families in their effort to build safe, nurturing environments as they follow their own path back to self-sufficiency. The Food Pantry provides supplementary food assistance to families in need Service Learning Opportunities: Assist in Food distribution: Mondays through Thursdays 12:00 pm - 3:30 pm. Help unload trucks with food donations: Mondays through Thursdays 10:00 am -1:00 pm. Work alongside staff and assist in handing out donated foods to citizens of the Merrimack Valley. Pre-service Requirements: Complete volunteer packet Closed Toe Shoes, no shorts, t-shirts ok with appropriate language 16 D'YOUVILLE LIFE AND WELLNESS COMMUNITY 981 Varnum Ave Lowell, MA 01854 Staff Contact: Debbie Scionti Director, Mission & Values 978-569-1000 ext 2030 Email: [email protected] Organization Description: Under sponsorship by the Carmelite Sisters and in the spirit of the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, Grey Nuns of the Cross, and continuing the healing ministry of Jesus, we respond to the needs of elders in our skilled nursing community by providing compassionate, respectful whole person care by honoring the dignity of each person. Service Learning Opportunities: Working with our activities department, assisting with bingo, music therapy and other fun activities to engage our residents. Monday-Friday 10-4 Pre-service Requirements: CORI volunteer application participation in an orientation held on campus Review current COVID19 Protocols - subject to change as the situation warrants Appropriate Dress - no ripped jeans, no t-shirts or hats, no yoga pants, etc 17 IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL 218 East Merrimack Street Lowell, MA 978-454-5339 Staff Contact: Cathy Fiorino Principal Email: [email protected] Organization Description: Immaculate Conception School is a Pre-K through Grade 8 Catholic Elementary School in Lowell. We at Immaculate Conception School strive to create a Christian environment for the growth of all members, students, and staff in a supportive community of friends in Christ. We endeavor to assist in the development of the child’s potential and sense of wonder. We aim to provide the student with instruction and activities to achieve academic success. We seek to guide the child to live as a creative, competent and caring person, and to share in his/her growth of faith in Christ. We believe this growing faith is nurtured by our shared prayerful response to each day’s joys and trials, and our awareness of the needs of the greater community around us. Our vision is to develop the whole person through growth in faith, in knowledge, in virtue and in service. Service Learning Opportunities: Assist teachers in Pre K, Kindergarten and other classes. Monday-Friday 9-11 Assist in after school activities Monday-Friday 2-4 pm Pre-service Requirements: CORI Form & attach copy of valid ID (license or passport) to the CORI form. Attend Protecting God’s Children Training Appropriate Dress - no ripped jeans, no t-shirts or hats, no yoga pants, etc 18 LAWRENCE CATHOLIC ACADEMY 101 Parker Street Lawrence, MA 01843 http://www.lawrencecatholicacademy.net/ Staff Contact: Jaymie Harrington Assistant Principal Email: [email protected] (978) 683-5822 Organization Description: Lawrence Catholic Academy is a Pre-K through Grade 8 Catholic Elementary School of 400 students located in Lawrence, Massachusetts. United through the love of Jesus, LCA is a welcoming community that advances strong faith and excellence in education. It offers a motivating and full-bodied curriculum, enlightened by Catholic teaching and offers all students an excellent education in a faith-filled and supportive environment Service Learning Opportunities: Assist teachers during the school day (Monday – Friday, 8AM – 2:30 PM) Act as math tutors, reading assistants, lunchroom and recess assistants 2 hour blocks of time Assist in After School program (Monday – Friday, 2:30 - 4 PM) Act as mentors to small groups, assist in homework Pre-service Requirements: CORI form & attach copy of valid ID (license or passport) to the CORI form. Attend Protecting God’s Children Training Attend orientation meeting with LCA Appropriate Dress - no ripped jeans, no t-shirts or hats, no yoga pants, etc 19 LAZARUS HOUSE MINISTRIES 412 Hampshire St. Lawrence MA 01842 http://www.lazarushouse.org/ Staff Contact: Jessica Hampoian Marcy Furse Volunteer Engagement Manager of Volunteer Engagement EmaiL: [email protected]> Email: [email protected] (978) 269-5217 Organization Description: Lazarus House provides a continuum of care encompassing, but not limited to: food, shelter, clothing, advocacy, a listening ear, a welcoming heart and the restoration of dignity and self-respect to people who are poor and in dire need. Food: Lazarus House helps people through our soup kitchen, food pantry and winter soup truck. We provide food to anyone who is hungry. At the Good Shepherd Center & Soup Kitchen breakfast and lunch is served seven days a week. Families and Individuals receive groceries at St. Martha's Food Pantry, distributing to over 1700 families every week. Shelter: Lazarus House Family Shelter, for many in desperate need, the Lazarus House Emergency Shelter is both the last line of defense and the first ray of hope. Capernaum Place, 18 units of transitional housing to families and individuals in their own private apartment in a more permanent, supportive housing program. Clothing: Our thrift store is a hub of activity. We offer a wide variety of good quality clothing and household items to support the members of our Community. Items are pleasantly merchandised and affordably priced to allow our Guests struggling with poverty or homelessness to have the dignity of choice. Advocacy: With compassion, understanding and respect, we connect Guests to their potential and explore opportunities to help them reach their goals. Service Learning Opportunities: Assist with weekly food distribution, sort and bag groceries at our Food Pantry Assist staff with meal preparation and breakfast or lunch service at our Soup Kitchen Assist staff and Guests at our Thrift Store (assist shoppers, clean and organize the Store) Assist at the Shelter ○ assist shelter staff with cleaning and outdoor yard work ○ play with the children at the shelter, help with homework and provide dinner support Assist in various other projects such as Sharing Our Bounty fundraiser, Project Bethlehem, administrative duties Pre-Service Requirements: Attend orientation Create an account on volunteer hub 20 MANOS FELICES Stadium Courts and Hancock Courts Lawrence, MA Staff Contact: Madelyn Sang Director [email protected] Organization Description: Manos Felices! aka Happy Hands is an after-school and summer program for children in preschool to 5th grade at the Hancock Courts and the Stadium Courts. The program emphasizes homework completion and a daily period of independent reading. Children also have the opportunity to participate in art projects, STEM challenges and recreational games. Service Learning Opportunities: Tutoring: Mondays - Friday 3:30 - 5:30 pm As part of tutoring you will have the opportunity to create your own activity Pre-service Requirements: CORI form & attach copy of valid ID (license or passport) to the CORI form. Attend Protecting God’s Children Training Appropriate Dress - no ripped jeans, no t-shirts or hats, no yoga pants, etc 21 NOTRE DAME CRISTO REY HIGH SCHOOL 209 Lawrence St Methuen, MA http://www.ndcrhs.org/ Staff Contact: Donna Brine Academic Support Program Email: [email protected] (978) 689-8222 Organization Description: Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School (NDCR), located in Methuen, MA, is a not-for-profit corporation which is sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School provides a Catholic, affordable, culturally sensitive, college preparatory education enhanced by professional work experience for young men and women from families with limited income. NDCR is a member of the Cristo Rey Network. Cristo Rey Network schools bill themselves as "schools that work." The bedrock of a Cristo Rey model high school is the Corporate Work Study Program which places students into entry level clerical positions and generates much needed revenue for the school. At full enrollment, Cristo Rey Network high schools are able to cover nearly 80% of their operating expenses through the work program and a modest tuition. Service Learning Opportunities: Our school day goes from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tutoring NDCR students during study halls. Our study halls are spread throughout the day. Subjects most needed are Math, Biology, Chemistry and English Writing. Pre-service Requirements: CORI & attach copy of valid ID (license or passport) to the CORI form. Appropriate Dress - no ripped jeans, no t-shirts or hats, no yoga pants, etc 22 NOTRE DAME EDUCATION CENTER 354 Merrimack Street Suite 210 Lawrence, MA 01843 http://www.ndeclawrence.net/ Staff Contact: Alisa Povenmire 978-682-6441 Email: [email protected] Organization Description: Established by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in 1997, the Notre Dame Education Center-Lawrence (NDEC-L) is a community of learning where low-income adults are empowered to improve and enrich their lives and the lives of their families in an environment that is welcoming, respectful and dignified. Through access to quality direct services, collaboration and advocacy for positive change, NDEC provides goal-oriented education, skills training, language and literacy development, enrichment opportunities and support services. NDEC assists and supports adult learners to achieve their next steps and reach their full potential as productive, contributing workers in the community and in society. Service Learning Opportunities: We are looking for outgoing volunteers to engage non-native English speakers in small group conversations for both on site and remote classes. Volunteers also assist instructors with classroom activities, help the ED and advisors with administrative needs, and engage in other creative projects, such as taking photos and writing articles. Monday-Thursdays 10am to 12 pm Monday-Thursdays 6-8 pm Pre-service Requirements: Meet with volunteer coordinator 23 SI, SE PUEDE Merrimack Courts Housing Project 68 Melvin Street, #12-17 Lawrence, MA 01841 www.ssplawrence.org Staff Contact: Jaqueline De La Cruz Director [email protected] (978) 685-4074 Organization Description: Si, Se Puede (Yes, It Is Possible) is a multi-service neighborhood program based in the Merrimack Courts Housing Project in the lower Tower Hill area of Lawrence, MA. The primary purpose of Si, Se Puede is to provide educational, social and economic support for low-income Lawrence youth and their families. Since 1985, Si, Se Puede has provided continuous and growing services to neighborhood youth and their families. Si, Se Puede has grown from a grassroots outreach effort to a vibrant center of educational and social opportunities. One of the most unique and appreciated aspects of the Si, Se Puede experience is the individualized attention, guidance and encouragement that is extended to each person who walks through Si, Se Puede’s door. Service Learning Opportunities - Volunteers will work 1:1 or in small groups with students in grades 1-8 in an after-school program setting. They will engage in Mentoring and Tutoring for homework assistance and other school projects. Volunteer slots are available Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 3:00-5 pm. Pre-service Requirements: CORI form 24  Austin Scholars Documents In order to participate in Austin Scholars service learning and off-campus community formation events, you will need to complete and sign several documents. We will provide you with printed copies of the following documents: Service Learning Timesheet ○ Due at midterm and last day of classes Student Retreat Travel Release Forms 25