Common Parent Questions
What is this program all about?
Sponsored by Catholic Charities of Western New York, The Catholic Charities Service Corps offers young adults the opportunity to develop and share their gifts in a unique manner. By participating in challenging, meaningful work and living in an intentional community with other volunteers, lay men and women will explore how their faith can be more fully integrated into all aspects of their lives. This experience allows young adults to respond to their own special call to service by working among their marginalized brothers and sisters, while examining the scope and causes of injustice in our world.
The CCSC is grounded in the values of Catholic Social Teaching. CCSC members are asked to fully commit to the four pillars of:
- Social Justice: Promotes dignity in right relationships with the poor while working to end the systems that tolerate oppression
- Community Living: Share in the lives of fellow volunteers by giving and receiving support
- Simplicity: Live in solidarity with the poor through attention paid to how resources of time, talent and money are spent
- Spiritual Growth: Personal and communal time devoted to integrating faith into all aspects of life
Is my son/daughter allowed to maintain independence and individual growth?
Understandably, the CCSC's focus can sometimes prove worrisome to families, who may worry that their son/daughter could be entering a cult. Actually, the CCSC is quite the opposite! Each person is challenged, invited, and encouraged to use this year to define those values that you have already instilled in them, and to make them his/her own. The four pillars provide the structure to do so.
How will this year of service enhance my child's education, skills, and resume?
Every effort is made to match each volunteer's skills and interests with an appropriate work placement. Agencies and supervisors are carefully screened and volunteers typically receive an ample amount of responsibility in their work with continued training and supervision. Reviews are completed between the supervisor, CCSC Director and supervisor twice/year. In addition to typical professional skills, volunteers also spend time learning about the broader implications of their work through participation in local and state coalitions.
Will my son/daughter be living in a safe area?
One CCSC house, a former parish convent, is located in Black Rock, a working class neighborhood. The second house is located in Hamlin Park, a neighborhood near the Canisius College campus. Every step is taken to ensure a safe and secure living environment for every CCSC member. Volunteers live in community with other volunteers, never alone. In addition, the CCSC is fortunate to have the support of both communities. People always look out for the volunteers.
What else will my son/daughter get out of participating in the CCSC?
The CCSC provides a year of formation for each of its members. Volunteers' lives are changed by utilizing their skills in service to others, sharing the joys and challenges of their adventure with their community members, and developing their faith while living it out in the world. They will reap the benefits of doing something remarkable with their lives as they grow professionally, emotionally and spiritually. This experience can only aid in clarifying their steps for the future.
Is health coverage available?
Each volunteer will receive full health coverage during their year of service equal to that of an entry-level employee. The specifics of their coverage will be discussed with them at their placement Orientation during the first week of work.
Will my daughter/son have enough money to live on?
The CCSC year is meant to be a year of simple living. Each volunteer will receive a simple stipend every month for food and living expenses which is determined year-to-year, with ample input by the current CCSC Volunteers. In addition, a car is provided to each community for transportation purposes. The volunteers are insured through the Diocesan Insurance Department.
What should I expect in terms of communication and visiting?
Clearly, this is individual to each family and their needs. However, volunteers are expected to pay for long distance calls or cell phones out of their monthly stipend. Most work placements do provide internet use for email purposes. Decisions regarding outside visitors or volunteers taking time away for home visits are made together as a community. Volunteers are encouraged to share fully in each others' lives which involves hospitality and getting to know family and friends.
What does my son/daughter need to bring?
The CCSC houses come fully furnished, including appliances and linens. The volunteers need only bring the necessities to go to work each day -- mainly clothing and personal care products. We ask that the volunteers do not bring any "extras" to the Orientation including cell phones, television, CD player etc. Together, the community will decide if and what it needs to have a fulfilling experience.