The Miller Service Scholarship provides an opportunity to do service for five weeks over summer break and, in return, to receive a scholarship that would be added to your financial aid package. You can do the service in your hometown or wherever you will be during break.  For more information or an application contact Maureen Henderson at (816) 501-4869. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 23.

On Saturday, March 24th,

Applications now available!   

This week-long service retreat, scheduled for May 14th-19th, takes place in northern Michigan.  The cost is $160.   

No wood-cutting, axe-wielding experience required!

Applications due April 2nd.

(Photo courtesy of Mark Cinelli.)

Stay tuned for upcoming information on VOICES' month-end food drive to benefit immigrant families impacted by federal cuts to SNAP, food stamp benefits. 

At Camp Edge, help to plan, prepare, and execute the programming for the weeklong camp!  The goal of the programming is to create an environment for young people (and their chaperones) to experience adventure, faith, trust, and safety. During the week, a lineup of dynamic presenters, talented worship leaders, and dedicated priests serve along with the camp staff (YOU?!?) to encourage a deeper relationship with Christ for each camper.  Interested?  Check out their website and complete an application.

Service Trippers and Companions!

 Last year during my senior year at Rockhurst, I felt as if I was pulled all over the place. Throughout the year, I knew that I wanted to volunteer after graduating, but finding a placement that suited me best was by far the hardest.  I went from Jesuit Volunteers International to JVC and finally to Precious Blood Volunteers. I ended up choosing Precious Blood Volunteers after a whirlwind of decisions. My final decision was made mid-July!

Now, I live and work on the south side of Chicago. I work at a center called, Precious Blood Ministry of Reconciliation. Our center is a youth outreach program for at-risk youth. The center is located in the middle of Back of the Yards. The location is key, as it is in the center of many gang territory lines. And the term, "at-risk youth" is an understatement. Our center provides guidance and hope to the many young men who come in and out of our door.

My duties range from tutoring, mentoring, guidance, driving the boys where they need to get to . . . the list goes on and on. The main thing is simply to be present and open to them. Listening is my main job. I also volunteer once a week at the local Juvenile detention center. I go and listen and talk with incarcerated youth. (This is definitely an experience I never thought I would have!)

It seems crazy to think back to only a year ago and being back in college. It feels as if I was a completely different person back then. I have come in contact with so many issues and things I always knew existed but had never given proper attention. I have been learning so much about myself and our society as a whole. I am still surprised everyday with the new lessons and realizations that each day brings and each story I get to hear from the boys that come into our center. My volunteer experience has absolutely been a shock and a challenge for me everyday, but I wouldn't change that for a second. It has been an experience of a lifetime.

Learn more about Precious Blood Volunteers.