“We started out as strangers…now we are friends. We support each other through hard times, laugh during good times, and constantly challenge each other to grow.”
A: Bon Secours Volunteers live in an intentional community in a house that is accessible to the volunteer placement sites as well as to public transportation.
The Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry house is located on the third floor of a former convent. An adult learning center occupies the first two floors of the building and, typically, operates during the same hours that our volunteers are at work. The staff of the learning center has been very supportive of Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry and, in turn, our volunteers have often given extra time to the learning center and to its clients.
Although the volunteer residence is in a shared building, our volunteers’ living space on the third floor is private. While our volunteers share a kitchen with the staff of the center, they have their own refrigerator, cooking utensils, dishes, and cupboards. In addition, each volunteer has his or her own bedroom and shares a communal bathroom.
The volunteer house is located within the neighborhood in which our volunteers serve. Likewise, it is also located within walking distance of downtown Baltimore. Thus, our location enables Bon Secours volunteers to be fully immersed in serving their neighbors. Yet, when a break is needed, our volunteers also have the opportunity to walk to museums and recreational events in downtown Baltimore.
A: The Bon Secours volunteers have one community car that is shared among all. In addition to the community car, the volunteer house is located on a major bus line and is close to the light rail. In the spirit of living simply, we encourage our volunteers to walk, ride a bike, or use public transportation whenever it is appropriate and possible.
Sometimes volunteers prefer to bring their own car. While you are welcome to bring your own car, we recommend that you think carefully about that decision. If you decide to do so, you must carry your own car insurance and your stipend may not cover that expense.
A: Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry offers health insurance to each volunteer. Dental and vision insurance is included. While the program pays your health insurance premium, you are responsible for any medical expenses. Volunteers are asked to budget their stipend to cover any co-pays and prescription costs.
A: The Bon Secours Volunteers’ monthly stipend is $325 before taxes. During orientation, the volunteer community discusses and decides upon how much each person will contribute to the community’s food, gas, and household budget. Funds beyond those needs are intended for volunteers’ medical and personal expenses. Volunteers are paid every two weeks.
A year as a Bon Secours Volunteer provides one with the opportunity to develop a lifestyle of simplicity. Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry expects its volunteers to take advantage of this opportunity and to live only from the monthly stipend that is provided.
A: Since Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry is an AmeriCorps program, our volunteers’ federal loans are eligible for forbearance. If you have private loans, it is up to the loan company to decide whether or not to allow forbearance.
Q: What is the weekly schedule of a Bon Secours volunteer like?
Volunteers usually work regular business hours, 40 hours a week. They receive 10 vacation days annually, plus holidays.
In terms of time formal “community time,” you should plan on spending, at least, two evenings a week with community. One of these evenings will involve a staff member. In addition, a bi-weekly morning reflection is scheduled into our volunteers’ work week.
Volunteer Formation: The formal community time with staff described above is referred to as “volunteer formation” time. Outside of this time together, volunteers are asked to complete different readings, activities, or reflection exercises. Throughout the year, the program staff and the volunteer community collaborate to make these times fruitful to everyone’s experiences.
Retreats: The Bon Secours Volunteer community participates in three retreats during the year. These retreats are planned for the fall, the winter, and the spring. All volunteers are invited to attend these gatherings.
Other Activities: A year as a Bon Secours Volunteer provides you with many opportunities to be in solidarity with people who are poor and we ask our volunteers to take advantage of those moments. Thus, during your time as a Bon Secours Volunteer we ask that you do not take credit courses or take on a part-time job.
Q: What is Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry’s relationship with AmeriCorps?
A: By joining Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry, volunteers become members of the Catholic Network of Volunteer Service/AmeriCorps Educational Awards Program.
When funding is available, AmeriCorps Education Awards are given to AmeriCorps members who successfully complete a required term of service for the program in which they are participating, in this case, Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry.
CNVS/AmeriCorps members earn an education award of $4,725 after successfully completing 1700 hours of service and fulfilling the time commitment to Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry. The required 1700 hours can usually be achieved when a volunteer works 40 hours a week for the designated service year, minus the ten days of vacation time allotted to volunteers.
An education award can be used to repay qualified existing or future student loans or to pay all or part of the cost of attending a qualified institution of higher education.
While Bon Secours volunteers are bound by the policies of Bon Secours Volunteer Ministry, as an AmeriCorps member they are also bound by the policies of CNVS/AEAP outlined in the CNVS/AEAP contract.
