Loretto Volunteers work in service and justice organizations in cities where Loretto Community members live and work. Some of these organizations are directly connected to Loretto; all of them promote the social justice values of the Loretto Community.
Placements for DENVER, CO coming soon!
El Paso, TX
CENTER AGAINST SEXUAL AND FAMILY VIOLENCE (CASFV)
The Loretto Volunteer at the Center Against Sexual and Family Violence (CASFV) serves as the organization's Youth Facilitator. This involves planning and implementing Youth Services presentations and Teen Intervention Prevention Program classes with teens and families impacted by sexual and/or family violence. In addition to prevention programs, CASFV provides emergency housing, transitional housing, counseling, and legal assistance to survivors of domestic and sexual assault. Spanish proficiency desired.
LAS AMERICAS IMMIGRANT ADVOCACY CENTER
The LoVo at Las Americas serves as Assistant to Managing Attorney. This organization serves low-income immigrants of all backgrounds, including refugees, survivors of domestic violence, trafficking survivors, asylum seekers, DACA eligible adults, victims of crime, and families seeking reunification. Their clients come from over 60 countries seeking a wide variety of legal services. The Loretto Volunteer will help the Managing Attorney with client communications, detention center visits, and community outreach.
LORETTO ACADEMY
Founded by the Sisters of Loretto in 1923, Loretto Academy is an independent, Catholic institution founded in the values of faith, community, justice, and respect. The Loretto Volunteer will serve as in the student activities office as Student Activities Coordinator of the all-girls' middle and high school, helping to plan a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities. This position requires close collaboration with both students and teachers in planning and facilitating special events, activities, regular club meetings, and more.
OPPORTUNITY CENTER FOR THE HOMELESS
The Opportunity Center exists for all people experiencing homelessness without distinction of race, ethnic origin, language spoken or religious beliefs, and regardless of mental, drug and alcohol problems. The OC operates a day resource center/emergency overflow night shelter where homeless people can gather and where members of the El Paso Coalition for the Homeless can provide on-site services. The Center also strives to create a system of care for the most needy among this population through the development of transitional and long-term supportive housing. The LoVo position at the OC is based on their skills and interests, but works closely with the OC's Social Services Director.
Villa maría
Villa María provides a home for women who are homeless and without children where can transition from crisis to self-sufficiency while living within a beautiful, safe, supportive and spiritual community. The Loretto Volunteer at Villa María serves as Housing and Employment Counselor, working closely with the organization's Executive Director and Case Manager to assist residents with education, job opportunities and affordable housing searches.
Washington, D.C.
ACADEMY OF HOPE
The LoVo at Academy of Hope, a public charter school, serves as Instructor/Program Specialist. They will co-teach subject area classes (English, math, etc.) to help prepare adult learners for the GED test by providing a supportive and empowering learning community for members of the local community. Additional duties include: program administration (in-take and student testing, assessing and tracking student performance), helping to expand community outreach and workforce development partnership and other projects based of the particular skills and expertise of the volunteer.
BREAD FOR THE CITY
The LoVo at Bread for the City serves as Legal Clinic Coordinator. In this role, LoVos help to serve Bread’s clients in their Legal Clinic. Specific duties include: helping with new client intakes, providing information and referral services for clients, and representing clients who have been denied public benefits before an Administrative Law Judge. The volunteer will also help with Spanish-speaking clients in all of Bread for the City’s programs. Spanish proficiency desired.
INTERFAITH VOICES
Interfaith Voices, a weekly public radio show about religion news, spirituality, and faith. The LoVo serves as the show's Associate Producer. They assist in all aspects of the production of this nationwide public radio program, including: writing and editing interviews, booking guests, creating web content, fund-raising. The show was founded by Maureen Fiedler, a Sister of Loretto, in the months after 9/11 to encourage interfaith dialogue and understanding.
MARIE REED HEALTH CENTER
The LoVo at Marie Reed Health Center serves as Patient Advocate. They work closely with patients and staff to ensure that access to medication is not a barrier to patient care. This position offers an opportunity to learn about the diverse types of medical, dental and behavioral health care provided by Community of Hope. Responsibilities include tracking and supporting practitioners with patient-care related tasks and building relationships with patients, Health Services staff and community members.
NEW WAYS MINISTRY
At New Ways Ministry, the Loretto Volunteer helps to plan and execute educational and spiritual development programs in LGBT ministry for Catholic pastoral workers, parents, and LGBT people. These programs include retreats, conferences, workshops, publications, and other projects or functions. Volunteers also help complete day-to-day office tasks at New Ways' headquarters in Mt Rainier, MD.
UN Refugee agency (UNHCR)
The LoVo will co-lead UNHCR Regional Washington Office's response to individual inquiries from persons of concern (asylum seekers, refugees, stateless individuals, and others) as Protection Counselor. This lines up directly with UNHCR's mission to ensure that everybody is able to seek asylum and find safe refuge. The work our service volunteers do is invaluable to UNHCR. They are at the front line in making sure we meet the needs of the individuals we are mandated to protect.
WOMEN's ALLIANCE FOR THEOLOGY, ETHICS, AND RITUAL (WATER)
As Staff Associate, the LoVo engages in the full range of activities at WATER, from office work to program planning. Duties may include: general office work, assistance to staff with writing projects, work in marketing, communications, website, as well as event and program planning. WATER is an international community of justice-seeking people who promote the use of feminist values to make religious and social change.
"Working at WATER not only taught me about the daily operations of running a small nonprofit organization but provided me the opportunity to work in a feminist environment that valued collaboration and coalition, whether in theological conversations, ritual planning, or grant writing."
- Wendy Malette -
LoVo 2012-13
- Wendy Malette -
LoVo 2012-13
St. Louis, MO
ALMOST HOME
Almost Home works to break the cycle of poverty for teenage moms, two generations at a time. The LoVo will serve as Employment & Training Specialist to help women obtain and maintain employment. Responsibilities include assisting clients with employment preparation, career coaching, follow up services, and cultivating relationships with area employers to identify appropriate employment opportunities. By serving as a resource for young moms, the volunteer will help women harness their strengths to achieve self-sufficiency for themselves and their child(ren).
Family care health centers
Family Care Health Centers provides comprehensive holistic primary health care for those who may otherwise not have access to services because of economic status or lack of insurance. As Wellness Coordinator, this flexible and dynamic LoVo will have the opportunity to work with skilled doctors and staff and will have the independence to create project-based work unique to the volunteer’s interest. Past projects include: planning wellness fairs highlighting good nutrition and dental care, one-on-one counseling with patients including behavioral assessments, living wills, family planning as well as re-designing educational and group activities for parents and children.
Inter-Faith Committee on Latin America (IFCLA)
IFCLA is a non-profit organization that collaborates with congregations, schools and organizations in the St. Louis metro area and across the U.S. to advocate for human rights and social justice across Latin America. The volunteer will participate in the life and work of the IFCLA collective to support programming, research, fundraising and administrative work around immigration. Specifically, the volunteer helps coordinate actions for St. Louis' movement to provide sanctuary for immigrants.
MARIAN MIDDLE SCHOOL
Marian Middle School is committed to breaking the cycle of poverty through education. The LoVo at Marian serves as Teaching Assistant. Their role will include assisting in classrooms, one-on-one tutoring, leading clubs/sports, and/or other responsibilities based on skills and interests.
MIGRANT AND IMMIGRANT COMMUNITY ACTION PROJECT (MICA)
At MICA, the LoVo serves as The Client Support & Community Engagement Coordinator. They play a critical role in expanding the MICA Project’s capacity during a critical time for immigrant and refugee rights. Through communications with current and potential clients, the volunteer will enable the organization to more quickly and effectively meet client needs. The volunteer will help with critical tasks in running the nonprofit, gaining experience in many areas required for future nonprofit work. Spanish language ability desired.
MISSORI HEALTH CARE FOR ALL (MHCFA)
Missouri Health Care for All is a statewide, non-partisan, grassroots movement committed to securing access to quality, affordable health care for all Missourians. As Grassroots Organizing Fellow, the LoVo will serve in a fast-moving, staff-level position while gaining great non-profit advocacy experience. Duties include implementing grassroots mobilization tactics, including legislator in-district meetings, outreach events, one-on-one meetings, phone banks, rallies, earned media, and bringing constituents to the Capitol. The Fellow will also aid in coalition work, volunteer recruitment and supervision, story banking, and occasional administrative duties.
NERINX HALL HIGH SCHOOL
The Nerinx LoVo works as Assistant Campus Minister at this Loretto-founded girls' high school to expand opportunities for local community service days and to accompany students on service immersion trips. Trips include but are not limited to, Washington, D.C., New York City, El Paso, TX, Nogales, AZ, Nerinx, KY and El Salvador. Additionally the volunteer assists and plans service-learning activities for the classroom, retreats, rituals and justice-themed assemblies/events.
ST. FRANCIS COMMUNITY SERVICES
The LoVo at St. Francis Community Services serves as Community Advocate. Due to the shifting political landscape and the ramifications of Executive Orders and potential legislation, immigrants have a heightened need for information and advocacy. The Community Advocate will help coordination of advocacy efforts with the community at large and also within specific events and activities planned to empower existing immigrant clients. Their responsibilities may include: tracking policy issues, helping to organize "Know Your Rights" and "Power of Attorney" workshops, grant writing, and community outreach.
St. Louis Veteran's Hospital - Compact patient aligned CARE team (COMpact)
The ComPACT is a specialized health care clinic that is designed to improve the health and well-being of veterans who have complex medical and social needs. As Patient Engagement Coordinator, there is significant flexibility in the Loretto Volunteer’s duties and responsibilities depending upon their personal goals, some possibilities include: assisting in the design and implementation of a home exercise program for patients or support groups for patients with chronic illnesses; serving as a Whole Health Coach to focus on the overall well-being of our patients, which represents a significant shift in delivery of healthcare; and/or forming patient focus groups and conducting surveys that will provide feedback regarding the optimal approaches to patient support. Medical background is NOT a requirement for this position!
Eleanor (left) with her LoVo housemates.
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"Working at Marian made me a stronger leader and allowed me to recognize my desire to walk with students as they grow. Everyday is a different adventure that moves so quickly as the girls continue to surprise me in great ways." - Eleanor Humphrey - LoVo 2014-15 |
New York, NY
Loretto AT THE UNITED NATIONS
**ONLY SECOND-YEAR LORETTO VOLUNTEERS ARE ELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION**
As Assistant UN NGO Representative at the Loretto's UN Office, the LoVo will assist in the representation of the Loretto Community at the United Nations by advocating for peace and justice on a global scale. Loretto Volunteers have had the opportunity to engage in various projects and issue areas including participation on NGO committees, attending high-level UN dialogues and briefings and reporting on those events for Loretto’s larger network, coordinating delegations of students from Loretto affiliated high schools to the UN to participate in the annual Commission on the Status of Women, and creating materials/presentations to highlight the international work of Loretto.
As Assistant UN NGO Representative at the Loretto's UN Office, the LoVo will assist in the representation of the Loretto Community at the United Nations by advocating for peace and justice on a global scale. Loretto Volunteers have had the opportunity to engage in various projects and issue areas including participation on NGO committees, attending high-level UN dialogues and briefings and reporting on those events for Loretto’s larger network, coordinating delegations of students from Loretto affiliated high schools to the UN to participate in the annual Commission on the Status of Women, and creating materials/presentations to highlight the international work of Loretto.
Don't see a placement that matches your interests and skills?
DON'T LET IT STOP YOU FROM APPLYING TO THE PROGRAM!
We are constantly finding new placements to partner with - email us for the latest updates!
If your organization would like to work with a Loretto Volunteer, please contact lorettovolunteers@lorettocommunity.org.
Note: We place around 15 volunteers per year, so not all of these positions will be filled. Due to natural shifts in funding and management, not all placements are available each year.
Note: We place around 15 volunteers per year, so not all of these positions will be filled. Due to natural shifts in funding and management, not all placements are available each year.
"I have come to understand that what is asked of us as advocates is that we work for the good of those we will never meet, whether they are living now on the opposite side of the globe or their birth is seven generations down the line."
- Theresa Blumenstein -
LoVo 2013-14 & 2015-16
- Theresa Blumenstein -
LoVo 2013-14 & 2015-16
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