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.
Denver, Co
ANGELICA VILLAGE
Angelica Village is a non-profit social services agency that provides housing and intentional community for refugees, unaccompanied minors, families experiencing homelessness, and more. The Loretto Volunteer at AV will contribute to their mission as a small non-profit, and will observe a unique community living model. The volunteer's main roles will be to assist with volunteer coordination and program development for our sustainability efforts in gardening and food autonomy. Additionally, the volunteer will assist residents through advocating local resources, mentoring, and tutoring. As the volunteer's relationship with the residents deepen, they may collaborate on tasks in the residencies such as preparing meals, helping with child care, attending youth events, receiving donations of food and clothing, and more.
Colorado Coalition For the Homeless
The mission of The Colorado Coalition for the Homeless is to work collaboratively toward the prevention
of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children, and
individuals throughout Colorado. The Coalition provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well being and stability of those it serves. The Loretto Volunteer will serve as Native American Services Program Assistant and Front Desk Attendant. They will help coordinate
traditional Native American Talking Circles and assist program participants in accessing medical and
behavioral healthcare.
of homelessness and the creation of lasting solutions for homeless and at-risk families, children, and
individuals throughout Colorado. The Coalition provides a continuum of housing and a variety of services to improve the health, well being and stability of those it serves. The Loretto Volunteer will serve as Native American Services Program Assistant and Front Desk Attendant. They will help coordinate
traditional Native American Talking Circles and assist program participants in accessing medical and
behavioral healthcare.
escuela de guadalupe
Escuela de Guadelupe is a K-8 Catholic school founded in 1999 in response to the community’s determination to confront increasingly frequent incidents of youth violence, teen pregnancy and high dropout rates. Ninety percent of Escuela students receive some level of tuition assistance. By making quality education financially accessible to families throughout the Denver metro area, Escuela works to ensure that children of all ethnicities and economic means are given the opportunity to reach their full potential as compassionate leaders and agents of change. The Loretto Volunteer at Escuela will serve as the Student Services Assistant, helping families navigate school services, providing bookkeeping assistance, and interacting with students through the school's front office.
Urban Peak
At Urban Peak, the LoVo will serve as an Outreach Volunteer, connecting with youth on the streets and in the Drop-In Center to build healthy and strong relationships in order to empower them on their path to self-sufficiency. The Outreach Volunteer acts as a liaison to inform youth, the community, and businesses about the
services offered by Urban Peak to promote the health, safety, and well-being of homeless and runaway
youth and to assist them in permanently exiting the streets into safe and stable housing. This is
accomplished through milieu supervision of the Drop-In Center, outreach on the streets and to other
Denver area service providers, intensive and basic needs case management, and facilitation of groups,
classes, and activities. This position will ensure that interactions, interventions and environments at Urban Peak are trauma informed and emphasize the physical and emotional safety of youth and staff.
services offered by Urban Peak to promote the health, safety, and well-being of homeless and runaway
youth and to assist them in permanently exiting the streets into safe and stable housing. This is
accomplished through milieu supervision of the Drop-In Center, outreach on the streets and to other
Denver area service providers, intensive and basic needs case management, and facilitation of groups,
classes, and activities. This position will ensure that interactions, interventions and environments at Urban Peak are trauma informed and emphasize the physical and emotional safety of youth and staff.
The Empowerment Program
The Empowerment Program is a behavioral health organization that empowers women to overcome issues
of substance abuse, trauma, mental health, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, and involvement in the criminal justice system. The LoVo will serve as Care Manager, utilizing a participant-centered process that links participants to housing, health care, mental health, and other support services in order to produce more positive and sustained outcomes. In this position, the LoVo will help establish a service plan, develop continuity of care, and coordinate the services required to implement the plan.
of substance abuse, trauma, mental health, homelessness, poverty, unemployment, and involvement in the criminal justice system. The LoVo will serve as Care Manager, utilizing a participant-centered process that links participants to housing, health care, mental health, and other support services in order to produce more positive and sustained outcomes. In this position, the LoVo will help establish a service plan, develop continuity of care, and coordinate the services required to implement the plan.
The Gathering Place
The Gathering Place is the only daytime drop-in center in metropolitan Denver that serves women, their children, and transgender individuals who are experiencing poverty, many of whom are also experiencing homelessness. The Loretto Volunteer at TGP will serve as a Family Resource Advocate . In their role, the LoVo Advocate will work to ensure that children and parents feel welcome, wanted and connected, and that they have the knowledge and access to resources that directly benefit them.
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.
Kelly Memorial Food Pantry
El Paso is reported to have 90,000 residents living in a state of food insecurity. Kelly Memorial Food Pantry provides a monthly distribution of supplemental and/or emergency food for the hungry. They also partner with a local farm to provide local, nutritious food. The Loretto Volunteer will serve as the Fresh Start Intern, helping members secure access to resources, education, and support. The Fresh Start program recognizes that hunger is not just caused by a lack of food, but also lack of human capital (including education, employment, and income), social support, and social capital. Any attempt to improve long-term food insecurity requires more than just short-term food.
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.
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"The Opportunity Center is a no-barriers shelter meaning that they serve anyone regardless of age, gender, religion, documentation status, etc. I worked primarily with single men and women who were experiencing homelessness and connected them with resources from housing to mental health services to education. I LOVED my job this year. [Serving at the OC] would be an amazing experience [for anyone] interested in social work, criminal justice, psychology, or anyone just looking for work experience that is new, challenging and different each day. The community at the OC is incredibly welcoming and has encouraged me to really get out of my comfort zone and immerse myself in the justice work that they engage with every day." - Amy Maltz - LoVo 2018-20 |
Amy with Loretto Community member JoAnn during Orientation 2019. Photo by Amy Maltz.
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Washington, D.C.
COMMUNITY OF HOPE
The LoVo at Community of Hope (COH) serves as a Patient Advocate. The primary responsibility of this position is to work closely with patients and staff to ensure patient access to all components of providers’ treatment plans, including medication, durable medical equipment, home health, and specialty care services. The Patient Advocate will work across departments and with outside entities, including insurance companies and pharmacies, to eliminate or reduce barriers to care. This position provides the opportunity to learn about the diverse types of care provided at Community of Hope (COH) and to interact and build relationships with patients, Health Services staff, and community members.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Faith in public life
Faith in Public Life is a strategy center for faith leaders working for social justice. The LoVo at FPL will serve as a Faith Organizer, managing and optimizing FPL's clergy and faith activist database, tracking engagement across campaigns, and planning events with the organization's Campaigns Manager.
National Religious Partnership For the Environment
The National Religious Partnership for the Environment (NRPE) is an alliance of four major faith institutions and their affiliated programmatic organizations. NRPE has long taken up the charge to engage the faith community on issues of conservation and environmental protection. From issues such as climate change, clean energy, endangered species, clean water, and protecting public lands, NRPE has worked diligently over the past two plus decades to bring the faith voice to bear on public policy and to help congregants, congregations, and religious denominations/institutions take action in their own communities. The position at NRPE will be tailored to the volunteer's interests and skills, but will likely include a mix of communication, lobbying, and organizing.
BRIYA PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOL
Briya’s two-generation approach to education recognizes that parents are children’s first and most influential teachers. As parents’ literacy and educational levels increase, so does their children’s academic success. Briya is committed to strengthening families and communities through a learner-centered environment of trust, respect, and collaboration. The Loretto Volunteer at Briya serves as an Associate Teacher in Adult Education. There are also opportunities available in Early Childhood Education.
St. Louis, MO
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 - COMPLEX 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!
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.
MISSOURI MIGRANT AND REFUGEE ADVOCATES (MIRA)
At MIRA, the LoVo will serve as the Communications Intern with additional responsibilities tailored to the volunteer's interests and skills. MIRA is a coalition of community, labor, faith, business and direct service organizations that recognizes the intrinsic value of all people and advocates for the basic rights of all immigrants and refugees. MIRA works for comprehensive immigration reform through coalition building, lobbying for policy changes, and supporting immigration services providers through networking and sharing resources.
MISSOuRI 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.
Lindsey at the 2019 Border Encuentro / SOA Protest in Nogales, AZ. Photo by Amy Maltz.
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"As the coordinator of IFCLA's ICE Accompaniment Program, I have had the opportunity to manage and grow a program while diving into the importance of solidarity and presence with immigrants who are entrenched in the US immigration system. IFCLA has been a space through which I feel valued for my work, comfortable asking questions and learning, and able to connect more fully with justice issues in St. Louis." - Lindsey Faust - LoVo 2018-19 |
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!
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
