Best Practices: Justice & Service

Program Model: Half-Day Service & Visitations

Overview of the program

We are a conference (volunteer group) in the Saint Vincent de Paul Organization of Georgia. Unlike most SVdP conferences, which are based in specific parishes, we are aligned with the Atlanta SVdP Outreach Center and operate as an interparish association of young adults. We draw volunteers from most of the Atlanta-area, including parish young adult groups. Our events and activities are focused on serving those in our community, without discrimination, who are poor in material, health and/or spiritual ways. We also support specific charitable programs and groups (i.e. the Kid's Clothesline Project, Atlanta Hunger Walk, and On Hands Atlanta Day. We provide SVdP education, counseling, and spiritual programs as well as run a thrift store. Fellowship with one and other is another important aspect of what we are about.

How would the program work in other arch/dioceses?

One of our most important and consistent activities is our monthly Half Day of Service and Home Visitations (formerly known as "Special Works Day"), on each second Saturday from 9am to 1pm. After a brief presentation of the various service projects, over coffee and doughnuts, the volunteers choose where they want to go. We try to send the number of volunteers proportionate to the amount and type of work to be done, balance each work party with at least one experienced volunteer, and never send anyone to a project alone.

The volunteers are offered opportunities to do yard work, light house cleaning, minor home repairs, and even take clients shopping. What is emphasized, however, is that these chores are ancillary to the main reason for visiting, which is to make personal contact with someone who is possibly ill, disabled and/or elderly and probably doesn't get out very often. We are to give of ourselves. Volunteers are encouraged to listen, listen and listen.

We gather back at the Outreach Center at 12:30pm, and share our experiences from the morning with one other. We then close the half-day in prayer around 1pm. The most common response that I have heard over the years from volunteers is something like "I came to give, but I wasn't expecting to receive such a blessing in my heart. I am so glad that I came, and I am so glad to have met the person/people that I visited."

Each month, we have 20 volunteers, on average, and visit between 8 and 10 clients/cases.

Why does the program work?

Young adults are eager to serve. Young adults are particularly interested in service projects. They have a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Parish YA groups like our programs. Many parish young adult groups join us on a regular basis because the events are already organized and they save the time and trouble of "re-creating the wheel."

What needs does it address for young adults?

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected;" (James 2: 21-22). Our organization and its programs offer, through involvement in service and charitable works, opportunities to young adults to perfect their faith.

What elements are crucial?

Getting the word out. We use email newsletters & reminders, voicemail (Hotline) announcements, and an automated calling service to let people know about our events. Our members have spoken and offered materials (pamphlets, etc.) at parishes and Atlanta YAM events.

Preparation for events. We contact our clients early to form a list of projects, and get any necessary tools and supplies in order. Our volunteers are asked to call the clients again before they head out on the morning of the project to confirm with the client that they are expecting us and that it is all right to make the visit.

Clear direction. It is crucial that individual volunteers know what to do, and what is expected of them. We offer the presentation at the beginning of the day to communicate not only what needs to be done, but also the situation in which the volunteers will be heading. Everyone is encouraged to ask questions at the presentation. It is also important that volunteers do not feel "stranded" when on site. We give them a cell phone number to contact a program facilitator if they have any problems.

Post-activity Reflection. We call it, "closing the circle." We do it by beginning and ending the day as a community, in prayer. We bring a certain focus on what we are doing, why and for whom we are doing it, in a spirit of thankfulness for the opportunity to be here and to participate.

Personal Contact. When we visit someone, we try to see Jesus in him or her, and try to be Jesus for him or her. It's all about being in relationship with each other.

Who to contact for more information

Please feel free to contact Sr. Mary Kay Finneran, mfinneran@svdpatl.org and/or Philip J. Quinn, f_ozanam@yahoo.com, for more information.

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