New York

Bronx Volunteers live in the vibrant neighborhood of University Heights, which sits just one mile from Fordham University. The Volunteers live in a five-bedroom apartment on the third floor of the building that houses St. Rita Immigration Center, situated safely next to St. Nicholas of Tolentine Church, which is run by the Augustinian friars. The Volunteers live a few blocks from public transportation, which can get one just about anywhere in New York City. They serve in a variety of agencies that are part of Tolentine Zeiser Community Life Center, as well as with the Augustinian NGO to the UN. These agencies include a homeless shelter for pregnant women and their young children, an immigration center, and a pre-K program.

Siena House

Siena House is a shelter for homeless pregnant women and single mothers with children under the age of two. The shelter provides temporary housing while women work with social workers and other staff to learn the necessary life skills to move into housing of their own. The women are provided with support from the staff, including the Augustinian Volunteer, to help get back on their feet and to learn parenting skills. The Volunteer acts as the Activities Coordinator at Siena House, where she plans projects, activities, and outings to help enrich the lives of the women and their children. In addition the Volunteer often assists with resumes and basic computer skills. The Volunteer may be called on to assist at the shelter in a variety of other capacities depending upon the needs of the staff.

For more information about Siena House, visit their website.

UN Liasion for the Order of St. Augustine NGO

The Augustinians (Order of St. Augustine) are a Non-Governmental Organization that works in association with the United Nations. The current goal of the Augustinian NGO is to provide information to Augustinians around the world about critical issues being discussed at the United Nations, so as to assist in the ministries of the friars. The Volunteer serves as the liaison to the UN for the Augustinians and attends weekly UN briefings about the issues that are being discussed. The Volunteer then takes this information and puts it into newsletters to distribute to Augustinians around the world. In addition, the Volunteer works with Augustinian schools in the U.S. to be a resource for various issues and help them incorporate the information into their curriculum.