UPCOMING SJES
Mustard Seed Communities
The core mission of Mustard Seed Communities is to care for the most vulnerable populations in society. The organization focuses on providing for children and adults with disabilities who have been abandoned. They believe that "in order to create lasting change, we all must also address the complex needs of a community."
Over fall break, Villanova students will be working and staying at Mustard Seed Communities' home in Montego Bay, Blessed Assurance. Blessed Assurance is home to over 30 children and young adults with disabilities. Student volunteers will stay in the volunteer housing at Blessed Assurance during their entire trip.
Dolores Mission
One of the key tenets of Catholic Social Teaching is solidarity. During their stay with Dolores Mission Church, participants on this SJE will grow in solidarity and relationship with the people of the church by touring and participating in many of the church’s different programs and community initiatives. These opportunities include touring Homeboy Industries, the largest gang rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world, preparing and eating a meal with the Guadalupe Homeless Project’s shelter residents, and leading an art activity with IMPACTO, an after-school program for children.
Participants on this SJE will have an eventful week, as these are only a few of the week’s activities. Lodging will be provided onsite at Dolores Mission Church.
Discovery Trail & Triple Play Farm
In collaboration with LEVEL at Villanova, this experience aims to provide students of all abilities the opportunity to serve, grow and embrace an opportunity to change the way people see ability. Discovery Trail and Triply Play Farm are both located in Davidson, NC. They serve people of all ages and abilities and incorporate therapeutic animals into an enjoyable and safe outdoor experience.
Students who are chosen for this experience will work at two different facilities, help improve the physical landscape, interact with students from a local school (in Davidson) who utilize the facility, and dive deeper into nature-based therapeutic/educational programming. Lodging will take place in a local hotel to account for accessibility needs.
Habitat for Humanity of Taos, NM
A lack of affordable housing is a significant barrier to human flourishing in the United States. Do all people deserve affordable housing? Participants will explore this question and will also explore the roots of the contemporary housing crisis as it pertains to the community living in Taos, New Mexico.
They will spend a week with Habitat for Humanity of Taos participating in a local home build. This experience is a unique opportunity to build community and meet others committed to service and justice on campus.
Romero Center
The Urban Challenge Program is an urban, service-learning, immersion experience rooted in the Catholic faith tradition. Offering a point of access to the lives and stories of the people of Camden, NJ, and its surrounding communities, the Urban Challenge Program is a unique educational and retreat opportunity. Participants will engage in reflections related to themes of Catholic Social Teaching as well as participate in simulations focused on social inequality. The group will stay onsite at the Romero Center.
Habitat for Humanity of Marion County
Giving and receiving mutual acts of hospitality removes the distance that separates people whose life experiences are very different. This SJE allows participants to both offer and receive the healing experience of being received as guest and partnering with others to provide a home for the displaced. Participants spend a week with Marion County Habitat for Humanity in Marion, South Carolina.
Marion County has the highest unemployment rate in the state and safe, affordable housing is scarce. Participants will have plenty of work to do and will be welcomed by the Marion community. The group will stay at a local community church.
Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County
In Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 5% of the housing does not meet the minimum housing code, and 2.5% of the population live in overcrowded conditions. The need for new houses and neighborhood revitalization projects is huge.
Students will partner with Habitat for Humanity of Forsyth County, which is working to remedy this situation. Participants will stay in dormitory-style housing. They will engage many community partners who provide lunch and dinner.