About Westmoreland Volunteer Corps
The Westmoreland Volunteer Corps (WVC) is now accepting applications for a one-year program in the Washington, DC, area beginning Labor Day weekend 2012. If you are a college senior with a passion for social justice and an interest in helping others, we encourage you to consider participating in our successful program.
The WVC is a one-year domestic volunteer service program sponsored by Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ, a few steps from Washington, D.C., in Bethesda, Maryland. All persons, regardless of faith, are welcome to participate. WVC has a 27-year history of changing lives of those who volunteer and those who benefit from their involvement.
The WVC offers five adults, typically recent college graduates, the opportunity to work in direct social service through placements with Washington-area service agencies. Each year WVC identifies positions with approximately 12 agencies in Washington, DC, and suburban Maryland and Virginia. These agencies provide services such as employment counseling and search, case workers for at-risk youth, maternal/child health care and other health programs, social and legal services and shelters for the homeless, refugee support, promotion of social justice, and support for the elderly. The goals of the participating agencies are matched with the interests, skills, academic training, and career goals of the five Volunteers. The positions at the agencies provide opportunities for Volunteers to explore possible career paths in social service, health care, law, housing, religion, education, and international aid, among others.
Requirements
- College degree or related work experience
- Willingness to live simply on a limited income, cooperatively in community with 4 other adults
Benefits
- Housing with own bedroom in a 5-person furnished house in Bethesda, MD, on DC border, near excellent public transportation
- Health insurance, commuting allowance, monthly stipend for housing, food and modest personal expenses
- Potential for AmeriCorps grants and deferred payments for college loans
- Placement process that matches applicant's interests and skills with available positions
- Simple living in a community grounded in service to others
- Professional community counselor who meets weekly with Volunteers
- Periodic retreats for reflection and evaluation
- Participation in a program centered on the values of service to others, with a welcoming church home and supportive board members who serve as mentors
For more information contact volcorps@westmorelanducc.org.
View 2011-2012 WVC Newsletter
Meet our recent volunteers
Volunteer House
Page last updated 14 December 2011.