Phoenix, Arizona
"The Associates [are] members of St. Gregory the Great Parish in central Phoenix, and it's been a tremendous experience for all of us. In addition to having a wonderful support structure with the priests of Holy Cross, we are also blessed to have many friends within the church community. Phoenix has the distinction of being perhaps the most relaxed, major metropolitan center in the Western United States. This city of three million people can provide plenty of opportunities for an adventurous group of Associates. Living in the city definitely has its advantages. Libraries, restaurants, clubs, mass transit, and the YMCA are all just a few minutes away and the city is exceptionally well designed. Tempe (home of ASU and the world famous Mill Avenue), Mesa, and Scottsdale are also close which helps link the program with other Catholic communities like one at Andre House and the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. Hiking is incredibly popular with Camelback Mountain, Squaw Peak, and South Mountain nearby providing a variety of trails to explore. Phoenix also represents the dynamically changing demographics of the United States with Hispanics composing over twenty percent of the population. Spanish speakers will find ample opportunity to apply their skills."
~Christopher Shipley, AZ '00-'01
Check out this website to learn more about the city of Phoenix!
Current Placements:
André House - Volunteer Coordinator for Soup Kitchen and Hospitality House that serves the homeless. Andre House was founded 20 years ago and is still a Holy Cross apostolate. The Associate works alongside a group of peer men and women committed to a year or more of service. Duties include coordinating volunteers who come to help with the clothes closet and kitchen as well as coordinating the house voice mail system. Plenty of direct service to the homeless is included. Learn more about Andre House Here, and read our former associate's job description.
Current Associate- No Current Associate At This Time
Catholic Social Service - The Associate works in the refugee resettlement program and runs a match-grant program. The Associate also helps welcome refugees into the country, assisting them with various services, including healthcare, food, and transportation to help them get acclimated to their new surroundings. Learn more about CSS here. Also, read a job description by former Associate Katie O'Brien.
Current Associate -Rene Smith | nayzer4@aol.com
Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) - Case worker for the homeless. The Associate directs the case plans of 30-40 clients at a time and provides referrals for housing, job, and transportation services for clients. The Associate will work with new and familiar clients, helping them to locate needed resources such as recovery groups, employment opportunities, etc. Involves direct service and keeping files updated for CASS clients. Find out more about CASS by clicking here, or read former associate Meredith Mechenbier's job description.
Current Associate - Megan O'Neil| megan.oneil.06@gmail.com
St. Gregory School and Parish - The Associate has many opportunities to interact with youth in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade as well as to work with the parish community at this placement. Responsibilities include working as a teaching assistant, leading the junior high youth group, and helping out with various other school activities. St. Gregory's is currently a Holy Cross school and parish and serves as the local Associate connection to the broader Holy Cross community. Learn more about St. Greg's here and check out Joycelin's job description.
Current Associate - Catherine Landry | catielou7@yahoo.com
Helping Hands Housing Services- Helping Hands provides permanent affordable housing and other support services to the working poor communities of greater Phoenix. The Associate in this position is the Assistant Programs Coordinator, responsible for implementing a variety of programs such as Adult Education, Tutoring for children, life skills classes, food and clothing donations, and scheduling guest speakers.
Current Associate - Christopher Bodington | cbodingt@nd.edu
*Please feel free to contact the current Associates. They are your best resource in learning more about each placement, and what serving in their cities is like.
**Placements vary year-to year, depending on the interests of the incoming Associates, the need of the agencies, and the number of Associates in each house.
Coachella, California
"An
Associate Year in Coachella allows for a multi-cultural experience
unlike any other placement. While living in a rapidly-expanding
city (currently 30,000) that is approx. 95% Hispanic, associates
will discover the challenges facing immigrants (documented and
un), experience 120 degree days upon arrival (and 70 degree ones
in December and January), find innumerable opportunities to use
Spanish, worship in a fiesta atmosphere at Our Lady of Soledad,
and learn the quirky manner of the Coachella Valley -- a string
of desert cities beginning with Palm Springs that form a disparate
socio-economic ladder and collectively refuse to fit into any
established definition of neighboring communities. With breathtaking
stone Santa Rosa mountains as a backdrop and Joshua Tree National
Park just across the Indio Hills range, there are ample hiking
opportunities and plenty of places to explore the natural beauty
of the desert while exploring the finite struggles and infinite
blessings of a year living and serving among the people of Coachella."
~ Catherine Ruffing, CA '03-'04
To learn more about the city of Coachella Click Here.
Current Placements:
The Coachella house is inactive for the 2006-2007 associate year.
Colorado Springs, Colorado
"Placements in Colorado Springs vary from housing organizations to work with victims of domestic abuse. Opportunities for outdoor activities are abundant, with multiple hiking areas just minutes away by foot or by car. The Front Range looms above the city, with Pikes Peak dominating the skyline. There are several Catholic churches nearby. Sacred Heart Parish is just two blocks from the HCA house, and Our Lady of Perpetual Help, a favorite in our house, is a few minutes away in Manitou Springs. Most of what you will need is within walking distance of the house: post office, bank, library, park, neighborhood bar, and many shops/stores in the Old Colorado City area. Boulder, Breckenridge and other towns and ski resorts are just a short drive away, and the scenery on the trip is spectacular. The weather has been cold this year, but the sight of a storm blowing in off the mountains is usually pretty spectacular. Take advantage of good weather by sleeping outside on the deck, which is located off the upstairs back bedroom. Finally, be sure not to disturb Velvet Elvis and awaken The Curse."
~ Chris Lawler, CO '00-'01
Want more info about Colorado Springs? Check this out!
Current Placements:
Community Partnership for Child Development - the Associate in this position works as a teachers assistant in a Headstart classroom for underprivileged children. Though Headstart, young children get a solid pre-school education to prepare for grade school. The Associate assists in all aspects of classroom instruction and child care. Learn more about CPCD here, or read former Associate Amy's job description.
Current Associate - Teresa Stock| teresa.stock@gmail.com
Ecumenical Social Ministries - One Associate assists with job development for homeless and low-income clients helping to develop resumes and pinpoint job opportunities. Involves a mixture of direct care and marketing to the community and often requires repeated visits with each client. The other Associate works in the fast paced, high energy environment of emergency services with a variety of clientele with numerous and often varied needs. Learn more about ESM here, or read former associate Heather's job description
Current Associate - Tai Baird| bair6939@gmail.com
Marian House- The Associate works in a soup kitchen and assists in coordinating the daily operations of the soup line. He/she schedules, orients, and supervises volunteers as well as monitoring food distribution and pick-ups. Learn more about Marion House here, or read former associate Holly's job description.
Current Associate -Elizabeth Perille| eperille@gmail.com
TESSA- TESSA is an organization that aims to
significantly reduce domestic violence and sexual assault through education,
intervention and treatment services. To learn more about TESSA, click here
or to read a job description by former associate Rachel Sladich click here
Current Associate - Bridget Lally | bridget.lally@gmail.com
*Please feel free to contact the current Associates. They are your best resource in learning more about each placement, and what serving in their cities is like.
**Placements vary year-to year, depending on the interests of the incoming Associates, the need of the agencies, and the number of Associates in each house.
South Bend, Indiana
"Nestled somewhere between the whipping winds of Chicago and the sparkling lakes of Michigan lies the Crossroads of America and, more specifically, the splendid city of South Bend, IN. Offering a combination of metropolitan excitement and small-town pleasantries, South Bend epitomizes the ideal Associate location. The worksites available place Associates on the front lines of some of the best established social service agencies in the country. From a nationally recognized homeless shelter and a domestic violence and drug rehabilitation shelter to local hospital renowned for its healthcare services and a Community Center that provides an exceptional tutoring and after school program, there is a service to fit just about every need. In addition, a large and welcoming Holy Cross community is ever-present in parishes, universities, grade school, and organizations throughout the city, and the generosity of this community is never lacking. Associates encounter this same sense of hospitality in the greater community as well, gaining an abundance of cultural insight within surrounding Polish, Hispanic, and African-American neighborhoods. The location of the Associate home lends convenience by offering everything from libraries and supermarkets to waterfront views, all within a five-mile radius. For those conscientious of social justice issues and those just out looking for fun, Notre Dame's campus is a tremendous resource that offers countless prospects for involvement in a variety of social activities. With so many chances to expand one's Associate experience, South Bend truly is a wonderful city of excitement, beauty, and opportunity."
~ Meg Awugah, SB '04-05
Learn more about South Bend!
Current Placements:
South Bend is inactive for the 2006-2007 associate year.
Brockton, Massachusetts
"Brockton, the City of Champions, is an ideal site for an Associate community. A once prominent shoe factory town, Brockton is now plagued with poverty and homelessness. Located in the Cape Verdean section of the city, the Brockton house is actually a 3 bedroom apartment- the top floor of a 3 story row house. In an attempt to become integrated into this racially and ethnically diverse community, the Associates have made connections with local parishes, St. Patrick's and St. Edith Stein's. These incredibly welcoming congregations have provided us with many opportunities for further ministry - including music and retreats. One of the greatest advantages to the Brockton site, is the connection to the Holy Cross community at Stonehill College. The generosity of the priests and their desire to truly get to know the Associates has provided an opportunity to be a part of their wonderful community. The priests and brothers are an amazing group of men who have become great friends and a second family. Boston is a little further than many would like, about 45 minutes by car. However, public transportation (the T) is easily accessible and if one explores a little there is in fact FREE parking. The close proximity of all the New England states allows for many sight seeing adventures: becoming a "true tourist" in New York City, experiencing the breath-taking foliage in Vermont, sunning on the beaches of Cape Cod. Living in Brockton allows one to truly live in solidarity with the poor while receiving phenomenal support from the Holy Cross community and the surrounding community."
~ Maureen Sandles, MA `03-04
Click Here for more information about the City of Champions.
Current Placements:
Catholic Charities - As Initial Response Assistant and Youth Coordinator, the Associate here is involved as a worker in direct services such as the food pantry and also as the facilitator of the Safe Spaces Youth Council and the liaison to the city-wide Brockton's Promise Youth Initiative. The Associate also helps organize summer sports activities and year-round youth events. Learn more about Catholic Charities in Brockton by clicking here or read Kate's job description.
Current Associate - Lindsay Marsh | lindsaytara@gmail.com
Louison Center -Child Advocate at transitional housing center. Involves supervising and coordinating activities for children of all ages. The Associate also runs the food pantry outreach program, coordinates volunteers, and receives and chronicles donations. Learn more about the Louison Center here, or read Mandi's job description.
Current Associate - Kathleen Crossin | katecrossin@yahoo.com
MainSpring House - Caseworker and Transitional Program Leader at transitional housing and emergency shelter program for the homeless. Involves managing the food pantry, coordinating volunteers, assisting with emergency intake, and doing case management with the adult male clientele. The Associate also leads educational and life skills groups in the afternoons. Learn more about Mainspring House here, or read Aly's job description or Chris' job description
Current Associate - Nick Coccoma | ncoccoma@gmail.com
My Brother's Keeper - MBK provides furniture, food, and other goods to poor families through the Boston/Brockton area. MBK holds the dignity of the person and spiritual nourishment as the most important tenants of their ministry. Find out more about MBK here, or read the Holy Cross Associate job description here.
Current Associate - No Current Associate
*Please feel free to contact the current Associates. They are your best resource in learning more about each placement, and what serving in their cities is like.
**Placements vary year-to year, depending on the interests of the incoming Associates, the need of the agencies, and the number of Associates in each house.
Portland, Oregon
"Portland is home to the oldest Holy Cross Associate house, founded in 1978 at the program's inception. The result of that is a large community of HCA supporters and alumni nestled in the Williamette River Valley, who work very hard to acclimate Associates to the Pacific Northwest. The community lives in the Northeast section of Portland, which is home to more of the city's lower-income housing. The neighborhood, however, is extremely friendly and in close proximity to the downtown area. The Associate house is right on a major cross-city bus line, so transportation in and out of the city is rather easy. Associates find themselves involved in a myriad of assignments around town, ranging from elder ministry to homeless outreach to job referral. Portland is well known for its progressive social services, and many of the parishes and agencies have adopted wholistic approaches that complement the four pillars well. The majority of the organizations where Associates have been assigned are within bicycling range of the HCA house, and a few are even close enough for everyday walking. For down time, Portland is a boon to all lovers of the outdoors. A short drive will land you at the Pacific Ocean, with many scenic coastal towns and vistas for a day-trip or weekend getaway. Hiking, skiing, snow-shoeing and taking casual dips in nearby hot springs are all activities within car and price range for the Associate year. Natives also recommend sufficient raingear."
~ Shawn Daley, OR '00-'01
Check out the city of Portland's own website.
Current Placements:
JOIN - Immersion coordinator for "urban plunge" experience program in the area of homelessness in Portland. The Associate leads immersion experiences several weekends per month which allow high school and jr. high school students to learn about issues of poverty, homelessness, and other areas of social justice. Check out JOIN's Website or read Carrie's job description for more information.
Current Associate - Quinn Colling| qcolling@gmail.com
Marie Smith Health and Social Center - Case aide and activity coordinator at this seniors' day care center. The Associate is involved in a variety of administrative and direct service activities with seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. If you'd like to know more about the Marie Smith Center and its umbrella agency the Volunteers of America check out their website, or read Andrea's job description.
Current Associate - No Current Associate
Sisters of the Road Cafe - Sisters of the Road Cafe serves meals for a small cost and provides barter jobs for people who would like to work for a short amount of time to earn their meal. This philosophy creates more dignity to the homeless than simply walking through a soup kitchen line. The associate works part time directly in the cafe, serving food, drinks, forming relationships, etc. and part time in the development office, helping with fundraising opportunities, and finding volunteers to talk to organizations about Sisters. Learn more about Sisters of the Road Cafe here, or read formerAssociate Kathryn's job description.
Current Associate - Jennifer De Angelo | jennifer.deangelo@gmail.com
University of Portland/Holy Redeemer Parish - The Associate works half time in the Office of Volunteer Services, encouraging students at the University of Portland to serve and learn from others through the tradition of Catholic Social Teaching. Learn more about OVS and the University by clicking here, or read Michelle's job description. Holy Redeemer Parish is a Holy Cross parish in North Portland. The Associate works half time as the Coordinator of Youth Ministry.
Current Associate -Elizabeth Hildebrandt| chanliver@aol.com
Transition Projects, Inc. (TPI) - The Associate works with intake, as well as providing immediate services, information and referral. This placement also involves assisting in the day-to-day operations of the shelter such as coordinating a voice-mail system for the clients. Learn more about TPI by clicking Here, and read former Associate Josh's job description
Current Associate -No Current Associate
The Downtown Chapel - The Associate works in outreach services and performs various administrative duties at this Catholic parish in Portland that focuses on ministry to the poor and homeless. Learn more about the Downtown Chapel here or read Kelly's job description.
Current Associate - Tabitha Ledbetter |tabitha.ledbetter@yahoo.com
*Please feel free to contact the current Associates. They are your best resource in learning more about each placement, and what serving in their cities is like. **Placements vary year-to year, depending on the interests of the incoming Associates, the need of the agencies, and the number of Associates in each house.