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Frequently Asked Questions
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When is the application deadline?
We accept applications on a rolling basis, but our first deadline for preferred placement is on March 15th. Applicants with all materials in before or on this date will have the largest range of possible placements. After this date, we will continue to accept applications until all spaces are filled.
When does the volunteer year begin and end?
The St. Joseph Worker volunteer year starts at the beginning of August and runs through the end of June yearly. It's important that all St. Joseph Workers have no other long term obligations during this year (for instance, another overlapping volunteer commitment or job).
What are my chances of being accepted?
Chances of being accepted into the SJW Program are increased by applying before the March 15 application deadline and by being open about the kind of placement experience you're willing to have. Final acceptance hinges on a few things: acceptance by the St. Joseph Workers interview team, compatibility with an existing placement, and available space in the program.
What are my chances of getting placed at the ministry I like most?
Those who apply early have the best chance of getting their preferred placement. During the interview process, we like to have people interview in person, if possible, at a few potential placement sites. This will allow supervisors and applicants to see how well the placement fits. If both the supervisor and applicant agree on a fit, then the placement can be secured.
What is the monthly stipend?
All St. Joseph Workers receive a monthly stipend of $100. Because the program also supplies separate funds for housing, food, and other daily needs, this money is for discretionary spending.
Will I get an AmeriCorps award?
Most St. Joseph Workers are eligible for a part-time AmeriCorps Education award, which is about $2,300 toward existing student loans or future schooling. We can't guarantee availability on the federal level, but it usually isn't a problem.
What about my car?
Those who have a car are welcome to bring it, knowing that the Program cannot reimburse mileage and only in special circumstances reimburse for gas and that this will not cover the insurance and other costs incurred by owning a car.
The St. Joseph Worker Program provides for many transportation options such as community cars, car pooling, bus/metro transit cards, bikes, and other options for transportation to and from work.
Will I have time to take classes at St. Kates?
One of the benefits of the St. Joseph Workers Program is the opportunity to take up to two classes for credit, graduate or undergraduate, at the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. SJWs are eligible to enroll in any class that doesn't interfere with work or community responsibilities (with the exception of some graduate programs). Many past SJWs have been able to balance work and classtime and have used these credits toward future graduate study. SJWs may also choose to take their two classes in the summer session immediately proceeding their volunteer year.
What if I'm in a relationship?
While the SJW program can't accommodate married couples, lots of women have been able to balance community commitments while in a relationship. We understand that women who come to us are individuals who need time to themselves. While there are lots of program commitments, most women have been able to continue to keep time for themselves and for other communities that are important to them.
How many people are in the program?
We are expecting to welcome about twelve women in August. Each of these women will live in one of two houses, depending on the proximity to work placement and everyone will have her own bedroom space.
What should I bring with me?
Each room is furnished with a bed, dresser, chair, and lamp. The living room, kitchen, and other common spaces are fully furnished. The house also has a computer with internet access, a few house bikes, and a telephone. Individual women don't need to bring very much to make it feel like home. Each woman decides to bring certain priority items with her, including clothes, decorations for her room, sheets for a twin bed, a pillow, and other important personal items.
What will an average week look like?
St. Joseph Workers spend 36 hours a week at their placements, with the extra 4 hours set aside for training, 1 to 1s, spiritual mentoring, personal development and a program opportunities. Most of this work takes place between the hours of 8-5, although certain placements have individual evening or weekend commitments. Certain nights of the week are scheduled community time. For example, Monday night is "Sharing of the Heart" night-- in the tradition of the Sisters of St. Joseph (who have been doing this since their inception in France in 1650), this is a time to share a meal, and share what's in our hearts and on our minds, in the context of spirituality and group sharing . Thursday nights are "Community nights," when the community has some fun together doing an activity of their choice. Sunday nights are usually the time for a short "Community Check-in," a time to catch up with the others in the house and plan menus and schedules for the upcoming week.
What about health insurance?
The St. Joseph Worker Program provides health insurance. However, we do not cover eye or dental care. We ask that incoming St. Joseph Workers get a dental check and general physical before entering the program to set them up for the coming year. The program also pays for health care costs, including co-pays, up to $1000 dollars over the course of the year.
What about my student loans?
Loan deferments are available for most loan types.
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