FAQs

We accept applications on a rolling basis, with multiple priority deadlines on February 15th and April 15th. Applicants with all materials in before or on these dates will have the largest range of possible placements. After these dates, we will continue to accept applications until all spaces are filled up until the end of June.

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).

Chances of being accepted into the SJW Program are increased by applying before the priority deadlines and by being open about the kind of placement site experience you desire. Final acceptance hinges on acceptance by the St. Joseph Workers interview team, compatibility with an existing placement, and available space in the program.

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, or by video connection, 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.

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.

Some St. Joseph Workers may be eligible for an AmeriCorps Education award. We can’t guarantee availability on the federal level and we apply on a yearly basis to receive these awards. Some positions that include work of a religious, fundraising or political nature cannot receive AmeriCorps awards according to eligibility guidelines.

Those who have a car are allowed, although not encouraged, to bring it.  The SJW Program cannot reimburse mileage and only in special circumstances are able to reimburse for gas expenses. We also  will not cover the insurance and other costs incurred by owning a car or guarantee off street parking for personal vehicles.xiv. Those who have a car are allowed, although not encouraged, to bring it.

The SJW Program cannot reimburse mileage and only in special circumstances are able to reimburse for gas expenses. We also  will not cover the insurance and other costs incurred by owning a car or guarantee off street parking for personal vehicles.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. If St. Joseph Workers choose to bring their own bikes for transportation, the Program does have limited funds for bike repair and maintenance.

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 St. Catherine University in St. Paul and Minneapolis. SJWs are eligible to enroll in any class that doesn’t interfere with work or community responsibilities (with the exception of some graduate programs, including the graduate Social Work program). Many past SJWs have been able to balance work and class time 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.

]While the SJW Program houses do not accommodate couples, many women have balanced community commitments while in a relationship. We understand and appreciate the need for personal time. While there are many program commitments, most women do find for themselves and for other communities that are important to them.

We are expecting to welcome twelve to fourteen women in August. Each woman will live in her own room in a dedicated St. Joseph Worker house. House selection will be based on proximity to work placements.

Each room is furnished with a single 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, 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.

St. Joseph Workers spend 36 hours a week at their placements, with the extra 4 hours set aside for training, 1-to-1’s, spiritual mentoring, personal development and program opportunities. Most of this work takes place between the hours of 8:00-5:00, 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. Another night, such as Thursday or Friday 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/house meeting, a time to catch up with the others in the house and plan menus and schedules for the upcoming week.

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 $500 dollars over the course of the year.

Loan deferments or AmeriCorps affiliated forbearance are available for most federal loans.

St Joseph Worker Alums go on to do many varied and fabulous things, including finding employment with both non-profit and for profit organizations, pursuing further schooling, participating in additional volunteer opportunities, and volunteering abroad.