Frequently Asked Questions for JusticeworX
The Center for FaithJustice is pleased to offer the JusticeworX program in several locations including: Trenton, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Wayne County, West Virginia. The specific itineraries of each trip vary slightly depending on the JusticeworX program. For specific details please click the information link for the program you would like to attend.
JusticeworX: New Jersey † JusticeworX: Philadelphia † JusticeworX: Appalachia
Below are frequently asked questions, specific to all JusticeworX experiences.
- Who an attend JusticeworX?
- Does our group need to send a chaperone?
- Do I have to be Catholic? Christian?
- What is included in the fee?
- Is financial assistance available?
- Who makes up the program staff?
- Has the staff been properly background checked?
- Where will the participants be serving during JusticeworX?
- How is transportation organized?
- Can a student with a health condition participate?
- What about medications?
- Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
Who an attend JusticeworX?
Participation is open to any student who has completed a year of high school in the past academic year. All levels of experience are welcome, whether the participant is a service veteran or has never done service of any kind before!
Note: Appalachia is limited to Upper Classman only (student who have completed sophomore, junior, or senior year in the past academic year).
Does our group need to send a chaperone?
No. We recognize how hard it is for many adults – youth ministers, parents, and volunteers – to take time off to accompany a group of students on JusticeworX, which is why we provide an incredible well trained staff. With this, students are welcome without chaperones. While we certainly encourage adult participants to accompany participants, we do not require it.
Do I have to be Catholic? Christian?
No. JusticeworX is a program formed in the Catholic Christian tradition. The Catholic faith guides our understanding of social justice and informs our worship experience. JusticeworX is also designed to be an open and welcoming experience for anyone wishing to live a life rooted in the Gospel call to serve. We happily welcome participants from various Christian backgrounds and those outside the Christian tradition interested in learning more.
What is included in the fee?
JusticeworX is an all inclusive program, offering services unlike any other service program. JusticeworX includes a fully trained staff at a ratio of 6:1, all vehicle transportation (which means you don’t have to rent your own vans!), room, board, program expenses, and facility usage.
All programs are $385 per week, Appalachia differing in cost associated with material (see the Appalachia link for more details). A deposit of $100 secures a space with final payment due on or before June 1st. Spaces cannot be held without the non-refundable deposit.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes. In some cases, the Center for FaithJustice is able to offer financial assistance. Participants seeking financial assistance or scholarships may complete a scholarship application. For more information please contact the program coordinator.
Who makes up the program staff?
JusticeworX is staffed by a number of enthusiastic and professional ministers along with young adults passionate about working with youth. Most of our staff are a part of the unique LeaderworX community composed of incredible young adults dedicated to a life of faith, service, and justice. All WorX staff teams are led by Program Coordinators comprised of ministry professionals who coordinate the day-to-day activities of all our participants.
Has the staff been properly background checked?
Yes. All summer staff is selected from a pool of applicants who may have traveled across the country. After being selected, staff undergoes a two week preparation and training process. All of our staff are background checked and undergo safety training as per the national guidelines of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops. Our staff to participant ratio is 6:1 or better at all times. Safety is constant, both in training and daily supervision of staff members.
Where will the participants be serving during JusticeworX?
Service sites vary depending on which of the JusticeworX programs participants attend. For specific information please click the information tab above on the JusticeworX program you are attending.
How is transportation organized?
Groups and individuals must arrange for their own transportation to and from the host facility. Once participants arrive at the JusticeworX host site, Program Staff transport all participants for the duration of the program. Participants travel to and from the service sites with group leaders in insured seven-passenger vans. All staff drivers are 21 years or older, have a valid driver’s license, and have clean driving records. All participants MUST wear seat belts while being transported.
Can a student with a health condition participate?
JusticeworX attempts to accommodate students with physical impairments when possible. Parents/guardians are invited to call and speak with the Program Coordinator to determine if the required support of a particular youth exceeds the ability of program staff. Parents/guardians must notify staff via the medical information section of the registration form if their child suffers from any physical, dietary, behavioral, or emotional disorders. This is of the utmost importance.
What about medications?
The parent/guardian of a participant must provide JusticeworX staff with information on all medications being taken. Parents must request - in writing - if they wish for staff to dispense medications to their child. Our ability to honor this request will be decided in collaboration with parent(s)/guardian(s). Alternatively, parents must also indicate in writing if they are authorizing their children to “self-dispense” any medications. Such notifications must be included with the health and waiver forms.
Who do I contact in case of an emergency?
In the event of an emergency back home, parents may call the Center for FaithJustice hotline at 609.498.6216 and office staff will notify program staff in Philadelphia. If there is emergency onsite in Philadelphia, staff is equipped with participants’ waiver forms with emergency contact information and will notify persons listed on the form.
