Frequently Asked Questions for JusticeworX: New Jersey

What is the typical schedule of a day in Trenton?

Participants arrive to check in on Sunday evening at 6:30pm of the program week. The first evening of all programming consist of a tour of the host facility, an introduction to the week’s events, staff introductions, icebreaker/community building activities and discussions, and then conclude with prayer and reflection. A typical week-day at JusticeworX includes:

[ Back to Top ]

As the above schedule outlines, participants wake up for breakfast and Morning Prayer. After prayer, participants depart with assigned service groups to complete service at a local agency. While there, students are exposed to different experiences of service, break for lunch to discuss the morning’s experience, resume their service experience, and at 3pm return to the host facility. Upon arrival at the host facility, participants take part in recreational free time, which consists of pre-planned games and activities led by the program staff.

After dinner, participants will join in a variety of dynamic presentations and interactive experiences that introduce them to varying faith, service, and justice themes particular to the Trenton Experience. Participants will have daily opportunities to reflect on daily experiences, share with peers, and learn about ways in which they can live out the faith through service to others.

Participants will also have many opportunities to participate in engaging faith experiences, including through music and Mass during the course of the week. Following evening prayer each evening, students head off to bed. The JusticeworX experience comes to a close on Saturday after lunch and a closing activity.

Note: Depending on programming content, each evening’s schedule may vary. Times are not concrete, just typical. Programming may include speakers, outings, tours, and other activities that would affect the schedule shown above.

[ Back to Top ]

How much does JusticeworX Trenton cost? What is included in the cost?

Program costs cover 24-hour supervision and instruction from trained youth ministry facilitators, all meals (Saturday breakfast through Saturday lunch), transportations (van and gas costs) throughout the entire trip, housing, programming materials, and a program T-shirt.

JusticeworX programs total $365.00 per participant.

[ Back to Top ]

Where do participants stay? What do sleeping arrangements look like? Is it safe?

Lodging site: St. Raphael’s Retreat Center in Hamilton, NJ (at St. Raphael/Holy Angels Parish)

St. Raphael-Holy Angel’s Parish Center is a former convent located at 3500 S. Broad Street in Hamilton, New Jersey. St. Raphael’s is spacious and very comfortable, offering two floors of bedrooms for 1-4 occupants per room and 2 shower rooms with multiple stalls. Each gender is assigned their own floor. The grounds are large and set in a quiet neighborhood, allowing for recreation and contemplation time. St. Raphael’s has several living-room style and meeting rooms, ideal for the JusticeworX experience. A recently established perpetual adoration chapel is available for participants, along with daily mass experiences on the church property.

The Center for FaithJustice places safety as its highest priority; thus, all facilities used to house participants must meet all safety requirements. St. Raphael’s Retreat Center has an excellent safety record and is an outstanding site for JusticeworX. Participants will also be in the company of trained staff at all times.

[ Back to Top ]

What are the departure and arrival times? What does transportation involve?

Participants should arrive at St. Raphael’s Retreat Center on Sunday at 6:30pm of the program week. All transportation to work sites and any off-site activities is provided by JusticeworX staff in insured, rented vans.

[ Back to Top ]

Where will the participants be serving during JusticeworX Trenton?

Service sites are generally located within 30 minutes of the host facility, typically closer. In recent years, agencies have included day care centers, housing rehabilitation sites, soup kitchens, food pantries, community gardening programs and senior care centers among others. These service sites will be established and assigned before the program week begins.

When selecting service sites, safety is always our first priority. All service sites are managed by agencies with which we have developed a previous working relationship. Our second condition is that they serve poor or needy populations.

[ Back to Top ]

What type of service will be done?

The type of service done during JusticeworX Trenton varies. All service is done through partnerships with various local community organizations dedicated to serving the poor of Trenton. Some examples of service done include: assisting at daycares for underprivileged children, doing basic home repairs, serving in soup kitchens, volunteering at day programs for disabled adults, etc.

[ Back to Top ]

What do participants need to bring?

NOTE: It is very important that participants PACK LIGHTLY. It is strongly encouraged that participants only bring what is included on the packing list. Simple living is highly encouraged during the week, especially in terms of packing materials.

It is also good to note that summers in Trenton are hot and humid. When packing, remember to choose clothing that you would want to wear in 90+ degree weather. Please bring appropriate attire, no spaghetti strap tank tops or short shorts, especially for the assigned service sites.

Bring:

[ Back to Top ]

Contact Us

24 Rossa Avenue

Lawrenceville, NJ 08648

(609) 498-6216 / E-mail

Twitter