About JusticeworX: Philadelphia
- Where & When Should the Participants be dropped off?
- Where will participants be staying?
- Where will the participants be serving during JusticeworX?
- Who makes up the program staff?
- Has the staff been properly background checked?
- What is the fee?
- Is their financial assistance available?
- How is transportation organized?
- Can a student with a health condition participate?
- What about medications?
- How do I register?
- What do I need to bring with me?
Where & When Should the Participants be dropped off?
Participants for JusticeworX Philadelphia should be dropped of by their parents/guardians at 6:30pm on Sunday evening their program week is to begin. Drop off at the beginning of the week and pick up at the end of the week will be at St. Raphaela’s Retreat Center located at 616 Coopertown Road, Haverford, PA 19041. If you would like to take a look at the facility online it can be found at www.straphaelacenter.org. Program staff members who will guide them through our brief sign-in process will meet parents and participants at the convent. Immediately after the sign in process is complete parents/guardians are free to go.
Where will participants be staying?
Participants in the JusticeworX Philadelphia program will reside entirely at the St. Raphaela Retreat Center. The majority of program activities, other than the daily service work, will take place at this beautiful host facility.
Where will participants be serving?
The sites the participants will be serving at vary depending on a number of factors. The service sites are generally located within 30 minutes of the host facility. 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.
When selecting service sites safety is always our first priority. All service sites are managed by agencies with whom we have developed a previous working relationship. Our second condition is that they serve poor or needy populations.
Who makes up the staff?
JusticeworX is staffed by a group of wonderful professional ministers and young adults passionate about working with kids! Most of our staff come to us from a sister program called LeaderworX. LeaderworX is a unique community of incredible young adults dedicated to a life of faith, service and justice. All WorX staff teams are led by members of our team of Program Coordinators comprised of ministry professionals who coordinate the day-to-day logistics and activities of all our participants. Click here for more information on our Program Coordinators and staff.
Has the staff been properly background checked?
Yes. All summer staff are chosen from applicants across the country and undergo a two week preparation 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 ration is 6:1 or better at all times. Safety is a constant theme both in training and daily supervision of staff members.
What is the fee?
When we say that JusticeworX is an all inclusive program that’s exactly what we mean. The program fee of $388/participant gets you everything from start to finish. Unlike other service programs 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, facility usage and the program t-shirt. All you have to do is drop-off the participant and pick them up at the end of the week; we will handle everything in between!
A deposit of $100 secures a space with subsequent payments to follow. Spaces cannot be held without the non-refundable deposit.
Is their 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 Director.
How is transportation organized?
For JusticeworX Philadelphia all groups and individuals must arrange for their own transportation to and from the St. Raphaela’s Retreat Center at the beginning and end of the week. Once participants have arrived the JusticeworX Program Staff will handle all transportation for the duration of the program. Participants travel to and from the service sites with their group leaders in 7 passenger vans. All staff drivers are 21 years or older, have a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. 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 talk with the contact the Program Director 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 & waiver forms.
How do I register?
In order to register please return to the homepage and select the program and week you would like to attend. Once you click on that week you will be taken through our online registration process. If you have any questions regarding the registration process please contact the Program Director.
What do I need to bring with me?
In order to prepare for a week of JusticeworX New Jersey participants should be sure to bring the following items:
- Enough comfortable, appropriate attire for the duration of the program
- One or two pairs of long pants you don’t mind getting dirty (Several of the service sites for JusticeworX Philadelphia require all volunteers to wear long pants.)
- One or two sets of work shirts you don’t mind getting dirty
- A sleeping bag (or set of linens) and a pillow
- All necessary toiletries (including a towel for the shower)
- Any necessary medications
- A snack you are willing to contribute to the group
The following are suggested items that are not required:
- A camera and journal to help record and process your experience
- A small bed fan as it can get fairly warm during the summer