About Capuchin franciscan volunteer corps
Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Corps: A Life-Changing Service Program for Young Adults
Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Corps, also known as Cap Corps, is a post-graduate service program that offers young adults the opportunity to serve others while deepening their faith and personal growth. With locations in Cleveland, OH and Washington, DC, Cap Corps provides a unique experience that combines service work with community living and spiritual formation.
The program is open to young adults who have completed their undergraduate studies or are in the process of completing them. Participants commit to a year-long service term where they live in intentional community with other volunteers and serve at various non-profit organizations. The program aims to provide participants with an immersive experience that challenges them both personally and professionally.
Cap Corps was founded by the Capuchin Franciscan Friars in 1990 as a response to the need for social justice work in urban areas. The program has since grown into a well-respected organization that has impacted countless lives through its service work.
Service Work
Cap Corps volunteers serve at various non-profit organizations such as homeless shelters, food banks, schools, hospitals, and more. Volunteers are placed based on their skills and interests but are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones by trying new things.
The service work is not just about completing tasks but also about building relationships with those being served. Volunteers are encouraged to listen deeply to those they encounter and learn from them. This approach allows volunteers to gain a deeper understanding of social issues while also providing meaningful support for those in need.
Community Living
Living in intentional community is an essential part of the Cap Corps experience. Volunteers share living spaces such as houses or apartments where they cook meals together, share chores, attend weekly meetings called "house nights," pray together daily (morning prayer), participate in retreats throughout the year (including one silent retreat), celebrate holidays together (Thanksgiving dinner), and more.
Living in community provides volunteers with a support system that helps them navigate the challenges of service work and personal growth. Volunteers learn to communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build meaningful relationships with people from diverse backgrounds.
Spiritual Formation
Cap Corps is rooted in the Catholic faith but welcomes volunteers from all religious backgrounds. The program offers spiritual formation opportunities such as daily prayer, weekly mass attendance (optional), retreats, spiritual direction (optional), and more.
The spiritual formation aspect of Cap Corps is not just about attending religious services but also about exploring one's faith in a deeper way. Volunteers are encouraged to ask questions, share their experiences, and reflect on how their service work relates to their faith.
Impact
Cap Corps has had a significant impact on both the volunteers who participate in the program and the communities they serve. The program has produced countless leaders who have gone on to make positive changes in various fields such as education, social work, law enforcement, healthcare, ministry (priesthood or religious life), etc.
The impact of Cap Corps can be seen through its alumni network which includes over 500 individuals who continue to stay connected through various events throughout the year. Alumni often credit Cap Corps for providing them with skills such as leadership development, cultural competency training (learning how to interact with people from different cultures), conflict resolution skills (learning how to handle difficult situations), etc., that have helped them succeed professionally and personally.
Conclusion
Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Corps is an exceptional post-graduate service program that provides young adults with an immersive experience that combines service work with community living and spiritual formation. The program challenges participants both personally and professionally while also providing meaningful support for those in need. If you are looking for a life-changing experience that will help you grow as an individual while making a positive impact on others' lives - then Cap Corps may be just what you need!