Frequently Asked Questions

Individuals of any age over 21, any background, nationality, sexual orientation, or religious denomination who are interested in committing to a year of service are encouraged to participate in the Lutheran Service Corps program. Volunteers come from throughout the United States and abroad. International volunteers are welcome and are accepted on a limited basis. International volunteers are responsible for initiating the visa process and for taking the lead in securing their visa. A married couple without children may apply, provided that both individuals want to volunteer. Many volunteers are recent college graduates transitioning from college life, and a year of volunteer service provides an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience while preparing to enter the workforce or return to graduate school. It is also a wonderful opportunity for individuals who may be retired and, once again, have time in their lives to serve.

Absolutely not! We welcome diversity, and although the program is based on Christian traditions, we do not discriminate on the basis of religious affiliation.

You may download an application packet at any time. See 'Application Process' in the navigation bar. You may also request that an application packet be sent to you at any time. The deadlines for the application are July 1 and November 1. However, our program is first come, first served, so the earlier you submit your application, the better your chances of being accepted and securing the placement of your choice. Late applications may be considered, depending on the number of applicants to whom placements have been offered. The LSC program begins in September and January of each year. Once we receive your application, you will be contacted for a phone interview.

Each volunteer commits to support the LSC mission, and to fulfill their job placement for eleven months beginning at the start date in September or January. Volunteers are expected to fulfill their entire eleven-month commitment to LSC and to the placement agency unless health or family emergencies prohibit them from doing so.

Volunteers also commit to living in community and living and exploring issues of simplicity, social justice, intentional community, and spirituality.

LSC volunteers may choose a placement from social service agencies in the Omaha area who have agreed to receive a LSC volunteer. However, applicants may request a particular area or population of people to work with if it is not listed on the web site. There are no guarantees, but we will work hard with you to tailor make a placement that matches your interests and skills. Each volunteer must go through an interview process and be approved by the agency prior to the placement. Placement agencies and the positions within them are subject to change without notice. See our Service Sites page.

You are expected to work 40 hours per week and to function as a non-paid employee of the agency. You are allowed 10 days of personal vacation time during your period of service. The duties vary greatly depending on which agency you work for, but most of the placements involve direct service to clients. You may teach adult learners to read, provide support services to AIDS clients, facilitate skill-building activities for youth, or provide helpful services to seniors.

The volunteers live together in an intentional community at the Hillstrom House, located in the historical "Florence" section of northeast Omaha, a neighborhood diverse in income and race. We are a part of the Belvedere Point Neighborhood. Formerly the Blessed Sacrament Convent, the Hillstrom House is a large two-story brick building with eight bedrooms and plenty of space in the common living areas. It has been updated in the last several years, and is comfortable and functional. The house comes fully furnished and stocked with everything one should need for cooking, cleaning, etc. Each volunteer will have his or her own bedroom, and will share all other communal rooms.

HOW SAFE IS THE NEIGHBORHOOD IN WHICH THE VOLUNTEERS LIVE?

We have never experienced any crime or violence committed on our property or toward our volunteers. Our neighborhood is very ethnically, racially, and economically diverse. There are many families in our neighborhood as it is a residential area. There are many single family homes and churches located in our immediate area, as well as several elementary schools. The folks in the neighborhood, including the police, are well aware of Hillstrom House and the presence of our volunteers, and they keep an eye out for all of us. We never encourage volunteers to walk alone at night in our neighborhood, however we would not encourage anyone to walk alone at night in any part of town! Walking and jogging alone during the day is perfectly safe, and our volunteers do so often. With the support of the neighborhood community and the LSC community, we feel very safe at Hillstrom House.

Yes, most student loans can be deferred during the year of volunteer service. You may also apply for an AmeriCorps Education Award $4,725.. You can apply for this grant at the end of your 11 months of service.

ARE STIPENDS NEGOTIABLE?

No. Stipends are not negotiable. We advise potential volunteers to be sure they can live for 11 months on the stipends and benefits we provide.

Although not connected in any way to Lutheran Volunteer Corps, Urban Servant Corps or Border Servant Corps, the Lutheran Service Corps operates in a similar fashion and works co-operatively with these organizations. In March 1999 Lutheran Service Corps became an affiliated social ministry organization of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). As an affirmed ELCA organization, LSC commits to responding to God's love by seeking to meet the human needs of those who are vulnerable and powerless and by advocating for dignity and justice for all people. Though these affiliations are established, one need not be Lutheran to be a member of LSC.

Lutheran Service Corps relies on several sources for their funding:

• Lutheran congregations
• Board members and individuals
• Agency administrative fees
• Grants
• Fund-raisers
• Thrivent Financial for Lutherans matching grants
• Other