Those seeking to volunteer with the Sisters of St. Joseph have two choices:
Volunteering for outreach programs
Volunteering at St. Joseph's Morrow Park

See the current volunteer opportunities.

Volunteering for Outreach Programs

"It is very life-giving to be part of something that gives so much hope."

Anne Brisbois Abbott, Volunteer

What it is

Volunteering for a Sisters of St. Joseph outreach program is an experience with a difference. Volunteers give time and energy but they also explore their own personal faith journey with others. As such, there are opportunities for spiritual growth and awareness as well as for service. Volunteers have an opportunity to share in the mission of the Sisters of St. Joseph and assist in the task of community building. In-service training is provided.

Who is involved

Volunteers work closely with the Directors of the programs on their volunteer positions. The programs involved are: Mustard Seed, In Good Company, and Studio on the Hill (assisted by Fontbonne Ministries in the area of volunteers) and Nazareth House. Each of these ministries has specific volunteer needs.

Time Frame

Many of the positions involve a regular commitment of time, be it weekly or monthly.

Volunteer opportunities

A. For Fontbonne Ministries, some of the opportunities for volunteers include:

• Crafts and/or sewing group volunteer
• Studio assistant at a pottery studio
• Drop-in volunteer
• Friendly visitor

Contact:
Leanne Kloppenborg, Administrator
Current volunteer opportunities are listed below.

For a profile of one of our Outreach volunteers, see: Meet Anne, Volunteer

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Volunteering at St. Joseph's Morrow Park

"The love of Christ has gathered us together"

What it is

St. Joseph's Morrow Park is the central house of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Toronto. It includes a residence and an infirmary. The latter provides convalescent, rehabilitative, supportive, long term and palliative care within a home setting. Volunteers work with the staff to help Sisters meet their social and recreational needs.

History

Since 1994, the St. Joseph Motherhouse has included an association of volunteers. These women work under the supervision and support of staff to supplement and complement the care given to the Sisters living in the Infirmary.

Vision

The Sisters of St. Joseph have as their mission answering God's call by reaching out to others to build community with those in need. The qualities of compassion, human dignity and social responsibility in caring for the whole person are ones that we live out here in the central house. Our aim is to create an environment that respects and affirms these values.

Role of the volunteer

We place volunteers with infirmary staff as requested or required to assist them in meeting identified needs. Whether working in recreation, in the beauty salon or accompanying Sisters on appointments, the volunteers enrich the lives of the Sisters and without exception, are deeply enriched themselves.

Volunteer Support

Orientation, in-services and ongoing support are provided.

For more information, contact:
Susan Belfontaine
Volunteer Coordinator, Morrow Park
3377 Bayview Ave.
Toronto, ON
M2M 3S4
Tel: 416-222-1101

For a profile of one of our Morrow Park volunteers, see: Meet Francie, Volunteer

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Current Volunteer Opportunities at Fontbonne Ministries

Drop-in Volunteer : Mustard Seed

Purpose: To greet and receive drop-in guests with warmth and hospitality and to ensure that all feel welcome during their visit

Qualifications: Enjoy working with people, playing games, good communication skills and comfortable working with vulnerable groups.

Duties:

• Welcome and socialize with guests
• Assist in the set-up/clean-up of the drop-in, including food service area as required
• Assist with food service (making coffee, tea, etc)
• Participate in various games, cards, activities
• (On Wednesdays only) Assist guests with various craft projects. Instruction provided

Days & Hours: Flexible

Wednesdays: 10:00am-4:00pm (Women only)

Fridays: 12:30pm-3:00pm

Saturdays: 9:30am - 3:00pm

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Sewing Room Volunteer : Mustard Seed

Purpose: To provide support to our sewing program, and to greet and receive participants with warmth and hospitality.

Qualifications: Experienced sewer, knowledge of various types of fabric, enjoy working with people, good communication skills.

Duties:

• Welcome and socialize with participants
• Assist participants with various projects and tasks
• Offer support and guidance to beginner sewers as needed.
• Assist in clean-up and preparation of coffee/tea
• Assist in organizing fabrics and sewing supplies

Days & Hours: Flexible

Mondays, Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays from 10:00 am - 3:00pm

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Children's Pottery Class Assistant

At Studio on the Hill, Fontbonne Ministries, Sister Helen Kluke offers a wide range of people the chance to work with clay in a safe, non-stressful environment. All are welcome: men, women and children of all ages as well as people with disabilities, including those who are visually impaired. It is located at 967 O'Connor Drive (O'Connor, north of St. Clair).

We are currently in need of assistants for the Friday evening children's pottery class. This would be an excellent position for high school or college students who want to share their love of pottery with enthusiastic children. This would also be an opportunity for high school students to fulfill their 40 hours of volunteer work.

Responsibilities:
To assist Sr. Helen with set up and clean-up of the studio space for the class as well as helping the children during the class, and other duties as directed.

Requirements:
An interest in pottery; good communication skills, able to follow directions, an ability to encourage children, reliability

Time frame:
Friday evenings, from 6 - 10 p.m., once or twice a month on a regular basis.

For all Fontbonne Ministries volunteer inquiries, please contact
Leanne Kloppenborg, Volunteer Coordinator
791 Queen St. E., Toronto,
Ont. M4M 1H6
lkloppenborg@csj-to.ca
Fax: 416-465-6744