Parkview has recently partnered with Outreach Community Ministries for a few different ministry initiatives. Over the past few weeks I’ve been in touch with Kim who works with Outreach at Jubilee Village. Read on for more about the amazing ministry that is happening at J.V. as well as a very strategic volunteer opportunity. Kim has included all of the information you need to get started.

Volunteer position description:

Jubilee Village, a transitional housing program for young, single, formerly homeless mothers and a ministry of Outreach Community Ministries, is in search of volunteers, both male and female, who will be available Thursday evenings from 6:15p.m.-8:15p.m. to watch, care for and interact with the children of Jubilee Village (JV) during our weekly Community Meal. Every week, four-six volunteers are needed to care for JV children as our young mothers receive a short, but needed rest from the concerns of child rearing while joining JV residents and staff in an important time of table fellowship. A volunteer need not serve every Thursday evening unless he or she desires to serve in such a capacity; however, it is desired that those who volunteer will be willing to commit to a regular schedule (e.g., the first Thursday of each month) so that JV can ensure that there is appropriate childcare.

Who are we looking for?

Loving, caring, kind, and compassionate women and men who have a heart to serve children and understand the important role that the body of Christ is called to play in the lives of single mothers and their children.

How does this really help?

JV’s Community Meal is an important time of relationship-building fellowship that allows the residents and staff of JV to encourage, challenge, and care for one another. While children are in childcare, JV staff is given a couple hours each week to enter into deep, thoughtful, or just fun fellowship with JV mothers. The relationships that begin to take shape during Community Meal grow as residents feel safe enough to allow staff into their lives. With the development of healthy relationships, comes the opportunity for greater spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Through all of this, our prayer is that the young women of JV will understand God’s unfailing love for them and gain a greater understanding of God’s great purpose for their lives and the lives of their children. Offering childcare is a great service which allows mothers and staff to contemplate topics and enter into fruitful discussion in a way that is not always possible in the presence of 5-6 infants or toddlers. When we look at the overall picture of what God does and can do through these integral times of fellowship, the value of one’s service in this capacity is truly priceless.

How do I volunteer?

The volunteer process will require an application, fingerprinting, and a background check. To begin the process, one may fill out an application online. The link may be found at www.outreachcommunityministries.com under “Join Us in Restoring Hope” and then “Volunteer Opportunities.” If one is in need of a hard copy of the volunteer application, he or she may contact Kathy Christensen, Volunteer Coordinator, at (630) 682-1910. Those with questions regarding the needs of Jubilee Village and volunteering in this capacity may contact Michelle DeMuir, Director of Jubilee Village, at mdemuirAToutreachcomminDOTcom for more details.