Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati is an 11-month-long, faith-based residential service program that provides young professionals ages 21-30 an opportunity to live in faith, grow in friendship and serve in solidarity by giving deeply of themselves to their neighbors in need. VVCs live in intentional community and serve full-time in St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati’s West End Outreach Center and Service Learning Center, providing both direct and indirect service to our neighbors in need.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul operates seven thrift stores and one outlet store in the Cincinnati area, providing a source of hope for those who cannot purchase basic necessities or need to shop on a budget. Thrift Store and Donation Center proceeds support the Society’s direct service programs like our Choice Food Pantry, Charitable Pharmacy and homelessness prevention program. In this position, you will learn about the different facets of store operations, providing support to our stores’ retail managers during routine store visits, learning about what it takes to provide each store with the tools and processes they need to run efficiently; gain skills around navigating interpersonal dynamics and learn different management styles; provide support to store employees as needed, including having direct interactions with customers and neighbors in need in the store voucher redemption process. This position will also include hands-on work assisting with facilities management of our 12 building facilities, responding to various needs from small projects like correcting a toilet leak and completing oil change to big projects like repairing an industrial compacter. A basic knowledge of tools, a desire and confidence to learn more skills, and the comfort level and ability to lift heavy items would be essential.
Facilities:
Home located down the street from service placement. Each volunteer will have their own bedroom with shared bathrooms, kitchen, and living space.
Other:
Benefits: monthly personal stipend, education award upon program completion to apply toward student loans or future schooling, personal and spiritual formation in the Vincentian tradition, health insurance, vehicle access for program-related and community activities, room and board (utilities included) at the fully furnished VVC house, professional development and career exploration, assistance in seeking loan deferment, monthly cell phone reimbursement, wireless internet access.
Timing of Service Opportunity: Specific duration
Fulltime required?: Yes
Required time commitment: 11 months
Insurance: Health insurance offered through the Catholic Volunteer Network; renter's insurance provided