The position open for both this programme is for a minimum stay of 10 weeks and a maximum stay of 6 months.
Hosting Organisation:
Rutland DISMAS HOUSE provides a transitional drug, alcohol and violence free housing opportunity to men and women getting out of prison so they can successfully reconcile with the community before Living independently.
WORK:
A good deal of computer and office work, participation in various components of fundraising activities, student recruitment, representing Dismas at speaking engagements on college campuses and at civic organizations, working with clothing and food donations and participating in house group activities. Volunteers will visit prisons with the Co-Directors and will have an opportunity to observe the interview screening process. The average daily work commitment expected is 5-6 hours per day, however the hours are varied and non-traditional, and may include some weekends and evenings. As a resident of the house, volunteers will live as an equal to and with the same expectations as the former prisoner residents: Absolutely NO alcohol or drug use permitted during the stay; presence at the evening meal Monday through Friday is required, as is presence at the weekly house meeting one evening during the week; no smoking inside the house; no intimate relationships between residents permitted.
STUDY THEME:
Reintegration into society from prison.
LOCATION:
Rutland is a beautiful town in the Green Mountains with nearby lakes and streams, population 17,500.
TERMINAL:
Air to Burlington, Vermont, or Albany, New York. Bus/Train: Rutland, Vermont.
ACCOMMODATION:
Modestly furnished shared room in a large Victorian house; sheets, towels, meals, laundry provided.
LANGUAGE:
English.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES:
Group activities and sight seeing are offered. Snow skiing and hiking, camping and biking near and around area lakes and streams.
SPECIAL REMARKS:
Volunteers must be 24+, able to speak and understand a better than basic level of English, and have basic computer skills. A 90-day/3 month commitment is required, but volunteers are welcome to stay for up to 6 months. The volunteer will be living with others age 26+ so must feel comfortable with that age group.
NOTE:
VFP MOTIVATION FORM REQUIRED. Please ask VAP to send it to you.
Project:
VOLUNTEERS FROM VISA WAIVER COUNTRIES (UK INCLUDED):International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa
Waiver Program must use the online application process at https:
We ask for a minimum commitment of 10 weeks but volunteers can stay as long as 6 months. Anytime of the year! http://www.newnorthend.net/
Number of Volunteers:
We have room to host one volunteer at a time.
Staff Assistant Position:
will be working as a Resident Assistant and with Office Manager/Directors on all of the day to day operations of a small non-profit organization.
Tasks include:
clerical work; student; recruiting activities; fund raising activities; general administrative duties; as well as working one on one with residents and participating in group activities. The average work day might consist of approximately 2- 4 hours of office work as well as some Resident Assistant responsibilities in the evening.
Accommodations & Location:
Welcome to Burlington Dismas House. We are a transitional housing organization that works with men and women coming out of prison. Volunteers will live together with former prisoners in a lovely Victorian House located in Burlington, Vermont. Burlington is a beautiful small New England College town, population 40,000. The small city is located right on the shore of the picturesque and historical Lake Champlain. We are in close walking distance to the Historic “Church Street” area where there are shops and activities. There is always something going on in Burlington! Street Fairs, jazz festivals, parades, theater, and many other special events. There is a bike path that goes along the waterfront where you can run, bike, roller blade or just take a quiet walk. We are less than an hour from the Canadian border, 1.5 hrs. from Montreal, Canada; 3 hours from Boston; 6 hours from New York City.
Language Requirements:
Volunteers should speak English.
What to Bring:
Average temperatures range from 10F/-12C in winter, to 80F/27C in summer. Comfortable clothing appropriate to the climate including hiking boots/work boots, sneakers/trainers, rain gear, work and recreational clothes, Swimsuit and towel, sunscreen, insect repellant, camera and any personal items needed. We encourage volunteers to bring any cultural information that they can to share with us so that we can learn about their country. They are encouraged to bring a musical instrument or sports items if they have space. Volunteers are encouraged to bring laptop computer if regular computer access is a must for personal use. Internet access at the house is limited, however free internet access is available at the public library around the corner from Dismas House.
What is Provided:
All meals, shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathrooms, hot showers, linens & towels an some group activities and sightseeing. We are sometimes able to take Volunteers to Montreal or Boston and will give volunteers ample time off to travel on their own. Previous volunteers have been to Montreal, Boston, New York, to rodeos and climbed mountains as well as toured Vermont’s famous Ben & Jerry’s!
Travel:
Depending on departure point, volunteers can fly directly to Burlington, Vermont or to New York City and then fly to Burlington. Alternatively volunteers can fly to Montreal (Canada), from where it is less than a two-hour bus ride direct to Burlington, using www.greyhound.com. Volunteers will be met at Burlington airport, by prior arrangement.
Insurance:
Volunteers are reminded that Dismas House is a shared living environment therefore it is recommended not to bring valuable items, unless absolutely necessary. Volunteers should ensure that they carry full insurance to cover both themselves (medical) and their possessions, as this is not provided. Dismas House operates a “dry house” policy. This means that no recreational drugs or alcohol is tolerated in the house or premises.
VOLUNTEERS FROM VISA WAIVER COUNTRIES (UK INCLUDED):International travelers who are seeking to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program are now subject to enhanced security requirements. All eligible travelers who wish to travel under the Visa
Waiver Program must use the online application process at https:
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