Why a year of service?
A service year is a great opportunity to examine yourself and expand your horizons with practical work experience, a community living experience, learning about simple and sustainable living, and an opportunity to explore spirituality in whatever form that shows up for you. You will get to live out the values of community, peace and justice with other like-minded volunteers. It is a way to help you discover who you are and who you are becoming to prepare you for your next life experiences.
Why Omaha?
Omaha is an awesome city to live in. Omaha is a larger city than most people think it is and we have the same “big city” issues as places like Minneapolis, just with a lot less traffic. There is an endless amount of things to do in Omaha. Here are a few of them. Volunteers have found tons of free things to do around town which makes your stipend stretch even further. Many former volunteers have found jobs in Omaha after their service year and there is a good network of support for current volunteers.
What do I get out of it?
During your service year you will have your housing provided, health insurance provided (if needed), up to $500 of medical deductible expenses covered, transportation costs to and from your placement site covered, a $250/month stipend and a $1000 readjustment stipend upon successful completion of the service year. During your service year you will get work experience, a chance to explore social justice issues, a chance to live in intentional community, support from community mentors and spirituality mentors, and an opportunity to experience the excitement of greater Omaha.
What is the timeline?
The 2023-2024 service year starts at the end of August 2023 and runs until early July 2024. Applications are accepted throughout the year with early applicants getting the first opportunity to interview with available placement sites. The early round of matching will start on April 15th and the final round of matching will start on June 15th.
What are the requirements to join LSC?
· At least 21 years old
· H.S. diploma or GED; B.A. preferred for some service positions
· Not required to be a U.S. citizen; permanent residents, F-1 students and DACA recipients welcome to apply. We do not sponsor international applicants.
· LSC Volunteers come from a wide variety of faith backgrounds, and do not need to be Lutheran
· Married and committed partners are welcome to apply.
Where will I be living when I get to Omaha?
Volunteers will be living at Hillstrom House at 6220 N. 30th St. in Omaha. It is an exciting place to live with all of the character you can imagine that comes from living in what once was the Blessed Sacrament Convent. Have a look at our About Us page to see some pictures of the outside and the inside of the house. Volunteers will have their own bedrooms in the house and share common spaces such as living rooms, kitchens, bathrooms and rec rooms. There is parking outside of the house and a community garden right next to the house.
Is Lutheran Service Corps affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)?
Lutheran Service Corps is a Mission Field Nebraska partner with the Nebraska Synod (ELCA), but does not receive funding from the ELCA either nationally or locally.