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What strikes me most about my "adventure of love" has been the variety of sombreros I wear daily. Sometimes I go straight from my accounting responsibilities to my preschool classroom. Later on that same day, I might be struggling to make tortillas or leading Holy Hour--all this with a language, culture, and people who are extremely welcoming and loving, but at the same time, it's all still foreign. Each activity calls me to reach down deep and pull out skills I never knew I had. And when the day is done, the Eucharist calls me back, renewing me and inspiring me to pour myself out all over again tomorrow.
- Ryan Murphy (Accountant and Teacher, 1998-2000)
Every volunteer will have his/her own responsibilities. Volunteers are asked to be flexible and respond to the varying needs and emergencies that arise in this community situation. All are asked to assist in the team effort. At times, volunteers are needed to assist in cases of medical emergencies; to unload provisions, handle behavior problems, substitute for an absent teacher, and baby-sit kids when a house parent needs to leave on short notice for a few days. This is life as a volunteer in an orphanage!
The following are service opportunities at the Farm:
ADMINISTRATION
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The ASSISTANT DIRECTOR works closely with the Director of the Farm of the Child to supervise
the entire project. This volunteer handles communications, special projects, and assists
the U.S. Board of Directors with volunteer recruitment and fundraising.
The ACCOUNTANT is responsible for the accounting, budgeting, and payroll to local employees. This volunteer is responsible for communicating the financial situation with the Farm director and the U.S. Farm Accountant. Although accounting training would be helpful, the accounting process is rather straightforward and relatively easy to learn. One only needs to be organized and have lots of patience!
The FOOD/CLOTHING MANAGER is responsible for the organization of the food and clothing storage areas, as well as the weekly grocery shopping. This volunteer handles the food distribution weekly and the clothing distribution for the children as needed. This position may be divided into two positions (in which case the clothing usually becomes the responsibility a social workers).
The SPONSOR-A-CHILD PROGRAM COORDINATOR manages the Sponsor-a-Child program and handles communication between the sponsored children and their foster family in the United States. This volunteer works closely with the U.S. Sponsor-a-Child contact to match children with interested donors.
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The AGRICULTURAL COORDINATOR works with the house fathers on developing agricultural and animal
husbandry projects on the Farm. One of the primary goals, in addition to self sufficiency, is
to teach the children useful skills which will serve them in the future.
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The AGRICULTURAL OUTREACH WORKER works on developing agricultural projects in the local villages.
The WOMEN'S MINISTRY COORDINATOR works with the local women in their spiritual reflection/support group, Women Encountering Christ. There is also the opportunity to develop an economic project with the local women.
The COMMUNITY SERVICE COORDINATOR investigates cases of need in the community and coordinates the Farm's response to these needs.
The ADULT EDUCATION TEACHERS the provide classes for adults in the surrounding area who wish to work towards their primary school diplomas.
ENGLISH TEACHERS provide classes to house parents, workers, and people in the surrounding communities who desire to learn English.
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The CONSTRUCTION SUPERVISOR overseas the construction of buildings and maintenance on
the Farm. Additional CONSTRUCTION and MAINTENANCE WORKERS interested in building,
carpentry, electrical work, plumbing or maintenance of cars/equipment are needed.
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DOCTORS, NURSES, PHYSICIANS ASSISTANTS, AND MIDWIVES staff our health clinic, offering consultation
days for members of the Farm community, local villages, and mountain communities. There is
also a great need for health education in the area; medical personnel are encouraged to
develop outreach programs.
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The ORPHANAGE ADMINISTRATOR investigates cases of orphaned and abandoned children, handles
the paperwork for their adoption to the Farm and maintains their files. He or she also
interviews prospective house parents.
Volunteers with a college degree in any discipline, lots of patience and an extraordinary amount of compassion can work as SOCIAL WORKERS. We need two social workers/counselors to investigate cases of orphaned and abandoned children, handle the paperwork for their adoption to the Farm and maintains their files. Social Workers also assist in the day-to-day running of the orphanage by supporting the house parents and children, regulating discipline and supervising "family life" in orphan homes. COUNSELORS trained in the areas of mental health and psychology would be especially helpful for the children, providing them with much needed therapy.
The SUPERVISOR OF CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES coordinates the children's after-school program, special activities, and community celebrations. The same volunteer sometimes distributes food, household supplies and clothing to all the houses.
TRADE SKILLS TEACHERS are needed to develop vocational programs at the Farm. Volunteers skilled in carpentry, mechanics, sewing and baking are encouraged to share their gifts with the children.
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TEACHERS with a college degree in any discipline are needed to work in our
small, Catholic grade school. The school has historically had an even mix of Honduran
teachers and volunteer teachers to cover all grades ranging from pre-kinder to
sixth grade (seventh grade may be added in the Spring 2002). One of the teachers
will be asked to serve as SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR. Another teacher will be asked to
serve as TUTORING PROGRAM COORDINATOR to minister to those children with special needs.