Lawrence, Massachusetts, which lies 45 minutes north of Boston, was the first organized industrial city in the United States, originally drawing significant populations of immigrant Irish and Italian workers. Today, the city is still distinguished by the factory buildings that line the Merrimack River and canals, though the community is predominated by Hispanic and southeast Asian cultures. This area is one of the poorest in Massachusetts, yet borders the affluent town of Andover. The close proximity of very different socio-economic populations offers a wide range of service and social opportunities. The Volunteers live in the second floor two-bedroom apartment of a two family home, located in the neighboring town of Methuen. The Volunteers in Lawrence all serve in local Catholic schools.
Lawrence Catholic Academy
Lawrence Catholic Academy (LCA) is a new conglomerate school of two local Catholic elementary schools. Nursery-8th Grade students enjoy a traditional Catholic education in the inner city area of Lawrence. LCA is a great community of teachers, students, and families, offering support for the Volunteers interested in education or just looking for an original service experience. The school population is made up of about 450 students from diverse backgrounds. We have two Volunteers there this year that assist with the before-school and after-school program and spend the day as an assistant teacher in one of the Pre-K classrooms and one of the Kindergarten classrooms. Additionally, they can supervise various clubs, according to interest and ability.
For more information about Lawrence Catholic Academy, visit their
website .
Campus Ministry at Merrimack College
Merrimack College is a small Augustinian College located in North Andover, MA, with a student population of about 2000. The Campus Ministry Office at Merrimack has a staff of four full-time employees in addition to the Augustinian Volunteer. While there are many different programs offered through Campus Ministry, including retreat experiences, liturgies, and faith formation, the Volunteer serves primarily to organize service experiences for students. The Volunteer plans weekly service opportunities, assists with the planning of break trips, and helps to organize various food, gift, and clothing drives throughout the year. The Volunteer serves daily with students, staff, and faculty to create diverse experiences and help foster reflection for the Merrimack community.
For more information about Merrimack College, visit their
website.
St. Augustine School
St. Augustine School is an Augustinian grammar school connected with St. Augustine Church in Andover, MA. St. Augustine School is an upper-middle class school for grades pre-K through 8. It has an enrollment of about 450 students. The Volunteer position entails helping students from all grades who need extra help in math. In addition, the Volunteer is often asked to substitute teach for all the grades. The position involves coordinating after-school clubs that are associated with the Talented and Gifted program.
For more information about St. Augustine School, visit their
website.