Dwell is a yearlong opportunity for young adults, ages 19-30, to live together, serve, study, reflect, worship, and learn individually and as a team. Participants serve in matched agency placements and together in joint service projects. Dwell houses are intentionally placed in local neighborhoods.
Dwell gives individuals an opportunity to be part of God’s transforming work in the city. It can be a period of residency to test, refine and prepare for a long-term call to urban ministry. The year in the city is mutually beneficial; with both the residents of the city and the participants helping one another to grow into the persons God has called them to be.
DOOR welcomes participants from a wide range of denominational backgrounds. Mennonite Mission Network (MCUSA) and the Young Adult Volunteer program of Presbyterian Church (USA) work with DOOR to provide denominationally linked opportunities.
We are now accepting applications for the 2013-2014 year.
Dwell Program Features & Requirements
Dwell participants agree to serve at a DOOR city for a period of at least one year. The individual is invited by and under the supervision of the local DOOR program during the time of service.
Program features:
- Live as a group in a common household
- Spend 4 days a week serving at a matched agency/church (List of possible placements)
- 1 day each week set aside as Community Day for community time, faith building, and vocational discernment
- Receive modest stipend to support living expenses ($100/mo)
- Engage wholly in a local church congregation of your choosing
- Observe a weekly day off or personal Sabbath
- Participate in at least 3 retreats over the year
- Learn from local leaders
Finances and BenefitsFinancial details will vary by the city and your particular circumstances. All participants are matched to serve in a local agency/ ministry for the year. Participants are asked to raise half of the year's expenses by fundraising from their home church and support networks. Dwellers are asked to raise $6,500. We structure the program so that the experience is equally supported from both the sending community and the receiving community.
Benefits:
- Monthly stipend ($100)
- Food, housing, and public transit are covered separately
- Basic health insurance provided, if needed
- Unique job experience and transferable skills
APPLYING: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until June 1 or until placements are filled. However specific placements in specific cities will be filled as applicants are selected. Apply as early as possible.
The Dwell program is administered in partnership with existing denominational and para-church opportunities. Nationally, this program emerges out of DOOR’s partnerships with Mennonite Mission Network (MMN) and the Young Adult Volunteer/National Office (YAV/Nat) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) We are proud and excited to be partners with Volunteers Exploring Vocation (VEV) of the Fund for Theological Education funded by the Lilly Endowment. VEV helps participants explore the relationship between faith and work, and consider career paths geared toward serving others, lifting up Christian ministry in particular.
Participants come to serve through a variety of streams of placement. Besides the participants that apply to DOOR directly, we also have participants that apply through the PCUSA YAV program, through the MMN Christian Service department, and through many of our local partners as well.
Visit our Blogs/Letters Page and read what our past and current interns are experiencing.
Dwell programs by City
Each city has it's own flavor and specifics. Positions vary from city to city. If you are interested in a specific location, look over the city information. If you are more interested in serving with a particular field, issue or population, email our National Office for which cities might best accommodate your desires.
