WHO: JSC welcomes single young adults between the ages of 21 and 28 who are college graduates or young adults with comparable experience. Applicants should desire a year to serve others and to explore the spiritual questions that bring meaning to life.
WHAT: We are a nonprofit, Christian-centered, faith-based organization with a philosophy resting on the foundations of Leadership Development, Justice Work, Beloved Community Living, and Spiritual Practice. JSC is an affiliate of the Episcopal Service Corps, and some church visits and participation in Christian-centered activities are required throughout the year. However, we welcome young people from any faith background. Fellows are should be open to exploring both Christian and interfaith traditions.
WHERE: Johnson Service Corps is based in Durham, NC. The JSC house is in a great location, central to many shops, bus lines, the JSC-sponsored gym, and our nonprofit partner placements. While cars are convenient, they are not necessary for all placements during a given service year. Several of our fellows are close enough to their nonprofit partners to walk or bike to work, and the local bus system is also an option.
WHEN: Fellows commit to living intentionally and discerning their life’s calling from mid-August through June of the following year.
WHY: Fellows join us for a variety of reasons. Some are looking to start a career in nonprofits. Others are interested in an experiential and intensive gap-year before applying to graduate school or have a deep desire to live more intentionally in community. Sometimes they are a few years removed from college, disillusioned by their career, and looking for a change. Ultimately a year with JSC is about going on an inward/outward journey of listening to and responding to one’s “call” to participate in God’s dream of justice and peace for the world.
HOW: A service year is a time of simple, beloved community living. Fellows arrive in mid-August and commit to participation through June of the following year. JSC provides housing, utilities, and a community food stipend. In a regular budget, these categories would make up anywhere from 50%-70% of a typical person’s expenses. Fellows receive a monthly stipend of $813 (about $750 after taxes), which is used for any other discretionary spending. A taxable bonus of $1000 is paid upon completion of the program in June.
In addition, JSC provides quarterly retreats and professional and spiritual mentors at no cost to the fellows. There’s an emergency fund for, well, emergencies, and assistance is available for things like application fees for graduate school or other post-JSC programs. Prospective applicants who face financial constraints are encouraged to discuss that during the interview process so that we can work with you.
Applications are open through the Episcopal Service Corps website.
Johnson Service Corps is a 501(c)3 independent non-profit organization, and an affiliate of Episcopal Service Corps, a national network of similar programs around the US.
