“I was in jail and you visited me.”
This Gospel mandate compels all followers of Jesus to serve those who are incarcerated. While volunteer opportunities are unique during this time of pandemic, the need is as great as ever for individuals and parishes to join in the mission of Kolbe House. Read more about Kolbe House’s ministry during the pandemic in Chicago Catholic.
We would love to explore how your gifts, time and interest can serve our Kolbe House community. Connect with us today by filling out a volunteer application. Our current needs include:
- In-Jail Personal Development Program Ministry: We are seeking qualified volunteers to facilitate a personal development program (such as Houses of Healing, book clubs, anger or grief management, etc.) with men or women in Cook County jail or an Adult Transition Center. Opportunities include both in-person and remote options. They would be expected to commit to a regular schedule of about three hours per week plus preparation time for a minimum six-month time period.
- Re-Entry Ministry: We are seeking volunteers to accompany men and women recently released from jail or prison who can commit to a weekly schedule of at least one half-day per week in-person at Kolbe House.
- Telephone Ministry: We are seeking volunteers to accompany an individual on house arrest with electronic monitoring via weekly 15-30 minute phone calls.
- In-Jail Faith-Based Ministry: Cook County jail is gradually re-opening for faith-based ministries. Volunteers would be expected to commit to a regular weekly 2-hour time slot for a minimum duration of one year.
- Parish-Based Ministry: We are seeking volunteers interested in becoming their parish liaison with Kolbe House, who are willing to participate in on-going formation and coordinate collaboration between their parish and Kolbe House.
- Devotionals & Destapling: We are seeking volunteers to start a local parish subscription of devotionals and destaple them to distribute through Kolbe House to men and women incarcerated.
Other volunteer opportunities may be available at any given moment in time. If you are interested in one of these or to connect and explore other avenues, please submit a volunteer interest form and our Volunteer Coordinator Cristian Garcia will reach out to you for a conversation.
