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Hollywood
DWELL/YAV Hollywood
A YAV plays games with neighborhood children for an after-school program. Photo from the NVO archives.This site seeks young adults to serve and learn with the people of Hollywood, to engage in intentional Christian community and personal discipleship, to work with local ministries and agencies, and to explore urban multi-cultural ministry as a vocation and calling.
Candidates will be interviewed and placed with Hollywood agencies and ministries based on the need of the local ministry and the gifts and talents of the candidate. Typically, the agency work revolves around the many facets of homelessness, both with adults and young people at-risk of heading down that path, education equality, and other areas of social work and social justice. Agency work may involve becoming a case manager, which usually means serving as an advocate for individuals or families and help them to receive any and all services they require. YAVs/City Dwellers will serve in their ministry placement an average of 32 hours each week, while also spending approximately 5 hours performing ministry and outreach through the local Community House. Participants will reside at a site with a rich history of neighborhood ministry, both for the neighbors and for the volunteers each year. Formally known as the Hollywood Urban Project, this building has served as a place for service projects including after-school tutoring and bible studies, as well as a site of neighborhood events including Posadas, Cinco de Mayo celebrations, and language learning collaboration meetings.
Three to eight volunteers spend a year living in the community and building relationships with their neighbors. The YAV/Dwell Community House is situated in a Hollywood neighborhood . Behind the Community House are two, 2-Bedroom Apartments. Each apartment could comfortably house 4 to 6 volunteers. YAV/City Dwellers will share a bedroom with at least one roommate, along with bathrooms and common spaces. With a focus on living more simply and intentionally, YAVs/City Dwellers will create a house covenant to challenge themselves and hold each other accountable to stewardship, ministry, and other spiritual disciplines. Some ways these concepts can be tested and tried are by having a common house food budget, sharing community day and community event planning responsibilities, and traveling by foot, bike, and public transportation.
Living in a predominantly Latino immigrant neighborhood, the opportunity to be enriched by the lives of families and youth who, despite facing serious obstacles such as illiteracy, gang violence, family separation, and poverty, can be incredibly joyful, generous, and eager to welcome the new candidates each year. This is a community that, if asked to, can teach a great deal about cross-cultural friendships, about the Latino-American experience, and the joy of living generously amidst a sea of financial poverty. The “Gregory Avenue” neighborhood is situated directly next to Paramount Studios and within walking distance of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. This complicated juxtaposition of extreme wealth alongside considerable poverty allows for many opportunities for working to bridge classes while reflecting upon the rifts in our modern society. In addition, the house is a short drive from the Pacific Ocean, the Inland Deserts, and the snow-capped Sierra Nevada, offering the chance for many exciting explorations.
After arriving in early September, the first days are set aside for a Hollywood-specific orientation exploring the city, reflecting on the upcoming year, beginning to create a covenant, connecting with prayer partners, and settling in. YAVs/City Dwellers will meet together as a team one day a week for directed worship, Bible and/or book studies, prayer, experiential learning, and to discuss ministry and living issues. Several retreats are taken throughout the year - to offer ample time for relaxation, reflection, and new experiences.
Age: 20-29
Education: college desirable
Other: English;
Spanish, not required but very helpful.
Matthew Schmitt
Web site
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