Monday, May 23, 2011

Update on making donations

Ok, I have an update on the donation process. There are 2 different ways that I can receive donations for my YAV year next year.

1. Through the DOOR Network (Discovering Opportunities for Outreach and Reflection). In Chicago the program is run as a partnership between the DOOR Network and the Presbyterian Church (USA).


Checks 
Made payable to "DOOR" and in the memo line, "DOOR- Chicago, Sarah Bennett"
Send to:
DOOR- National Office
430 West 9th Avenue
Denver, CO 80204

Credit Card- There is a fee charged for each credit card donation (3-5%)
By telephone: Call the DOOR National Office at (303) 295-3667
By mail: email me and I will forward you the form
Online: Click here and in the description field, write "DOOR- Chicago, Sarah Bennett"

2. Through the Presbyterian Church (USA)

Checks
Made payable to "Presbyterian Church (USA)" and in the memo line, "Sarah Bennett ECO# 052053"
Send to:
Presbyterian Church (USA)
Individual Remittance Processing
PO Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264

Online- Credit Card fee charged (3-5%)
See instructions in the previous post.

You can also send me a check, but since I am not a non-profit organization, that means you can't deduct your donation on your taxes. But luckily the DOOR Network and the Presbyterian Church (USA) both are! At the end of the year, you will receive a detailed receipt if you make your donation through either of them.

The YAV Program estimates that it is going to cost approximately $14,000 for my living expenses. I am only asked to raise $6,500. Anything that I raise over $6,500 goes to help fund future YAVs and to reduce the expenses of my program. I can't wait to get started working in Chicago!! Thank you so much for your interest and support. :)

Monday, May 9, 2011

Hello everyone!

I just wanted to share with you all my reasoning for wanting to participate in the Young Adult Volunteer program through the Presbyterian Church (USA) in August. As some of you may know, I have been an active participant throughout my young adult life in various mission trips. I have really enjoyed being able to give back to various communities across the United States while getting to know other teenagers who share in my beliefs. The past 16 years of my life have really been about getting through school and the focus has been on myself. Now that I am done with my undergraduate degree, I really want to take a break from school and focus on serving others.

I have been blessed with the opportunity to serve alongside fellow Christians in Chicago, IL starting in the fall. Although I am still unaware of my exact site placement, I can explain a little of what I will be doing in Chicago. The Young Adult Volunteer program (YAV for short) focuses on bringing together open-minded individuals who want to intentionally live in a Christian community. The Presbyterian Church brings together 4 to 5 people to live in a house in Chicago and work in various churches and non-profit organizations in the Chicago area. I am hoping to be able to be placed with a youth group and possibly a women's shelter, but I am still working out the details with my site director. The YAV's (as the participants in this program are commonly referred to) usually have a weekly bible study and book club. We also meet with our site director, Krista, who helps us make the transition into our new lives. She also helps us get acquainted with the city of Chicago.

Once I have more information about what I am going to be doing, I will post it on here for everyone to follow along! My goal is also going to be to write a weekly post, but I know it will be difficult because I was bad about updating my blog when I studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark last spring! If you are interested in finding out more information about the program, you can click here! You can help me next year by keeping me in your thoughts and prayers, and by educating yourself about my program. Word-of-mouth is one of the most effective forms of marketing/advertising (I should know! I have a marketing degree!) and the YAV program would really appreciate it! Additionally, as part of my placement, I have to raise $6500 to help fund my year of service. If you are able to help financially, just click here and then fill out the form. In the comments section just write down my name, Sarah Bennett- Chicago YAV. To stay updated on my progress before my program begins and to follow along with my adventures, either click on the "follow" icon on the top right-hand side of the page, or send me an email. My email address is trisarahtops38@gmail.com and I intend on sending out a monthly email to anyone/everyone who asks to receive it!

Thank you so much, and God Bless.