Outreach Service Opportunities
A printable list of agencies that offer volunteer opportunities in and around this area can be accessed under the documents section of Spiritual Life.
ASHS Sponsored Service & Justice Opportunities
Happy Helpers Sandwich Making (Outreach)
Happy Helpers was started by a young woman in our area, Amber Coffman. It has developed into a group of young people, middle and high school youth who service people who are homeless by making and serving lunches on the streets of Baltimore over the weekend. In support of this program, ASHS holds sandwich making on the first Friday of every month after school. Announcements are made during the week and students can sign up at the Campus Ministry office. Spots are limited.
Sunday Dinner at Sarah’s House (Outreach)
ASHS sponsors dinner the first Sunday of each month at Sarah’s House, a transitional housing facility for individuals and families who are homeless, in Fort Meade. Groups of ASHS students are needed to make and serve dinner. We encourage an adult to be able to be present with a group of 4-5 students and to help coordinate providing the meal. Faculty from ASHS also help to provide the meal. The group needs to be present from 4-6 p.m. There is also an opportunity to add more hours by hosting a family activity after dinner – students have done Arts & Crafts, ice cream socials, games and more! Please contact Mrs. Boyle if interested: boylec@archbishopspalding.org
Fast & Sleep Out (Outreach)
Each Spring ASHS hosts a 24 hour Fast & Sleep Out during Lent to help raise awareness and in the hearts and minds of those involved in issues surrounding poverty in the region. For a full 24 hours, beginning on a Friday, students begin fasting after 6th period. Once school is over, we come together for an afternoon and evening of education, reflection, prayer and fun and games! Students spend the night at Spalding and engage in morning activities with the group. We break the fast with a meal together. It is a wonderful expression of solidarity and opportunity to learn about the injustices of poverty. Spots are limited. Look for information sheet and permission form under Spiritual Life Documents come Spring.
Service Trip, Camden, The Urban Challenge (Outreach)
Each summer, a group of ASHS students, departs for Camden, New Jersey to participate in The Romero Center’s Urban Challenge. The week provides an opportunity for direct service and education on social justice issues through serving people who are in remarkable need. It is our hope to foster personal growth of students by expanding the participant’s awareness and examining misconceptions through personal interaction with people. Throughout the week, students will be exposed to a variety of service experiences, speakers on various societal issues, and justice activities. The week also provides moments for individual and group reflection to make sense out of student experiences. The estimated cost of the week is typically $350.00 which covers participant fees, transportation, and the majority of meals and living arrangements. Students are expected to participate in the entire trip and to attend 1-2 preparation meetings prior to the trip. Spots are limited. Look for information/application under Spiritual Life Documents come Spring.
Service Trip, Haiti (Outreach)
In the past, ASHS students have participated in an Archdiocesan sponsored trip to Haiti with Dr. Mortel, head of the Missions Office of the Archdiocese of Baltimore and founder of Les Bons Samaritains School in Haiti. In addition, for several years, Archbishop Spalding has supported outreach in Haiti through food collections, monetary donations, and student sponsorships. In light of our history, we are initiating a Spalding-sponsored pilgrimage to Haiti. While our connection to Haiti is strong in material support, it is our intent to allow our students the opportunity to grow in both relationship with the people of Haiti and in first-hand knowledge of their circumstances. For, it is when we enter into relationship and immerse ourselves in a culture, a true transformation of the heart and mind may take place. Spots are limited. Look for information/application under Spiritual Life Documents come spring.