SERVICE Programs

Big Brother/Big Sister
Queens
The goal of the program is to make a difference in the lives of young children in the area surrounding St. John's University.  St. John's participates in the school-based mentoring program at P.S. 50 in Jamaica.  St. John's students and volunteers (Bigs) are interviewed by the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Catholic Charities, Brooklyn and Queens and then matched with students from P.S. 50 (Littles).  Bigs and Littles work together doing homework and playing games and sports to foster a positive relationship.  The program is designed to be a year long commitment, in which you are a consistent, reliable friend.
Call (718) 990-6465.

English as a Second Language (ESL)
Queens
with the Daylaborers "Jornaleros Dios Proveera"
Students are invited to share time with and teach English to men and women who are in need of developing their language skills.  Prayer and formation are built into this program in a dynamic way.  This is a powerful experience and your response could make the difference in the life of another person.  Call (718) 990-1363.

Habitat for Humanity
Queens and Staten Island
Join this student-run organization that builds and renovates decent, affordable housing. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that seeks to eliminate poverty housing from the world and to make decent shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat seeks to build lives as well as houses.  No experience needed. You will quickly develop practical skills and leadership experience.
In Queens, call (718) 990-5058.
In Staten Island, call (718) 390-4497
Or visit St. John's Central under "groups".

Independent Volunteer Opportunities
Queens
Campus Ministry provides students with independent volunteer opportunities for programs such as St. Mary's Children's Hospital and the Northeast Queens Friendly Visiting Program for the Elderly.
Call (718) 990-6465.

Mentoring
Queens

The mentoring program gives students an opportunity to work directly with at-risk elementary school students in Brooklyn and make a difference in their lives.  Now it is time to help someone else succeed.  Transportation is provided.
Call (718) 990-6465 or email cmmentors@yahoo.com

Midnight Run
Queens and Staten Island
Midnight Run is a challenging experience where students have a hands-on encounter of the homeless of our city.  In Queens, runs occur every Wednesday and Thursday nights throughout the semester and on Staten Island, runs are held twice a month.  During a run, students gather to make bagged meals for the night.  Then they distribute the meals, along with clothes and toiletries, to those in need in Manhattan.  Transportation is provided.  Seats are limited for each run.  If you can't participate in a run, but want to help, you can always donate needed items.
In Queens, call (718) 990-6327.
In Staten Island, call (718) 390-4497.

Mobile Soup Kitchen
Queens
The Mobile Soup Kitchen (MSK) is a unique approach to service delivery as it allows access to individuals who, for reasons of health or lack of transportation, might not be able to travel to the Bread and Life Soup Kitchen.  Students will serve hot meals and assist in other social services.  Call (718) 990-6465.

Ozanam Nursing Home
Queens
Ozanam Hall of Queens is a nursing home that provides students with the chance to spend time with the elderly on a weekly basis.  Students offer companionship by engaging in conversation, reading, and playing board games with the residents.  Both students and the residents of Ozanam gain enriching and positive experiences through connecting with others.
Call (718) 990-6465 or (718) 990-5058.

Plunges: Community Service Weeks and Weekends
Queens and Staten Island

Put your faith and love into action by participating in a community service week offered to individuals or student groups during the January break, Spring break, and May break.  Weekend plunges are also scheduled throughout the year.  Travel to various places and help those in need.  Fix a roof for a family who can't afford to or build a ramp for a handicapped senior.  Feed someone who is hungry - it may be the only meal they get that day.  
Sites include:  New Orleans, Philadelphia, Panama, and other U.S. sites
In Queens, call (718) 990-5058.
In Staten Island, call (718) 390-4475.

Freshman Plunge
Queens and Staten Island

Jumpstart your college experience in an enriching and inspiring way through service, community, and reflection with other incoming freshmen.
Site: Philadelphia
In Queens, call (718) 990-6255.
In Staten Island, call (718) 390-4475.

Ronald McDonald House
Queens
The Ronald McDonald House of Long Island is an organization that provides the "comforts of home" for families with seriously ill children undergoing critical medical treatment in area hospitals.  Throughout the semester, students participate in the family dinner program where they provide a "home cooked" dinner and share in conversation with families staying at the facility.  The project takes place every Wednesday from 4:15-7:15pm.  Transportation is provided.
Call (718) 990-2680.

St. Nick's Men's Shelter
Queens
St. Nick's Men's Shelter is an opportunity to be engaged in food and fellowship with the homeless, in a shelter setting.  From November through March on every Monday and Tuesday night, students cook and serve dinner to men bussed from St. Peter's Place to neighboring St. Nicholas of Tolentine Parish.  Male students are asked to stay the night in the shelter and serve as support staff.  Space is limited.
Call (718) 990-6327.

St. Vincent de Paul Society
Queens and Staten Island
The St. Vincent de Paul Society is a student-run organization reaching out to the poor and those in need in New York City.  Members are involved in volunteering, retreats, and reflection.  You are welcome to participate in activities that will feed the homeless, visit with children, share time with the ellderly, and many other projects. Their events take place throughout the semester and will allow you to be a part of a great community.
In Queens, call (718) 990-6465.
In Staten Island, call (718) 390-4497.
Or visit St. John's Central under "groups".

Students for Global Justice
Queens
Come share your passions for making our world a better place.  The Students for Global Justice group is an opportunity for St. John's students to participate in discussions of global concerns, evaluate ways to address these issues, make positive change, and advocate in thought and action for human rights, the poor and the oppressed.  Let us learn together how to become responsible, global citizens as we help to educate the St. John's community.
Call (718) 990-6115.

Students for Life
Queens and Staten Island

Students For Life promotes the respect and dignity of all human life at all ages and through all stages of life. Some of the pro-active events include: sponsoring a "baby shower" to benefit new mothers, participating in the "March for Life" in Washington D.C., lobbying on life issues in Albany, raising awareness on life issues through the Montgoris/Marillac Mission, as well as many other events throughout the year.
In Queens, call (718) 990-2680.
In Staten Island, call (718) 390-4475.
Or visit St. John's Central under "groups".

Team R.V.
Queens
Team RV (Residence Village) is a student-run organization that provides service opportunities for residence students.  Team RV runs weekly service programs throughout the year, serving those in need in our community, such as the homeless, young children, and the elderly.
Call (718) 990-6327.
Or visit St. John's Central under "groups".