Our current needs include: people to join our new series of “core circles” – small groups which will lead the areas of Hospitality, Food and Farming, and Faith Community/Prayer. Circle members would commit to attending 3-4 gatherings over the course of the year. Gatherings of each circle would consist of some time spent in contemplative silence, some time for considering key questions, and some time for planning action. Curious? Read more below and contact Laura or Steve for more information.
Hospitality circle: For those who would like to know our guests and join us in the practice of Christian hospitality. Build relationships with families on the margins by helping us welcome new guests, and assist with guest support and transitions. Broaden Casa Alma’s hospitality to the neighborhood and wider community.
Food and farming circle: For those interested in food justice, permaculture, and/or sustainability. Explore the ways in which Casa Alma can grow food sustainably, provide food to guests and those in need, and share food within our community. Some in this circle would help plan our planting cycles and prioritize garden projects, consider neighborhood and community needs, help to integrate volunteers, and shape our connections with other urban agriculture efforts.
Faith community and prayer circle: For those who come to the work of justice through faith, are seeking to connect to Casa Alma in prayer, or find a spiritual home in the Catholic Worker movement. People in this circle will help Casa Alma connect to and build relationships with local congregations, plan faith sharing events, and/or gather regularly at Casa Alma for prayer, reflection, and sharing.
Casa Alma is an all-volunteer organization. We rely deeply on the help of volunteers to maintain the houses of hospitality, provide support to guest families, create and maintain our extensive gardens, help us plan special events and provide food for community projects. Volunteers spend time at Casa Alma individually and in groups, in weekly service or on occasion.
We welcome adults, teens, and children of all ages and abilities. Previous volunteer groups have included: teams from local businesses through the United Way Day of Caring, the University of Notre Dame Alumni Club, Transition Charlottesville Albemarle,the Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity, the UVa Catholic Student Ministry, Charlottesville Catholic School, local Eagle Scouts, homeschooled youth and teens, and youth groups from Tandem Friends School, Blue Ridge School, St. Thomas Aquinas Church, the Church of the Incarnation, and the Diocese of Richmond Summer Work Camp.
A warm thank you to all volunteers!