Washington, DC Programs

YSOP hosts programs for middle school, high school and college students. All programs include orientation, direct service and reflection. Our program is guided by trained YSOP staff who are responsible for the programming and supervision of the participants.   Adult participants also mentor student participants.

YSOP programs begin with a detailed orientation, which includes a discussion about volunteering and the populations YSOP serves and helps students prepare for the day. We also emphasize measures to assure the safety of all participants. Groups volunteer at service agencies across the city who serve the needs of low income, homeless and hungry communities. YSOP carefully and regularly monitors all partnering service agencies to ensure that the sites are organized and safe, that YSOP volunteers are utilized efficiently, and that everyone is treated with respect. 

All YSOP programs also include a reflection after each service experience.  Experienced YSOP staff lead the group in various activities where participants can share their impressions of the day and explore the root causes of the issues.  Participants are encouraged to think of ways they can connect the YSOP service experience to their daily lives.

A YSOP program is a great way to serve and connect with those in need. YSOP can be an effective way to kick off a program or educational initiative, build team spirit, enhance student leadership, give direction to a group, unify a diverse set of individuals, or bring a year to a meaningful close.  Participants learn about the lives of those most neglected by our society and learn about the issues facing our community today.

For information about scheduling a program please contact:

Dimitry Beauchamp

617.877.2243

dbeauchamp@ysop.org

 

    

 

 

Penn State Fall Break at YSOP DC - video by student participant, Mohammed Al-Maimani

A Service Week is 4 days and typically runs from Monday through Thursday. Participants spend 4 days serving in various communities throughout the city. By serving with different organizations during the week, participants have an opportunity to learn about a variety of agencies, gain experience doing different types of service work and learn about the different communities throughout the city. A work day typically lasts 4-5 hours, giving participants a chance to explore the city on their own as well.

One evening, after a day of service, participants prepare a community meal at YSOP, which they share over games and conversations with YSOP homeless and hungry guests.

One afternoon participants have the option to meet with a resource person, someone involved in direct service or advocacy for homeless and hungry people, or with someone who is currently or formerly homeless. In sharing frontline experiences and reflections, the speaker draws the students into a discussion on the causes of hunger and homelessness, society's response to homelessness, and the students own feelings about these issues.

Fee: $185 pp.  Includes 1 breakfast, 1 dinner, 4 lunches, daily travel to and from service sites, 1 YSOP t-shirt

Lodging: weeklong lodging is available in DC only. $45 pp/night.  Based on availability.

Minimum # of participants: 10, if another group is not already registered. 

PDF - YSOP Service Week Tentative Schedule

 

Service Day 

A YSOP Service Day typically is from 7:45am am until 4:00 pm and includes 4-5 hours of hands-on volunteer work at various service sites.  

This is a great program for groups who are looking for a short-term meaningful and educational service experience.

Fee: $52 pp. Includes breakfast and lunch, travel to and from service sites, YSOP t-shirt

Minimum # of participants:  weekdays 10; weekends 20.

 

Service Meal

A YSOP Service is an opportunity for people to prepare, serve and share a community meal with YSOP homeless and hungry guests who are living in a local shelter or on the street. This program is 4-5 hours where participants prepare a meal, which they share over games and conversation with our guests. 

  • Fee: $780 minimum for groups up to 15 people.  If over 15 people in your group, an additional fee of $52 per participant 12 years old and over or $10 per participant under 12.  

  • Minimum participant age is 5 years old.  

  • Minimum # of participants: weekday 15; Saturday 20 (no Sundays).

  • For an additional fee, a guest speaker from the local community (ex. Government official, non-profit leader, homeless or hungry individual) can speak to group before or after the meal.

  • Service Meal Parties can be combined with Service Days, which include an additional 4 hours of service at a local non-profit before or after the meal. Total cost: $95 per person, 12 person minimum for a weekday, 20 person minimum for a Saturday.

 

 

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