1: How do I volunteer?  
"Teach us English" was the plea of the migrants when the Brothers first came to Bonita. Presently we support the classes at the education building of St. Leo's parish on Sunday afternoons.
All the classes are small, usually one-on-one.  A knowledge of Spanish is not necessary; we have many "snow birds" who volunteer during the winter months.  If you are interested in volunteering for classes, on Sunday afternoons,  call   Patricia Renwart (239) 948-0118.  

Juan Diego Center is our outreach program which provides food, clothing, counseling, referrals, and certain types of financial support. The Center is open on Monday and Thursday morning from 8:30 to 11:30. To volunteer for pantry or help in other ways, call Bro. Ben at the Center (239) 992-7700 or at his residence (239) 947-9098.

--Christian Brothers Associates--
Some volunteers wish to tie themselves more closely to the mission and life of the Brothers, so they take the next step to becoming an associate. They learn more about the congregation, its founder, Edmund Rice, and its ministries worldwide. They commit themselves to work and prayer in the spirit of Edmund Rice. To learn more about the Christian Brothers Associate program and  call Bro. Jerry McCarthy, the Province Director of The Associates of Blessed Edmund Rice at 914.636.6194 ext.25.

If you are interested in volunteering for any other area of the world contact

Brother Bob Koppes, CFC
Christian Brothers Volunteer Program
10001 South Pulaski Road, Suite 105
Chicago, IL 60655-3356
Telephone: 773-298-2520
Fax: 773-429-4381
Website: http://www.ercbna.org/volunteers/volunteers.htm
Email: christianbrosvp@sbcglobal.net  


2: What kind of work will I do? 
Most of our full and part time residents tutor in the ESL program or work with Bro. Chris stocking the panty, picking up donations, escorting migrants to appointments, and many other jobs as needed.
College grad volunteers are with us for a year and may be involved in a variety of projects including all of the above plus tutoring migrant children in the Middle School, working in the Catholic Charities office in Immokalee or Bonita and participating in the youth groups of the parish.
College students come for the eight week day camp for local poor children.
All our college volunteers live with the Brothers and share in their daily life of prayer, meal preparation, work and recreation.
Any volunteer is welcome to join in the summer camp program.
Other volunteer opportunities include a soup kitchen for the homeless and Habitat for Humanity. You can work at one project or mix them up to have an appreciation for all that the Brothers are involved with.

3. What are my responsibilities as a volunteer?
Every volunteer creates their own responsibilities based on the projects they choose to work on. In addition, the volunteer is expected to participate in cooking supper and leading prayers on a weekly basis. During the week, the community has morning prayers at 7:10 am. We have breakfast, read the papers or go to daily mass. The bulk of the day is devoted to your project. At 6.00 PM, the community gathers for supper. The evening may be leisure time or you can commit to evening teaching.
You are not bound to a specific activity. The goal is to improve the marginal life of the local people while developing the character of the volunteer, so you may be involved in as many projects as reasonable. You may see a need and want to start your own project.
You may not always be working directly with the Brothers if you choose to work with Catholic Charities in the tutoring program for elementary and middle school children under the direction of a Brothers volunteer.

4. What are the benefits of volunteering?
The full-time, year-round volunteer may work towards an Americorps award. This translates into money toward higher education. The award can be used for future tuition or an outstanding student loan. Perhaps more importantly, working with the Brothers is charity in action and volunteers receive the good feeling that comes with helping others who have little and are working hard for their children to have a better life. It facilitates the spiritual and personal growth toward which all individuals strive.

5: Where will I live?
One or two year volunteers live and share their lives with the Brothers in Bonita Springs, FL. Summer volunteers also live with the Brothers' community or in houses owned or managed by Iona House Corporation, a mission of the brothers. Everyone prays and eats together with the Brothers.

6: How can I donate to the Christian Brothers mission?
We always need food, clothing, furniture, toys, tools for people who want to work, and of course money to keep our missions going.
You can bring these things to: Los Hermanos,  26650 Noble Lane (239) 947-9098 or to Centro Juan Diego, which is located on the south side of St. Leo's Catholic Church education building. We are open Monday and Thursday 8:30-11:30 AM. (239) 992-7700. At Centro Juan Diego, donations may be left at the sheltered entry next door. Please don't take them to the parish office or rectory. Thank You!

7: Where can I get information about becoming a Christian Brother?
Contact: www.cfcvocations.org

Br. William T. Flood, CFC
419 Parkside Drive
Toronto, ON M6R 2Z7
TEL: (416) 604-7992
kjmcfc@ercbna.org

Br. Kevin Griffith, CFC
5120 S. Kimbark Avenue
Chicago, IL 60615
(914) 548 1714
kmg@cbinstitute.org

Br. James R. McDonald, CFC
10001 S. Pulaski Road, Room 111
Chicago IL 60655-3356
TEL: (773) 429-4496
FAX: (773) 429-4381
bromaccfc@yahoo.com

Para más información comunicate con:
Br. Jim Hamilton, CFC
111 East 164th St.
Bronx, NY 10452
TEL: (718) 293-3993 ext. 146
jimham78@hotmail.com