Partners for Serving
The national award-winning Partners for Serving (PFS) program gives students the opportunity to engage with youth and adults at human service agencies throughout Rochester. As a part of the Weider Community Engagement Office, students in PFS mentor, tutor, and facilitate activities for children, youth and adults in a variety of settings. Some of our focus areas include youth development, economic opportunity and educational support, housing and homelessness, and elder health.
Each placement is designed to help meet the needs of the agency while strengthening developmental relationships between Nazareth students and community members. These interactions allow students to improve their ability to work effectively with youth and adults with backgrounds and experiences diverse from their own. You might choose to visit with seniors in a skilled nursing facility, tutor adults or kids with math and reading, lead crafts and activities at a family shelter, or become a coach in a youth running program.
Through employment in PFS, Nazareth students improve their professionalism, establish a connection with the Rochester community, learn to recognize societal inequities, and gain a greater understanding of community solutions in Rochester and beyond. Training and reflection are a required part of the Partners for Serving program.
PFS partners with:
- Episcopal Senior Life - Brentland Woods
- Generation 2
- Highland Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
- Jewish Family Services - Paper & Pencils
- Maplewood Library
- Monroe Milers
- Rochester Educational Opportunity Center (REOC)
- Saint's Place
- Pathstone - Wilson Commencement Park
- YWCA
PFS is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, PFS will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact Jen Canning, Program Manager.
Program Goals
- Engage in activities that support community partner goals and programs.
- Build developmental relationships with individuals and community organizations through regular involvement and sustained partnerships.
- Gain awareness and understanding of the impact of social issues on individuals and the Rochester community as a whole, as well as possible solutions.
- Understand how to take action and impact social issues in community engagement areas of direct service, advocacy, racial justice, policy and activism.
- Strengthen various professional skills such as critical thinking/problem solving, oral/written communication, teamwork/collaboration, and professionalism/work ethic.
Program Details
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Partner weekly commitment: Minimum of two shifts or 4 hours. (as much as 15 hours)
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Partners conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times, exhibiting punctuality, effective and engaged work habits, and dedication to their job.
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Partners attend a Site Orientation conducted by community members (approximately 1 hour), as well as a PFS Orientation and Final Reflection each semester. (approximately 2 hours each)
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Partners attend site-specific meetings with other Partners assigned to the same site, up to 2 per semester. (approximately 1 hour each)
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Partners complete a Mid-Semester Check-In and Final Reflection interview each semester with PFS office staff. (approximately ½ hour)
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Partners attend 2 Workshops each semester that enhance their knowledge of social issues, cultural diversity and professional skills.
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Partners communicate with PFS Office, Site Coordinator, and Program Manager about absences, issues at site, and any other concerns about their participation in PFS.
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Partners are compensated for their time at all trainings (Orientations, Site Meetings, Workshops, Mid-Semester Check In, Final Reflection, Literary Circles, Seminars) and their travel time to and from site.
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Partners complete the Experiential Learning Seminar (2 meetings) when in their second semester with PFS.
Partners Council
The Partners for Serving Council consists of veteran Partners who assist in the leadership of the program as Site Coordinators and Office Coordinators. The Council members:
- Attend Council meetings throughout the year.
- Bring Partners together to reflect on their experiences.
- Help plan PFS Orientation, Final Reflection, and Workshops.
- Are proactive and engaged leaders.
- Check in with Partners onsite periodically through email, phone calls, and meetings.
- Work with the program manager, student coordinators, and the community partners regarding staffing assignments, and communicate with all parties periodically.
- Receive leadership training throughout the year.
- Work as a team to resolve issues.
- Assist in reviewing and revising the goals and expectations for the program.
- Help recruit new Partners to the program.