[Episcopal Service Corps press release] The Episcopal Service Corps welcomes more than 240 young adult volunteers at 28 yearlong internship programs to its 2013-2014 year of service. The Episcopal Service Corps is also excited to announce significant growth in its network of programs. ESC is an umbrella organization for young adult (21-30 year olds) yearlong internship programs that partner with parishes, dioceses, campus ministries, camps, monasteries, and Episcopal non-profits. ESC coordinates volunteer recruitment and applications and guidelines for the development of new programs across the United States. Each young adult program is unique, but all practice the shared values of intentional Christian community, social service, peace and justice advocacy as well as faith and leadership formation.

ESC has been a significant part of the Episcopal Church’s outreach to young adults. Most recently, ESC-affiliated programs have increased over the past two years from 18 programs in 16 dioceses and 150 volunteers to 28 programs in 25 dioceses and 240 volunteers. Funding from the 77th General Convention has supported this growth, authorizing $200,000 for ESC’s capacity building strategy.

The Episcopal Service Corps welcomes eight new young adult programs for the 2013-14 year of service. New locations include Denver, Milwaukee, Seattle, Houston, St. Louis, Richmond, Harrisburg and Philadelphia. The Philadelphia and Harrisburg programs have served young adults for many years, but in 2012, affiliated with the Episcopal Service Corps. Some established ESC programs have expanded this year, including New York Intern Program in the Diocese of New York. NYIP added a third house of volunteers on Staten Island where they will work with the local community on rebuilding efforts in the wake of 2012 superstorm Sandy.

While thousands of young adults move from undergraduate studies to new jobs or graduate work, these volunteers, many of whom are recent college graduates, are committing to a year of ministry and justice work with Episcopal Church sponsored programs. If you would like to speak to program directors and volunteers, please contact the Rev. Amity Carrubba at 312-751-4208.