SILOAM Ministries

1133 Spring Garden St.
Philadelphia, PA  19123-3315

215.765.6633

www.siloamministries.org 

Created in 1996 “SILOAM offers a safe, caring, hope-filled environment that welcomes men, women, and children of all races, creeds and orientations, who are infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS to access their spirituality for the purpose of wellness…SILOAM believes that spirituality helps people develop beliefs and/or values that give meaning and purpose to life, and that spiritual wellness is critical for overall mental health and well-being. SILOAM understands that spirituality cannot cure the disease. [SILOAM does] know that it can empower people with very real and compassionate choices in how to live and die with AIDS.” SILOAM offers a variety of programs and services created to nurture people infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS including day and overnight retreats, home visitations, massage, Reiki, and Shiatsu therapy, small group spiritual sharing, the Thanksgiving Dinner program and much more.

Opportunities available through SILOAM may be of particular interest to Human Services majors, Nursing majors, Psychology majors and anyone desiring to work within a spiritual environment and with people affected by HIV/AIDS

Contact: Marion McPhillips, Volunteer Coordinator, marmallon@aol.com

Volunteer Opportunities:

Long term opportunities

Visitation Program - These opportunities include developing a rapport with individuals and offering emotional and/or spiritual support to these individuals in Residences, Acute Care Facilities, Private Homes, etc. The commitment for this opportunity is a minimum of nine months with consistent weekly visitation. It may be a difficult commitment for undergraduate students.

Prayer Partner Program – one is buddied with an individual for the purposes of healing prayer – wellness through spirituality.

Short term opportunities  

SILOAM offers many special events throughout the year. Opportunities vary and depend upon what is occurring at SILOAM during the month as well as volunteer interests. Volunteers are welcome to assist with these events in many ways.  

§      Day and overnight retreats – assist with hospitality (welcoming, registration, meals…) or childcare and also participate in appropriate reflections (guaranteed on weekend retreats)

§      Art Auction – be a walking “live” easel

§     Thanksgiving Program – assist with the delivery of meals to HIV/AIDS affected families and individuals

§     AIDS Walk  - walk for the agency at this October event

§     Annual Golf Tournament – one of SILOAM’s major fundraisers, participants pay a fee to play and volunteers are needed to assist with the tournament in many capacities 

Of course, SILOAM is also always willing to have volunteers help with office work, large mailings, data entry, and even grounds and facilities maintenance.

 

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