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Why Amate House

You Make a Difference

Amate House fellows are the backbone of our organization. We work hard to make your service year one of the most memorable years of your life. We offer opportunities for deep personal transformation through enriched leadership development programming, full-time service opportunities in the field of your choice, spiritual and professional mentoring, and much more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rKka_LWwA9I

Live Your Passion

Take a look at the experience of 2020-2021 Amate House fellow, Linde Hoffman, and her work with Kolbe House Jail Ministry.

So What Makes Amate House Special?

Live in Chicago

Home of deep-dish pizza, Barack Obama and the Sears Tower, Chicago is a dynamic city with an ever-changing mix of people and lifestyles. Chicago has a strong history of community organizing and dynamic social entrepreneurs who work every day to make the city a great place to live. As a fellow you will have the chance to immerse yourself in neighborhood culture, while also exploring the cultural hub of the Midwest.

Personalized Site Placement

Amate House takes great pride in placing each fellow at a service site that fits their personal and professional goals. After 35 years of working in Chicago, Amate House has deep ties to the community and is able to partner with organizations that provide meaningful work and powerful change.

Social Justice Formation

Fellows see the effects of racism, violence, and poverty at their service sites. Amate House is committed to helping fellows understand and process these experiences with retreats, in-services and weekly community nights planned by staff. Fellows have particularly enjoyed participating in a two and a half day anti-racism training and learning about restorative justice and peace circles.

Community Living

One of the pillars of Amate House is the opportunity to live in community with like-minded people. Over the year the fellows learn how to grow through healthy conflict, and support each other through a huge range of experiences. It is often the most rewarding part of the year.

Simple Living

Amate House challenges its fellows to live simply and to embrace their call to environmental stewardship, as well as solidarity with people in poverty. This experience of intentionality profoundly transforms the way fellows think about money and resources.

Spiritual Formation

Through retreats and weekly spirituality nights fellows of all faith backgrounds have the opportunity to explore many styles of Christian spirituality, including Catholic Social Teaching. Fellows grow in their faith lives both individually and as a community. Amate House also makes available a spiritual companion for those who are interested in having someone accompany their faith journey.

Accessible Staff

Amate House staff live and work in Chicago, providing fellows with the opportunity to build relationships with them. Should any problems arise during the year of service, staff members are always available and willing to help.

Career Development & Professional Networking

After 35 years in Chicago, Amate House has deep connections to hundreds of non-profits, businesses, and universities. This strong network enables many fellows to find jobs or enroll in further education after their year of service. The opportunity to connect with a professional mentor during their year of service is offered, and strongly encouraged.

Extended Volunteer Network

Amate House fellows often connect with volunteers from different service programs while joining a network of over 850 Amate alumni. These connections provide a bigger community to spend time with and share the experience of being a volunteer.

Why Wait?

Take the next steps in your personal, professional and spiritual development at Amate House.

Apply Today