Why Choose Young Neighbors in Action?

A Catholic Approach to Service

Young Neighbors is committed to seeing the world from the perspective of the poor. A truly Catholic program, Young Neighbors engages participants in Catholic Social Teaching and takes a Catholic approach to service.

Young Neighbors seeks to help participants serve people in real need, to help make a difference in the community, not because it makes us better Christians, not because it makes us feel good, but because Jesus calls us to serve.

Meaningful Service

Young Neighbors provides direct and indirect service opportunities which are meaningful, allowing participants to learn more about social justice issues and see the effect their work has on changing lives. Building relationships and breaking down barriers are an intentional part of the Young Neighbors program.

Each program site works with the needs of the community to provide a variety of service opportunities. These opportunities include serving the elderly, working in a soup kitchen, helping out with a children’s program, and even rehabbing homes. Your site coordinator will work with you to fit you with a service opportunity appropriate for your team.

Experienced and Qualified Staff

The Young Neighbors staff members are ministry leaders. They are passionate about young people and knowledgeable about Catholic Social Teaching. Every staff member is pre-screened with formal background checks.

The YNIA Process Works

Year after year, participants report that their perspective changes after participating in Young Neighbors. We use innovative and engaging ministry programming to help participants learn, grow, and have fun. Designed by ministry experts, the process helps move participants from doers of service to people of justice.

Your Work is Almost Done

When you sign up for Young Neighbors, you will get a Team Preparation Manual to guide you through every step of the preparation process and planning for your Young Neighbors week. Once at Young Neighbors, all you have to do is focus on your young people because the program staff will take care of all the other details.

Young Neighbors is a Program You Can Trust

We have been doing service learning for over fourteen summers. YNIA is a program of the Center for Ministry Development (check us out at www.cmdnet.org). We are committed to providing you and your youth an experience that will change the lives of those you serve and your own.