soulFRIEND

Orientation and training session

Learning Objectives:

  1. To learn about the commitment and characteristics of soulFRIENDING
  2. To begin to understand that inclusion brings change for everyone involved
  3. To consider the ministry of soulFRIENDS
  4. To decide if this Haven for Hope volunteer opportunity works for you
  5. To learn how to proceed with soulFRIENDS

soulFRIENDS offer presence & possible prayer primarily at Intake, in the Chapels, and in the lobby at Transformation Center. Time spent together may be 3 minutes or 30 minutes, and there might well be no future contact. The hopeful outcomes are experienced hospitality and presence. They are:

  • called to being present & in possible prayer
  • intentional in being hospitable & helpful
  • Clear in honoring & respecting human worth, dignity, religious preference, and all cultures
  • Actively aware & affirming in the benefits of LISTENING to the answers that are within the other person, as opposed to fixing or evangelizing or giving any answers
  • Creatively investing time to co-create space for transformation where the Spirit can move through freely
  • Proactive & consistent in these commitments & attendance

soulFRIEND GUIDE

BACKGROUND

soulFRIEND volunteers encourage Guests/Members and Campus Staff at Haven for Hope through being present and in possible prayer, being hospitable and helpful, investing time to co-create space for transformation. There is opportunity to listen to diverse spiritualities and faith expressions as well as life stories. Allowing the individual to get in touch with one’s powerlessness and brokenness invites one to a deeper trust in God. It is hoped that for those who are being befriended that there is a loving, forgiving God who sees them, seeks them, and knows their worth.

Who…soulFRIEND volunteers generally locate in an area on Campus such as intake, one of the chapels, or the lobby at the Transformation Center. The pro-active encounter may be with someone living on Campus or someone serving on Campus. Time spent may be brief or might extend itself into 30 or more minutes at the discretion of the FRIEND. Future contact may be limited or not at all. It is a friendly encounter of two souls.

When…schedule a time that works well for the FRIEND.

Where…encounters are generally in high traffic areas as mentioned above. The space is public, but a FRIEND needs to be mindful of confidentiality.

How…

  • Complete prior training in ministry or spiritual direction
  • Attend SoulFRIEND training
  • Choose to become a soulFRIEND and sign the Commitment Characteristics
  • Attend Volunteer training/Campus Orientationphone 210-220-2132 for an appointment.
  • Complete background check (donation of $5) and submit form and $5 to the Volunteer Center. On-line application at
  • Once clearance is received, contact Alexies Nanez at the Volunteer Center for SoulFriend Volunteer Photo Badge. Contact Alexies Nanez at 210-220-2186 or e-mail her at
  • After receiving the photo badge, contact Sr. Julie Hickey at 210-212-2920
  • or to schedule your availability.
  • Shadow and train with an experienced soulFRIEND
  • Schedule a time to volunteer

What should I do to prepare myself for soulFRIEND encounters?

Read enclosed materials, consider the commitment, and participate in the discussions, presentations, and fellowship of monthly meetings.

Orientation Module

(For PERSONAL PREPARATION and PREVIEW BEFORE Orientation or used at Orientation with a group)

Reflection 1: Read “The Invitation”

How must ministry be mutual? What does that mean? How does the vulnerability of reaching out take us out of our comfort zones? What do we do when we feel “conned”, rejected, questioned, or ridiculed?

Prayerfully wait upon the Spirit to lead us.

We do not “fix” or offer trite encouragement.

It is not a time to evangelize or judge.

How do we empathize yet empower?

Reflection 2: Read “Listening for the Spirit on the Margins” by Tom Allen

To what does “on the margins” refer? Why are people marginalized? How do we “get around” reinforcing the marginalizing factors?

p. 24 “…spiritual directors are predisposed or trained to come without an agenda so that spirit can do its work. If is often said that spirit is the director.”

p. 24 “what an amazing act of reconciliation for me to seek out, serve, and sit down with the homeless population.”

What motivates me to pursue this ministry? Is this the best ministry for me? Am I comfortable waiting on the Spirit, of giving the concerns of the hearts of the members up to God, or not having answers, but offering prayers and concern? Will I honor the stories of the Members without judging or evangelizing?

Reflection 3: Read “Listening with the Heart”

What are the main ideas of the principles?

How would you envision using these principles for your soulFRIEND volunteering? Which principles sound comfortable for your? Which seem to be harder to implement?

Reflection 4: Read “Homelessness: Knowledge at Work”

Background to MI (motivational interviewing)

Reflect on the SPIRIT of Motivational Interviewing. What insights did you learn?

What are the four principles of Motivational Interviewing? How might they be helpful as you soulFriend?

Become familiar with OARS and a guided conversation. How might these skills help you in listening to members at Haven for Hope?

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8.25.2014