Program and COmmunity
Our Program
Our program invites young adults, ages 20-27, to complete 9 months of service through action and spiritual connection. Our community will nurture corps members through their work at local nonprofits, living in an intentional community, strengthening leadership skills, and deepening spiritual awareness.
Day in the Life
You will serve at one of seven nonprofits for 32 hours a week in either the Asheville or Hendersonville area. A typical week includes spending Monday with the community for formation, and then working Tuesday through Friday at your site placements. Each non-profit will set the work schedule for the corps member, taking into consideration the work hours and the needs of the non-profit.
The weekends are typically free to spend as you wish with the exception of BRSC retreats. We do encourage corps members to spend time together on the weekends, but it is not a requirement.
Click here to read more about the nonprofit(s) you might be serving at during your program year.
Aspects of the Program
Spiritual & Community Formation
One day of the week is dedicated to the Blue Ridge Service Corps community, where we will spend time together in community. This includes mentorship by a voluntary group of leaders who will lead us in spiritual direction, servant leadership, mindfulness, social justice, and much more. This will also include fun activities that allow us to explore the Asheville/Hendersonville area.
We have cultivated library for our corps members to use during their time at BRSC.
Click here to view our BRSC Library
Community Living
Part of the program is living in intentional community together with a Rule of Life. A “Rule of Life” is a commitment to live your life in a particular way while you live in community with other. A rule of life is not meant to restrict the way you live. It serves as a tool which will guide your life as a community, helping establish expectations around spiritual life, housekeeping responsibilities, and cultivating relationships with one another.
Vocational Discernment
Vocation itself is a Latin word meaning, “call.” Discernment means “discovery.” Vocational discernment is when you work towards discovering your calling in life, whether that be non-profit work, ministry, or a specific career. You will be given tools to help guide you on this journey.
leadership development
We are passionate about supporting young adults in exploring their gifts, passions, and leadership style. We work with tools like the Enneagram, Strengths Finder, and lived wisdom to discern gifts, growing edges, and strategies for wellness in leadership. We also provide access to non-profit leadership classes and help corp members build connections with local non-profit leaders. Our hope is that you build connections and skills that guide you to the next step of your vocational journey.
Program Experiences
Reflections from past corps members about their placement sites and community life.
Blue Ridge Service Corps
Where we live
The Folwell House
The Folwell House is a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom house that sits on almost 12 acres of land and is on the same property as our Latino Mission Church, La Capilla de Santa Maria. The house has a large living room, dining room, full kitchen and laundry room. Each corps member gets their own private bedroom furnished with full bed, dresser, and nightstand.
The house located within 5 minutes of Walmart, Ingles Grocery, chain restaurants, and coffee shops. Downtown Hendersonville is 10 minutes away, where you will find locally-owned restaurants, coffee shops, and micro-breweries. Downtown Asheville is roughly 35 minutes from the house.
The Local Community
Blue Ridge Service Corps is proud to be actively involved in Henderson and Buncombe counties of Western North Carolina. Read on to learn more about the beautiful mountain communities where you will be serving!
HENDERSONVILLE
Hendersonville has the second largest downtown in Western North Carolina, after Asheville. Hendersonville has many locally-owned shops, breweries, restaurants, and art galleries to explore. Hendersonville hosts many local downtown events throughout the year, offers plenty of outdoor opportunities, and is the new up-and-coming place for young adults to live!
-
Visit the NC Apple Festival in the fall to try out many different varieties of local apples!
-
Have a picnic at Jump Off Rock, only 5 miles from downtown Hendersonville!
-
Go for a walk or run at Flat Rock Park
-
Spend a day exploring the DuPont State Forest
-
Have some fun at the Pinball Museum
-
Grab an ice cream at Kilwins and explore all downtown has to offer!
ASHEVILLE
Located in the heart of the Great Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is the largest city in Western North Carolina (WNC). It is nicknamed the “Land of the Sky” because of the beautiful, rolling mountains that are never-ending. Asheville is a funky and vibrant mountain town full of thriving music, local breweries, art galleries, and more!
-
Visit the Friday drum circle, stop into some art galleries, and explore all Downtown Asheville has to offer!
-
Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially in the fall!
-
Hike one of the countless trails nearby and soak in some summit views
-
Hungry? From southern-style biscuits to vegan grub, we’ve got it all in Asheville!
-
Check out the murals and witness local artists at work in the River Arts District