Association Jeanne Jugan
The Association Jeanne Jugan was established in 1998 as a contemporary response to the prophetic intuition of our foundress, Saint Jeanne Jugan. She envisioned hospitality as a humble, charitable service uniting in one family the Little Sisters, the elderly and lay collaborators who wished to serve Jesus Christ in the person of their needy brothers and sisters.
Since its approval by the Vatican, over 2,000 women and men around the world have joined the Association. They are new graduates and recent retirees, professionals and stay-at-home moms, staff members and faithful volunteers who feel drawn to the person of Saint Jeanne Jugan, who wish to share in our spirituality and to participate in our mission of hospitality to the needy elderly in a committed, ongoing way.
Catholic women and men at least 18 years of age who are interested in joining the Association participate in a year-long program of formation. Membership is formalized by an annual promise which the Associates renew together on May 1, the feast of St. Joseph the Worker.
Associates imitate the example of Saint Jeanne Jugan by serving Christ through the care of the elderly poor and participate in our mission in many ways, each according to his or her talents, interests and family/professional obligations.
Activities of Jeanne Jugan Associates include:
- Visiting Residents who are hospitalized, room-bound or in need of special attention
- Assuring a comforting presence with the residents who are being called home to God.
- Volunteering in various areas of the home
- Serving as lectors and Eucharistic ministers
- Driving or accompanying Residents for outings and appointments
- Pitching in to help with resident activities or fundraising events
Jeanne Jugan Associates share in the spirituality of the Little Sisters of the Poor, participate in the Little Sisters’ mission of hospitality, and help to spread the charism of St. Jeanne Jugan.
If you are interested in becoming a Jeanne Jugan Associate, please contact Sr. Jeanne at pwlsp@littlesistersofthepoor.org or 401-723-4314.
Lend a Helping Hand and Volunteer
Believing in the value of the lives of the elderly, we strive to make our Jeanne Jugan family as happy as possible. You too can discover the wisdom and beauty of the elderly through the many volunteer opportunities at our home. By volunteering regularly or for special events, you will experience happiness yourself as you offer the Residents companionship and joy!
Volunteer Opportunities include:
- Visiting with Residents
- Assisting with Resident Activities
- Assisting in the Dining Room
- Assisting in the vegetable or flower garden
- Assisting in the kitchen or with laundry
- Special Events
God has given each of us a special talent, and we hope you will share yours with us! For more information, please contact Janice Letendre pwvol@littlesistersofthepoor.org.
Young Helpers are Always Welcome!
In establishing the annual World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly, Pope Francis encouraged young people to honor the elderly, to learn from them, reach out to them, make them feel loved, wanted, and not forgotten.
Young people bring a great deal of joy to the elderly and we have been blessed by many students and student groups who have brought much joy to our elderly family.
Service opportunities at Jeanne Jugan Residence include:
- Mass with the Residents and Little Sisters
- Helping to serve Resident meals
- Playing board games & card games with Residents
- Doing craft and art projects with Residents
- Providing music & entertainment
If you are a high school or college student looking for a place to volunteer or youth group or campus ministry group looking for a meaningful service opportunity, please contact:
- For youth groups or campus ministry groups: Activities Office at pwactivities@littlesitersofhtepoor.org
- For individual students: Volunteer Office at pwvol@littlesistersofthepoor.org.