GENERAL

Workmanship Program

What does the Workmanship Training and Mentorship Program teach students?

The Workmanship Program provides students an introductory trades education taught by industry professionals. Located in our 4,200 sq.ft. warehouse, we offer hands-on experience in key trades: general construction, plumbing, electrical, and masonry, as well as welding, tiling, and fine woodworking. A new course in Auto Mechanics will open in 2025.

About the Courses

 

In addition to this hands-on education, our students also receive Mentorship. They build relationships with professionals in the industry and with one another. This fosters community, accountability, and professional networking that can lead to employment and other opportunities.

How much does it cost to be a student in the Workmanship Program?

This program is offered for FREE! There is no cost to the students.

How long is the Workmanship Program?

Each course is just one semester long, roughly 3-1/2 months. Classes meet twice weekly, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:45pm–9:30pm. The Spring Semester runs from late January to early May. The Fall Semester begins in late August and goes through late November.

Do students graduate with any certifications?

There is no certification associated with the completion of the Workmanship Program, but during the semester the students are given the opportunity to get certified in CPR, First Aid, and OSHA at no cost.

Is there an age requirement to be a student at the Workmanship Program?

Most of our courses are for students age 18–25. Individually, we may accept students outside this age range, including 17-year-old high school seniors.

Our Fine Woodworking course accepts students age 16 and up.

Can anyone apply to be a student?

Anyone can apply to be a student in the Workmanship Program, but there are limited spots available. We will prioritize acceptance for those committed to attending every class and those seeking a career in the trades.

Apply Today

What is the deadline to apply?

All of our courses run twice a year. The Spring Semester runs from late January to early May. The Fall Semester begins in late August and goes through late November.

Application Deadlines:

  • Spring Semester: December 10th
  • Fall Semester: July 10th

Accepted students who wish to enroll, must confirm by the following dates.

Enrollment Deadlines:

  • Spring Semester: December 20th
  • Fall Semester: July 20th

 

Apply Today
Renovation Projects

What days and times do your renovation projects run?

Saturday serve days are our biggest work day for our projects, as they are our main volunteer day. From 8:00am to 4:30pm our team of staff and volunteers allow us to serve one to three project sites on a given Saturday. The rest of the week, from Tuesday through Friday, our full-time team keeps the work on our projects moving forward.

Who do you serve through your renovation projects?

We serve non-governmental non-profit organizations whose mission to serve under-resourced communities is being hindered by the renovation needs of their facility.

What do the organizations you serve pay for a renovation project?

We offer free labor provided by our team of staff and volunteers, but the organizations we serve are expected to cover all material costs required to get the project done. Other costs that these organizations may be responsible for are permits/fees and professional services required for tasks that are outside of our capability.

Does SHM take on for-profit jobs?

We do not take on for-profit jobs, because the need in our community keeps our team very busy. Taking on a paid job would mean time away from our service projects, so we rely on our generous supporters to fund our mission.

Do you ever lead missions/service trips?

Although the primary work of our mission is serving locally, we average about one mission trip per year, where we take a team of volunteers to meet a need in another location within or outside the US.

My church/organization needs help! How can I request a project?

Fill out our project request form and we’ll get back to you with the next steps.

The Great Falls Center

What is The Great Falls Center?

The Great Falls Center is a historic property in the heart of Paterson. We are excited to partner with Dawn Treader Christian School to transform this 40,000 sq. ft. building into a thriving community center that will impact Paterson for generations to come.

The plan will expand our existing Workmanship Program to include culinary courses and a food hall. The Center will also offer a restaurant, rooftop dining, an auditorium and event spaces.

Learn more about The Great Falls Center

Where is The Great Falls Center?

The Great Falls Center is located at 39 McBride Avenue in Paterson, NJ. It is directly across the street from the historic Great Falls and the Paterson Great Falls National Historical Park.

GET INVOLVED

Volunteering

When can I volunteer on a project site?

Saturday serve days are our biggest work day for our projects and our main volunteer day. From 8:00am to 4:30pm, our staff and volunteers serve one to three project sites on a given Saturday. Volunteers are free to arrive and leave when they need, but as training and instruction is required before you start working, the longer you’re available, the easier it is for us to assign you tasks.

Additionally, we have some volunteer opportunities Tuesday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm, as our full-time team keeps the work on our projects moving forward.

Do you need to have any construction skills to volunteer on a project site?

You do not need any construction skills to serve with us! We always welcome volunteers with experience, but we only ask that you have willing hands and a servant’s heart.

What does a day volunteering on a project site look like?

Volunteers can expect a fun day of working together with a team, learning and applying skills, and developing relationships that impact the impact the community!

On arrival a volunteer checks in with the site lead, who gives them instruction on what they will be working on and equips them with the tools they need. At around 10am the whole team stops for a coffee and doughnut break, and at 1pm we stop for lunch break, all provided by the organization the project is serving. Around 4pm, the team begins cleaning up. We ask that, when possible, volunteers stay and assist through cleanup, as there is usually a decent amount of work involved.

Can I bring my high school aged kids to volunteer on a project site?

We allow individuals from 12 to 15 years old to serve on our project sites if they are accompanied by an adult. Individuals 16 years and older are welcome to volunteer on project sites unaccompanied.

How do I start volunteering?

Fill out our volunteer application and we will add you to our weekly volunteer email list, where we send on information about what sites we’re on that week. Every Thursday when you receive the email, reply if you are free to serve that Saturday and we will assign you to a site.

Sign Up to Serve

Can I bring a group to volunteer together on a project site?

Yes, we accept groups of around 15 people to serve together on a project site Tuesday-Saturday, but we would need to schedule your serve day at least three weeks in advance, ensuring that we can have the right task to fit your groups skill level, and that we have enough work to keep your group busy. To schedule a group serve day, contact us.

Are there any opportunities to volunteer at night?

The best way to get involved is by volunteering on a Saturday, but we do have a few needs on weeknights. We are currently seeking photographers who might volunteer their time and skills to capture the stories of this ministry. We also need hosts and meals for Tuesday and Thursday nights.

See our volunteer page for descriptions of these opportunities.

Volunteer Opportunities
Partnership

Are there ways my business can partner with you?

Definitely! Visit our business partner page for more information.

Are there ways my church can partner with you?

Definitely! Visit our church partner page for more information.

Can you come speak at my church, school, or organization?

Yes! We love opportunities to share our ministry and our vision with new groups of people. Contact us with your information and interest and we’ll get back to you.

Contact Us
Donation

How do I donate to Servant's Heart Ministry?

You can donate online or by mail, as a one-time gift or a recurring contribution. Donations in the United States are tax deductible. Visit our DONATE page for more details.

Donate Today

 

Where does my money go?

Your donation supports Servant’s Heart Ministry’s work of love, empowerment, training, and service in the community, including:

  • Tools and Resources: helping us stay equipped to serve
  • Projects: helping us complete more projects
  • Workmanship: allowing us to train the next generation.
  • Staff Support: keeping our team moving forward
  • Operations: contributing towards keeping us organized
  • Expansion: supporting our growth
Employment

Do you have any employment opportunities available?

At this time, we do not have any employment opportunities.