A post-college gap year focused on service, spirituality, and community
in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
A year with us includes…
SERVICE
Use your skills to benefit others and grow professionally
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We believe that everyone can find ways to use their unique skills and interests to meet needs around them. Serve the community through a 35-hour per week, professional internship that is tailored to you. Make a positive impact while getting valuable work experience, discerning vocation, and developing a professional network.
We cover all of your living expenses during your year with us.
SPIRITUALITY
Grow in love of God, neighbor, and self
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Embark on a post-college path that is meaningful and fulfilling. Develop habits of action, reflection, and prayer. Participate in weekly group seminars and two weekend retreats. Encounter God as you connect with a wide variety of people. Try out spiritual direction, counseling, or a seminary class. Connect with a local congregation if you choose.
COMMUNITY
Surround yourself with supportive peers and mentors
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It can be hard to find community after college, but by joining The Shalom Project you also join a broad, local community of people who are excited to welcome you in. Live in a house with up to four peers. Meet monthly for lunch with our director. Form friendships with our board members, alumni, and other nearby intentional communities of young adults.
Our Values
Service - discovering ways our skills can meet the needs around us
Social justice and peace - seeking wholeness and well-being for all people, inspired by the way of Jesus
Community - finding spaces of welcome and support
Active, lived faith - developing habits that grow us in love of God, neighbor, and self
Sustainability and simplicity - sharing resources and consuming wisely
Diversity and inclusion - welcoming, celebrating, and being strengthened by our differences
Our values are rooted in Anabaptist Christianity, and we welcome any recent college graduate who desires to learn, grow, and pursue shalom.
Why Shalom?
The word “shalom” captures a broader sense of human flourishing and well being than the English word “peace.” Similarly, the Greek word “eirene,” the Arabic word “salaam,” Spanish word “paz,” or Aramaic word “shlama” (the language that Jesus spoke) all have nuances that are lost when translated to the English word “peace.” The use of this word “shalom” is not to highlight any specific language, nation, or culture, but to acknowledge that peace building is a key concept for the program. Shalom reflects a sense of right relationship with self, others, and God. While in the program, we hope participants will experience the joys and challenges inevitable in community living.
The Shalom Project welcomes people of all backgrounds and faith traditions and sees that as a vital ground for growth.
Connect with us.
We’d love to meet you! Contact us to schedule a short conversation to learn more about The Shalom Project and other post college options.