France Youth And The Community

Community-based projects involve close work with disadvantaged populations in France, including at-risk youth and the poor, elderly, and disabled. A high unemployment rate has left many communities reliant on social programs, which range from elderly care to prison reform. These programs can be the most rewarding of all volunteer experiences, but due to their one-on-one nature, knowledge of French is often necessary.

L’Arche les Sapins, 39 rue Olivier de Serres, 75015 Paris (☎01 45 32 23 74; www.arche-france.org). Branch of an international Christian organization that places volunteers in a community home for the mentally challenged or learning disabled. Volunteers expected to make at least a 6-month commitment. Regular work hours, room, board, medical insurance, and monthly allowance provided. Ages 18-28.
Fondation Claude Pompidou, 42 rue du Louvre, 75001 Paris (☎01 40 13 75 00; www.fondationclaudepompidou.asso.fr). Aids the sick, elderly, and disabled through home care and companionship.
Groupement Étudiant National d’Enseignement aux Personnes Incarcerées (GENEPI), 12 rue Charles Fourier, 75013 Paris (☎01 45 88 37 00; www.genepi.fr). Students work with inmates in French prisons to promote social rehabilitation. Offices throughout France. In operation for over 30 years.
Marseille Volontariat, 14 rue Paul Casimir, 13010 Marseille (☎04 91 79 70 72; www.marseille-volontariat.com). Helps volunteers find opportunities by field of civic interest.Areas include elderly care, insurance disputes, and prison education. All programs take place in Marseille. Contact the Marseille Centre Regional Information Jeunesse (☎04 91 24 33 50; www.crijpa.com) for housing assistance.
Secours Catholique: Delegation de Paris, 13 rue St-Ambroise, 75011 Paris (☎01 48 07 58 21; www.quiaccueillequi.org). Catholic organization that works to support unemployed adults, children with social problems, immigrants, and other marginalized groups in Paris. Local branches throughout France.
Secours Populaire Français, 9/11 rue Froissart, 75140 Paris (☎01 44 78 21 00; www.secourspopulaire.asso.fr). National organization that provides food and clothing to poor children and families and arranges sporting and cultural activities. Aims to improve the quality of life of disadvantaged communities.