Ignatian Volunteer Corps

Have been a member of both the New York and Philadelphia IVC community, and have enjoyed my time in both. Rewarding volunteer opportunities and amazing people who have become my friends. Incorporates my religious/prayer life with an opportunity to help others. Would encourage anyone looking for a faith-filled experience to join us.

I've been a Ignatian Volunteer Corps volunteer for five years with Project PLASE, a homeless shelter in southwest Baltimore that provides emergency as well as permanent housing together with associated services for clients including the mentally ill. ex-offenders and people with AIDS and/or substance abuse problems. It took a year or more to find a niche in this large but somewhat disorganized non-profit. In the past two years I've been able to work from home to produce a bi-weekly administrative report on the completeness of client records and solicit funds from local foundations. I'm grateful to IV-C for giving me this opportunity to be of service and avoid turning into a bitter old curmudgeon (my wife's term).

I am a retired educator and have been a member of IVC since 2015. I have found my "niche" teaching women in a non-profit professional training program that readies women of limited economic means for a career in healthcare. I find the work challenging and rewarding. IVC not only facilitates matching volunteers with jobs that need doing but also providing the community and support that sustain long-term commitment. I am blessed to be a part of IVC.

The Ignatian Volunteer Corp (IVC) is an extraordinary organization. IVC places men and women of retirement age in a variety of non-profit settings which support a wide network of social justice initiatives. The IVC volunteers are educators and mentors to youth, the disabled, the immigrant and the incarcerated. Volunteers work in poor communities, serving the homeless and the marginalized.
A unique aspect of the IVC is the monthly gathering of all volunteers. At these meeting volunteers share the experiences they have while serving at their placements. Volunteers provide valuable support to one another. A unique feature of this monthly gathering is the opportunity to reflect on how our work gives meaning to Christ’s command, “Love thy neighbor.”
I am now beginning my fifth year as an Ignatian Volunteer. I work at Casserly House in Roslindale, MA. We serve the immigrant community by teaching ESOL classes and help students on their pathway to citizenship. In the afternoon, Casserly House volunteers help neighborhood children with homework, reading, and social skills development. The Casserly House motto says it all: “Rooted in Boston, Open to the World.” All are welcome. I cannot imagine a more perfect way to engage my time during retirement.
The Ignatian Volunteer Corp gives so much to communities across the U.S. and, in return, the volunteers who serve receive far more than they could ever give.
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I am privileged to work with an amazing group of people who give of their time and expertise to make an impact in Philadelphia and South Jersey. They are selfless in their commitment to serve and committed to making a difference in our community.

I have the honor of being the spiritual director for the IVC community in Baltimore, and to assist the national office on various projects. At a time when the church community is flagging, having the warmth, closeness, and dedication to the poor that permeates IVC gives me hope. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a welcoming community.

I serve on the regional advisory council for IVC Philadelphia / South Jersey, but as a retreat facilitator I've been blessed to connect with service corps members from across the country. Hearing their stories, I am always impressed by how the IVC model meets the needs of both agencies and volunteers while advancing the healing and rebuilding of local communities.

Here's how I see it. Volunteers are the lifeblood of nonprofit organizations, but the constant cycle of recruiting, scheduling, and orienting newcomers can be a challenge to forward momentum. Similarly, for many individuals seeking to donate their talents, it’s not enough to fill a slot on a schedule; they long to contribute in meaningful ways. By connecting seasoned volunteers with nonprofits who need their passion and skills, IVC creates sustainable solutions for organizations while helping individuals over fifty can discover a fresh avenue for generativity later in life.

I've been a volunteer with IVC for 15 years. during that time, I've been assigned to an adult education non-profit. I've been fortunate to be able to work with numerous English Language Learners as well as GED aspirants. I've worked as a tutor and as a classroom teacher at a great organization and feel blessed to have been able to share my own experiences and abilities to make a difference where it has been needed.

I found the Ignatian Volunteer Corps when I retired in 2018. I had graduated from a Jesuit university and was familiar with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps for young people but had never heard of the IVC.
I had a pretty good idea of what my retired life would look like, but my plans unraveled.
I realized that God had a much better plan for my "next career" when I saw the notice in my church bulletin for the IVC - a group for 50 (and better) year old's making a difference by serving our brothers and sisters in need.
IVC has given me opportunities to work in a day shelter with those seeking a way out of homelessness and substance abuse , and to deliver meals to homebound elderly and disabled neighbors.
What makes the IVC so much more meaningful than any volunteer opportunity I would have found on my own, is the guidance I receive, through my spiritual reflector and the meeting and retreats with the other Corpsmen, and in the tradition of Ignatian Spirituality to "find God in all things" and see Christ in all those with whom we interact.
I look forward to many years with IVC and recommend it without reservation to energetic retirees who are looking for their "next career".

Ignatian Spirituality and the founding principles of the Jesuits drew me into the Ignatian Volunteer Service Corps after I closed my private practice as a mental health therapist. My husband and I talked often about how we could continue to contribute in our retirement and this was the perfect solution. We are enriched spiritually through our regular meetings where we discuss impactful books and current events through the lens of Ignatian Spirituality and learn from one another where we notice God in our life. This is the foundation of the volunteer opportunities presented to us. I work with an organization that provides harm reduction housing to men who would otherwise be homeless and who struggle with alcoholism. This independent living program’s dedicated staff of case managers do all they can to honor the dignity of each resident, to be a resource for their needs, and support them in their struggles while managing safe housing. My role as a volunteer draws on my background in nursing, social work and as a former therapist, working with the case managers as a resource and mentor. The cliche that volunteering gives more than is given is definitely true in my experience. I am deeply grateful and in awe of the Ignatian Volunteer Service Corps and the depth of their reach and commitment to the care of the poor, the disenfranchised, the homeless, and the often forgotten among us. It is a gift to be part of this organization.

I have been volunteering through the IVC for 6 years and I have enjoyed every minute. I have worked at two locations, St Francis House (handing out personal care items to the homeless guests and helping them use the computers to search for jobs and other information) and The Cotting School (working as a job coach for special needs students). At our monthly gatherings we share our volunteer experiences and focus more on the spiritual aspects of our work, i.e. where do we find Christ! For me the IVC has been a direct connection to Christ through all aspects of the program. The joy I get from sharing and listening to others, cannot be found in any other place.

I give to IVC because I know my donation will be used to help dozens of nonprofits in my city accomplish their missions through Ignatian Volunteers. I feel confident knowing that my gift makes a real impact.

When I was considering retiring from law practice about seven years ago, I was searching for the best way to have an active, socially responsible retirement that included service and social justice work, and spiritual growth and development. I had read about the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, a Jesuit sponsored non-profit, that provides opportunities for seniors to engage in active social justice ministry while receiving support from the community of corps members and the leadership team, and offering regular programs for spiritual enrichment.

I joined IVC in the summer of 2014. One of the benefits of IVC is that the leadership facilitates placements with volunteer service organizations. There are dozens of volunteer opportunities but the leadership and the corps members encourage a discernment process which makes it more likely to match interests and talents with service. I felt no pressure to make a choice. The message was clear: take the time to ask questions and discern the choice that would best fit my talents and interests. . My discernment lasted 18 months, a bit longer than most, but during that process, I received continuous support and encouragement from the leadership and the corps members. Finally in the Fall of 2015, after interviewing with the Pastoral Care Team at St. Elizabeth's Rehabilitation Nursing Center. I chose to volunteer as part of that Team. St. Elizabeth's is the Catholic Charities sponsored nursing home in Baltimore. I volunteer at St. Elizabeth's two days a week interacting with the Elders, listening, comforting and praying with them. I have learned much about the value of just being present and listening to people, and showing that you care, especially when visiting people who may not have family, may feel discouraged or lonely or may be very sick or near death.

One of the significant benefits of the IVC is that you become a member of a very supportive community of friends in faith and service who are there to listen and to help support each other in social justice service and in faith development. It is also reassuring to know that if for some reason the service placement doesn't work out, or you simply want to change, the leadership will help make that happen. Because the service placement is for annual periods it is relatively easy to change placements after a year, and the leadership will help you find another placement that works better for you. What a blessing to know that if, or when, the decision is made to change service work the leadership team is there to facilitate and make that happen in a constructive way.

It is difficult to imagine this retirement chapter of life being as rewarding as it is for me without the IVC. The IVC has provided a community of other seniors with a desire for social justice service, and an organizational structure that enables each corps member to discern the best placement and then to succeed in serving others. Without the IVC's help and encouragement this retirement chapter of life would be far more challenging and not as socially or spiritually satisfying. Plus, as an added benefit, all the folks at the IVC are good, caring, friendly, respectful and a joy to be around. I give my experience with IVC the highest possible rating and I would recommend the IVC to anyone looking for a meaningful, satisfying, socially responsible and spiritually enriching retirement.

I am a retired counselor/teacher/school administrator who was looking for a way to give back at this stage of my life. IVC has been wonderful as a conduit--it has placed me as a volunteer counselor at the brand new Cristo Rey High School in San Diego. IVC not only provided a great "matching" service between volunteer and work site, but it continues to offer ongoing contact (via zoom at this time) and support for volunteers. Through these monthly zoom meetings, I have been able to also learn of other IVC placements. I am particularly impressed with how IVC has been able to continue as many services as it does during the pandemic.

A wonderful organization that put the skills of Catholic men and women to work providing service to the underserved.

10/16/2020
The Ignatian Volunteer Corps blends two important elements: the satisfaction of Service and the insight into Spirituality.
The Service component has really touched my life in unexpected and sometimes unexplained ways. It has certainly deepened my personal satisfaction and I eagerly looked forward to my Hospice volunteer days. I love the staff-an additional benefit of volunteering! But being present for patients and families at their most vulnerable time as they journey through the normal process of death is a feeling that defies description. There are so many ways to be “present”:
listening, sitting in silence, holding a hand, a loving touch all provide a strong emotional
connection to say I am with you on this journey.

The Spiritual component of IVC has been enlightening as well. I really love our monthly
meetings too, hearing varied interpretations of our readings. I’m more a listener than talker,
because it takes me a while to process all the information we share. The meetings are thought provoking which is good because I reflect on the content and what it could mean in my life.
I am happy to be part of IVC and would encourage others who seek greater personal growth to come with us on this wonderful journey.
Jacquelyn Sporing
IVC Volunteer

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps is an amazing, life-giving organization. IVC connects retired adults with social service and not-for-profit agencies and their clients to provide hands-on assistance. I have worked at a community social service agency for the past 3 years helping individuals with barriers to employment get employed. It is very satisfying work with measurable successes. The Ignatian Volunteer Corps and its spiritual component helps members recognize the face of God in those they serve. I am so happy I found my way to them!

Upon retirement I wanted to find an organization that would allow me to help my community and continue to grow as an individual in my life perspective. The Ignatian Volunteer Corp has provided me with such an opportunity the past 10 years. They paired my talents with needs of the material poor in our community. Specifically I provide pro bono legal advice to the Waukegan Hispanic and African American community and teach inmates in the Lake County Jail for a 2 to 3 day period each week. The Ignatian Volunteer Corp also provides myself and other members with regular opportunities to grow in self awareness and critical thinking about the social and economic issues our society faces today. Both the volunteer service and the learning opportunities offered by the Volunteer Corp have broadened and deepened my sense of self and service to others. The whole 10 year experience has been way beyond my expectations and is valued by myself as a surprise gift!! The Ignatian Volunteer Corp is well lead and organized to provide service with a purpose to our community !!

IVC offered this newly retired librarian a place as the librarian at a girls college prep high school that served the African-American and Hispanic areas of the Chicago. In my 5 years there, I felt that I was helping marginalized young women prepare to succeed in college and go on to make vital contributions to the world. Equally important for me was the chance to meet monthly with like-minded IVC people and receive the organization's support. The mentoring I received and the sessions I attended for reflecting on what my IVC work meant for my own life and the lives of the girls I served made this a volunteer experience that is unmatched. IVC does so much good in the world!

My wife and I have been members of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) for about 8 years. It is a wonderful organization matching the talents and interests of retired volunteer persons to the needs of nonprofit organizations dedicated to serving the materially poor. A second mission of IVC is to strengthen and support the spiritual lives of its volunteers giving sustenance to the volunteer's efforts to serve the poor. This spiritual support improves the quality and perseverance of the volunteer efforts. IVC provides a safe and supportive "community" where its volunteers can share experiences and insights.

The nonprofit we serve through IVC is the Father McKenna Center located just a few blocks from our Nation's capital. The Center which operates on private donations seeks to improve the lives of homeless men and residents in the area. We find volunteering at the Center to be a richly rewarding experience. Because we volunteer two days a week the Center considers us "Principal Volunteers" and in some respects almost like staff. My wife and I are very thankful for the joy to be members of IVC and to serve at the Father McKenna Center,

We have been incredibly fortunate with our IVC volunteer who came to us six years ago and has been a huge asset while becoming part of our "family." He bring compassion, professional skills and lots of life experience that helps us to achieve our mission in a deeper way. We hope that he stays with us for another six years!

IVC has given me the opportunity to use my skills as a service corps member for one of IVC’s many partner agencies who served those living on the margins of society, lacking of the basics of shelter and employment. Each year the agency and I found the partnership a help that should continue. And so, happily, it did for many years!

Currently, I serve the IVC DC/Metro Maryland region as a member of its Regional Council and a group facilitator for IVC service corp member meetings to share stories and experiences at their service agencies that help them recognize the common bond they share with everyone they encounter.

The rewards are rich in things that matter for all who who engage with IVC. These are the kinds of riches that multiple human dignity and growth by doing something of value for individuals in need.

For all these reasons IVC is definitely a great nonprofit that deserves your recognition! Vicki Bell

After retirement I wanted to continue to use my skills to help others. Ignatian Volunteer Corps gave me this opening by connecting me to an organization that was in my field and that needed some support. Throughout my volunteer work, I have been enriched by the individual mentorship I receive, and the larger community of active volunteers who support one another. IVC gives people the opportunity to join a circle of adults who want to continue to grow in spirituality and service to others. I cannot thank this organization enough for their mission and work.

IVC has help our not-for-profit community-based organization in so many ways. Not only are the volunteers of exceptionally high caliber - in skills and work ethic - the entire organization is filled with kind, empathetic people who understand our mission and are sincerely driven to help others. The annual fee for a volunteer is small compared to the savings we realize if we had to pay someone to do the work of these fantastic people who have assisted us at our Center. We have had IVC volunteers who eventually became board members and regular donors. IVC is a win for everyone!

A wonderful organization building God’s kingdom through service

As a director of a small faith-based non-profit, I see the wonderful contributions IVC volunteers make everyday. I am inspired by their spirit of serving and how they truly embody Jesus’ call to love God and love neighbor.

I've had a few opportunities to meet IVC members serving throughout Baltimore and have been amazed and impressed by their professionalism, camaraderie and commitment to social justice.

Ignatian Volunteer Corps provides retired men and women an opportunity to volunteer with a community agency applying the Jesuit principles of men and women for others. Opportunities include working with homeless shelters, soup kitchens, aid agencies and schools, two days a week from September to June.
During the year there are monthly meeting during which a selected book addressing social issues is discussed. The monthly meetings also serve each member with an opportunity to discuss his or her service work which provides support and affirmation. The opportunity to discuss our service experiences among the peer group is a very valuable element particularly for people beginning to volunteer.
I have found the service through the Ignatian Volunteer Work very rewarding, when I began this service I thought I was giving back, I have found however I receive much more than I give.

The IVC's work with Seton Catholic Schools is nothing short of remarkable. Over 30 generous volunteers are providing tutoring support for more than 125 of Milwaukee's most disadvantaged children. There's no way to adequately measure or describe the immediate and the long-term impact of service like this. We are deeply grateful.

I am a volunteer of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps(IVC) because it gives me a purpose in life long after I retired from my regular job. It enables me to use what I have learned to teach young children what they need to succeed in life. Students' scores on National Math and English Assessment tests have demonstrated the effectiveness of IVC volunteers in classrooms of low-income students with limited English backgrounds.

It also has enabled me to stay in contact with children I would normally never meet.

I would encourage anyone over the age of fifty to become a member of the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, especially if you are seeking a personally rewarding experience in retirement.

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps is an amazing, transformative organization. It is blazing the trail for an active, impactful retirement for American seniors. Erik Erikson famously described our lifespan as comprised of eight stages. IVC accompanies seniors during the seventh and eighth stages.

The challenge of the final years of work and the transition into retirement is to create and nurture a legacy. Erikson names this transition 'Generatively,' choosing to make a mark on the world which outlasts one's lifespan rather than the path of self-absorption. The particular mark that IVC members make is sustained service to economically deprived communities.

This collaboration in the creation of a more just and kind world beautifully sets the stage for Erikson's ultimate challenge, the development of 'Ego Integrity.' The post-retirement, part-time nature of IVC volunteer service lends itself to the gradual contemplation of our accomplishments. A sense of integrity is nourished as volunteers look back at a life well lived, at contributions made not only in the spheres of family and work but also to fellow citizens less privileged. The IVC experience assists in the acquisition of the virtue of wisdom, a sense of completeness and gratitude.

Still another benefit of IVC service is the development of new friendships acquired through collaboration in meaningful service. This perfectly address the conundrum of the loss of work friendships.

My life has been immensely enriched by participation in this great nonprofit! I am certain that the lives of many less privileged citizens have been meaningfully impacted by the dedicated service of my IVC sisters and brothers. I urge Great Nonprofits to recognize the Ignatian Volunteer Corps as a model organization for seniors.

As a member of the Minneapolis Ignation Volunteer Corp I have grown in my appreciation for the freedoms I was born into. As a volunteer for Sarah's, An Oasis For Women, be it keeping the pantry organized or helping the residents prepare for a test or assisting in resume writing, I am always struck by the ladies commitment to gaining their independence and becoming a
viable citizen of our society, These women do not hesitate to express their gratitude for all the staff at Sarah's does to support them.

In exchange for IVC ads in the Catholic Spirit, the biweekly newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, I copy read the pages in their final drafts. This increases the exposure of the IVC to the Catholic community. I’m very pleased to use the skills I had as a high school teacher of writing and journalism. I’m even more pleased to be volunteering with the staff at the paper. They are wonderful people who really appreciate my contribution. It’s a perfect fit for a retired person with my background. Beyond working with the staff, it has shown me the efforts the Church is making to be effective servants of the people. Today, what could be more reassuring of the Church’s mission? Bernie Troje, St. John’s University, Class of ‘65

I am a volunteer with Ignatian Volunteer Corps in Denver and it has been an extraordinary experience. I spend 16 hours a week at my volunteer site (there are options for 8 hours/week) and have learned so much. Our cohort of volunteers meets monthly for spiritual reflecting and sharing about our various placements. When I retired, I knew I wanted to volunteer somewhere, but wasn't sure where. Finding IVC happened at just the right moment in my life. Our mission is to serve in agencies that minister to the materially poor and it is financial support from the greater community that allows IVC to fulfill its mission. Funding IVC ensures that each group of volunteers has a regional director who coordinates placements, monthly meetings, retreats, and opportunities for each of us to meet with a spiritual reflector on a regular basis. IVC makes a difference in the lives of the marginalized in our community, as well as in the lives of each volunteer. Making a positive difference is what makes a great non-profit!

Upon retirement I searched extensively for a volunteer role that would really matter in the lives of the clients I would serve. And then I found the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), an organization which links its members to meaningful volunteer opportunities as part of network of volunteers who support one another.

As an Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) volunteer, I chose an assignment as a Career Coach at the New England Culinary Arts Training (NECAT) center. NECAT provides unemployed and underemployed individuals with the technical, professional and life skills necessary to secure career-ladder jobs in the culinary industry through an intensive 16-week Culinary Arts Job Training Program.

My Career Coach role I assist students through all phases of their job search … assembling resumes and cover letters, honing their interviewing skills, selecting target employers and applying for positions both in person and on line. I also coach students in some of the soft skills essential to their success after they have been hired.

IVC and NECAT was a perfect match for me. IVC is a group of like-minded people committed to making a difference in the lives of the less fortunate. And NECAT is an organization which is all about providing judgment-free second chances at life to some of the most disadvantaged individuals in the community.

I cannot imagine a better "marriage of the minds"

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) helps to bring the Volunteer closer to God and his or her fellow man.
The small and dedicated administrative team goes above and beyond in securing placements that match a volunteer's skills with an organization's needs. This helps ensure that the volunteer will continue to grow in service to others.
Beginning the volunteer year with a spiritual retreat and by administering monthly meetings for reflection, the IVC promotes the spiritual growth in each of its volunteers. The monthly meetings also serve as a time for volunteers to support and encourage one another and build new friendships.
In short, my brief but continuing association with the organization has been outstanding.

I am semi-retired and was looking for a faith based volunteer opportunity. I was familiar with IVC ,Ignatian Volunteer Corps, from friends and knew when they came to Denver it was the opportunity I was looking for. I am now spending Tuesdays in a kindergarten of 19 students and 1 teacher, knowing I am having an impact on students and of being a 2nd adult in a very active classroom.

My friend Mauree Barney has described the many activities that touch the lives of people throughout so many communities. It inspires me to donate so that I may support their efforts.

My 92 year-old mother and I attend the Awards Mass in Chicago every Spring.
Our dear friend, Maureen Barney is a member of the Ignatian volunteer corps.I am so impressed by the work that she and the other volunteers do and their commitment to service!
I have 2 gal friend with autistic sons and they have become so engaged at Old St. Pat's church in mass participation and packaging bags for the homeless.
It is a 5 star volunteer organization and these volunteers go above and beyond in service.
I have also attended Cubs and White Sox games with Maureen and her special adults and enjoy it so much.

Wonderful organization!!!!

IVC volunteers not only serve, they touch people's lives!

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps brings sincere, good hearted people with so much great life experience into essential roles that make a profound difference in both the life of the nonprofit organization where they serve and in the lives of the people who benefit from the mission of the organization. The impact of Ignatian Volunteers is priceless!

My experience with IVC are the stories my friend relates to me, of the experiences she has had as an IVC volunteer. It has filled her life, and given it meaning since her husband passed away. She has transferred the love she had for her wonderful husband, to the special needs adults she works with through Old St. Pat's. It is a win-win situation for all. These stories/pictures shared have convinced me to donate to IVC annually.

The love, concrete compassion, and attention that Maureen shows to those with special needs who participate in IVC is truly inspiring.

She's an inspiration to many.

I'm particularly inspired by how diligently she - and her friends - prepare meals for the homeless. We need more programs like this in our world!

I discovered the Ignatian Volunteer Corp of Baltimore via a notice in my church bulletin the Sunday after I decided to retire. IVC offers so much to its members, pairing us with service opportunities in non-profit organizations, allowing us to use the skills we have to help others in our communities. Out of consideration for my location, I was first paired with a local organization but their need was for office support and I wanted to work directly with the clients served. I was introduced to a learning center for learning disabled adults and work with about 60 adults, taking them to Special Olympics activities, and volunteer opportunities and even part time jobs. IVC also offers the opportunity to grow spiritually, with monthly meetings, retreats and days of reflection. I highly recommend you check it out if you are semi-retired or retired and wondering how to spend your time. An idle mind...

I work with Maureen Barney, an IVC member, though Trinity Volunteer Corps at Old St Patricks Church in Chicago inner city. We work with disabled adults performing various tasks including and probably most important preparing food bags for the homeless in the area. Chicago has a severe homeless issue and this work is becoming more and more a vital supply for nutrition. Maureen quarterbacks the challenge and leads with an open heart giving us a good example of treating these disabled as equals and with encouragement to participate in conversation as well as the work.

Grateful for the many ways IVC works with various groups throughout Chicagoland -- particularly at Old St. Patrick's Church. The compassion and dignity they share with all of us is second to none. Such a beautiful ministry...

Have witnessed first-hand the great work IVC does to change lives and improve the community. The range of services they provide and community building activities they conduct truly help the area shine.

Absolutely wonderful volunteer group doing amazing things for their community!

Committed volunteers living out their faith thru consistent service to others in many different areas of expertise!

What a fantastic organization- keep up the good work!

The tremendous impact these volunteers have with their participants on the community is overwhelmingly heartwarming. Everyone is welcome at this table and the inclusion they show makes our community stronger.

IVC does amazing work across the country, having seen it at work in Maryland and Illinois specifically. It is the opportunity for adult volunteers to get and stay involved in their community while living the Jesuit mission of Men & Women for Others. Although not as immersive as it’s post-college counterpart JVC, it allows its members to find God in the everyday, all things, while not just being charity—the projects are truly social justice at work and allow the participants the added value of reflecting on their interactions to find the parallels in their own lives or to aid them on their faith journey (thus not a one way hand-out).

Ignition Volunteer Core connects talented, caring people with worthy organizations and does meaningful, effective work. Humanity at it's best in Chicagoland.

After retiring from a successful role in a Fortune 500 company, I signed up to volunteer five days a week at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep an inner city school in Chicago. It was long hours and I felt like I was able to help the students, but I also felt like I was still working. Two fellow volunteers from the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) were also on site at the school. As we became acquainted it became clear to me that I was a volunteering and they were serving. Their experience was enriching them in ways that I was not feeling. Their effort was an act of faith in service that was different from mine. In my second year I joined the Ignatian Volunteer Corps and began to share the richness of their service based volunteer work. In addition to the on-site volunteer service work, all 60 members of the Chicago IVC met monthly in community for spiritual formation in the Ignatian tradition. This helped me discover a deeper sense of interior consolation from serving others and also helped me to find God in my volunteer service work. Also very importantly, the IVC experienced help me to engage with the students less corporately and more compassionately and caringly. That has made all the difference

IVC has had a profound impact on my life. I joined 6 years ago after retiring from a 52 yr. career in nursing, most of those years in the Emergency Department. I felt a huge void after retiring,
a need to continue to do meaningful work.

I chose Fr. Bill's/Mainspring in Brockton MA., after receiving guidance from Dave Hinchen,
Director of IVC, New England. This organization was founded by Fr. Bill McCarthy 3 decades ago, after he had consistently invited the homeless to sleep in the church basement. The organization now includes safe emergency shelters in Brockton and Quincy Ma., where approximately 250 men and women are invited to sleep and enjoy hot meals. They also have 367 housing units for families and veterans. Their Mantra "Nobody Should Be Homeless".

My hours at Fr. Bill's have profoundly affected me. I have assisted in the intake and welcoming of the homeless men and women as they arrive at the shelter. I realize that simple gestures , a smile, eye contact and reassurance are sometimes the only respect and compassion shown to them that day.

I also volunteer at their Distribution Center, which supplies all the shelters and housing units .
Shelter guests, accompanied by their social worker, are also invited to chose clothing and toiletries from the Center.

These 6 years have broadened my capacity for understanding others, especially the profound effect of untreated psychiatric illness. I realize how difficult it is to carry all your belongings through the streets each day (often wet from rain) , unwelcome in many businesses, and unable to find an available restroom. I cherish the fact that I have "a space of my own", that I don't have to sleep in a room with 90 guests, as the men do in Brockton.

The men and women of IVC are all involved in similar positions. They are definitely "men and women for others"!!!! We have meetings each month in different locations, where we share our experiences, pray together and just enjoy the camaraderie. We also visit our Reflector, again each month, as he or she is a personal companion to listen and encourage.

I feel blessed to be a small part of this organization.

The Ignatian Volunteer Corps has given me the opportunity to work with the homeless, those with Ailztimers, and those in the hospital. Their support ensures that their members are able to help those who need help.

I was laid off a few years ago after several years at a company with a hostile, abusive environment. I was not ready to fully retire, but found it difficult to trust enough to find new employment. IVC provided an wonderful, supportive, nurturing community and helped me to give back to the world.

IVC Ignatian Volunteer Corps is a true community...reaching out to help others and reaching inward to find our better selves.
It is a joy to serve and to pray together.

I have been in the Ignatian Volunteer Corps in the Syracuse, NY area over the past several years. I have found all my volunteer service to be rewarding and value adding. I'm always amazed at how many ways there are to be helpful and provide assistance to others. The Ignatian Volunteer Corps has given me a chance to truly give of myself and to share my skills and knowledge with others while being compassionate and caring. I hope to continue volunteering for many years to come. Linda Z - Syracuse IVC

A recent profile of me in the Creighton Prep magazine had this to say about me and the Ignatian Volunteer Corps: "Bob retired in 2014 intent on engaging in volunteer service. 'Not long after that, I interviewed with the director of the Omaha chapter of the IVC, and she agreed that I might be a suitable candidate.' Soon thereafter, he was interviewed by the staff in the Milton R. Abrahams Legal Clinic at the Creighton University School
of Law. Today, he is at the clinic or in court four days per week, working 'largely on family issues, landlord disputes and the seemingly innumerable legal and bureaucratic obstacles that poor people encounter in life.' " This quote from the article sums up how my experience in the Ignatian Volunteer Corps has enabled me in the winter of my years to live out the Ignatian ideal of men and women for others and seeking the faith that does justice. I would, I think, be adrift in retirement without my IVC work and the opportunity to reflect monthly with the other dedicated members of IVC on how we find God in our volunteer work.

Not quite ready for retirement, I was a seasoned, experienced professional who was laid off from an extremely stressful, abusive, and unscrupulous company. I was shell-shocked. Even after some time off, I couldn't imagine going back to work. But, I needed to keep my skills up; I needed healing; I needed to make a difference. IVC provides or inspires community, support, spirituality, humility, purpose, passion, reflection, transformation, and healing. I am so grateful to IVC and hope that what I have given has made a difference.

IF you're looking to make a a meaningful contribution, widen your spiritual formation or just be part of the solution, IVC offers all three. I joined IVC while looking for something to make my retirement years part of a new beginning and keep me involved as well as bringing a new meaning to this time of life. A historian by trade, I used my research skills to review all prospects out there and for me, IVC offers the thoroughness, structure, and opportunities that make giving my time worthwhile. They do a good job of getting to know you and matching your experience and skills with the position. The religious aspect was fine with me though everyone should feel welcome. I've found the Jesuits to be inclusive as well as scholarly in pursuit of their mission. They model how to put faith into action.

The Ignation Volunteer Corps was an ideal answer for me in retirement, as it already is for many others, and can be for untold numbers of active retired persons.

When my husband died after many months of illness, I emerged from the immediate grief of his death yearning for a meaningful activity. At my daughter's recommendation, I investigated the Ignatian Volunteer Corps and I liked what I heard. IVC would give me the opportunities both to work with persons in need and to enjoy regular company with other volunteers to pursue a heightened spiritual dimension to my life.

After ten years in the Corps, I am still excited about going to school two days a week to tutor grade-school children. What they give back to me is far more valuable in my mind than the modest assistance I offer them. Service in IVC has been a godsend for me.

After working in the Probation field for almost thirty years I retired. Almost immediately, I realized that I had too much time on my hands and began looking for an opportunity to enrich my life and the lives of others.

In our church bulletin I found a small notice regarding the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, (IVC). IVC is targeted toward retirees over the age of fifty, who are strongly committed to the betterment of themselves and the community.

IVC is a nation-wide organization with over five hundred volunteers serving people dealing with homelessness, disabilities, the imprisoned, refugee/migrant families, as well as children experiencing education disadvantages. There are numerous other volunteer opportunities fulfilling the needs of our community as well as providing countless ways for the volunteers to be of service in fields that suit their personal desires and talents.

However, that is just part of what IVC offers. We have monthly meetings in which we share our experiences at our volunteer sites. Each year the national organization selects a book emphasizing the spiritual aspect and/or nature of our commitment. We discuss these books during our meetings. There is also an annual three day retreat which allows us to refocus our desire to serve others and to build comradery and faith within the group.
Finally, one of the best features of the IVC community is the opportunity to have one-on-one time with a spiritual reflector each month. This gives each volunteer a chance to reflect on their service site and ways to enhance their own lives as well as the lives of the people they serve.

While the Ignatian Volunteer Corps focuses on the Jesuit belief that service is a form of prayer, it is open to all who believe that, by serving others, we also serve God.

Wisdom, experience and humility. What a joy it is to work side by side with others who've felt called to action and know that "showing up" to serve has value beyond measure. The people I have met through IVC are those who see need around them and have responded to the call. Many come with years of experience in particular professions and all of them are willing to apply those skills in ways many agencies need. IVC members are also willing to stretch and try on new roles and take on new tasks. Because we are located in many cities throughout the United States it is inspiring to know we work in solidarity on issues that exist across the nation. Our monthly meetings are rich and enjoyable as we share our impressions, joys and concerns regarding our work. It's a learning experience and broadens our perspectives-since we can't all work everywhere, we get to hear about different organizations and schools that serve the poor in our midst. It is so rewarding on so many levels.

The combination of a spiritual dimension with non-profit service brought me to IVC. I have not been disappointed. The monthly Mass, book discussion and sharing of experiences and challenges at our very different assignments offers a growth opportunity to all present. We leave refreshed spiritually knowing that God is present in all things.

Like many whose careers provided satisfying and busy lives, retirement provided a chance for me to design my own time commitments for the first time in many years. Time to schedule what to do every day prompted introspection about what I like to do and what I want to do. The answers came easily. I wanted to “pay back”, “pay forward”, to have more time for spiritual reflection AND to show active gratitude for the opportunities, scholarships, and gifts of time and talent that others had granted me. Of course, I would have more time for family, friends and leisure pursuits, but I was looking also for something more.

Very luckily, my husband felt the same way. We end each prayer together with “ God let me know how to serve you better”. We both remembered students who, after college, had joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and we lamented that there was not something for adults at another crossroad. And we searched and found that there was!

The Ignation Volunteer Corps provides so much more than service opportunities. The gathering together of people who are on a similar journey is a monthly treat. Our animator puts much effort into monthly programs that are thought-provoking and stimulating , spiritually awakening and fun. Our regional director understands her role in guiding us to serve the less fortunate, and she offers strong support in our finding a program that matches our abilities. We have found that there are many venues to help those in great need. Our animator and our director also balance our service commitments with an understanding of the joy that is the IVC sense of community. I feel humbled by the respect that I feel for the other volunteers. We read and discuss together. We retreat together. We cry and we laugh together.

The Ignation Volunteer Corps is a gift to me.

Call it Grace or Serendipity; I discovered IVC in San Diego quite by “accident” 3 years ago, while simultaneously experiencing an awakening to a new way of living my Catholic faith.

IVC provides me with the opportunity to serve many in our society who are much less fortunate than me, which in and of itself is a great blessing. And… there is much more to membership involvement with IVC!

As a community of volunteers, we grow together as a family of kindred spirits. We meet monthly in fellowship, reflecting on our individual works and in giving thanks to God for those we serve as well as for our ability to be of service to them. Our members bring hope to vast number of persons who exist only at the margins of our society. Multiple and varied types of service opportunities are available to us.

We IVC volunteers are also nourished by discussions about selected book readings and a focus on the principles of Ignatian Spirituality. Brief annual retreats, and the ability to meet monthly with select spiritual reflectors with whom we can discuss our personal growth in relation to those we serve are additional rewards of membership.

An EXCELLENT nonprofit organization based on the strong principals of JESUS CHRIST to serve the most socially vulnerable population of our society modeled by the Jesuit Orders/Pope Francis. I served the IVC by working at St. John's Church soup kitchen/food pantry located in Worcester, Mass. .*

A couple of years after I retired as a mental health counselor, I was being "tugged" to find a way to do something meaningful, some kind of volunteer work. My husband and I attended a Lenten retreat given by a favorite Jesuit Priest. The event was sponsored by IVC and we shared a table with the couple who brought IVC to Omaha. What I heard felt so "right" to me, we met with the local IVC Director to learn more.
She suggested I visit the Children and Family Center of Nebraska Children's Home Society in Omaha's inner city. I met an older African American woman who asked if I might be interested in working with her to develop a programs for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren. I sure was interested! We put our heads together and things just "clicked" - we got along great, and seemed to energize each other. We designed a six-week support & educational group. That was almost four years ago and we just completed the 13th group. The grandparents let us know that they needed support beyond the six weeks, so we developed an ongoing support group that meets twice monthly.
I have felt all along that this was right where I was supposed to bed; that God had led me there, and I continue to feel incredibly blessed by the grandparents I meet and the unbelievable stories they share about their family situations. The desperately need support.
God continues to bless this awesome work. The program has won recognition from a local foundation as "the most innovative new program" and has received funding from United Way and other local funding sources. That success is calling attention to the plight of these grandparents who have taken on the incredible challenge of once again raising children and who are usually living in poverty. Personally, I have been blessed to become familiar with a world that my white, middle class life experience had never shown me. It has made me so much more sensitive and understanding; they continue to teach me so much!

Four years ago, I retired as from my position in development at a local high school where I had served for 26 years. I was seeking ways to enhance my spiritual life in retirement and attended a Day of Reflection sponsored by our local Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC). The retreat reminded me of how much and why I value my Jesuit education and I contacted the director and asked how I might get involved. She invited me to join IVC where I have now been a member for nearly three years. It is an experience I would not trade for anything. My first volunteer assignment entailed assisting the administrator of several of our Catholic schools with development. It was a challenging and rewarding task as we realized the fruits of our efforts. Currently I volunteer at a private elementary school which serves a predominantly minority population. I assist with office and administrative duties as well as lunch preparation and serving. The latter is a particular favorite because of the opportunity to interact with the students and, if I'm lucky, garner a hug or two. I would be remiss if I didn't mention the closeness of our IVC community. I look forward to our monthly meetings, discussing the readings and reflections, and sharing our spirituality with one another. I have developed a deeper understanding of Ignatian spirituality through these interactions as well as a renewed appreciation for my faith.

After 22 years in the USAF and 22 years in industry, I retired with a MSEE with minor in math. After a couple retired years, I was looking for things to keep my mind active as I was keeping my body active by bike riding long distances. I went to a retreat sponsored by my local parish where I learned about IVC. My wife and I decided to join to share our skills and help nonprofits. I was matched to a catholic highschool where I tutored students struggling with math. After a couple of years, I was asked to help teach an AP Calculus BC dual credit course. I help the teacher by looking through the days assignment making sure I understood all the math and homework problems. I assist the teacher during the class with the lesson, check the homework and answer questions. This frees the teacher to spend more time on other classes he is teaching.
I have really enjoyed sharing my skills and especially enjoy working with students. This has really helped me keep my mind sharp as a math students at this level knows when you don't know the subject. The best part of being a volunteer with IVC is they are just as interested in your satisfaction with your placement as they are with satisfying the nonprofit's needs.

Having just returned from the retreat that opens the volunteer year for IVC members from the Baltimore, D.C., and northern Virginia regions and with the first weeks of the second year at the Asylee Women Enterprises (AWE) coming to a close, I’m again overwhelmed in gratitude at my good fortune to have found the IVC and then to have come under the care of a director who so perfectly linked me up with this non-profit that provides housing, acculturation experiences, and compassionate companionship to women (and a couple of men recently) who are seeking asylum in the U.S. Having organized, implemented and taught in a three-level ESL program, I am now returning to oversee the program and again teach. However, these activities are but the tip of the iceberg, for with each visit to AWE, I’m shocked into awareness of the human capacity to endure unimaginable violence and trauma, to confront and joust with their repercussions, and to rise up to reconstruct lives that are fueled by joyful hope and love, love above all.

As much as the women’s incredible resilience sustains us as we offer them our presence and love, so are we sustained in our service by the outreach the IVC extends to us. The monthly meetings, the yearly text we discuss among other things at these meetings, and the two always incredible retreats combine to transform our lives in ways that allow us to pass transformative assistance to those we serve.

IVC changed my life in so many ways. After retiring from a long and satisfying career in nursing, I was craving work in a helping capacity. The IVC affords me the opportunity to work with those in need as a teacher, a new professional role for me! I volunteer at a school for adult education for immigrants and low income populations. This wonderful agency, Genesis Center teaches ESOL, workforce training, citizenship preparation, high school equivalency, and financial literacy. Combined with the introduction of Ignation Spirituality to my life, IVC has been a major force in my life I am currently making the Spiritual Exercises in everyday life and truly find God in all things.
The IVC supplies many agencies with highly professional, caring individuals with volunteers ton aid them in their quest to assist those of us who are in need I cannot say enough about the good work IVC provides both to the world at large and to the individual volunteer.

I joined IVC ten years ago after retirement. My last job was very fast paced and I did a lot of traveling. I knew that helping with my grandchildren was not going to be enough for me. I came across information about IVC, after a year of discernment I joined. My live have not been the same since that day. I have grown in faith and awareness of the beauty of creation. I volunteer in the public hospital in Chicago as a Chaplain Assistant. Yes, I see suffering, but I also partake in the beauty of those who know how to be grateful. This work has transformed me.

The unique combination of volunteer service opportunities and a spiritual community based on Ignatian spiritual is what drew me to the Ignatian Volunteer Corps. After one year of volunteering at Migration and Refugee Services of Cleveland Catholic Charities, I have gained much both intellectually and spiritually serving a misunderstood and underserved community. During our monthly IVC meetings, I have had an opportunity to grow spiritually and to give and receive support from other volunteers. I recommend IVC without reservation to any retiree searching for a meaningful and rewarding volunteer experience.

OK, full disclosure: I'm a donor, a volunteer and an employee of IVC, so I'm not completely objective. Having said that, I've worked in a Fortune 500 company, a large international nonprofit, and have been on the boards of a couple of other nonprofits. So I have a pretty good sense for what makes a nonprofit effective and worthy of support.

And I can say without hesitation that IVC is worthy of support. It's got an interesting combination of national presence (in 17 or so major metro areas), and lean, but effective administrative structure. IVC does a great job of matching volunteers with existing social service agencies in the cities where they serve. So they're not re-creating the wheel by starting an additional agency to serve people in need. Rather, they help bring needed skills and talent to existing nonprofits by matching the skills and experience of volunteers with the missions that they are interested in working in.

It's a win/win/win: talented volunteers get placed in service doing something they are passionate about, local nonprofits get access to high-caliber volunteer talent that they would normally have to pay for, and people in need get the help they need to lift themselves out of poverty.

Finally, the spiritual and community support part of the IVC model helps volunteers to nurture their faith by matching them with a spiritual reflector (trained in Igatian Spirituality) and bringing volunteers together once a month to meet as a volunteer community. This support in turn strengthens the resilience of volunteers, helping them to keep coming back, year after year, despite the challenging work that they do.

That's why I continue to donate to IVC - I'd like to see it expand to more metro areas in the US.

THe IVC offers retired persons in my parish, St. Michael's in Buffalo, the opportunity both to use their expertise to help local agencies and institutions and at the same time engage in spiritual reflection on what they are doing. They grow spiritually as they help other materially. Win/win!

It is my greatest pleasure and gift to work as a Regional Director for IVC. IVC provides me the opportunity to make a difference in my community by working with volunteers who go into various agencies that serve our vulnerable populations. I feel a great sense of pride knowing that my work matters in making a difference in other people's lives. Thank you. Ignatian Volunteer Corps

Mothers and their children need support when they have no family, no money, and no way to communicate. People retiring after a productive career need a place to continue to serve. We all need God. And it helps to have a guide to talk with on a monthly basis about the joys and frustrations of the work with those in need. Plus 3 retreats a year and monthly gatherings with others who serve. I started out as both a reflector and an agency in need of a volunteer in 2002 and never stopped.
The experience of working with those in need is both gratifying and frustrating, rewarding and painful. The support and loving feedback, the books we read and the reflections we share help us continue the work, improve our morale and attitude, and help us experience the reality of life on life's terms. We hope that we are making a difference in the lives of others and the knowledge that what we are doing makes a difference in our own lives. So many retired people feel their usefulness is over. In IVC retirement is a new beginning.

I've been an IVC volunteer for going on 17 years , because of the opportunity to serve the poor coupled with the spiritual enrichment and support, and association with similar minded volunteers who inspire me. It serves me while serving the needy in using the precious time God grants me by making it possible to fulfill Jesus' mandate to serve others with love. They are my teachers in so many ways.

Soon after I retired from a rewarding career in federal service, with the help of friends, I decided to join the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) for seniors. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am now beginning my fourth year. The IVC is a unique organization because it combines community with service. In and with community, we are each enriched through dialog and support. It is through spiritual enrichment and encouragement for direct action that we are inspired and motivated to especially serve the poor, marginalized and voiceless. In my (chosen) assignment with a nonprofit, I have the privilege of serving with a team that provides direct assistance to a cross section of low/fixed income clients - men and women, young and old, those who are from large and small families, the homeless, recently released inmates (from prison), as well as many others - in Baltimore City. It is fulfilling to have the opportunity to serve; however, it is also heartbreaking to see firsthand the deleterious and stressful effects of poverty, unemployment, income inequality and other social injustices. The service experience has also been "a gateway" to a greater awareness of a variety of "social realities," such as human trafficking, homelessness, addictions and immigration. It is a joy to be a member of a "life giving community" and to have a chance to engage, encounter and to serve others.

I have been associated with IVC since 2009, and currently serve on the Regional Council in New England. IVC is simply an amazing organization in a number of ways. Talented, experienced, dedicated volunteers selflessly give of their time, talent and dedication to a wide variety of nonprofit organizations and the clients they serve. I have heard numerous executives of these nonprofits tell of the value of IVC volunteers, many of whom serve at the same place for multiple years. The volunteers, in return, are supported and nourished by the camaraderie and support that they experience in their monthly volunteer meetings and in their monthly meetings with their spiritual reflectors. This latter activity is key to IVC, as it provides volunteers with a spiritual grounding that gives added meaning to their service. IVC staff are some of the most dedicated, hard-working people I know. It is a pleasure to be part of IVC.

This is the best of all volunteer experiences. First is 'personal matching' - the time that is spent on matching volunteers with their designated organization is the best. I never could have dreamed of such an assignment and there it was ... blending multiple past experiences with researching a 'new-to-me-topic' .... at a high-caliber institution ... working with great staff and resources ... responding to a high-level need within the Church. Second is the volunteers themselves - the volunteers ... we are great, so human, and 'I wish I had more time to get to know them better.' Third, the support of the IVC organization is incredible, whether it be in getting placements, connecting all of us on a monthly basis, or helping us in our personal spiritual journey. This is a 'twofer' experience - personal enrichment and spiritual growth.

As I approached retirement, I explored volunteer opportunities which would best allow me to give back to others the gifts I have experienced in my life and career, while at the same time deepening my own spirituality. I sought an organization or parish where the Gospel shaped the volunteer service, but also where the volunteers themselves grew in their spirituality as they sought God in those whom they served. The Ignatian Volunteer Corps came to the top of my list, and I joined with enthusiasm and with energy beyond my expectations of myself. My placement is a perfect match between my skills and the organization's needs. I am able to provide a much needed service to victims of domestic sexual trafficking and to the Executive Director of the organization, while I and my Volunteer colleagues dedicate ourselves to Gospel values in serving Christ and sharing His love with all the persons we encounter.

This year of service will be my 6th year as an IVC volunteer and I feel that I have been able to help further the education of dozens of disadvantaged youth at the 3 places I’ve volunteered. It has also allowed me to better understand the everyday difficulties of the poor in the community.

IVC participants are a natural extension of the Jesuit mission - carried out by lay volunteers - and they touch many needy people at all of the sites where they serve. The IVC plan of work at a service site and a monthly meeting with other IVC volunteers provides a valuable structure. I value the opportunity for growth and development that the monthly meetings foster, in addition to the ability to “give back” at my service site for all the blessings I‘ve received in my own life. The spiritual side of the IVC program is what differentiates it from "just volunteering". The discussions at the monthly meetings and time with my spiritual reflector are integral parts of the IVC experience for me. It takes my mundane, and often frustrating, volunteer work and elevates it to doing God's work.

As a retiree, I find my retirement fulfilling in new ways and I feel I am making a difference in the lives of the children that I tutor. In serving immigrant children, students in an urban school, and scholars who have had a problematic upbringing, I learn so much from them about the issues of poverty they live with daily. In return, I hope I am able to teach them a little math and reading comprehension to help prepare them for the rest of their lives. If nothing else, I may be the one who paid attention to them for a few hours during the day. I believe there is value it that attention alone.

IVC volunteers are a valuable and valued resource to the local community because of their willingness to share their skills, abilities and life-experience with the underprivileged. The depth and variety of experience in our IVC group is impressive. These people know how to address problems and get things done! The Ignatian Volunteers are valuable contributors to senior volunteer service in a way that carries the Jesuit missions of education, social justice and good old-fashioned charity to the needy and disadvantaged. I am privileged to be a volunteer for this high-impact organization alongside an amazing group of caring, resourceful and multi-talented people.

I have had the pleasure of working with two tireless IVC volunteers who have offered their support to my organization, GEDCO. They assist my clients with processing Fuel Fund applications to avoid energy shutoff, and with job search assistance. In all cases, my clients have been served with professionalism and dignity. My IVC volunteers truly want to make the world a better place!

IVC does an excellent job matching volunteers with their unique skills and interests, to social service agencies that need those skills. And they provide social and spiritual support to the volunteers, to boot! This is truly an organization that works with very limited means and does wonders in the community!

As an organization the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) partners with other non-profit organizations. Its purpose is to connect volunteers over 50 years of age to help those who are poor, marginalized or vulnerable.

For over 12 years my association with the IVC has given me the opportunity to serve others, people that I would not have been able to meet easily. One of my major areas of service has been visiting women in prison at the Minnesota State Correctional Facility. Presently I am in my third year volunteering in an English Learning Class for immigrants. These service opportunities have enabled me to help others by using my capabilities and previous experiences as a teacher for 34 years. Through the IVC I have learned the importance of focusing on the dignity and uniqueness of every person. It has also enabled me to contribute to the common good of the community. Both of these are important goals for IVC service.

Personally the IVC has given me many rewards. It has provided me with an excellent means to learn and grow spiritually. Besides forming meaningful friendships, the monthly group meetings give us a way of reflecting on our service work as well as to discuss books focused on spirituality. In addition, meetings with a spiritual reflector each month and three retreat days a year have been invaluable.

I have found that volunteering through the IVC has given me a purpose, especially at this time in my life. Through it I have received much more than I've done for others. The IVC is truly a source of happiness for me!

Early-on in my retirement, I responded to a brochure I had read during a Jesuit retreat. I joined IVC as a volunteer four years ago. Having previously done extensive volunteering, the missing dimension for me was the opportunity to explore and share related volunteer experiences with others from a spiritual perspective. I found that focus through IVC’s comprehensive format that includes: significant non-profit placement opportunities addressing needs of the materially poor, inspiring monthly meetings, experience-sharing discussions, relevant literature review/discussion and Ignatian spiritual reflection. The offered placements will allow you to directly apply your pre-retirement work and avocational skills and/or provide the opportunity to apply yourself in a totally new and different way to bring your skills and interests to those in need in your community. If you are seeking to have retirement activities that do more than keep you busy or entertained, seriously consider the Ignatian Volunteer Corps!

I have been associated with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps in the Philadelphia-South Jersey Region since 2001.

I had wanted to be a volunteer during my retirement. I had prior experiences as a volunteer in church and civic groups and I wanted to continue doing that. "Why" was a given for me. What to do, for whom to do it and where had to be determined. It fell in my lap with the help of my spouse, Maureen. I am a graduate of Fordham U. Maureen was looking at an alumni newsletter and spotted a story of a Fordham grad at IVC in Baltimore. I was sold on IVC.

I have been in several roles at IVC - volunteer, region director and a member of a leadership team guiding the region during a time when the director's job was vacant.
IVC provides opportunities to help folks in need; learning to be a person for others, and doing things in places which are new to you. What an opportunity for continuing growth!
I found that out most clearly when I was a staff member and recruiting new volunteers.
The more I talked about what it took to fit at IVC, the more I valued what being in IVC was doing for me as a person.
• I began thinking more about others before myself..
• I soon realized that the way of the working world was no longer valid. Getting things done faster and better was not the target.
• Instead, I began to appreciate the privilege of sharing in the lives of others, on their terms.
• I learned to walk along side persons in a true spirit of kinship; being present; listening and sharing.
As a member of IVC, you truly get to move toward the action part of the command, to "love your neighbor". For that, I am truly grateful.

I have been a member of the Ignatian Volunteer Corp (IVC) for six years. My first volunteer opportunity was mentoring men who had recently left prison. My next opportunity, which I am involved now, is coordinating weekend spiritual retreats for homeless men. While challenging, these opportunities have provided a vehicle to give back to those in need. The spiritual direction provided by a Sister of Charity through IVC and the monthly meetings provide me with the support that I need to be able to serve the homeless. I am blest and grateful for the opportunity to serve these men.

IVC has allowed me to continue to touch the lives of those we serve. Volunteer work as a senior is wonderful, however, when you add the component of Ignatian philosophy it becomes outstanding. It has taught me to see the face of God in everyone . I am truly blessed!

A Passion for the Possible, a Heart for Humanity - this is IVC! We touch the lives of the underserved, the poor, immigrants, students, elderly and more with every ounce of our vast experiences. Mother Teresa said it best: "Everybody can do something. We are not called to be successsful - we are called to be faithful. We can do no great things, only small things with great love."
"Ite inflammate omnia" - Go forth and set the world on fire as proclaimed by St. Ignatius. Now it's up to all of us to do our share, but most importantly to do what we do out of Gratitude. IVC is an amazing opportunity to unleash that gratitude and be men and women for and with others in the truest sense while deepening our relationship with the spirit witin us.

Phil Rivera is an invaluable resource at the Esperanza Center. His charming personality makes the experience much more enjoyable for both the volunteers and the members of the community who seek us out. The expertise from his years of teaching drastically improves the teaching techniques of the volunteers. Additionally, the small suggestions that he makes often end up making large differences in the lesson.

At Holy Name School in Omaha, Nebraska we have the pleasure of working together with three IVC volunteers. All three have provided valuable assistance in areas of personal expertise. One has greatly enhanced our marketing and recruitment efforts. Another has helped rebuild our technology infrastructure and supervised the project as it unfolded. The third provides tutorial assistance to several of our middle school students who need support in reading and math.

Catholic Charities Esperanza Center has been fortunate to have an Ignatian Volunteer Corps member volunteering with us for the past 3 years. Phil Rivera provides invaluable assistance in our ESL program, helping to teach students, planning and conducting trainings for our volunteer teachers, providing guidance to our volunteer teachers, and providing general assistance to our ESOL Coordinator. We have a small staff at the Center and great demand for our services, so Phil and the IVC are a terrific asset. The IVC program helps us to do what we do best, even better. Val Twanmoh, Director, Esperanza Center

I am a volunteer ESOL teacher at the Esperanza Center in Baltimore, MD, an immigration services charity where one of the Ignatian Volunteers, Phil Rivera, serves as the site's Volunteer Teacher Mentor. During my time here, Phil has constantly provided great pedagogical advice and direction for myself and the other teachers, drawing from his long career as an educator. Furthermore, he is a great person to talk to and has contributed to Center's friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

IVC has provided a number of candidates, who have become staff of our agency that serves adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for the State of Maryland funded by the state and federal government. Members past and current provide immediate contribution to our agency from a faith-based, mission directed approach to service; great deal of maturity, which is a model to our younger employees; and forge agency toward meeting our goal of empowering our member base to become contributing members of society through service implementation.

IVC members who serve 1-2 days per week are extremely affordable in terms of the cost to hire quality, movtivated and high skilled personnel. Additionally, the IVC referral(s) are screened, so that when a referral is ready to transition to site placement, they have been submitted to an HR process by IVC. This service saves time and money, while sharing the burden of filling staffing needs.

We would recommend any agency to consider a IVC member, as part of their organization. Chip Woods, Executive Director, St.Peter's Adult Learning Center, Inc.

I have been an IVC Volunteer for two years, and my site is The Esperanza Center (Catholic Charities) in Fells Point. My experience is 40+ years in education. My Supervisor has encouraged me to take charge of curriculum revision for ESL as well tutor training. During ESL tutoring sessions, I sit in and make suggestions to tutors as appropriate and locate resources for tutors. My assignment works well for me.

My 2 years in IVC have been wonderful. Our new Regional Director, Steve Eberle, has done a good job with innovations and creative ideas. Our monthly meetings are quite enjoyable. There is a nice comradery among the volunteers & staff. We have two optional retreats a year as well as a day of reflection and a summer picnic.

Anyone interested, should definitely check IVC out.

IVC has utilized my mature training and talentI I have a Masters Degree in social work from Columbia University, and years of experience in program development and parenting instruction. At 50 years old, I came to IVC after having spent the majority of the past 25 years raising my children, one of whom has Aspergers Syndrome. I was "fired" from my job, when the last of my four kids left for college, and was LOOKING for a way to utilize my skills and talents to make a significant impact in the world.

I have been able to work with non profit organizations that need program management and help with volunteer supervision. I am not stuffing envelopes, or answering phones, but actually using my social work skills to help programs that service the homeless youth in our community.

The organization is well thought out, extremely well run, and makes a whole lot of sense. Why not match up our retiring and recycling professionals with agencies that desperately need their skills. All in the spirit of service and commitment to community. Brilliant!!!!!!!!!

I joined the Ignatian Volunteer Corp two years ago, after retirement from a social work career that I had enjoyed for many years. I have found the opportunity to give my time and talents to the needy in Baltimore and the interaction with other IVC volunteers most rewarding. IVC gives the opportunity to continue growth in retirement.

After retiring from a most rewarding career in public health, I knew that I wanted to use my skills and experience in a volunteer capacity. I also knew that in an area like Metro Washington, DC, there were hundreds of volunteer possibilities. After much exploration, I was thrilled to learn that IVC placed volunteers in organizations that truly needed and appreciated them and offered formal and informal opportunities to reflect on that service within a spiritual context. Additionally, IVC hosted monthly meetings of volunteers, spiritual retreats, and one-on-one sessions with trained facilitators. The organization is staffed with outstanding professionals who are always available to volunteers and a wonderful communication system based on a strong Web presence and frequent outreach to individual volunteers and to the organizations where they serve. The decision was an easy one - IVC was where I wanted to serve.

During the past year and a half, I have worked for a small non-profit organization that provides a comprehensive range of social, legal, and medical services to survivors of torture who are seeking asylum in the United States. Every day is different with tasks ranging from assisting with administrative tasks to helping survivors craft their resumes to planning a national conference. As with so many volunteer experiences, when we move beyond ourselves, listen to those in need, we grow and, hopefully, make a difference in another individual's life.

I write representing the Esperanza Center, an Immigrant Outreach organization housed by Catholic Charities of Baltimore. We have had the honor of utilizing an Ignatian Volunteer Corps member for the last 3 years in our ESL (English as a Second Language) program. The Corps member came with a rich background in education management and as such, has become an invaluable member of our staff, although "only" a volunteer.
Everything about working with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps program is a pleasure, from the logistics to the celebrations. We are thankful to be a community partner with them!

Upon retirement as an insurance industry executive, I heard about the IVC through my alma mater. I was looking for something different, interesting and rewarding to do after spending almost 42 years helping people in a beneficial but indirect fashion. I wanted a more "hands-on" way of helping the community. The Ignatian Volunteer Corps provided that vehicle with the extra bonus of a spiritual element that helps to put my volunteer work into a broader perspective. While doing my service at the independent Community Prep School in South Providence, RI for mostly inner city, economically disadvantaged middle school children, I am doing so with a backdrop of Jesuit/Catholic core values.

I have completed an academic year working two days a week at Community Prep working mostly with grades 3,4 and 5 but all grades through grade 8. I have assisted the teachers and worked with the children one-on-one, handled the classes during teacher absences, worked recesses and have also worked in the Development Office to raise critically important funds since the school is independent and depends on donations, foundations and fundraisers to accumulate the ongoing $1.4 million annual expenses to run the school. My contacts within the business community have helped in raising some of that needed revenue. I became the unofficial photographer and videographer of school field trips and class plays, many of which I helped produce and direct and have found their way onto the school's website. For many of the students, while I thought I may have been playing a surrogate parent role, I was assured by another IVC member that the kids probably really saw me in a "grandfatherly" role.

I have found the children to be eager to learn and most appreciative of the small contribution I have been able to make to their education. I greatly appreciate the diversity of the students at the school and their optimism is contagious. The students that I help are predominantly Hispanic, African-American, Asian, bi-racial and their religious affiliations include Catholic, Protestant, Muslim, Jewish, Jehovah Witnesses. Despite the racial, ethnic and religious differences, these kids make and maintain friendships regardless of the other's background.

The teachers have used my advanced years to be an oral historian and resident expert on "ancient" history, like the 1960's as I have been able to explain "flower children," the Vietnam War and the turmoil of my youth that even the teachers were not old enough to experience.

The months at Community Prep and being an IVC volunteer have made my transition into retirement an enjoyable and rewarding time. I have eagerly "signed on" for another tour of duty this fall and I am pleased that the administrators, staff and teachers seem to be happy that I will return to help them once again. Perhaps most rewarding were the many letters that I received from the students thanking me for helping them this past year and expressing their wishes that I return again next year. How could I turn them down?

Congratulations to the IVC NE region and other affiliated chapters throughout the country, you are doing great work!

What a wonderful program this is and it is expanding and continuing to reach out to more and more non-profits! In New England, where I serve, IVC has expanded from 20 to 33 volunteers in the past year and has reached out beyond Boston, Worcester and Providence to Lawrence, Somerville, Brockton and other parts of Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Its volunteers truly have an impact!

I've been an Ignatian Volunteer for 5.5 years and it's been a wonderfully satisfying experience. IVC is more than simply an opportunity to help others; it's an opportunity to put one's service into a broader, deeper personal experience. The support and direction provided to volunteers, from other volunteers and related resources, is extremely helpful...and enjoyable.

Many of us seniors want to give back. If we have the time and the health to contribute to our communities we are eager to do so. What IVC offers if beyond volunteering. Besides working directly with the materially poor--more often than not, in situations and places we would not ordinarily think to offer our help--we IVCers find new friendships in our monthly meetings; new insights into the meaning of our daily lives, both as volunteers and as committed Christians; and intellectual as well as spiritual challenges in the readings and discussions that part of the IVC commitment. The Ignatian Volunteer Corps offers a unique, multifaceted opportunity to search others and to grow into the men and women we are called to be, the men and women we want to be.

We have had an Ignatian Lay Volunteer in our ESL program for 2 years and now we don't know how we could have done without him before! His expertise in his field brings a welcome professionalism. He helps to train our teachers and to create appropriate curriculum, as well as acting as a teacher mentor.

IVC has given us this wonderful opportunity and we are very thankful.

I am beginning my 7th year as an IVC volunteer and my third as a National Board member. I feel that puts me in a unique position as I share my thoughts about this impressive organization. I currently volunteer at a site which provides respite care for individuals with moderate to severe dementia and it has been an incredible journey. I have learned a lot about life and myself as I observe these individuals and the loving devotion of their caregivers. At monthly meetings, I also hear about the amazing work my fellow volunteers are doing and the love and caring they bring to this work. IVC has also offered me the opportunity to grow spiritually at twice yearly retreats, a very special time for members to be refreshed and renewed. As a board member, I also have the good fortune to see the IVC leadership at work. These are impressive individuals who believe in this organization. They work hard to assure that it will grow and flourish. I am proud to be a member of IVC.

When I retired I wanted a chance to use my talents for others. IVC matched my nursing experience with an organization that worked with young mothers to be , to prepare them for childbirth and care of their young children.. It also offered a spiritual support group with other volunteers including days of reflection and faith sharing. It has enriched my life in so many ways.

I have six years of experience as a board member for IVC. As a Jesuit priest, I have interacted with the Omaha IVC volunteers regularly. What an excellent group of generous people! IVC attracts people who value service, who want more experience and discussion of spirituality in their lives, and who treasure community. When people find their way to us, they get excited about the experience of IVC. Retreats, discussions, and personal interactions with IVC volunteers have been so encouraging to me.

Before I retired I was looking for a volunteer retirement opportunity that would combine community service with spiritual enrichment. Fortunately, I found the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) that integrates Ignatian Spirituality with service to the materially poor. I have now been a volunteer with IVC in the field for three years. My community placements for two days per week have addressed my interest in community service, and my two monthly spiritual reflection meetings (one with the entire group of IVC volunteers and one with my personal Spiritual Reflector) have responded to my by desire for spiritual development. I feel I have gained more from this overall IVC experience than I have given! In addition, IVC is a excellent community of dedicated people to be part of.

I have been in IVC for three years. I joined after retiring from a 40 year career in sales. I volunteer at Catholic Charities Emergency Services program in downtown Syracuse. I love it. There is plenty of action and countless ways to help people. The people with whom I work are outstanding, and include Hank Centore, another IVC volunteer. Our place is busy and filled with folks who need our help.

Once a month all the Syracuse IVC volunteers meet at Lemoyne College and compare notes, as well as discuss the current reading. I sense that all of our volunteers are enthusiastic about their work.

I was fortunate to attend a Jesuit high school and college. In part due to IVC I now understand more clearly what the Jesuit Fathers wee talking about in our philosophy classes many years ago.

I've been volunteering with IVC for 6 years now. I love everyone involved, the other volunteers, the staff we work with and of course the clients. It's a great way to serve and grow spiritually.

I have been involved as a member of the IVC national board for several years and continue to be impressed by the organization at all levels. I have met and interacted with IVC volunteers at a number of its regions, including New York City, Philadelphia, and Cincinnati. To a person, they have expressed great satisfaction with their involvement with IVC, as a means for both service to the poor and disadvantaged as well as their own spiritual development. As a board member, I see the dedication to and focus on IVC's mission among my fellow board members and the IVC national staff that is driving growth for IVC. It is very gratifying to see the positive impact that IVC is making on its volunteers and the agencies and people they serve.

I joined IVC in 2012. I am s akeptic of sorts. But I have become a true believer in both the IVC model and its volunteers. It is a great marriage of ideals an ability on the one hand (the volunteers) and need (the organizations and the individuals whom the organizations serve) on the other. And IVC's model can be sustainable without a lot of uncertainty about whether the funds can be raised year over year. That is important because other worthy organizations in which I have participated in various fashions have foundered when one year the finances did not work.

There is a great hunger in retirees, people of accomplishment, to give something back not in money but service. IVC taps into that and with a program that works and provides support.

There are challenges of course. but I believe both the mission and the model will result in IVC succeeding for years to come. I hioe to help in that.

I became an Ignatian Lay Volunteer a few months after retirement from paid employment. I look forward to the two days a week I spend assisting disadvantaged persons in Baltimore City. The rewards of joining the IVC have far exceeded the rewards of my prior employment. I have never before had the privilege of working with such a compassionate, gifted, intelligent and dedicated group of individuals. The spiritual and social support provide a framework for the volunteer experience.

I have been in the Ignatian Volunteer Corps for almost 4 years. The wonderful and unique aspect of IVC is that volunteer service is coupled with spiritual reflection, monthly meetings and retreats with others in my region of IVC. We all volunteer in different places and have different experiences but we come together as a dedicated group in our meetings.

My volunteer experience is one of giving service to the poor and the group experience is learning from so many wise and spiritual people. Ignatian Volunteer Corps is a true compass as I travel my spiritual journey.

I joined the Ignatian Volunteer Corps(IVC) in 1996 and am still an active volunteer and donor. I have had many volunteer jobs over the years including SOME Center for Employment Training for welfare- to- work men and women in Washington, DC. Two days a week I worked with unemployed welfare people preparing them to get and keep the right job for their skills. Later I worked with prisoners at the Pre-release Center in Rockville Maryland, helping them find jobs and a place to live when they completed their prison sentences. That was the most interesting and rewarding job. IVC helped me do a good job by having monthly city meetings with other IVC volunteers, 3 spiritual retreats each year and strong support in our efforts to help the poor.

As an Ignatian Volunteer, I had the opportunity to work with the poorest of the poor - homeless pregnant women who have the courage to give their baby the gift of life. It was an opportunity to "be" there for them and to meet them where they are as they make their way to a better brighter future for them and their families. Each day was a new day and the script gradually unfolded. All of the members of the
Ignatian Volunteer Corps are talented, resourceful and amazingly willing to be there for the
poor, the homeless, the unemployed, and the neglected members of our society.