Fundraising

      After the whirlwind of college graduation, I find myself recuperating and reconnecting at home in the dear old south. But I can't sit down for long without thinking about all that must be done in preparation for my year as a Jesuit Volunteer: FBI background check, summer reading, packing (how does one pack for a year of simplicity, after all?)... and fundraising.

     Fundraising has always been a sensitive subject for me. In light of recent natural disasters in my area, it's even more difficult for me to ask for charitable donations. I strongly feel it is our duty as community members to be involved in relief efforts for our neighbors. How can I with good conscience ask you to give more when you are already reaching deep in your pockets and hearts to give generously to our hometown neighbors in need?

     On the one hand, I'll admit I'm still struggling with this dilemma.

     But on the other hand, I realize that this duty to serve community is not limited to my hometown. When I relocate, this duty travels with me. In my North Carolina college years, I found my education wasn't complete without time spent at the nearby homeless center. While I am home for the summer I am seeking ways to be involved in tornado and flood relief. (I am thankful to finally be home where I can help rather than stuck taking exams in North Carolina.) When I move to Washington, D.C. in the fall, this same duty will drive my service as a caseworker for Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington.

     I've been truly inspired by the generous response to the needs of tornado and flood victims. If in the depth of all that giving you can spare another dollar or prayer for my Jesuit Volunteer Corps year, thank you.

     By contributing financially, you enable me to dedicate a year to building constructive relationships with Washington, D.C. neighbors in need. Every dollar given to Jesuit Volunteer Corps is another dollar non-profits like Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington can spend directly on the people they serve rather than hiring another full-time staff member.

     Through spiritual support, you give me strength to face this challenging commitment. When we pray daily as a community we join forces to serve our neighbors worldwide.

     Through this year (and the glories of free blog services) I hope we can together explore the call to serve our communities.

     Pax, 

     Kelly 

To donate to Kelly's year as a Jesuit Volunteer, please visit http://www.tinyurl.com/kellylencejvc.

UPDATE: A few days after I wrote the first draft of this entry I met with my home pastor. I explained to him the dilemma I have been having with fundraising, especially with asking people to financially support me all the way in D.C. when I felt they should be giving to their own neighbors in need. He responded beautifully: "Kelly, when you were baptized in this Church as a child we made a commitment to support you wherever you go. We are your church family." (At this point in the story my mother cries). So now I go to D.C. with the blessing of my home church - and what a sweet blessing it is. 

The 5 W's of My Jesuit Volunteer Journey

Who:Well, that would be me. And about 300 others this year.

What:Jesuit Volunteers (JVs), members of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC).
          The Jesuit Volunteer Corps (https://www.jesuitvolunteers.org) is a world-wide network for faith-based service framed around four core values: social justice, simple living, community and spirituality. I will live in intentional community with other JVs, each of whom will have a placement in a non-profit, school, or other organization that serves the needy. We will build community as we live, eat, pray, cry, and laugh together. No doubt we will learn much from one another as we manage our $90/month food and $100/month individual stipends.
           I will serve as an intern caseworker with the non-profit Samaritan Ministry of Greater Washington (http://www.samaritanministry.org) which opens its doors to the homeless and needy in Washington, D.C. I'll listen to people's stories, keep records, and help them develop a step by step plan to achieve their goals of getting a job, a home, etc.

When:A full year, August 2011 to August 2012.

Where:Washington, D.C. (you may have guess this by now)

Why:There are several reasons this year will be a time of formative discernment. With the support of community (both near and far, old and new), I will explore what it means to serve my neighbor.  With hands-on experience as the focal point for learning, I will fulfill my nagging desire to serve. Since I'm considering counseling or social work down the road, this experience will help determine my next step in formal education. In addition to all this, keeping spirituality in mind will help me maintain a grounded and holistic lifestyle.