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.
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