2021 Annual Report
A Message from the President
In his book, Let Us Dream, Pope Francis tells us: “You have to go to the edges of existence if you want to see the world as it is…You have to make for the margins to find a new future.” These last eighteen months have been challenging for IVC, but through your generosity and the incredible dedication of our regional and corporate staff and service corps members, IVC has indeed stood firm on the margins with our social service partners and those they serve.
As our partners struggled to meet the ever-growing needs of the marginalized, many volunteers continued to serve – most of them virtually – and our staff worked overtime to find creative ways to support both our partners and volunteers. This, in large part, is thanks to you, our generous donors. Our partners and volunteers could count on us because we could count on you!
Even though the regional corps communities were unable to meet in person, we grew “together, apart.” In some ways, the IVC community became stronger as we interacted nationally through online retreats and speaker events.
We were also able to reach out virtually to many more people to share our mission and invite them to join us. With vaccinations on the rise and many partners resuming full operations, we’ve seen a 40% jump in active corps members!
Demand from our partners continues for the leadership and experience of IVC volunteers. I thank all our regional staff and the members of our service corps for their commitment, flexibility, and support throughout these trying times. You did this. Without you, we would not be able to touch so many lives.
We at IVC have much to be thankful for and your generosity tops the list! Thank you for companioning us as we continue to work towards a new future for those on the margins.
Mary McGinnity, IVC President & CEO
“For more than 25 years I have been involved with the IVC. For me, it is the epitome of three Ignatian guiding principles: Cura Personalis, Magis and Finding God in All Things.”
– William J. Watters, S.J.
A Note of Appreciation from our Board Chair
On behalf of my fellow IVC board members, thank you for your steadfast support of IVC.
Thank you also to the leaders who serve on IVC’s regional advisory councils. The guidance you provide to IVC’s region directors, your commitment to promoting IVC, and your philanthropic efforts are invaluable. You serve as an inspiration to all of us on the Board of Directors.
The pandemic isn’t over, but even when it ends, the poor and marginalized will remain. The demand is great and IVC will continue to recruit agents of change for the Corps.
Please stay in touch. Go to our website for inspiring stories from community partners and corps members, and information on spiritual offerings that nourish and sustain our corps year after year. If you haven’t already done so, “like” and “follow” us on Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. Please spread the word!
If you are interested in becoming more active in your local IVC community, either as a service corps member, a regional advisory council member or as a social service partner, you will find links on the website for that as well.
Once again, thank you for your support. I hope the coming year is one of health and well-being for you and your families.
James Swope, Chair
Louise Wright
“IVC helped open my eyes…to see Christ in those most needy brothers and sisters we serve. IVC helped inspire me to truly mean the “AMEN” response as I receive the Eucharist, and to affirm my commitment to be a disciple of Christ.” ~ Louise Wright, IVC Baltimore
Bill Thompson
“I burned out very quickly in service work in the past, but now my service is based on the Gospel. To be in community with other people who share the commitment to be ‘persons for others’ keeps me grounded and trusting in the Spirit.” ~ Bill Thompson, IVC Washington DC/Metro MD
Ed Furay
“Yes! Get in touch with IVC! Go volunteer! Get out and share your wealth of experience and patience and laughter with others, for others! Get on with it – for others. Show love in action in a surprising way. What the word? Magis! Do the more, the better – for God’s glory!” ~ Ed Furay, IVC Omaha
NeighborWorks NEPA
‘The opportunity to partner with IVC immediately enhances our organizational capacity with focused, skilled, and committed volunteers to provide a helping hand, not a hand out, to our neighbors in need.” ~ Jesse Ergott President & CEO, NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania
“IVC is unique in that it provides the service corps members with the opportunity to offer direct service with those in need, but it also provides a support community – a faith community where people can come together and share the experiences they have when they serve, their concerns that come up through service, as well as the assurance that their fellow corps members are there for them through their service.”
~ Barbara J. Menard, IVC San Diego Regional Advisory Council Member
Key Accomplishments
❖ Saw a 40% increase in service corps members from September 2020 to September 2021!
❖ Expanded our reach by developing a robust online capability, offering virtual opportunities for service corps gatherings, and spiritual support and growth to our core community and the general public.
❖ Initiated “serve-from-home” options with our partners and began a “virtual” region extending beyond our current geographic boundaries.
❖ Developed and are offering a national spiritual formation program to the entire corps community to commemorate the Ignatian 500th year and to respond to the Pope’s call to action.
❖ Grew our Jesuit College/University Partnerships, adding Boston College, Creighton University, and Georgetown University.
❖ Saw a 56% increase in new financial benefactors – thank you!
❖ Implemented a state-of the-art database/ relationship management system to aid staff. (Again, thank you to our IGNITE! Donors.)
❖ Are so grateful and humbled that 49% of all philanthropic gifts came from within the Corps community, and that 100% of staff and board
“The greatest joy we have at GEDCO CARES is the connection we make with our clients. The people we serve are our neighbors, and IVC volunteers have always gone out of their way to respect the dignity of each person they serve. We are grateful for their presence in and support of our ministry.”
~ Rachael Neill, Director of Community Services for GEDCO
Financial Information
