History of IVC
From Humble Beginnings to a National Movement of Faith in Action
The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) was founded in 1995 by two Jesuit priests, Fr. Jim Conroy, S.J., and Fr. Charlie Costello, S.J., in response to Vatican II’s call for laypeople to actively participate in the life of the Church. The history of IVC began with an envisioned program that would connect retired professionals with communities in need, combining service with deep personal and spiritual reflection.
As the IVC grew, it attracted members from diverse backgrounds, each bringing unique skills and experiences to their service. This expansion not only enriched the communities they served but also fostered a deeper sense of connection among the volunteer corps members themselves. Over the years, IVC has evolved into a vibrant network, inspiring countless individuals to live out their faith through meaningful service.
The First Corps Members
IVC began with a small but dedicated group: 11 men and women from Philadelphia, Baltimore, and Washington, DC. These early corps members committed to serving one or two days per week at Catholic parishes, schools, and social service agencies. They also met monthly for reflection and prayer, guided by Frs. Conroy and Costello, ensuring their service was deeply rooted in Ignatian Spirituality.
Growth and National Expansion
What started as a regional initiative soon gained national recognition. Over the next several years, IVC expanded to:
- New York City
- Chicago
- Minneapolis-St. Paul
- San Diego
As new regions joined the movement, IVC took on a national character. With support from local Jesuit provinces, Frs. Conroy and Costello established a Board of Directors to guide expansion and financial sustainability.
A Strong Foundation for the Future
By the early 2000s, IVC had outgrown its founding leadership structure. The Board of Directors appointed Jim Scanlon as the first lay CEO, followed by Suzanne Geaney in 2003, who led a decade of steady growth, adding regional programs in:
- St. Louis, MO
- Omaha, NE
- Syracuse, NY
- New England
In 2010, Mary McGinnity was elected President & CEO, ushering in a new era of expansion and innovation. Under her leadership, IVC welcomed new regions in:
- Milwaukee, WI
- Northeastern Pennsylvania
- Denver, CO
- Albany, NY
- New Orleans, LA
IVC Today: A Bold Vision for the Future
The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 challenged IVC to adapt and reimagine service. Corps members found new ways to safely serve, and IVC launched a Virtual Program, allowing individuals to serve remotely from anywhere in the world. By 2022, virtual placements had become a core offering, expanding IVC’s ability to reach corps members and nonprofits across the country.
Today, IVC is a nationwide network of:
- 550+ corps members
- 350+ nonprofit partner
- 17 regional programs serving 25+ states
In 2024, the Board of Directors approved “Imagine IVC,” a ten-year vision for growth and impact. Rooted in a process of prayerful listening and strategic planning, this vision recognizes the growing number of individuals seeking purpose in retirement and IVC’s unique role as a leader in faith-driven service.
As IVC moves into this next chapter, we remain committed to serving communities, growing in faith, and empowering corps members to be agents of change.
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