Volunteers in Northern Virginia normally contribute two days a week at their Project Service Site, but in certain circumstances some are allowed to volunteer one day each week. However, IVC’s founders judged that volunteering two days a week allows the best conditions for an Ignatian Volunteer to develop relationships at their Service Site and to assist their Service Site with their consistency and continuity. Two days a week also allow the Ignatian Volunteer to develop enough experience to provide food for reflection, an integral part of the spiritual component of IVC; two days a week still allow the Ignatian Volunteer to pursue his/her own personal interests and maintain family, church, friend and community relationships.
The IVC program is not for everyone. There are many other service opportunities for older adults but what IVC offers is a depth of experience and a unique spiritual reflection system and support to sustain and deepen their service commitment.