Volunteer Opportunities in Philadelphia
Are you 50 or older and looking for a meaningful way to give back in your community? The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) Philadelphia/South Jersey offers adults in their “encore years” the opportunity to serve local nonprofit organizations that support people in need.
From food pantries and shelters to education and elder care programs, IVC Volunteer Corps Members help extend the mission and reach of these trusted organizations, offering their time, talents, and hearts to serve those in need.
Our program is geared toward the recently retired, people working part-time, or those seeking more purpose in their week. IVC matches your time and talents with community partners who need compassionate, experienced volunteers. You’ll serve one or two days per week while engaging in spiritual reflection and joining a like-minded community of people who are living out their values through service. We partner with non-profits throughout the Delaware Valley.
How We Serve in Philadelphia and South Jersey
Across Philadelphia and South Jersey, IVC partners with local nonprofit organizations that serve a wide variety of needs. Corps members are placed in roles based on their skills and interests, providing meaningful volunteer help in areas such as:
- Education and tutoring
- Housing and homelessness services
- Refugee and immigrant support
- Community outreach and advocacy
- Food distribution and nutrition programs
- Elder care and companionship
- Administrative and program support
Join us for behind-the-scenes support or direct interaction. IVC will help you find a service role where you can make a difference. Specific, professional training isn’t needed, just a willingness to serve others and grow. IVC brings volunteers with experience, dedication, and compassion to help those in need.
Meg Retz,
Regional Director
How to Get Involved with the Ignatian Volunteer Corps
Joining IVC Philadelphia/South Jersey is a thoughtful and supported process designed to help you make the most of your service.We’ll be with you every step of the way. To get involved, follow these steps:
- Reach Out: Fill out our interest form or contact our Regional Director to start the conversation.
- Discern: Through conversation, we’ll learn about your background, interests, and availability, and discern a match for you with a nonprofit that needs your help.
- Start Serving: Upon acceptance to the program, you can serve one or two days a week, making a consistent impact while enjoying flexibility.
- Reflect and Grow: Join our community gatherings to connect, reflect, and deepen your experience.
Request IVC for Your Nonprofit
IVC Philadelphia/South Jersey partners with faith-based and secular nonprofits to place older adult volunteers in mission-aligned service roles. Our corps members volunteer years of experience, dedication, and a consistent presence to your team.
Benefits of partnering with IVC include:
- Volunteers available one to two days per week
- Long-term commitment (typically September–June)
- Matches based on your specific needs and the volunteer’s skills
- Support and communication from the IVC regional team
Why Choose IVC Philadelphia/South Jersey?
IVC isn’t just an opportunity to serve—it’s a community rooted in purpose and faith. In addition to their service, corps members gather each month for reflection and prayer, with the option of one-on-one spiritual support. This Ignatian approach to service—finding God in all things—sets IVC apart from other opportunities.
By bringing professional and life experience to their service, corps members strengthen nonprofit partners and help create a more just society. Many members tell us they receive even more than they give, finding deep meaning in both their service and their shared community.
Here’s what makes IVC unique in Philadelphia and South Jersey:
- Thoughtful Matching: We take time to know you and our nonprofit partners to ensure a placement that aligns with your skills, passions, and values.
- Experienced Members: Corps members bring a lifetime of professional and personal experience, adding real value to the organizations they serve.
- Spiritual Growth: Monthly reflection gatherings and retreats, rooted in Ignatian spirituality, help connect service with deeper meaning.
- Dependable Commitment: Members serve one or two days a week for a full academic year, providing consistency partner organizations can count on.
- Community Connection: You’ll join a welcoming group of peers who share your commitment to service, reflection, and justice.
Explore Stories of Service
Experience Making a Difference in Philadelphia and South Jersey
Find a fulfilling way to give back or seek long-term volunteer support; IVC Philadelphia/South Jersey is here to help.
Contact IVC Philadelphia/South Jersey Today