Deacon Jimmy F. Vargas, OFS, serves as President and CEO of Father Joe’s Villages, the largest homeless services provider in Southern California. In this role Deacon Jim oversees all facets of the organization, including the comprehensive housing and supportive services offered through St. Vincent de Paul Village, the Village Family Health Clinic, Therapeutic Child Care Center, Education and Employment Center, and the agency’s portfolio of affordable housing.

Deacon Jim is a member of the Board of the San Diego Region’s Continuum of Care, the Downtown San Diego Partnership, and The Young Catholic Professionals. He is the past chair of the Board of the Rady Children’s Hospital of San Diego Foundation, Epiphany Prep Charter School of San Diego, and Casa Cornelia Law Center.

Deacon Jim is a Secular Franciscan and a member of the Finance Council of the Diocese of San Diego. He is a Deacon serving the community of Mary, Star of the Sea in La Jolla, previously having served the community of Our Lady of Angels in downtown San Diego. Deacon Jim is married to his grammar school sweetheart of 47 years. They have two children, four grandsons, with a granddaughter due in November 2024.

The Madonna Della Strada Award is presented to a person or organization reflecting the Ignatian values of direct service to the poor and work dedicated to creating a more just society. IVC is excited to recognize Deacon Jim’s outstanding leadership and compassion in caring for our brothers and sisters struggling with poverty, homelessness, and housing instability.

Sheila O’Malley Vision & Dedication Award Recipient:

Barbara J. Menard

As we celebrate our 25th Anniversary, IVC San Diego is proud to honor Barbara J. Menard with the 2025 Sheila O’Malley Vision & Dedication Award. Barbara has been actively involved with IVC San Diego since 2004, serving as a member of the Regional Advisory Council, twice temporary acting Regional Director with Sheila O’Malley, and a Spiritual Director/Reflector. She also served as the program’s Spiritual Animator from 2005 to 2016. Barbara is a spiritual director/supervisor through the Center for Ignatian Spirituality at Our Lady of Guadalupe Jesuit Parish, and a spiritual director at the Spiritual Ministry Center.

She is a volunteer at Catholic Charities, where she previously worked as the Post-Adoption Program Manager. Barbara is also a member of the Scripps Mercy Advisory Council, chair of the Scripps Mercy Mission Integration Committee, a member of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance 2116 Advisors, and the trustee/director of Menard Family Foundation.  Barbara is a San Diego native and holds Masters degrees in Spirituality/Scripture and Social Work.

This award honors an individual who, like Sheila O’Malley (1949-2016), envisions the growth of IVC to serve people in need, deepen Ignatian spirituality, and spread the Kingdom of God on earth. With humility, love, empathy, and enthusiasm, the recipient of this award mentors others and leads with a sense of humor.

Event Sponsorship and Underwriting opportunities are available and are a great way to support the mission of IVC!

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Thank you to our Event Underwriters:

Timothy & Mary Meissner