A Garden of Welcome: IVC and St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center
In its first year of partnership with IVC San Diego, St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center in El Cajon has already become a place of meaningful connection and impact. IVC Member Marianne Zundel serves as the Garden Volunteer, helping to create a welcoming and accessible environment for the individuals served there. St. Madeleine Sophie’s Center (SMSC) is […]
Finding Kinship at the Margins: Serving at Father Joe’s Villages
Now in her second year with IVC San Diego, Patty Graham serves in the Chaplaincy Program at Father Joe’s Villages, under the direction of Deacon John Roberts. Father Joe’s Villages is the largest provider of homeless services in the region. Through Patty’s ministry of presence and accompaniment, she reflects on the relationships and insights that […]
Harvesting Wonder and Gratitude at Coastal Roots Farm
Corps Member Penny Richichi shares a reflection here on her experiences serving at Coastal Roots Farm, an amazing nonprofit now in its third year of partnership with IVC: Two years ago, words and phrases like Peleh, Shalom Circle, and Shomrei Adamah, were not in my vocabulary. In fact, a few years ago, I wasn’t even […]
Walking Together: IVC Members and the FAITH Ministry
For many people navigating the immigration system, court hearings can be extremely stressful and isolating experiences. This year, several IVC Members are responding to that need through the FAITH Ministry, a pilot project of the Diocese of San Diego, Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, and the San Diego Organizing Project FAITH (Faithful Accompaniment In Trust […]
Planting Seeds of Learning: IVC San Diego Volunteers Help St. Rita’s Students Grow in and Out of the Classroom
It’s after lunch on a Friday in the new year, and five seventh-graders gather in an upstairs classroom at St. Rita’s Catholic School. They’re meeting Anne Egan, a retired principal with experience and credentials too many to mention. An IVC volunteer, Egan is here twice a week from noon to 4 p.m. She helps with […]