IVC Stories
IVC National Capital Area Member Profile: Thomas Jacob
IVC NCA member Thomas Jacob brings a lifetime of expertise to a role he loves: teaching construction mathematics at IVC partner agency the Spanish Catholic Center to Hispanic immigrants seeking employment. “Every time you teach you are impacting people and investing in opportunities,” says the retired PhD in statistics. “We are facilitating to get them a job. They also learn English, become familiar with digital literacy, and learn how to respond to email, among other skills.”
Meet IVC New England Member Jon Braley – Employment Coach Changing Lives
Jon Braley had to retire from Hewlett Packard much earlier than he expected because multiple eye diseases affecting both eyes had left him unable to work, to drive or even to read a newspaper. Fortunately, a team of Boston eye specialists performed a half dozen delicate surgeries over a four year period and most of Jon’s eyesight was restored. With a profound sense of gratitude and a desire to give back, Jon began searching for volunteer roles.
On the Joys of Being a Spiritual Reflector with IVC NCA’s Rebecca C. Ruiz
IVC-NCA’s Rebecca C. Ruiz has served as a spiritual reflector in Northern Virginia since 2016. We asked her a few questions about her role with IVC, and what she enjoys most working with our Service Corps members!
Meet IVC Milwaukee Service Corps Member Melita Biese
About a year ago, Melita Biese embarked on an IVC service journey with the Thrive for Life Prison Project (TFL).
This organization is dedicated to offering spiritual development and educational resources to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Operating across New York State and New Jersey, the nonprofit serves a pivotal role in supporting incarcerated persons held in correctional facilities across these communities.
Meet Joe Lorenzo – IVC New Orleans Service Corps Member
The blueprint for a potential Service Corps member to join the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) usually starts
with a source of information that peeks the candidate’s interest, who then makes a phone call or website inquiry about the program, followed by a period of discernment before the potential member joins and commits to an assignment through IVC. During that discernment period, great effort goes into finding the appropriate assignment where the talents and skills of the candidate can be put to best use. Such was the case with Joe Lorenzo, a new Service Corps member who just finished his first year assignment with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul New Orleans.
Ignatian Volunteer Vince Aquino is on a mission to serve men and women experiencing homelessness in Boston
Vince Aquino supports the Capuchin Mobile Ministries (CMM) in providing essential services to the unhoused population in Greater Boston. His involvement includes volunteer coordination, food preparation, and driving the modified van that delivers meals and snacks to 10 service locations. CMM, inspired by St. Francis of Assisi, goes beyond providing food by offering a caring presence and human connection to those in need.
IVC Philadelphia/South Jersey Member Profiles: Mary Noel Hall & Bob Fogarty, Divine Providence Village’s Day Program
Growing up in Bala Cynwyd, Mary Noel Hall and Bob Fogarty didn’t know one another. They were six years apart in age—a lifetime to a child. However,
last fall they each joined IVC and now serve together at Divine Providence Village’s Day Program. Located in the former school of Our Lady of Fatima parish in Secane, PA, the Day Program’s mission is to provide a safe, caring environment that allows individuals with intellectual disabilities to create meaningful and independent lives.
Meet IVC Albany member Judi England
Judi England lives in Albany and has been serving as an Ignatian Volunteer Corps member at Unity House in Troy since IVC Albany’s inception in 2019. Judi offers her reflection about her service with IVC.
Meet IVC Albany member Paula Hamilton
Paula Hamilton is an Ignatian Volunteer Corps member serving at the Ronald McDonald House in Albany. Paula and her husband David live in Delmar. Paula offers her reflection about her service for Ronald McDonald House at Albany Medical Center.