In September, we bid farewell to IVC Philadelphia/South Jersey’s Director, John Green, who served the region ably throughout his five-year tenure. A social worker by training, John had come to us with decades of experience on the front lines, in both non-profit and counseling settings. Those skills were in demand in IVC, as he established relationships with new community partners and helped potential volunteers discern good placements.
Just six months into his time with us, COVID-19 shuttered many of our service sites and rendered in-person volunteering a health risk—especially for older adults. Immediately, John pivoted, shifting from monthly meetings to bi-monthly Zoom gatherings. This established IVC as a community of support and encouragement during difficult times, bridging the gap until we could safely be together again.
John’s impact on this IVC region has been institutional as well as personal. On an organizational level, he strengthened and stabilized the region, growing it from just four corps members serving in official IVC placements to over thirty members serving in twenty placements. As more people responded to the call to service, John skillfully pursued both vertical and horizontal growth. By increasing the total number of corps members (vertical growth) and strategically encouraging service sites to host multiple corps members (horizontal growth), he created a win-win scenario. In fact, the reason we were able to bring new Director Meg Retz on board so quickly is that our membership numbers had just reached the point where John was able to add a Program Manager position. Hired in that capacity, Meg re-interviewed for Director, and so brought a smooth transition to our region.
On a personal level, John’s warmth, humor, and authenticity quickly endeared him to our members. John Kearney, a retired lawyer now teaching public speaking at LaSalle Academy, shard that “John was the very opposite of what the world today considers a great leader. He wasn’t loud or boastful; he didn’t put himself before others; he didn’t need to hog the spotlight. Rather, he was always thoughtful, reflective and willing to engage with others with an open mind and heart.” Long-time service corps members Joyce and Vince Small added, “John has been such a great gift to all of us in our IVC community. He has a remarkable ability for deep listening, so each of us feels heard, and assured that our work is truly important. John also has the gift of being able to adapt to new ideas and circumstances. These attributes were probably learned over time, as he sat cross legged (Buddha-like) on chairs and sofas during IVC meetings.”
Fortunately for us, John hasn’t gone far. He is now the Executive Director of the Augustinian Defenders of the Rights of the Poor in South Philadelphia—which happens to be an IVC placement! A.D.R.O.P service corps member Joan Aspan wrote, “Having worked with John at IVC since January 2020, I am delighted that he’s now at the helm of the agency where I’ve been teaching English for Second-Language Learners. John’s leadership, wisdom, and vision for what might be possible are assets that will strengthen A.D.R.O.P. in the next few years as it faces government challenges with immigration, health care, education, and incarceration. I look forward to seeing John at St. Edmond’s when I stop in to make copies for my classes or seek his input on faith-justice matters.
As this new chapter begins in John Green’s service with and for people in poor and marginalized communities, we wish him all the best. John, may you continue to do great things for the greater glory of God!
-Regional Advisory Council Member Christine Eberle