Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) Northwest responds to local community needs in the Northwest by placing volunteers who provide value-centered service grounded in the Jesuit Catholic tradition. Honoring the Divine at work in all things, we envision the Northwest as a sustainable region where all live in dignity, are treated justly, and actively contribute to their own empowerment and positive change in their communities. JVC Northwest strives to live out the four values of community, simple living, social and ecological justice, and spirituality/reflection. Jesuit Volunteers have the opportunity to live and serve with partner agencies in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
Issues:
children’s services, community organizing/advocacy, domestic violence support/prevention, education, end of life care, environmental stewardship, family services, financial services, food and hunger, heath and health education, HIV/AIDS, homelessness/housing, indigenous communities, individuals with disabilities, Latino communities, legal services, nursing, pastoral ministry, refugee and immigration services, senior services, substance abuse/prevention, teen/at-risk youth services, women’s shelters/programs
Program Overview:
Community:
JVs live in intentional community of 4-8 JVs, sharing meals, chores, finances, and creating community and spiritual time together. In community, we learn that our lives are interdependent, we have a responsibility to others, and we come together to support and give life to one another.
Spirituality:
Affiliation: Jesuit (Catholic)
Are members required to be part of a spiritual reflections and discussions?: JVC Northwest welcomes people of all faith backgrounds and experiences. We ask that JVs are willing to reflect on their service experience, share their reflections and faith practices with their community, and are open to learning about the practices and reflections of their community mates, as well.
Are there religious / spiritual activities that are part of the program? JVs engage in spirituality on both an individual level and communal level by exploring their own and their communities’ spiritual practices and reflections throughout the year. JVs engage in facilitated Spirituality/Reflection nights a few times a month, and have the opportunity to attend Catholic mass during retreats and throughout the year, seek out other spiritual activities and services, and are able to engage in spiritual direction throughout the year if they choose to.
Training, Leadership Development & Discernment:
JVC Northwest has a reputation for providing strong support to JVs throughout the year, including dedicated staff time and visits throughout the year; local support people in each locale; three formal retreats providing JVs opportunities to gather, reflect, pray, and connect; and connection to a large network of former JVs around the country and world.
JVs receive substantial training and education during the week-long Orientation, training at their service site, ongoing training throughout the year, and regular supervision. The practical and professional experiences gained during service can assist JVs in their future career paths, and new found friendships and relationships with coworkers, clients, and housemates can last a lifetime often referred to by former JVs as one of the most rewarding experiences of their lives.
Finances:
JVs who are also AmeriCorps members (142 of the 148 JVs) are able to receive forbearance and deferment on qualified federal loans during the service year.
Since most JVs are AmeriCorps members, they are eligible for the $5,815 Education Award after successfully completing their service year, which can pay back qualified federal loans or pay for future education.
Locations:
Alaska | Washington | Oregon | Idaho | Montana
Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) Northwest
2780 SE Harrison St. Milwaukie, OR 97222 www.jvcnorthwest.org info@jvcnorthwest.org
