What are some of the things Jesuit Volunteers learn in the ever-challenging and often eye-opening experience of being a JV? Ellen Quinn, a graduate of St. Louis University and current Jesuit Volunteer in Billings, Montana, shares what she’s learned about building trust and spending time. It’s not too late to apply to be a JV- more info below her reflection!
“This year, I serve as the School Program Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Yellowstone County (BBBSYC). I coordinate the matching of high school “Bigs” (mentors) with K-8th grade “Littles” (mentees) as part of an elective class for the high school students. My motivation for accepting the BBBSYC placement was to expand my professional experience as a future social worker. I am grateful to be so closely involved in the school system for this short time, and to be continuously gaining knowledge of how instability at home affects children in the classroom and how mentors can help.
There are many people that JVs meet throughout the region who spell trust “t-i-m-e.” I heard this phrase recently and it completely summarizes not only what the Bigs in the school-based program do every day, but also what much of the 
JV experience is about. A year or more with JVC Northwest will no doubt shine light on the importance of the intentionality of time. This can mean time with clients or students, hearing their story and not just their needs; time with community, both as a whole and as individual members; time with yourself in personal reflection and development in response to the JV experience; time away from family, friends, home and familiarity when you are perhaps more free to express yourself; and time with God on your faith journey as you meet changes and challenges throughout the year. Life as a JV is about spending time with people—others and yourself, and the divine in each.”
Want to serve, or know someone who is?
Share this blog post with them and encourage them to apply! JVC Northwest is still accepting applications for the 2016-17 service year; if you’re looking for meaningful service and a chance to explore the intentionality of your time, apply today! Applications will be accepted until July 15.
More details on our open positions:
After many years, we are re-opening a JV community in Woodburn, OR, a small, charming town, one-hour south of Portland, with a large Latino community. It’s ideal if JVs are able to speak Spanish, but this is not required for the positions we’re looking to fill. Below are descriptions for the five open positions:
- Providing academic and P.E. support, as well as assisting in K-8 classrooms for reading and math
- Leading the youth ministry and confirmation program at St. Luke Parish
- Running after-school programs for students in the Woodburn School District (2 positions, one focused on STEM education)
- Coordinating families to provide short-term respite care for other kids and families in the community
Plus, we’re also looking for applicants for these few other positions around the Northwest:
- Nursing in a community health clinic
- Academic support for middle schoolers in science and math
- P.E. activities and tutoring for elementary schoolers
- Children’s programming at a family shelter
- Legal support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault
- Youth development for an early learning readiness program for caregivers
- Hospice care for Latino and immigrant communities
Apply today!
Questions? Contact Christie at 503-335-8202 or ccostello@jvcnorthwest.org.
Please send me information regarding the JVC positions for this upcoming year.
Hey Nicole, thanks for your interest! We’ll send over some information shortly. We look forward to connecting with you!
Are the positions listed above the only positions still available this year?
Hi Lindsay, good question! There will likely be a few other positions that open up– things change daily around here, so this isn’t the final list. I’ll send you an email with more info. Thanks for reaching out!