Why I Give

by Lyn Miletich (St. Mary’s, AK ’72-74)

I was a young, idealistic college graduate in 1972 looking to serve in a volunteer organization for at least one year. I explored the Peace Corps and Vista. Neither felt like a good fit as I wanted an organization based in spiritual values and community. And then a Jesuit friend of mine told me about the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. I was intrigued and realized I could serve in Alaska! That summer I left my home town of New York City for St. Mary’s, Alaska, a tiny Native Alaskan village of 300 Yup’k families in Southwest Alaska where I taught in a boarding school for two years. Those years formed the foundation for the rest of my life. The quality of inner searching which guided me to leave my home and join with others in a foreign culture has been shaping my life choices ever since.

I took with me from my JV experience a deepening of my spiritual search and solidifying of personal values. The call to serve became ingrained within me and led to a profession of ministering to the sick, dying and bereaved in a variety of capacities.

Donating to the JVC Northwest is one way to ensure others have the same opportunity of being called forth out of their comfort zone to help others.

I give in the hope that others may be open and willing to be transformed for life. To find compassion in their hearts for the poor and vulnerable in whatever way they serve.

I give because the joys and tribulations of living in community builds resilience and compromise.

I give because I believe in the four core values of spirituality/reflection, community, social & ecological justice, and simple living.

I give because I want the organizations and communities served by the Jesuit Volunteers to continue to flourish.

And finally, I give because service takes many forms and donating is one of them. So why not join me in supporting the JVC Northwest which significantly impacts the lives of those who are served and those who are of service? You can and will make a difference.