Service, Community and Spirituality: A Second Act

Are you: 

• 50 years or older?
• Seeking meaningful, fulfilling work that benefits society?
• Wanting to be part of a supportive spiritual community?

Well then, JV EnCorps (JVE) is just the program for you.

Launched in 2012, JV EnCorps grew out of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) Northwest, a 60-plus-year volunteer program that focuses on core values of community, simple living, social justice and spirituality. While JVs tend to be on the younger side—typically college graduates—the idea behind JVC EnCorps is to provide a similar opportunity for people with a little more tread on the tires who are retired or heading toward retirement.

JV EnCorps volunteers (JVEs) serve in part-time volunteer positions that allow them to make an impact on the lives of others, particularly those living on the margins. Although they don’t live together as Jesuit Volunteers do, JV EnCorps volunteers connect with each other in many ways. This includes monthly gatherings with other JVEs for community-building, support and reflective sharing; two group retreats; and opportunities for additional group social, spiritual or service activities.

Based in Portland, JV EnCorps is now available in six cities, including Seattle and Bainbridge/Kitsap. The Seattle group meets regularly at St. Joseph Church in Seattle and welcomes people from all spiritual traditions. (A current Seattle-area EnCorps volunteer was recently featured in Northwest Catholic.)

The application deadline for JVE is Aug. 15. Click here to learn more about the JVE program and to apply. If you prefer to complete a printed version of the application, please e-mail JVESeattle@jvcnorthwest.org or call (206) 305-8911.