OUR MISSION
Catholic Volunteer Network fosters and promotes full-time domestic and international faith-based volunteer service opportunities for people of all ages, backgrounds, and skills. As the leading membership organization of Christian volunteer and mission programs, we support and enhance the work of our members through volunteer recruitment, training and resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy.
Through service rooted in faith, all will know the opportunity to impact the world and be transformed.
- We work from Gospel-based principles.
- We promote social justice for all, standing in solidarity with the poor.
- We advocate on behalf of faith-based volunteerism.
- We strive to be inclusive and collaborative.
- We commit to excellence in the quality of our services.
- We steward our fiscal resources with care and gratitude.
Catholic Volunteer Network respects and upholds the dignity of all persons regardless of the identities they hold. As we expand our conversations and programming with our members about present day structural injustices and their ties to oppressive histories, CVN dedicates itself to pairing those discussions with action to stop our own participation in the systems of oppression.
We believe that creating a just and diverse environment is more than an ideal. These are our core commitments that we invite our members to share:
- We strive to create space for all persons to serve within the CVN community – regardless of differences.
- We welcome persons of every race, religion, culture, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical or emotional ability, immigration status, economic situation, and family composition.
- We celebrate all persons regardless of where they may be on their spiritual journey. We value persons of all faith traditions, those with no faith tradition, as well as those who are questioning and exploring.
- We are guided by the light of goodwill, humility, and hospitality as we work to extend volunteer opportunities to all persons in all places.
- Our Christian roots form the foundation of our core commitments. We work to be a community that follows Jesus’ example. We stand in agreement with Catholic Social Teaching, which upholds the life, dignity, and equality of all human beings.
People
Staff
301.270.0900 / Email
Areas of Responsibility:
- Development and execution of organizational strategic vision with a specific emphasis on racial justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Development of strategic partnerships that grow membership and organizational sustainability in an evolving Church and cultural landscape
- Creation and execution of a comprehensive development strategy
- Foster alignment and synergy among Board, staff, and member programs to advance the CVN mission
Educational Background:
- San Francisco State University, BA in Philosophy with minors in Philosophy & Religion and Business Administration
- St. John’s University, MA in Global Development and Social Justice
- Tradition and wisdom from my elders and ancestors
Other Interests:
- Raising the next generation – My kids Kiara and Jacob are tons of fun, and watching and guiding them as they grow is one of my greatest blessings.
- Storytelling, reading, writing, and deep listening – I love words and all the things that we are able to do with them to strengthen connection
- Community Organizing – Building community power through relationship and collective action is my love language.
Areas of responsibility:
- Field all questions and matters relating to the needs of CVN’s membership.
- Recruit and onboard new members
- Develop resources and events for all members
- Coordinate CVN’s listing with the national and state branches of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) and the annual applications.
Education:
- Masters Social Justice, Loyola University, Chicago, IL 2022
- Restorative Justice Ministry Certificate, Catholic Extension and the IPS Loyola University, Chicago, IL 2019
- Bachelor of Arts, Urban Ministry, Moody Bible Institute, Chicago, IL 1997
Interests
I am originally from the east coast (NY & MA) but have lived in Chicago for most of my adult life. I am a city gal, it is in my blood...I love the noise, the people, the languages, and the FOOD (could do without the traffic). I am an extrovert to the max, and enneagram 8 (if that means anything to you), and I'm incredibly passionate about social justice, DEI, faith, and education...and empowering people in those areas. There is more that I could add here but I am pretty sure you don't want to read a book.
Teresa has been with Catholic Volunteer Network for over 12 years, serving as the accountant. She graduated from the University of Maryland, and currently resides in Silver Spring, MD.
Areas of responsibility:
- Research areas of improvement for web resources
- Design sustainable solutions to optimize user experience
- Develop and implement new features for website and database
Educational Background:
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, B.A. in Philosophy
- Marquette University, M.A. in Philosophy
- Boston College, Certificate in Theology and Ministry
- Montgomery College, Certificate in Web Development
Volunteer History:
- Completed service years with AmeriCorps NCCC FEMA Corps, Repair the World, and Christian Appalachian Project
- Worked alongside volunteers at L'Arche Syracuse and Christ House
Other Interests:
- Philosophy & theology
- Game design and development
Board
Chair: Kate Daly, Boston College, Chestnut Hill, MA
Vice-Chair: Rachel Bruns, America's Service Commissions
Secretary: Darius Villalobos, National Federation of Catholic Youth Ministry, Chicago, IL
Treasurer: Adrienne Andrews, AmeriCorps, Baltimore, MD
Representative of Member Programs: Robert Roa, Jesuit Volunteer Corps, Baltimore, MD
Colin Crowell: Consultant, Washington, DC
Tim Deveney: Precious Blood Volunteers, Kansas City, KS
Samantha Frey: Notre Dame Mission Volunteers - AmeriCorps, Methuen, MA
Ana Lopez: Rostro de Cristo, Long Beach, CA
Jose J. Matos Auffant: Marianist's Tecaboca Camp and Retreat Center, Mountain Home, TX
Meghan Meros: Franciscan Mission Service, Hyattsville, MD
Margaret McIntyre: Capuchin Franciscan Volunteer Corps, Cleveland, IL
Clare Presimmone: From Mission to Mission/Catholic Relief Services, Dunwoody, GA
Emily Tyler: Food for Greater Elgin, Elgin, IL
Bishop Oscar Azarcon Solis, Bishop of Salt Lake City
Thousands of faith-based service opportunities can be at your fingertips with the RESPONSE. Download the latest edition today!
