New Partners

Last week was CVN’s annual Membership Meeting.  During this time, CVN staff noted the desire in coming years to honor your needs and potential by finding the right balance between pastoral and prophetic; who we are and who we can become; what we offer and receive from an expanded network of partners.

Helping ensure that CVN pursues vision and balance well is a This is the time of year when we say goodbye to some members and welcome others.  I want to honor that transition and share a little about these leaders who are serving you.

CVN is grateful for the service of Marian Uba (Mercy Volunteer Corps) and Tom Branen (America’s Service Commissions). Both have finished their terms on the Board. Marian will be remembered for a combination of wisdom and discernment that invited us to reflect deeply at key moments. Tom will be remembered for his passion and creativity regarding his convictions about how faith-based service can inform and inspire the field of national service.

We are also grateful for new Board members who bring gifts to faith-based service.

José J. Matos Auffant is Executive Director for University Ministry at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, Texas.  He fosters formation of faith, pastoral care, high impact programs, and mentoring student ministry leaders.  He is a member of the Board of LaRED Pastoral Juvenil Hispana – National Network of Hispanic Ministry with Youth and Young Adults, and coordinates “Messengers of Faith and Hope” annual Hispanic Ministry training for campus ministers and young adults.  José holds a Master in Counseling and a Bachelor in Psychology, both from the University of Puerto Rico. He likes reading, music, movies and walking Las Misiones of San Antonio. [email protected]

Rachel Manuel Bruns is the Deputy Director of America’s Service Commissions. She supports the nation’s network of the 52 Governor-led state service commissions, which administer 80% of all AmeriCorps State funding and promote an ethic of service in their states and territories. Previously she worked at the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service leading special initiatives including the Service Enterprise Initiative and the Governor’s Council on National Service. In her personal time, Rachel is a maternal-child health advocate and serves as a volunteer chapter leader for the International Cesarean Awareness Network (ICAN) of Central Iowa and serves as a patient advisor on the Iowa Maternal Quality Care Collaborative. Rachel is a proud Drake University graduate where she earned her MPA and undergraduate degrees with majors in Law, Politics, and Society and Public Relations. She lives in Des Moines, Iowa with her partner, two children, and two dogs.  [email protected]

Emily Tyler is the director of Brethren Volunteer Service, and previously served as the coordinator of the short-term service program that BVS offers. She is a former volunteer herself and served through BVS in 2005-2006. As a former elementary school music teacher, Emily enjoys making and listening to music – especially in the form of karaoke. She lives in the Chicagoland area and enjoys traveling and spending time with family, friends, and her pup, Josie. [email protected]

CVN is fortunate to have these partners to support our mission in coming years. I hope you find chances to thank outgoing Board members and welcome new ones.

With you in service,

Yonce Shelton
Executive Director

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