Serve Others
Put Your Values
Into Action
Ignited by a faith that does justice, our volunteers take on some of the world’s most uncomfortable challenges, permanently transforming themselves and the communities they serve.
As a Jesuit Volunteer, you’ll live in community and serve alongside those in need to build a more hopeful and equitable world.
What to Expect as a JV
What does a typical week look like?
Where We Serve
JVs serve in 20 communities across the country and each has their own character.
Check out an interactive map of our JV houses!
Supported and Challenged by our Formation Program
Outside of responsibilities to work and community, each JV participates in five retreats and weekly reflection throughout their term of service. JVC’s Formation Program provides volunteers with the tools to process and learn from their service experiences, think critically about the root causes of injustice, and analyze the ways in which the identities they carry impact the lives of those they serve.
Our formation program is inspired by the Jesuits, who have centuries of experience in solidarity, accompaniment, and reconciliation with marginalized communities. Ignatian frameworks for social analysis and reflection introduced on retreats empower volunteers to deepen their understanding of JVC’s values, facilitate the cross-cultural adjustment process, and examine challenges of privilege and solidarity.
What Sets JVC Apart
Orientation Retreat
August: The JV year begins with our national Orientation retreat, a workshop to introduce our new volunteers to the four values of JVC and prepare them for a successful year in their cities of service.
Fall Day of Reflection
October - November: After a few months to settle in, Fall Day of Reflection is a local check-in to assess community dynamics and needs, while strengthening interpersonal and communal connections.
ReOrientation Retreat
January: At the mid-point in the year, ReOrientation explores social justice through a tool called the Pastoral Circle, helping volunteers to contextualize and process their JV experience.
Silent Retreat
April - May: Regional Silent Retreats offer JVs a unique opportunity to slow down, explore spirituality, and discern vocation beyond JVC with the support of spiritual directors.
DisOrientation Retreat
July: At the conclusion of the JV year, DisOrientation provides a forum for volunteers to reflect on their experiences, explore the processes of closure and transition, and prepare to incorporate the four values after JVC.
We're sure you have some questions!
Who can serve with JVC?
JVC invites young changemakers (21-25) with a passion for social justice. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds—regardless of culture, gender, or economic status. Volunteers must be U.S. permanent residents, unmarried with no dependents, and have a college degree or relevant work experience.
Curious to learn more about the process to become a Jesuit Volunteer? Click here.
What kind of support is available once the year starts?
Every JV community will have access to a local support team in their city of service, comprised of a staff member, alumni, and a spiritual adviser. This support team addresses health and safety issues, logistical hurdles, and other challenges if they arise. They also facilitate the JV experience through ongoing reflections, in-city retreats, and coordination between the volunteer and their agency placement.
What finances are JVs responsible for? What does JVC cover?
JVC provides for Jesuit Volunteers’ housing, food, a modest monthly personal stipend, health insurance (if unavailable elsewhere), transportation, menstrual products, and a relocation stipend at the end of their term of service. Volunteers are responsible for transportation to orientation.
What kind of support is available after my JV year?
Jesuit Volunteers join a community of over 12,500 alumni committed to faith in action. Former Jesuit Volunteers do amazing things: they serve the public interest as members of Congress, found and lead organizations at the forefront of social change, heal bodies and minds as medical professionals, advocate for justice as lawyers and judges, and continue to work with the marginalized.
Graduate School Partnerships
JVC partners with universities across the country to offer scholarships and discounted tuition for alumni pursuing graduate level education, from Master’s programs to law and medical degrees. Click here for all opportunities available to Former Jesuit Volunteers.
A Lifelong Community
One of the greatest benefits of becoming a Jesuit Volunteer is our expansive network of current and former volunteers, supporters, and partner agencies. With Former Jesuit Volunteer chapters across the country, FJVs have the opportunity to connect and network with likeminded individuals regardless of where they live. FJVs connect virtually and in-person, join and initiate ongoing formation and social events, and support each other professionally and personally.
Speak with a JVC Team Member
We're here to support you as you figure out if JVC is the right choice! Our process is built around relationships and mutual discernment. Connect with us and we can talk through any questions or concerns you have.
Talk to a Team Member
Casey Driscoll
(Baltimore, MD 2022-23)
Recruitment Team
LIVE: JV Journey
DisOrientation Retreat 2026
After eleven months of shared service, the 2025–2026 Jesuit Volunteers recently wrapped up their final retreat of the year, DisOrientation. This retreat acts as dedicated time for the JVs to pause and process their year of service, and the transition that lies ahead. It is an opportunity to reflect on personal and professional growth, while celebrating shared accomplishments, finding closure, and discerning next steps as they soon become Former JVs. Grounded in the experience of the past year, DisOrientation invites volunteers to honor their journey. From all of JVC staff… thank you to our Jesuit Volunteers for their deep commitment to a more just and hopeful world!
I hope to prioritize being intentional in every aspect of my life, through the 4 values and beyond. I think DisO was a nice place to center myself as we close out our JVC year.
JV Reflection on DisO Retreat
Stay in touch for the latest updates from the JVC community!
Get Connected