Written by Christine Crook, IVC Administrative Volunteer
A little over 3 years ago, I entered retirement. After being in education for over 37 years, I was looking forward to my free time. Time that was not consumed by the tasks of my chosen profession. It didn’t take long for me to feel restless and unfulfilled. But what could I do to change this feeling? I did not feel I wanted to go back into teaching. I wanted a new horizon! I, also, believed the feeling I was experiencing was a deep desire for connection and purpose. I was reminded of this quote by Martin Luther King, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?”. Throughout my life, connection and purpose were found in my relationships with students, with others and with God. Shortly after this realization, I recalled my pastor had mentioned to me a group known as the Ignatian Volunteer Corp (IVC). I investigated this group. I am so glad I did!
This is what I learned about IVC: IVC is a national nonprofit that connects adults 50+ with community-based organizations serving people on the margins. Rooted in Ignatian Spirituality, our corps members integrate their faith, skills, and life experience to bring hope, dignity, and compassion to those in need. This description of IVC spoke to my soul and I found myself stepping into a new phase of my life. One rooted in service that was blessed by Ignatian Spirituality. A phrase attributed to St. Ignatius, which is often repeated at IVC, is “Ad maiorem dei gloriam”. This Latin phrase means “For the greater glory of God”. I felt compelled to commit this next phase of my life to God.
Through IVC, I found myself matched with the group Taller de Jose and my journey began. At Taller de José, they offer compassionate accompaniment and personal attention to individuals navigating the complexities of social services. The majority of the clients speak Spanish. I do not. I was baffled as to how I would help Taller de Jose do this important work. Jackie, with IVC, assured me I would be a help. So, two years ago, I began volunteering with Taller de Jose. No, I did not work directly serving the people of the community. I was given tasks that involved filing, sending donation thank you’s, recording deposits and looking for donations for fundraisers. This was serving people in need with hope, dignity, compassion? It didn’t feel like it but I kept showing up. I began having conversations with the Taller’s Companions (Compañerxs) who worked with the clients and other staff members who worked in the office. I learned more about their work and who these blessed Companions and staff were. I then tried to be the person who cared about them.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment,
or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” -Leo Buscaglia
What did this change of mindset accomplish? I found myself looking forward to going to Taller de Jose to see the beautiful, kind people who worked so hard for their clients and the organization. Each member of the staff had a story to tell. Each of them was and is a person I was blessed to share life with. Sometimes I give advice (many on staff are much younger than me). I try to remember everyone’s birthday with a cake. At other times, I hear stories of school, home, concerts (I have learned about many new artists!), challenges, aspirations and frustrations. Many of the moments we share together are filled with laughter and genuine smiles! Each person has touched my heart! I have come to respect and admire these committed members of Taller de Jose. While I might not be on the front line of the work being done for the “people on the margins”, I am committed to supporting these inspiring people who daily give of themselves to those in the community. As a teacher, I was in the front of the class guiding the minds of the students in my room. At Taller de Jose, I am no longer at the front of the class. I am in the background giving support in any way possible to those working on the frontlines. As Ghandi said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” I have found myself and my role at Taller….supporting and servicing those who give so generously to the community!