Volunteer Reflections
“Whether working with these community members or others
during the year, we had our eyes on the same values and … ‘we
got things done…..dammit’. Life is good. I am a lucky, lucky
woman.”
Kara Piccirilli
“The Vincentian vision of relationship with the poor is living,
loving and serving, bridging the gap with the rich.” Mark
Swart
“Honestly, this has been the best year of my life. The ups
far outweighed the downs, but even the downs were life-changing,
learning experiences. You can’t even consider the struggles
downs because of what I gained from them.”
“The Vincentian vision is a vision I never want to lose sight
of – I want to take it with me through life and remain passionate
about things, enough to speak out more for the poor.”
Kathy
Temple
 “Companions
on the Journey means people caring for one another where they
are and who they are then – and working with one another’s
limitations and differences and still working to love one
another and work with one another toward peace.” Chris
Watters
“The Vincentian vision is ‘servants’- not ‘volunteers.’”
“My family and friends back home ask if we’re staying
another year. I wish I could say, ‘Yes!’” Mary
Helldorfer
 “This
year, with all its highs and lows, has been a wonderful learning
experience, and I truly feel as though this was the right program
for me. I am particularly appreciative of all the support we
have had this year with issues of community development. As
someone who came to CVV with virtually no "community"
experience, I am thankful for the ways in which community living
has challenged me and better equipped me to deal more effectively
with life’s interactions.”
Reggie Toussaint, III
“I wouldn’t trade this year for anything.”
“The Vincentian vision of relationship with the poor involves
keeping one’s eyes open in order to see the poor because they
are often invisible. It means recognizing not just economically
poor, but the spiritually poor as well.”
 “Companioning
someone means allowing someone and supporting them to make
a decision that you don’t think is the best decision. It
means trusting that people know what is best for them.” Becky
Kocos
The Vincentian vision was one of the first I’ve seen exposed
to that encourages us to see the poor as our companions
and equals. The idea of preferential option for the poor
helps remind us that God favors the poor.” Jacqueline
Mich
“We
need to be good compost piles; we gather leftovers which become
fertile soil, and then we spread it where it is needed.” Lukas
Sliva
“I find it interesting that the formation of a pearl begins
with what is called an irritant, or an annoyance. How I long
to stay away from irritants in my life! The oyster, however,
responds in a far different way. When an irritant enters into
the shell, the oyster responds by enveloping the irritant
with itself. The oyster gives of itself until, eventually,
there is no longer an irritant, but a smooth and precious
thing of beauty. This thing of beauty is very rarely a pearl,
but it no longer remains an annoyance. I believe we are called
to respond to irritants in our own lives as an oyster would
in forming a pearl.”
Laura Gilmartin
“The poor have taught me that true liberation is freeing
people from the bonds that have prevented them from giving
their gifts to others - the best we can do is probably not
to give but to receive.”
“I have come to realize that...God is much bigger than I
had imagined.” Chris Gordon
“Community life means that I have a loving 'family' to come
home to and share joys and surprises and disappointments.”
Anonymous
“An experience like CVV burns something into your heart and
soul that ten to twenty years from now you will never forget.”
Jeff Peterson
 “My
volunteer year brought me not only a better understanding
of the poor, but a better understanding of myself. Those
I worked with gave to me the riches of love, patience and
life, which are gifts that can never be taken - just again
be given.”
Colleen Linehan
“The Colorado Vincentian Volunteer program provided me with
an amazing, loving and supporting community. Together we
embraced a simple lifestyle and were able to learn from
and walk with those in need. The amount of personal growth
that occurred is immeasurable, and I carry in my heart treasured
memories.”
Kara Stone
“It was a good feeling to see the widespread effects of CVV
- when looking through an international fair trade catalog
I saw one of my fellow volunteers in a photo with her agency.”
“One of the greatest benefits of CVV for the volunteers
is knowing that you can throw yourself whole-heartedly into
your service work and not have to worry that it doesn't
'pay off' financially. I think this is often one of the
biggest obstacles for people trying to fit in service work
into their daily lives. And once you start, you don't stop!”
Sarah Zielinski
 “Living
your faith is challenging yourself and others
to reflect on the social Gospel. CVV means building a relationship
with the poor and suffering Christ. Community necessitates
commitment and compassion.”
Melissa Camardo
“I developed a greater generosity of spirit, faith and hope
while gaining a better appreciation of life, people and
cultures through my experience with CVV.” Melissa
Monheim
“Now that a single year has gone by, I recognize the value
and joy in the daily struggle of choosing to go to work
or not. My spirit misses the company of the other travelers
who were part of my CVV journey.” Dave Van Overwalle
“The year with CVV helped my growth as a person, friend,
employee, daughter, sister, and community member. Without
CVV, my life would have taken on a completely different direction.
Tara Bradley
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