Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Denver?

You can fly, drive, take a train, or take any other mode of transportation you can arrange - whatever works best for you! CVV will purchase your airline tickets or can reimburse you or your family for gas dependent on the current mileage rate at the start of the program in August. We provide a transition stipend at the end of the program year in June for volunteers to use to getting you home from Denver.

What does a typical week look like?

A typical week of a CVVer looks like working approximately 8am-4pm Monday-Thursday, being present for Friday Reflection & Discussion from 8:30-noon, and being part of other weekly community events (Monday mass and dinner, spirituality night, and either community meeting, or fun night, depending on the week). Weekends are typically free for days of rest, recharge, adventure, and community time! 

What about vacation days? 

CVV allows volunteers 10 vacation days throughout the year. Most volunteers will use some of these days to travel home for the holidays in December and January, and then save the rest for any other travel they might need to take throughout the year. Weekends and holidays do not count towards vacation days. How you use your 10 vacation days is up to you! 

What is Friday Formation?

Every Friday is designated as a day of formation for volunteers, involving reflection & discussion, personal and professional development, community speakers, prayer, and outreach in the community. Volunteers do not go to their worksites on Friday, but instead participate in whatever is planned for formation that day. Formation will typically be 8:30-noon unless otherwise scheduled.

What special opportunities do volunteers have throughout the year? 

Volunteers have many unique opportunities and experiences throughout the year. The year begins with a week or so of orientation, where volunteers have the opportunity to get to know one another, learn the ins and outs of a year of service with CVV, spend time in the mountains, and prepare to begin the year. Volunteers also take part in a Fall Retreat, an immersion to the U.S./Mexico Border, a Spring Retreat (silent retreat), and a Closing Retreat, all in beautiful locations. Volunteers have opportunities to attend events, like incredible speakers, fundraisers for their work sites, and experiences in the broader Denver community, throughout the year. Each volunteer has the option to have a prayer family (often CVV alums or people connected to the CVV community) and a spiritual director at no cost to them. CVV has a wonderful network that volunteers get to be a part of, and there are lots of opportunities and experiences to take advantage of in Denver! 

Where do volunteers live?

CVV has two houses and volunteers are typically split evenly between the two. Both houses are located in Uptown Denver - a very lively neighborhood! - about 2 blocks from each other. The houses are spacious, have lots of mementos from CVVers over the years, and each volunteer gets their own room. Most volunteer work sites are within walking distance, biking distance, or a short bus ride from the houses. Room, board, and transportation is covered by CVV. 

How does CVV approach justice and inclusion during the program?

Each Friday, volunteers take part in Vincentian formation, which involves both internal and external reflection and dialogue about social justice issues through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching. Volunteers engage with a variety of speakers and events related to equity issues throughout the year, and integrate conversations about faith and justice into action both within the CVV and the broader community. We believe through ongoing dialogue, our volunteers will be prepared to speak up and stand for justice as they move on from their CVV year. 

All are welcome to participate in our program and we invite you into ongoing dialogue with our staff and community.