Dear Family and Friends: 

In the spring before my senior year of college, I knew I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself once I graduated from Mount Holyoke College. I had extensively researched volunteer opportunities before I came upon the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. A place where I felt I could give back to my community. As a Neuroscience and Behavior major, I engaged in conversations about the failures of our healthcare system, such as ones that erased the needs of People of Color. Communities are afraid to seek help due to long-standing stigmas, criminalization, etc. And individuals who resorted to coping mechanisms that were illegal because the system had failed them.

As an aspiring public health and healthcare worker, I had had enough. I want to be a part of a community where change is happening and voices are heard. Through my research and connecting with former JVs, I knew that my future work would make a difference with this organization. One that values spirituality, community, simple living, and social justice. These were some of the values that I briefly engaged in during my internship with White Violet Center and the Sister of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

I am pleased to announce that I will be a Care Team Patient Advocate with Neighborhood Family Practice in Cleveland, Ohio. A place that I know cultivates creativity, compassion, problem-solving, and service. I am eager to spend a year with them to serve the community of Cleveland and learn from my housemates and colleagues. 

With your support through Send Me to Serve, you will help incoming Jesuit Volunteers and their friends and families to connect more deeply with the mission of JVC. In addition, your contribution will help raise funds so that JVC can continue to partner with over 200 non-profit agencies. As a direct result, these agencies provide vital services to tens of thousands of people every year. Please consider donating to this great organization and follow along with me as I live in a new city, fulfill a new position, and meet new friends and JV alums. Thank you! 

- Margaret 

#DARETOCHANGE