Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati: Called to Serve

In my life, I want to become better, and do a little good. Those words are attributed to Bl. Frederic Ozanam, who founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul along with fellow students studying at the Sorbonne in Paris in 1833. In that same spirit, SVDP brings together a group of young professionals, ages 21-30, to participate in an 11-month-long, faith-based residential service program each year, known as Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati (VVC). VVC program participants build new skills through full-time work placements at SVDP. Additionally, VVC participants live in intentional community, sharing weekly meals, praying together, and engaging in reflection on social justice issues, both locally and globally.

Sarah Miller, current VVC

Sarah Miller is currently participating in the VVC program after graduating from Mount St. Joseph University with a degree in social work. Sarah says serving as a Social Services Associate in the Neyer Outreach Center has helped prepare her for her career by giving her hands-on experience in direct service to neighbors. “I spend most of the day doing case work, with about six or seven rent and utility cases a week. I talk to neighbors about what their situation is, and how we can best assist them.”

Mary Ellen Ostrowski, VVC alum

Beyond professional development, the VVC program also seeks to help participants grow in the Vincentian values of simplicity, humility, gentleness, selflessness and zeal. VVC alum Mary Ellen Ostrowski participated in two years of VVC, first serving a placement as a Patient Advocate for the SVDP Charitable Pharmacy and then serving a placement as Program Coordinator for VVC. Now she works as a registered nurse in Chicago and reflects fondly on the “intentionality” VVC brought into her life. Mary Ellen says, “Although far from perfect, decisions about how I spend my money, my interactions at home and at work, and the choices I make when it comes to what I buy, wear, and eat – all those decisions come with a lot more thoughtfulness.”

Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati is currently recruiting for its ’22-’23 service year, which will begin in August 2022. Interested applicants should apply by June 19 by completing an online application at SVDPcincinnati.org/VVC. Do you have questions, or want to learn more about Vincentian Volunteers of Cincinnati? Please visit VincentianVolunteers.org or email a member of our team at VVC@SVDPcincinnati.org.