Mission Statement: The PV Volunteers are an ecumenical community of diverse individuals. By providing a service experience in a variety of settings, we respond to human need, form relationships and encourage change and growth both in ourselves and with those we serve.

Visit our website to find out more: www.pvprogram.org


Monday, December 29, 2014

2014 What a Wonderful Year


As we close out 2014, we thought we would take the time to reflect on the year that was and thank you again  for “being a part of it.”

We kicked off the service year in March, as we have for last 16 years, with Northern Illinois University’s Spring Break Service Trip to Wyoming County. The students provided much-needed home repair for three  young families and assisted with programing at Head Start, St. Vincent de Paul, and the Itmann Food Bank. Encouraging young people in their commitment to serving others is a vital part of the PV mission, and we are delighted to see both spring break and summer volunteers going on to further volunteer assignments.

In April, the PVs spent a week in Seattle, Washington. This year the traveling volunteers were joined by five PVs from the Seattle area.  The volunteers served at a local soup kitchen, worked at St. Francis house (where Seattle residents can
receive food, clothing, and housewares), assisted with projects at both Our Lady of Guadalupe Church and School, and joined relief efforts in Oso, Washington, which faced devastation and loss due to mudslides that had claimed 35 lives the month before.

As June rolled around, we headed back to Wyoming County, West Virginia for our 17th summer. It was another great summer of service, community, and reflection. We carried out emergency repairs to keep families in 25 homes, assisted with programs at Glen Rogers Manor, Itmann Food Bank, and St. Vincent de Paul, and conducted
our always popular basketball camp for children.

PV service in Bedford Stuyvesant continues throughout the year with meetings of Women’s Empowerment Brooklyn (WEB), the young women’s empowerment group, which is celebrating its 8th year. WEB is able to continue thanks to a small group of dedicated local PVs and a very committed group of young women. The program continues to have a positive presence in the lives of all involved: Women from WEB volunteer as PVs in West Virginia, and also in
their own community, and the PV mentors help with college applications and interview skills, as well as support for WEB families.

The PVs headed to Aurora, Illinois, in September for our second annual service program. PVs served at Hesed House, a shelter and transitional living program that provides temporary housing for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, assisted with ESL classes through World Relief, performed many needed repairs at St. Rita’s parish, and assisted My Father’s Hands and Emmanuel House with repairs for local residents.

As a small organization trying to make a large impact, we ask for your help for our continued sustainability.  Your tax-deductible year end gift is greatly needed to allow us to continue to provide a volunteer experience for the hundreds of PVs who serve with us, and the many people who lives are impacted by the service provided by our compassionate and dedicated volunteers.

Your continued generosity and enthusiasm enable us to do great things.

Jenny and Jill

Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Merry Christmas from the PV Volunteers!!!

May you have the gladness of Christmas which is hope; the spirit of Christmas which is peace; the heart of Christmas which is love. 
Ada V. Hendricks

Wishing all our volunteers and supporters a wonderful Holiday Season!!

Jill and Jenny 



Monday, December 22, 2014

WEB Christmas Party

This past week, Women's Empowerment Brooklyn (WEB) gathered for their annual Christmas party. This 11 year tradition brings together the young ladies, the leaders and now their children! Food was consumed, laughter was shared and a Secret Santa gift sharing took place. These gathering have always been a special time for the group. Many thanks to our hosts!!!



Wednesday, December 17, 2014

WEB Lends a Hand

WEB, Womens Empowerment Brooklyn, the young womens group the PVs started 11 years ago is still going strong. One besides providing a safe place to talk about life's triumphs and struggles, the young ladies have always tried to engage in their community with service. Whether it is helping with the PVs Peace Camp or serving meals at a local soup kitchen, they have had a positive impact in their community.

A few weeks ago a call for help was made for a few extra hands to unload a tractor trailer full of 1,000 turkeys and canned good to be distributed in the community just in time for Thanksgiving. Members of WEB as well as a young gentleman who was one of our original junior counselors for PEACE camp worked alongside 30 others to unload the truck in record time. We are so proud of all of you! You are an example to us all to give back to our own neighborhoods.





Wednesday, December 3, 2014

PVs Participate in Gratitude Tuesday

PVs took to their social media accounts yesterday on Giving Tuesday, and took part in the "unselfie" movement to promote how they give back, specifically as PVs. Using pictures, posts and tweets the work of the PVs was spread throughout the land. Thanks to all who helped!!!











Tuesday, December 2, 2014

GivingTuesday

On this GivingTuesday, we want to thank and recognize the many wonderful people who call themselves PVs. Being a PV means you are part of something bigger than yourself. You have deliberately chosen to be part of a community, living simply, being of service in whatever way you can- always with an open heart and a listening ear, and reflecting on these experiences and figuring out ways to bring these experiences home with you. Thank you to the hundreds of people who are part of the PV family. Your generosity and compassion is an example and inspiration to all!

Some smiling faces of our wonderful volunteers during service in West Virginia, Brooklyn, Seattle and Aurora: