Saint Louis University Is a Top Five Producer for Jesuit Volunteer Corps, JVC Northwest

Seven Recent Graduates Dedicate Year of Service with JVC, JVC Northwest

ST. LOUIS – Saint Louis University is one of the top five producers of volunteers for work with two Jesuit Volunteer organizations: the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and JVC Northwest.

Seven members of the Class of 2023 will begin their placements in August. They will serve through July 2024.

As full-time volunteers with the organizations, these graduates commit to the dignity and well-being of all people, particularly those on the margins of society. Living a life rooted in a faith that does justice, each young person lives and serves within a reflective community alongside other Jesuit Volunteers. 

“It’s reassuring to see that, in a time when student participation in post-graduate service has seen a significant drop nationwide, Billikens are continuing to answer the call,” said Bobby Wassel, director of operations for SLU’s Center for Social Action. “I think this speaks directly to our mission of service of humanity truly being seen as a vocation amongst our students.”

The Jesuit Volunteer Corps engages brave leaders in life-changing service, living and accompanying those in need to build a more just and hopeful world. Volunteers can serve for one to two years, either domestically or internationally, living in community with other JVC volunteers

Similar to Jesuit Volunteer Corps, JVC Northwest takes place specifically in the northwest region of the country, including Alaska, Washington, Oregon, Montana and Idaho, with both rural and urban experiences offered.

JVs serve hundreds of thousands of people each year, addressing significant social issues including hunger and homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, end-of-life care, mental health and food justice. These young leaders commit to a faith that does justice while accompanying many communities, including Indigenous communities, schools, health clinics, and advocacy organizations across the country and world. 

SLU’s graduates involved in these two programs are as follows, along with their placement sites and locations:

Jesuit Volunteer Corps

• Elizabeth Schwartz, Environmental Stewardship, San Jose, California

JVC Northwest

• Anna Morrow, Education, Portland, Oregon
• Amy Cook, Environmental Stewardship, Bethel, Alaska
• Monica Becker, Women’s Shelter, Portland, Oregon
• Meghan Burke, Houselessness/Housing Services, Tacoma, Washington
• Becca Townley, Legal Services, Spokane, Washington
• Bekah Truss, Education, Seattle, Washington

Saint Louis University