Releases

 Graduate Student, Former Volunteer, and Donor

Graduate student Paul Freeman (Hartford '07) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, recently finished his year of service, but he is one of JVC's most generous donors. His monthly contributions, though seemingly small, add up to a weighty sum by the year's end and demonstrate the cumulative power of micro donations.

Q: What first brought you to JVC?

Paul: I heard about JVC as an undergrad at Gonzaga, which made me think about committing to something different after graduation. My advisor encouraged me, saying that my experiences in JVC would be worth more than just entering the workforce, so I went for it. The values and the support drew me to JVC.

Q: What motivated you to first donate to JVC?

Paul: As a JV, we received a tremendous amount of assistance from our support people, coworkers, FJV s, and others. They were so generous and provided us with things that our stipends didn't allow. When I finished JVC, I wanted to give back. I got my first paycheck and it was much more than I made in JVC. It was easy.

Q: Often people make donations in even amounts like $25 or $150. You once donated $81.77 and regularly contribute irregular amounts. How do you decide on your totals?

Paul: With each paycheck, I immediately set aside a percentage for charity, usually 10 percent. Then I send it to an organization after reflecting on where I feel drawn to give.

Q: Why is it important that you regularly give?

Paul: It's easy to donate, but committing to an organization means regularly donating, even if it's in smaller amounts. By making donating a habit, I feel more committed to the cause.

Q: What's the value of donating to JVC?

Paul: My donations have an impact on future and current JV s, helping give them the opportunity to have an experience like mine. It's a real privilege to volunteer, go on retreats, and have all the support we got as JVs.

Q: In what other ways do you stay connected to JVC?

Paul: I just moved to Milwaukee for graduate school and didn't know anyone, so I connected with FJV s and the current JV s. I try to keep in touch with FJV s I know around the country, especially online. It's great that I now know people in different areas.

Q: Do you have any thoughts for other young professionals on the importance of philanthropy?

Paul: The amount doesn't matter as much as the act of giving itself. Think of what you can give up and make it a habit. Giving allows other people to become JV s. As a professional, I get paid more than enough, so it's easy to live more simply in order to support a cause I believe in.

Q: Your final thoughts?

Paul: If it weren't for JVC, I wouldn't be working on a PhD in nursing. Thanks to my experience as a JV at the "Mac" (Immaculate Conception Shelter and Housing Corporation) in Hartford, I want to study health and homelessness in a way that integrates JVC's values into this calling.