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BALTIMORE— The Jesuit Volunteer Corps received a Centennial Medal from Catholic Charities USA during its annual all-staff meeting on Saturday, September 10, 2011. 

CCUSA is presenting 100 individuals or organizations with Centennial Medals to recognize their contributions to the reduction of poverty in the United States and their commitment to the principles by which Catholic Charities USA conducts its work. 

“Through your ministry throughout the world, those who need loving, compassionate care are embraced every day by your dedicated and competent volunteers,” said Fr. Larry Snyder, president of CCUSA. “Your pillars of spirituality, community, simple living and a commitment to social justice, guide Jesuit Volunteers as 21st-century witnesses to the Gospel mandate of charity and service. Our hope is that the Centennial Medal will be a tribute of our regard for who you are as a ministry of our faith and a sign of the hope you bring to so many who seek a kind word or a helping hand.”

Kevin O’Brien, president of JVC, and Joseph Walker, president of JVC’s board of directors, accepted the award at Chapel of Grace at St. Ignatius Church. 

“Catholic Charities has led the way for faith-based service in the U.S. for more than 100 years,” said O’Brien. “Our organizations are guided by the same faith and share a common mission to work for justice in the world. In fact, many of our Jesuit Volunteers are working at Catholic Charities organizations across the country. It’s such an honor to be recognized with this award.”

Catholic Charities USA is a 100-year-old social services organization committed to reducing poverty in America. For almost 300 years, Catholic Charities agencies across the globe have worked to reduce poverty by providing a myriad of vital services in their communities, ranging from health care and job training to food and housing. In 2010, Catholic Charities USA celebrated its centennial anniversary.

Based in four core values—social justice, simple living, community, and spirituality—Jesuit Volunteer Corps offers women and men an opportunity to work full-time for justice and peace. Jesuit Volunteers are called to the mission of serving the poor directly, working for structural change in the United States, and accompanying people in developing countries. For decades, Jesuit Volunteer Corps has worked in collaboration with Jesuits, whose spirituality the volunteers incorporate in their work, community, and prayer life. More than 250 grassroots organizations across the world count on Jesuit Volunteers to provide essential services. During their one to two years of service, volunteers integrate Christian faith by working and living among the poor and marginalized examining the causes of social injustice. JVC offers volunteers an experience that will open their minds and hearts to live always conscious of the poor and committed to the Church’s mission of promoting justice in the service of faith. Learn more at www.jesuitvolunteers.org or www.facebook.com/jesuitvolunteers.