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BALTIMORE – The Jesuit Volunteer Corps welcomed the newest group of women and men who answered the call to full-time service. Jesuit Volunteers commit one to two years of their lives to full-time service for social justice.

"Jesuit Volunteers allow local organizations to provide more services and have a greater impact within their communities," said Kevin O'Brien, president of JVC. "As a former JV myself, I know the transformative effect of full-time service. This experience will open their hearts and minds and change their perceptions of the world around them. It's inspiring to welcome a new generation of women and men who want to work for justice and peace."

This year's 340 JVs come from 26 states and the District of Columbia and represent 109 alma maters from across the U.S. They come with a diversity of educational and professional experiences, each bringing a unique background and perspective to their positions.

They work in 36 U.S. cities and 6 countries abroad with and for people who disenfranchised, marginalized, or vulnerable, such as children with limited educational opportunities, people who are homeless, patients diagnosed with AIDS, survivors of domestic abuse, low-wage earners, former gang members, refugees, or the elderly.

Almost 300 schools, legal clinics, parishes, nonprofit agencies, and grassroots organizations across the world count on JVs to provide essential services, saving them a combined estimate of $6 million each year, in comparison to the cost of a salaried employee.

In 2009, five of the six Jesuit Volunteer Corps organizations (JVC East, JVC Midwest, JVC Southwest, JVC South, and JV International) organizations merged to form JVC. With shared resources directed toward one common mission, JVC is building upon its grassroots history and strives to strengthen and improve the organization. With a 16 percent increase over last year's volunteer count, Jesuit Volunteers can be found in inner-city neighborhoods like Brooklyn, NY, rural communities like the Rosebud Indian Reservation of South Dakota, and many other places throughout the U.S. They also serve in countries in South America, Africa, and Oceania.

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.