Impact Stories

Each volunteer is unique and their experience as a Catholic Volunteer in Florida is different. The service year is filled with purposeful activities and each volunteer is given the time and tools they need to follow their call in life. A service year is an absolutely transformational time for all who participate.

Here are a few stories from alumni who wanted to share their experiences with you:

“My life forever changed. Since my involvement in CVIF I have seen truth in those I worked with and served- the truth of the injustices of the world and the need to get more involved and work for change. I have also seen the truth in God’s presence and compassion and the hope of the people I have encountered.“
– Ana Reza, CVIF Alumna

“With the support of CVIF I moved across the country to serve disadvantaged children in Central Florida, and both the city and the children won my heart. I translated my experience with CVIF into a career in social service, and I continue to work hard to make life better for my community. CVIF gave me the skills, passion, and support to grow as a professional and and individual; with this foundation I am confident that I can help make life brighter for others.“
– Jen Gase, CVIF Alumna
(Jen later became the Executive Director of the Conductive Education Center of Orlando and became a member of our Board of Directors.)

“The individual Catholic Volunteers are well qualified people who seek to live God’s call for a more just world by serving the marginalized in our society. The organization of CVIF provides the volunteers with good formation, resources and support throughout their year-long placement . As a CVIF alumna who has returned to my placement site in a leadership position, I am deeply grateful for the relationship between our two organizations. I have a first-hand experience of both programs and know that they share a challenging mission to live Christ’s gospel on earth.”
– Amy Finn Schultz, Community Leader, L’Arche Harbour House