The Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC) opened its New England Region in January, 2009. The first Ignatian Volunteers were 11 men and women from assorted walks of life and different educational backgrounds, looking to put their life experiences, talents and time at the disposal of the poor in Boston, Worcester, and Providence, and surrounding communities. In 2017-2018, 43 women and men are serving in diverse neighborhoods in Boston, Brockton, Framingham, Lexington, Dartmouth, Easton, Worcester, and Providence. These volunteers are supported by one another and by “spiritual reflectors” whose task is to help the volunteers look at their service and to reflect upon its deeper meaning for themselves and for those whom they serve. New England Ignatian volunteers teach, mentor and advise in a variety of educational programs; provide services to potentially homeless elders; co-ordinate volunteers who work in direct service; educate and locate resources for adult students and immigrants; offer administrative, development and HR support to non-profit staff; coordinate food and furniture outreach to families in need and organize retreats for homeless and formerly homeless women and men.
