Name: Elizabeth Deak 

Hometown: Granville, OH 

Age: 22 

Alma Mater:  Notre Dame 

Favorite Books: Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man, Once a Runner, anything Jane                      Austen 

Hobbies:  Running, reading everything I can get my hands on, and currently also wedding planning!

 What attracted you to GSV?
The first time I talked to Jon (staff member) about GSV, he just seemed so excited about the program, and at the same time very laid-back and welcoming.  GSV really struck me as oriented towards supporting its volunteers and helping them grow in every aspect-not focused exclusively on social justice or community only, but emphasizing all 4 tenets equally.

 Where are you serving? 
I am serving at Collier High School in Wickatunk, NJ.  It wasn’t the placement I originally would have picked-I thought I wanted to be in New York-but now I can’t imagine being anywhere else.

Have you seen any personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV? 
Even when I was just two months in, I was so much more aware of who I am-my personality, my needs, areas where I need to grow.  It may sound selfish, but knowing who I am lets me be a better community member, a better volunteers, and more confident in every aspect of my life! 

What is the best or most surprising part about your volunteer year so far?
How quickly I got to know all 134 Collier students!  At first, I was intimidated by the thought of dealing with all these kids-especially since a lot of them looked older than I do!  But, after just a few weeks I found myself laughing and talking with them so easily, and really enjoying spending time with them. 

Name: Reynaldo Barrera

Hometown: Hacienda Heights, CA 

Age: 23 

Alma Mater:  Loyola Marymount University 

Favorite Books: Niebla, The Kite Runner 

Hobbies:  Running, any sports, and coloring 

What attracted you to GSV?
The overall commitment and personal attention that GSV fosters in each volunteer.  The tenants are also important pillars that challenge and promote growth in every volunteer. 

Where are you serving?
I’m serving in the afterschool program at P.S. 27 in Red Hook, Brooklyn.

Have you seen any personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?
Yes.  Working with middle school kids from a different environment and culture has taught me plenty about patience and understanding.   

What is the best or most surprising part about your volunteer year so far

Name: Nathalie Sàchez 

Hometown: Cudahy, CA (Lost Angeles 

Age: 22 

Alma Mater:  Loyola Marymount University 

Favorite Books: “Eat, Peace, Love” 

Hobbies:  Visiting art museums, crocheting, reading, going to protests, cultivating my ‘artsiness’, exploring the city 

What attracted you to GSV?
I was introduced to GSV through a friend that was in the program.  As I began to research post-graduate service programs, GSV was one of the few that specifically focused on social justice as one of the four pillars which is the main reason I applied.

Where are you serving?
I am a Youth Development Counselor at Marian Hall, a long term residency for young women between the ages of 12-21 in the foster care system.

Have you seen any personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?
Of course-it’s not even a question.  As different and challenging and often unpredictable as my job is, I am receptive to learning from the young women.  In the words of one of the young women, “you have not lived life until you have worked with kids.”

What is the best or most surprising part about your volunteer year so far?
What surprised others about an art major turned into social work was that I was not half bad.  In addition, I was pleasantly surprised to get along with and learn from 5 other amazing roommates/suitemates.

Name: Corinna Morales 

Hometown: Honolulu, HI 

Age: 22 

Alma Mater:  Loyola Marymount University 

Favorite Books: Pride and Prejudice; Pedagogy of the Oppressed 

Hobbies:  Reading, people watching 

What attracted you to GSV?
I volunteered at the Good Shepherd Shelter in Los Angeles my senior year of college.  This was my first exposure to the work that GSV does.  I was really inspired by the volunteers there because they seemed to truly care about the people they served. 

Where are you serving? 
I’m an Activity Coordinator at an after school program at P.S. 79 in the Bronx.

 Have you seen any personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?
 I’ve seen a lot of personal growth with how I interact with children.  Working at a school full time has developed the skills I need to help children open up and feel comfortable with me.  My work has also allowed me to go to trainings which focused on developing my classroom management skills and learning how to connect with the community.

 What is the best or most surprising part about your volunteer year so far?
The most surprising part has been how well I’ve adjusted to living in New York City.  It definitely has not been as intimidating as I thought it would be!

Name: Walter Ayala 

Hometown:  South Los Angeles, CA 

Age: 22 

Alma Mater:  Loyola Marymount University 

Favorite Book:  Catcher in the Rye 

Hobbies:  Soccer 

What attracted you to GSV?
The program is small so they can easily answer any questions that I may have.  I also knew and had a friendship with previous volunteers who had been in the program.

 Where are serving?
I am serving in New York City at the Chelsea Foyer.

 What is the best or most surprising part of your volunteers year so far?

The best parts of my volunteer year are the interactions I have with my residents and the relationships I have developed with my community.  I love talking to the residents and learning of their life experiences and their goals.  Though they’ve been through lots of rough patches in their lives, they are not much different from me.
 

Name: Lexis Fedele

 
Hometown: Atlantic City

Age: 25 

Alma Mater:  Chestnut Hill College

Favorite Books: Devil in the White City, Harry Potter Series

Hobbies: Watching football, listening to music

What attracted you to GSV?
Meeting one of the staff members at a non-profit job fair.  She was very informative, helpful, and personable.  Also, I liked the mission and the values of the program.

 Where are you serving?
 I am serving at Collier High School in Wickatunk, NJ.

Have you seen any personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?
I have seen personal growth even though I have only been here for three months.  I have become more spiritually “in-tune” with myself, and I have learned to adjust and successfully work with a population that is “in need.”

What is the best or most surprising part about your volunteer year so far?
I have really been surprised about how great the kids at Collier High School are to work with.  They have their good and bad days, but they are so much fun to be around.  I wouldn’t trade my time here thus far for anything.

Name:  Thanh PhuongChu

Hometown: Portland, OR

College: Gonzaga University

Age: 22

Favorite Books: Mountains Beyond Mountains, The Miracle of Hope, Let Your Life Speak 

Hobbies: volunteering, reading, hiking, canoeing, cooking, knitting 

1) What attracted you to GSV?

I was attracted to GSV by the charism of St. Mary Euphrasia:  “One person is of more value than a world.”  I felt called to emulate SME’s love for the marginalized by taking advantage of the opportunities and community GSV offers. 

2) Where are you serving?
I’m serving at Collier High School in Wickatunk, NJ.  At Collier I work as a substitute teacher, tutor, clubs advisor, and assistant to organize special projects.  Most importantly, I get to walk with the staff and students to create a safe and loving environment where each person has a chance to grow. 

3) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?
As a result of my experience at Collier, I have grown to love more deeply by living more authentically.  My community has shown me how to live truthfully and humbly—by being no more than who I am and no less.

Name:  Caitlin Kane

Hometown: Chelmsford, MA

College: Providence College


Age: 22

Favorite Books: Traveling Mercies (Lammott), Amazing Grace (Norris), Amy Tan books 

Hobbies: reading, singing, baking, running, coffee shops & long talks, writing (!!), and Catchphrase ;) 

1) What attracted you to GSV?

Although the desire to serve initially drew me to a volunteer year, the specific tenets—simplicity, social justice, spirituality, and community—as well as the charisma of the Good Shepherd organization, specifically attracted me to GSV.  In GSV, we have the unique opportunity to lift up the lost sheep, look into his or her eyes, and say, “You are beautiful and talented and capable and good.  And I will walk beside you so that you may know these things for yourself.”  And then we have the time and space to take that intentional walk of solidarity and love. 

2) Where are you serving?
Collier High School, in Wickatunk, NJ

3) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?
So far this year, I have been challenged and stretched in ways I never imagined.  Through these challenges, I have come to know God, myself, and others in new and transformative ways.  As I empower others, as I work to “lift them up in their own eyes” (St. Mary Euphrasia), I too am empowered; I too am lifted up.  And so, ironically, my “growth” lies in my realization that I, too, am a lost sheep, but that I, too, am beautiful, powerful, and “worth it.”  And that by continually offering the time and talents with which I have been blessed, I walk not as one, but as one in many following the Good Shepherd home.

Name:  Emily Palmer

Hometown: St. Paul, MN 

College:  University of Wisconsin-Madison

Age: 22

Favorite Books: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time ; House of the Spirits; Pride and Prejudice

 Hobbies: Athletics/reading/the outdoors

 1) What attracted you to GSV?

Someone recommended the group to me, and upon talking to the GSV staff, and the employees and Sisters at my intended service site, I was impressed by the level of support for volunteers.  The program’s size provides a level of intimacy and rapport not necessarily available in similar programs.

2) Where are you serving?

I’m serving at Good Shepherd Shelter in Los Angeles. 

3) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

I have learned so much about children, teaching, and the challenges and benefits of giving yourself and energy to others.  My outlook on my community and what I want to do in the future is being shaped every day by what I’m doing at my service site. 

Name:  Jessica Gutiérrez

Hometown: West Corina, CA

 College:  Loyola Marymount University 

Age: 22

Favorite Books: Caramelo; The Alchemist

 Hobbies: reading, people-watching, drinking coffee, socializing on the subway  

1) What attracted you to GSV?

The small post-graduate service community, friendly & helpful GSV staff, and especially the Good Shepherd mission of serving women and children. 

2) Where are you serving?

I am a Youth Development Counselor at St. Helena’s Residence in Manhattan, which is a group home for teenage girls in foster care.  As a volunteer, I plan recreational activities for the residents, such as house trips to the movies, and I decorate and maintain the bulletin boards to bring inspiration and life to the house. 

3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

Initially I felt scared of the unpredictability of a group home setting.  After being in situations where I’ve had to manage & soothe the heightened stress level of a resident, I am confident in my ability to stay in control of my emotions and utilize my skills for the betterment for the community. 

Name:  Rebecca Dahl

Hometown: Buffalo, NY

College:  St. Bonaventure University 

Age: 23 

Favorite Books: Days of War/Nights of Love ; The Count of Monte Cristo ; and Dr. Seuss 

Hobbies: Painting, photography, yoga, cooking, reading, music  

1) What attracted you to GSV?

GSV appealed to me because of the strong roots in the 4 tenets.  GSV seemed warm & welcoming, like a family, that focused on holistic growth of the individual & community.  I was drawn to the program because of the rich soil/foundation it provides, allowing for abundant growth, change, and transformation. 

2.) Where are you serving?

Handcrafting Justice   

3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

The personal growth I’ve experienced with GSV connects to every part of my life.  Through intentional focus on the four core tenets, I feel that I have been awakened & invigorated in so many areas of my life, and that my experience here is helping shape me into the person I’ve wanted to be for so long.  The joy & challenges throughout this year are life-changing and have helped my emotional, physical, and psychological spirit grow.  I’m so grateful for this experience, and can’t wait to see where it leads me down the rest of my life journey.
 

Name:  Lauren Smith

Hometown: Hawthorne, CA

 College:  University of San Francisco 

Age: 22

Favorite Books: The Alchemist ; On Beauty ; Mountains Beyond Mountains 

Hobbies: talking, writing, knitting, acting, singing, laughing, and walking

 1) What attracted you to GSV?

The tenets were a large attraction.  I was searching to marry my interests and integrate my whole life once I graduated.  GSV offered the most plausible opportunity.

2.) Where are you serving?

The After-School Center at P.S. 27. 

3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

The personal growth as a result of this experience has been abundant.  Daily, my interactions with people have been so enriching.  I definitely feel more grounded in who I am.  My growth in knowledge of socio-economic status, my vision of hope, and the viability of the work I’m putting forth this year has also helped me to place value in this experience.

Name:  Chloe Brown

Hometown: n/a—I’ve moved all over the place 

College:  Eastern University 

Age: 22

Favorite Books: The Bible; The Autobiography of Malcolm X; the Anne of Green Gables series 

Hobbies: traveling, listening to music, meeting new people  

1) What attracted you to GSV?

Initially I was attracted to GSV because of the commitment to social justice and living in community. 

2) Where are you serving?

Marian Hall in New York City 

 3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

I appreciate the job experience and competence I’ve gained as a Youth Development Counselor and the opportunity to live in New York City.  Living in community has been challenging, but has really helped me realize the necessity and refreshing interdependence with others. 

Name:  Allie Holsen

Hometown: Easley, SC

College:  Creighton University

 Age: 22

Favorite Books: Los Renglones Torcidos de Dios; Gone with the Wind

 Hobbies: tennis, swimming, soccer, writing, reading, eating various ethnic foods

 1) What attracted you to GSV?

I was attracted to GSV for two reasons:  1.) I like the mission and its primary focus on women and children and 2.) the program is very small and so I feel very connected to all the volunteers in other communities and GSV staff.

2) Where are you serving?

I’m currently serving at the Good Shepherd Shelter in L.A.  I am in charge of the learning center which is where we have classes for our moms at the shelter. 

3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

For me, I have been able to grow at my site by discovering new talents and skills such as designing classes and creating art projects for the moms.  I have also learned of the value of meeting people where they are so they’re able to flourish as an individual.

Name:  Kelly Zehner

Hometown: Morton Grove, IL

College:  St. Mary’s University—Minnesota  

Age: 23

Favorite Books: Harry Potter 1-6; The Five People You Meet in Heaven 

Hobbies: reading, music, the city, card games  

1) What attracted you to GSV?

I knew I wanted to be a long-term volunteer & really wanted to be in New York City doing social work-related things.  I heard about the program through a mission trip experience I went on during the end of my senior year and felt very connected to all aspects of the program.

 2) Where are you serving?

Foster Care; McMahon Adolescent Unit in the Bronx.  I do a lot of different activities around the agency such as home visits, group activities, counseling, and progress notes.  The age group I am serving is 13-21 year old youth. 

3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

I have seen a lot of growth in myself since the beginning of the program, especially in my work place.  In the beginning, it was hard for me to know my role in the agency, particularly in dealing with the youth since I was not a caseworker.  But now I feel confident taking charge in most situations and have formed lots of positive bonds with the youth I work with.

Name:  Jennifer Kralik

Hometown: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada 

College:  Bowling Green State University (Master’s)

 Age: 28 

Favorite Books: Too many to list!  I am a voracious reader!  The first book that really made an impression on me as a child was Anne of Green Gables. 

Hobbies: reading, writing, watching movies, etc. 

1) What attracted you to GSV?

I was attracted by the 4 tenets and that the program was based on the mission of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd. 

2) Where are you serving?

I am serving at Collier High School in Wickatunk, NJ.   

3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

I am so excited to go to work every day—it is never boring!  I have had the opportunity to do so many things that challenge me—such as acting and teaching.  This has helped increase my confidence and has been so rewarding. 

Name:  Melissa (aka Misha) Alvarenga

 Hometown: Los Angeles, CA 

College:  Loyola Marymount University 

Age: 22 

Favorite Books: 100 Years of Solitude; The Alchemist; The House on Mango Street; Big Sur; the list is long! 

Hobbies: writing poetry, running, dancing, art, exploring New York social life 

1) What attracted you to GSV?

I have always been attracted to actively fighting for human rights, specifically women’s rights and those of the marginalized.  GSV lives out the mission of a just love to empower women, children, and communities who face many challenges despite their strength.  This mission is one which is greatly aligned with my personal mission.

2) Where are you serving?

I am serving at the Chelsea Foyer in Manhattan as an independent living counselor for 18-24 year olds.  It is work that connects issues of homelessness, poverty, education, and empowering youth.  It is challenging and incredibly rewarding.

3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

 

 have gained a deeper understanding of simplicity while living in an intentional community.  This has better grounded my commitment to social justice and the pursuit of attaining human dignity for those I work with, as well as being in solidarity with others. 

Name:  Maggie Morris

 Hometown: Lynn, MA 

College:  St. Bonaventure University 

Age: 24 

Favorite Books: Frankenstein; 1984; Animal Farm

Hobbies: skiing, running, giggling

1) What attracted you to GSV?

The size of the program and the mission of empowering women and children. 

2) Where are you serving?

The Good Shepherd Shelter in Los Angeles.  I’m teaching 2^nd & 3^rd grade. 

 3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

I’ve learned so much about living intentionally with others and living a life that is whole.  I love my work and all of the children and women at the shelter and the way I get to share in it fully with my community.

Name:  Saúl Martinez 

Hometown: Los Angeles (Boyle Heights), CA 

College:  St. Mary’s College of California

 Age: 23


Favorite Books: Mere Christianity; Pathologies of Power 

Hobbies: running, reading, writing, astronomy, photography, jazz (saxophone)

 1) What attracted you to GSV?

The diversity of the programs and services that Good Shepherd offers has exposed me to possible areas of further service and personal growth.  Good Shepherd truly is an ecumenical organization focused on empowering the people we work with. 

2) Where are you serving?

I am serving at Barbara Blum Non-Secure Detention Center.  Our house is a sentencing house for juvenile offenders.  This house allows for young men to make the transition from secure detention to their court appointed placements.

 3.) How have you seen personal growth as a result of your experience (site placement/community) with GSV?

Working with young men has allowed me to witness first hand the disparities between affluent and working class inner city communities.  At the same time, I feel that I have been equipped with the skills to continue to work for social justice.