CCS welcomes this year’s Jesuit Volunteers

CCS is fortunate to have two special young people assisting with our programs this year as Jesuit Volunteers. Sarah Miley is an activity coordinator at the Bridge Adult Day Facility, and Kathleen Maynard serves the Young Parent Healthy Teen Center.

Sarah comes to us from the Bay area of San Francisco, recently graduating from the University of San Francisco with a degree in sociology. She was drawn to USF for its focus on social justice and commitment to diversity, so the idea of becoming a Jesuit Volunteer flowed naturally once she completed her studies.

During her college years, she worked with United Seniors of Oakland to advocate on issues of benefit to seniors like improvements to sidewalks; the Bay area Community Action Program, where she helped people with criminal backgrounds prepare to reenter society by assisting them with finding housing, employment, food and other needs; and as a camp counselor for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

“My work as an activity coordinator at the Bridge is very fulfilling,” said Miley. “I like building relationships with our participants, I like the caretaking part of the job, and I’m really liking learning how to balance the many job responsibilities all at once.”

In her spare time, Sarah enjoys reading (she’s a real bookworm, she says), hiking and exploring nature, and strengthening her bonds with the JV community. “Being a JV has been a fruitful experience for me so far,” said Miley. “I’m sure I’ll continue to express our core values of living simply and sustainably, in community, and with intention even after my JV experience is complete.” Miley is contemplating a master’s in social work or sociology after her JV work is done. But before that, “I’ve never been in snow, so I’m looking forward to my first winter in Juneau,” said Miley with a smile.

is further from home, which is Jackson, New Hampshire, for her. She graduated from Colby College in Maine last year, with studies in history, biology, and French.

Maynard sought a JV position to work with young women on health education. She is very pleased to be working with the Young Parent and Healthy Teen Center at Zach Gordon. As the Program Assistant, she plans events and classes for young parents, like Family Nights promoting positive parenting, life skills and healthy living, and she serves as staff at Zach Gordon, being a positive role model and offering resources while she “hangs with the kids.”

Part of Maynard’s day is also spent co-teaching a women’s studies class at Yaa Koos in conjunction with AWARE. If that’s not enough, she also spends two afternoons with the Girls on the Run program at Gastineau School, encouraging girls to be physically active.

Maynard enjoys running, and recently ran leg 10 of the Skagway-to-Whitehorse Klondike Road Relay. She was the fastest woman (out of 72) running that leg, maintaining a 6:51 minute pace for over 12 miles. When she’s not out running or at work, she loves to crochet, read, hike and cross-country ski.

“For me, being a JV reflects my values,” said Maynard. “My sister was a JV in Anchorage last year, and her experience led me to pursue the opportunity, too. Spirituality is a pillar of the JV program, along with building community, simple living and social and ecological justice. I’m really enjoying living in community with the other like-minded people. It makes me a stronger volunteer.”

The Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC) Northwest connects women and men with one or more years of volunteer service that focus on the core values of community, spirituality, simple living and social and ecological justice. JVC Northwest provides opportunities for young, motivated individuals to reach out to persons living on the margins of society and vulnerable places throughout the Pacific Northwest. Jesuit Volunteers have the opportunity to live and work with partner agencies in Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Catholic Community Service is very happy to have Kathleen and Sarah with us this year, following in the footsteps of many other capable and wonderful previous JVs. We love the energy, the commitment to excellent work, and the youthful smiles that JVs bring to our agency and the community of Juneau. Thanks to Sarah and Kathleen for bringing their gifts to our programs, and to JVC for placing them among us.