As the Catholic Volunteer Network (CVN) celebrates its 50th anniversary, this is a great time to highlight the important work being done by CVN and its volunteers. CVN continues to inspire everyone it reaches as the organization grows in numbers and continues to help people find meaningful, faith-based services across the country and around the globe.
Since its founding in 1963 by Father George Mader, CVN has grown from a local program operating out of the Newark Archdiocese into a global operation based out of Washington, D.C. I am a proud alumnus of the Jesuit Volunteer Corps (JVC), an affiliate program of CVN. During my time with JVC, I had the privilege to serve as a 5th grade teacher and 8th grade basketball coach at the Gesu School in North Philadelphia. Several members of my family, including one of my daughters, have followed as volunteers with JVC or with other Catholic service-based organizations. Working with children in the classroom and on the basketball court was an invaluable experience that has continued to have a profound impact on my life. Today, fighting on behalf of the underprivileged children of Pennsylvania remains a critical part of my role as a United States Senator.
CVN offers young people the chance to aid those in need. The faith-based service that it promotes allows young volunteers to play an active role in strengthening and developing their communities. I can personally speak to its effectiveness, as CVN and JVC gave me one of my first opportunities to serve the public good. My year as a Jesuit volunteer provided me with numerous eye-opening experiences, and the struggles of those I met in the inner city continue to affect me and my work. I will continue to support CVN and the valuable work that it does. The program embodies two principles that comprise the foundation of my life -- faith and service.
It is with great pride and pleasure that I congratulate CVN on 50 years of remarkable, altruistic work. I look forward to an even brighter future for CVN as their compassionate assistance continues to provide exceptional service for our communities. With each act of kindness that CVN provides, we, as a community, step towards a better future for all.