Hi! My name is Jennifer. I’m from Olathe, KS. I graduated in 2006 from Emporia State University with a Bachelor of Arts (emphasis in photography). I first learned about the Catholic Volunteer Network in college. After a few years in the corporate world and feeling called to do something greater, I began to pursue volunteer programs. I love the East Coast and I’ve always wanted to live in New York, so that helped narrow my search down quite a bit. I was also looking for a program that had a variety of jobs that I could choose from. When I found the CCSC program, I was drawn to the emphasis of the four core values: Community, Simplicity, Social Justice & Simplicity. I also liked the theme, “Discovering our Light…Igniting it in others”.
My placement is with the Catholic Charities Parish Outreach. I work at three different pantries. Some of the tasks and responsibilities include: interviewing clients for initial intake sessions, packing bags of food, stocking shelves, picking up donations, record keeping, filing and participating in various outreach projects. I will also be assisting the after school children’s art program and summer program. So far, the program has been rewarding for me.
Some random and fun facts about me: My favorite color is purple. I love to travel. I enjoy bike riding, singing and dancing, watching the NFL, bowling, baking and jigsaw puzzles. I love all types of art, from visual art and music to literary art and performance art. I’m a very independent person and enjoy my alone time. But I also like being adventurous and living in the moment. I like to make others laugh and I try not to take life very seriously, my housemates can attest to that. Some of my favorite charities are the Alzheimer’s Association, American Heart Association/Go Red for Women, Girl Scouts and Catholic Charities. My favorite part of the liturgical year is Lent/Easter. My favorite season is winter and, yes, I’m looking forward to the Buffalo weather.
One of my favorite quotes is by artist Scott Rhodes, “When you look at life ‘through the camera’s eye’, it helps you to appreciate the things you would normally have overlooked. It helps to slow you down and enjoy life for the moment.” This year, I hope to slow down and pay more attention to the needs of others. I hope to see the world from different viewpoints and learn more about the lives of others. I want to grow in my faith and become more knowledgeable in social justice issues so that I can better serve the community.