be of service wherever you are.
be of service wherever you are.
be of service wherever you are.
to be a servant of God, every place is the right place and every time is the right time.
to be a servant of God, every place is the right place and every time is the right time.
to be a servant of God, every place is the right place
and every time is the right time.
be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire
be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire
be who God meant you to be and you will set the world on fire
Dominican Volunteers USA
Dominican Volunteers USA searches for new frontiers for the faith by inviting men and women to walk with us in mission as volunteers. Through our program, lay men and women to volunteer for a 10-12 month in mission while living in intentional Dominican community. Together, we respond to the needs of our sisters and brothers, especially those who are poor and marginalized. We live out the Dominican mission of proclaiming the gospel through our ministry, common life, prayer and study within a diverse, intergenerational community.
The Four Pillars of our Life
Current Volunteers 2018-2019
Elizabeth Broussard serves as the Education Support Staff at St. Francis Center and Siena Youth Center in Redwood City, CA.
Rosie Fiasche serves as the Guidance Counselor at Immaculate Conception Academy in San Francisco, where she serves
Lacey Green serves at the UIC Pilsen Food Pantry in Chicago, serving people in the community who are facing food scarcity or
Sean Puzzo serves as the Education Support Staff at St. Francis Center and Siena Youth Center in Redwood City, CA. Sean is a second
Jake Moran serves as the Domestic Violence Advocate at Sarah’s Inn in Chicago, serving primarily women and children and their
on Facebook right now
As we wrap up the inaugural DVUSA Frassati Award, we wanted to share a story about Michael Chapuran that his mom, Nita Chapuran, shared with us. This story tells us about the experience that Michael, his wife Angela, and so many of our Dominican Volunteers have as they dedicate a year of their life to service.
Michael learned the desperation of America's poor first hand while he and his wife Angela volunteered with DVUSA in the South Bronx in New York after he graduated from grad school. He learned how so many of the poor are trapped by circumstances beyond their control. They want to get educated, they want to work, and they want to succeed. But, severe poverty is difficult if not impossible to overcome in many cases. Mothers and fathers working two and three jobs cannot be with their children much of the time, they cannot check their children's homework or successfully encourage them to stay in school, and they cannot always keep their children from joining gangs. If they suffer from a financial setback, they face eviction, aren't able to put food on the table, aren't able to buy medicine, cannot pay bills, and the list goes on and on. Some of the poor could not find work or housing because of language barriers or criminal records. Not many doors were open to them. Michael and Angela saw and felt the pitfalls of poverty at its basest level. God has continued to bless and guide them in their efforts to help and care for others.
Sr. Diane Aruda, OP worked with Michael as a community representative when he was on staff. When we informed her that Mike would be receiving the Frassati Award she shared:
"Thinking of Mike causes me to smile!
He was present to be of service in any way possible near or far. At the heart of Mike's service was his value for community, his understanding of human growth and development, his compassion for others and his joy in being Dominican. He listened well, laughed wholeheartedly and desired to companion each Dominican volunteer throughout their year of service. The sisters enjoyed his visits and welcomed his support of Dominican life.
Congratulations, Mike! We, Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose here in San Francisco, are rejoicing with you in the acceptance of this award!
Blessings surround you and your family!"
Join us in honoring Mike by making a donation to DVUSA at: dominicanvolunteersusa.salsalabs.org/dvusafrassatiaward2019/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0zpNuGHlnrDinm8...
Just a few days left to double the impact of your contribution! Please help us honor Michael Chapuran, the 1st recipient of the DVUSA Frassati Award, and meet our fundraising goal; the first $1,500 raised will be matched by a generous donor. We’re 2/3 of the way to maximizing our matching funds! Every little bit helps.
Make your donation today - dominicanvolunteersusa.salsalabs.org/dvusafrassatiaward2019
#frassatiaward #frassatidvusa
From our Blog
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Valentine's Day Tree
by DVUSADirector on March 12, 2019 at 7:20 pm
“Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in thataction.” Saint Teresa of Calcutta (Mother Teresa)The month of February is often known as the month of love, having Valentine’s Day at the heartof the month; but, there is so much more to love than what Valentine’s Day holds. Valentine’sDay focuses on romantic love, only one small […]
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The Sisters I Never Knew I Wanted
by Unknown on February 8, 2019 at 6:38 pm
Dominican Volunteer Sean Puzzo ministers at the St. Francis CenterPicture this: ten years from now a group of friends is getting back together for a reunion. Theybegin to share stories of what they did right after college. Some talk about the first “grown-up”jobs while others talk about moving back in with their parents, and still others talk aboutchanging careers or different […]
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Happy 2019 from Dominican Volunteers USA!
by Unknown on January 18, 2019 at 4:42 pm
In our latest blog post,our volunteers and staff share some of their goals and resolutions for the coming year.Our 2018-19 Dominican Volunteers1. “ I hope to take more time to pause, reflect, and breath: to establish peace of mind. And to reflect on this incredible thing we call life." Jake Moran, 2018-19 Dominican Volunteer, Chicago Illinois. 2. “My New Year’s Resolution […]
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"A family I'm proud to be a part of"
by Unknown on December 20, 2018 at 3:58 pm
In our latest blog post, Dominican Volunteer Lacey Green shares how her year as a DV has influenced who she is and who she strives to become. Lacey serves at the Darst Center, an educational center with a focus on social justice issues in Chicago Illinois. I’m not Catholic. I have been learning about Catholic traditions over the past six months. A very large part our personal […]
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"The Holy Spirit is palpably present"
by Unknown on December 7, 2018 at 9:08 pm
In our most recent blog post, 2014- 15 Dominican Volunteer Juan Miguel Alvarez reflects on his recent trip to the Vatican to witness the canonization of Archbishop Oscar Romero. Juan Miguel also tells of his spiritual encounter with Pope Francis and how both men continue to shape his faith […]