values

Steeped in Dominican tradition, Dominican Volunteers USA holds these core values as foundational:

Preaching Our lives preach God’s great compassion for all, especially those who are the most vulnerable among us. Our preaching is always on the side of justice, peace and reconciliation.

Community Our relationships in community, in ministry and within the Dominican Family are mutual, diverse, inclusive and intergenerational.

Prayer Our prayer, whether communal, individual or contemplative, is the heart of our Dominican Life.

Study Our study enables us to search out the truth in our times, especially the issues that affect those we serve.

Ministry Our ministry, time and talent freely given, centers on love of God and love of neighbor.

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Dominican Volunteers USA

14 hours ago

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. ... See MoreSee Less

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Dominican Volunteers USA

2 days ago

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... ... See MoreSee Less

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Dominican Volunteers USA

4 days ago

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 ... See MoreSee Less

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