Mary Slicher, Executive Director of Project PLASE in Baltimore, says: “Without Ignatian Volunteers, we would not be able to provide all the help our residents so desperately need.”
At the Franciscan Center in Baltimore city, an Ignatian volunteer means having someone with compassion meet with their clients. “Dick’s relationship with the clients he sees reflects this mission,” says Carol Miles, volunteer manager. “He not only helps them with their material needs, but treats them with the respect and dignity they desire by his compassionate and caring manner and his transparent spirituality.”
The role of an Ignatian volunteer at Project PLASE is integral to keeping the shelter operating without additional paid staff. Mary Slicher, the Executive Director, says that two Ignatian volunteers the site had during the 2006-07 year helped tremendously – saving the shelter from hiring a nurse and part-time cook, respectively. Mollie is a registered nurse, and tends to the HIV-positive residents of one house, and Duffy prepares meals for the residents of another house. “Each of them performs a variety of tasks that are considered indispensable,” Mary reports. “Plus, they are of great comfort and assistance to the rest of the staff in getting things done. Without them, we would not be able to provide all the help the residents so desperately need.”
More Baltimore stories...
IVC Baltimore on Provoke Radio
Three IVC Baltimore volunteers, Tom Tiffany, Duffy Laws & Jerry May, shared their stories with Provoke radio host, Rev. Stephen Spahn, S.J in November 2006.
Provoke is a 30-minute radio program heard live in Baltimore, Washington, St. Louis, and San Francisco. Its programs serve to raise consciousness, inspire thoughtful reflection and motivate its listeners into action.
You can listen to the show here: http://www.provokeradio.com/archives.cfm
(Scroll down to show #42 from 11/16/06)