Ignatian Volunteer Corps connects 50-year-old-plus set with a chance to help those in need

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**What Does Retirement Look Like for You?**

For a West Lawn resident with an electrical engineering degree, retirement means spending part of his week fixing electric appliances donated to Habitat for Humanity’s South Side ReStore. Meanwhile, a former WBBM-Ch. 2 reporter and anchor/reporter at WMAQ-Ch. 5 spends his retirement assisting people at St. Leonard’s Ministries, helping those affected by the carceral system. And for a Northbrook resident with a logistics background in the grocery industry, post-employment life involves raising awareness about the pressing need for diapers—a critical issue, as one in two U.S. families struggle to afford enough diapers for their children, according to the National Diaper Bank Network.

What ties this diverse trio together is the Ignatian Volunteer Corps (IVC), a national nonprofit connecting adults aged 50 and older—many of whom are retirees—to organizations supporting people in need.

### The Ignatian Volunteer Corps: More Than Just Service

People join IVC for the service and stay for the community, says Cathy Buescher, IVC’s Chicago program manager. Volunteers commit between eight and 15 hours per week to their assignments. Beyond service, IVC emphasizes community building and spiritual reflection as foundational pillars of the program. Buescher explains that this approach helps volunteers consider, “What is this service doing for me as a person?”

According to the IVC 2024 Impact Report, over 550 members serving in more than 300 nonprofit entities across 30 states volunteered more than 20,000 hours—resulting in $12.5 million in savings for those organizations. Volunteers meet monthly from September through June to share experiences and support one another.

### A Journey of Giving Back and Spiritual Growth

When Charles Malatesta began volunteering with IVC over a decade ago, his motivation was simple: he’d had a good life and wanted to give back. Initially, the “good works” outweighed the spiritual aspect of the program. He tutored youth in math, did home repairs for seniors, and contributed to Habitat for Humanity projects for several years.

Over time, Malatesta’s interest in the spiritual components of IVC deepened. Now, he fixes donated furniture and appliances at ReStore. Reflecting on his journey, he said, “I was in the Peace Corps when I was young. Those of us who had a good life help others who aren’t as fortunate. When you’re older, you have more time to do this—and you should.”

Each IVC volunteer is paired with a trained reflection partner, meeting every four to six weeks to discuss their experiences. Retreats also form part of the program, providing space to explore faith and spirituality.

### Using Career Skills for Meaningful Impact

Don Rosanova, a retired president at Roundy’s in Wisconsin, was drawn to IVC’s holistic approach that integrates service, social justice, and reflection. He notes, “Participation fills needs within oneself as well as those you serve.”

For the past six years, Rosanova has volunteered at Catholic Charities’ Diaper Depot in Round Lake. He dedicates up to 15 hours weekly to building partnerships for diaper collection, managing inventory, and raising awareness about how families are affected by diaper shortages.

“I wanted to utilize the skills I developed during my career,” Rosanova explains. “This role involved operations, distribution, and customer relations, all central to the grocery industry. The subject matter became very near and dear to my heart.”

Rosanova also appreciates IVC’s educational component—engaging with the community through talks, reading and discussing books on spirituality, social justice and theology, attending Mass, and participating in regular small group meetings. He values the camaraderie and team-building within the 71-member volunteer corps.

### Growing Interest in Meaningful Volunteerism

Buescher notes a recent surge in inquiries about IVC, coinciding with the average age of current members being 71. This trend aligns with studies showing that combining retirement and volunteerism can reduce depression and enhance societal well-being.

A 2023 McKinsey Health Institute survey of adults aged 55 and older in 21 countries found that volunteerism offers reduced cognitive disability, decreased loneliness, and improved meaning and quality of life.

While reasons vary, Buescher shares that immigration is a frequent concern among prospective volunteers. She hopes IVC Chicago’s numbers will grow now that a virtual component allows people nationwide—regardless of faith—to participate online.

Additionally, IVC offers a legacy program for volunteers over 70 who have served seven years but are no longer able to commit service hours due to health concerns. Even without service hours, participants can stay engaged in the community and spiritual reflection pillars.

“Our average tenure for service corps members at the same agency is about five and a half years,” Buescher says. “That’s equivalent to a staff person’s time at a nonprofit.”

IVC partners with 46 organizations that pay an annual fee—$2,000 for eight hours per week or $3,150 for 15 hours per week per volunteer—which accounts for 60% of IVC Chicago’s revenue. The remaining 40% comes from fundraising.

### Making a Difference at St. Leonard’s Ministries

Derrick Blakley has volunteered with IVC for four years—two at Kolbe House Jail Ministry and two at St. Leonard’s Ministries, which offers housing, education, and workforce programs to approximately 400 people annually, according to Executive Director Zack Schrantz.

Blakley’s journalism background made him well suited for skill-based courses and programming focused on self-presentation and engagement. “He’s a very humble guy,” says Schrantz. “He emcees events, helps with fundraising and external affairs, and internally works on job readiness training and communication.”

Schrantz emphasizes that IVC volunteers contribute not only time but also valuable networks. The alignment between retirees seeking “what next?” and St. Leonard’s mission of preparing individuals for the future creates a powerful synergy.

“At St. Leonard’s, we don’t ask people what led them to prison or what they did before coming here,” Blakley explains. “We focus on preparing them for the future. If they want to talk about their past, we’re there for that. Many paid staff have personal experience with the criminal justice system, which is very important.”

A practicing Catholic, Blakley feels deeply grateful to IVC and St. Leonard’s for allowing him to live out his faith through volunteerism. “I get much more out of it than I ever contribute,” he says.

“By challenging people to live their faith—a challenge many take seriously—we’re all practicing, and nobody gets it right all the time. But the key is in the effort.”

Retirement can be a time of great purpose and connection. Through programs like the Ignatian Volunteer Corps, retirees find opportunities to serve others, grow spiritually, and build lasting communities—all while continuing to live meaningful, engaged lives.
https://www.chicagotribune.com/2025/10/19/ignatian-volunteer-corps/

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