CNVS, established in 1963, is a non-profit membership organizationof 200 domestic and international volunteer and lay mission programs. Currently, more than 10,000 volunteers and lay missioners serve in these programs throught the U.S. and in 108 other countries.
"The Vincentian Service Corps is a faith-based service organization. Our members serve in Vincentian ministries, such as healthcare, social service, and many schools and education programs to improve the lives of those in need."
"JVs work for and with homeless, unemplyed, refugees, people with AIDS, the elderly, street youth, abused women and children, the mentally ill, and the developmentally disabled. JVC has become the large Catholic lay volunteer program in the country."
AmeriCorps is a network of local, state, and national service programs that connects more than 70,000 Americans each year in intensive service to meet our country's critical needs in education, public safety, health, and the environment.
In 1960, then Senator John F. Kennedy challenged students at the University of Michigan to serve their country in the cause of peace by by living and working in developing countries. From that inspiration grewan angency of the federal government devoted to world peace and friendship.