Colorado Vincentian Volunteers

“William (Bill) Jaster and Mary Frances are married, and they serve as Co-Directors of the CVV program and are members of the Board of Directors.Annie Green, a board member, is also the Deputy Director of Laradon, one of the agencies CVV serves.Chris Lane, a board member, also serves on the Board of Senior Support Services, which CVV also serves.”

“The CVV Board of Directors used the following process in reviewing the Form 990 before it was filed: A. The CPA firm, Roger Nittler & Co., prepared the form 990 following their annual Accountant's Review. B. The CVV Board treasurer reviewed Form 990 for presentation to the Board. C. The Management Committee thoroughly reviewed the form and then sent it to the Board. D. The Board met, discussed,and approved the final 990 at their meeting in November.”

“Each commmittee and board member disclosed any conficts of interest at their annual fall board meeting.”

“The operating officers of the organization are the Co-Directors, William and Mary Frances Jaster.The Board empowered the Management Committee to conduct a review of the Co-Directors, which consisted of:- Preparing and disbursing an evaluation form to all board members, staff and the directors themselves.- Assigning two committee members to collect the data and to then present the findings to the Co-Directors.- Presenting the findings to the Management Committee and then to the full Board of Directors for review and authorization of pay increase.Compensation for other staff is determined by the Co-Directors and by the Board's confirmation of the budget. Each staff is reviewed in a similar manner as the one used for Co-Directors. There are no other key employees.”

“Policies and financial statements are available at www.guidestar.org and at www.coloradogives.org. All other governing documents, policies and financial statements are available on request at the CVV office.ADDITIONAL COMMENTS: The Colorado Vincentian Volunteers (CVV) invites young adults to participate in a year of service with those who are poor. CVV accomplishes this mission by placing these young adult volunteers as full-time staff members in agencies that provide services, resources, education, health care, housing, emergency assistance, and job training to those who are in need. The Volunteers live in an intentional faith community and participate in a structured program of reflection and discussion on social justice issues and their work experiences. Since 1995, 255 volunteers have completed the program. In 2013-2014, the volunteers served approximately 35,000 hours which saved the agencies approximately $379,000. Testament of the CVV's program impact is best given by those volunteers whose lives have been changed by their work with those living in poverty. The following two stories are from volunteers who have been participants in our program(names have been changed to protect confidentiality). Kirsti tells the story of Terrance H. Young, born in the Cherokee nation in Oklahoma. Hell proudly tell you hes of Cherokee, Dakota, French and German descent. You can tell by my crooked nose and high cheek bones, he grins, Im an American Indian. Although proud of his heritage, he also speaks of the troubles in his life. His father left the family when Terry was only a few years old. His mother remarried so she could support the boys. Terrys stepdad was an alcoholic and never really liked him. His mom stuck up for Terry, but she also got into drinking herself. Being one of the oldest, Terry did a lot to take care of the younger kids. He eventually grew up and went off to be a singer in Las Vegas. Terry is quite fond of his bold, baritone voice and reminisces of his time being on stage. And now, Terry sits in the hospital bed, frail in stature, disgraced by his condition, and he asks me, Why am I still here? If you werent here I never would have met you, I answered him. Well, I never would have met you, he replied after a moment. He reached for my hand, and I held back tears. After spending some time together, I finally got up to leave. Terry lifted his hand, pointed a finger at me and said goodbye. I smiled and waved. I got to visit him in the rehabilitation center where he was sent after being discharged from the hospital. Hes well taken care of, but he rightfully just wants to go home. Hes emotionally torn apart about being so far away from his dear partner and friend, Tina. Theyve been together for years. Theres nothing else I want to do but see her again. I was put here on this Earth to love. And thats all I want to do, he cries. After being abandoned, abused by his stepdad, and divorced from his wives, Terry still has such a heart full of love. He shows me not to be so bitter when Im frustrated with all the turmoil and hardship I see in life: broken families, a problematic education system, financial struggles, homelessness, displaced refugees, a divided political system, and environmental destruction. Love stands for spirit, for inner strength. It makes the world a better place, he tells me, pointing his finger again. I finally ask him what his gesture stands for. It stands for hope, he declares with that wink in his eye. During the times when it seems theres nothing else that can be done, Terry reminds me to love and to hope. I think weve both done that for each other this year in the short time that we have shared, but its he who has shown it to me the most. Love and hope. It sure does make the world a better place. Annas story is a reflection showing the many ways that children touch the lives of our volunteers. Some days, as Im happily headed home from work, sleeping through a peaceful night in complete comfort and saf”