We could go on forever about why serving in Bend is an incredible opportunity for you as a volunteer. But why not hear it straight from those who've gone before you.   "My experience in Bend changed my life, and continues to change my life. My year in Bend has set the standard for years to come; it was life-giving in so many ways. Through faith, service, community and love, I was blessed with a sense of meaning and purpose that I continue to pursue and draw strength from." - Carolyn Casey, 2001/02 JVC volunteer, Pleasantville, New York "When you live and work in Bend, you discover that it's not remarkable because of its majestic mountains or its spectacular views or weather. Bend is incredible for its people. When I think of Bend, I think of everyone in that town that God has brought together, those who find the help they need at the various agencies where we served, and Services to Children and Families. I think of the people at Mass at St. Francis and the homeless. I think of the support people and the former JVs who've made their homes there. I think of my group of volunteers and the ten other groups who have lived together in community in Bend through the years. I think of all these people and the endless potential Bend has because of them, and that is what takes my breath away." - Kate McBride, 2000/01 JVC volunteer, Hingham, Massachusettes "JVC gave me an opportunity to explore my spirituality and meet so many great people. I don't think I've ever been somewhere with such a sense of community. I have learned to deal with people on many levels. The support in Bend is incredible and instant. You don't have to go out and meet people. They know why you're here and they want to get to know you. I liked having spirituality in common and living in community. I don't know if I'd like to do a program where you're by yourself. I enjoyed my job helping homeless and low income people get into housing, keep their utilities from being shut off, supporting people in crisis, and heading them in the right direction." - Bob Landry, 2001/02 JVC volunteer, Greenfield, New Hampshire "Being a volunteer in Bend ranks as one of the top 5 most significant experiences of my life. JVC set my life in a new, more positive direction and put me in touch with what loving my fellow humans is truly about." - Meredith Mason, 1991/92 JVC volunteer, Palo Alto, California "When I think about the direction my life has taken since my year as a volunteer in Bend, I realize that my time there was filled with simply the most amazing, meaningful and influential group of experiences imaginable. The people I met, from the members of the Bend community to my patients at the hospital and my fellow community-mates, taught me lessons of love, acceptance and strength that permeate my life today." - Lise Taylor, 1997/98 JVC volunteer, Baton Rouge, Louisiana "Being a volunteer in Bend has meant everything to me. It's really why I am who I am, work where I do, pray the way I pray, and have the friends that I do. The experience helped me to choose Catholicism as an adult. It showed me how to live out my faith every day at home and in the community. I will always be working for social justice and always be connected to my Bend community." - Katie Wilkins, 1997/98 JVC volunteer, Omaha, Nebraska "I chose to be a volunteer in Bend over other volunteer opportunities because I wanted to grow more spiritually, live in a community, learn more about the faith I was raised with, and reflect on what I wanted to do with my life. I'm glad I challenged myself and took the risk. I learned about myself and about my interest in helping people. I learned how to live in community and build relationships, something that will help me in my job, marriage, and with my children. It helped me to live with people who also worked with a similar population, in emotionally draining jobs. We were able to share, reflect, and grow through our experiences. I grew more in my year of volunteering than in any other year of my life." - Erin Swanson, 2000/01 JVC volunteer, Salem, Oregon