A LETTER FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
"We can throw our pebble in the pond and be confident that its ever widening circle will reach around the world. We repeat, there is nothing that we can do but love, and, dear God, please enlarge our hearts to love each other, to love our neighbor, to love our enemy as well as our friend." -Dorothy Day
On behalf of the Board of Directors and the staff of Mercy Volunteer Corps, it is my sincere privilege to present to you the 2024-2025 Annual Report.
Each volunteer year, a theme is selected to ground and guide us through the seasons of the volunteer’s commitment. This year, we drew inspiration from the above quote by Catholic social activist, Dorothy Day. Both images in the quote, that of ever widening circles and enlarging of our hearts, speak of expansiveness. Day’s pleading can seem prophetic in a time when arguments are made and policies are enacted which seek to constrict our heart space and contain our compassion.
With your support, the Mercy Volunteers have embraced the expansiveness of their call, serving with a spirit of openness and mutuality, growing together in community, and joining their voices with others for peace and justice. Their efforts have stirred waves of goodness, mercy, and healing throughout our world. The relationships that they have cultivated - at their service sites, in their volunteer community, within their neighborhood - have stretched them, making space for meaningful connections that will inspire and nudge them throughout their lives.
At an organizational level, we have also explored this theme of expansiveness as we grow to more fully understand and animate the mission and values of Mercy Volunteer Corps. This summer, we celebrated our fifth year of offering short-term placements in partnership with Mercy Ecospirituality Center. Not only has this shorter timeframe allowed more people to participate in the program, but it has widened our perspective of entering into relationship with all of creation and the profound impact of those encounters. This year we have also taken deliberate steps in our journey to be a more inclusive place of belonging. Practitioner Anita Roberson accompanied volunteers, support team members, and staff throughout the year as we addressed topics related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Credence and Co. led a culminating event in the spring focused on nurturing communities of belonging. We were challenged to critically reflect on the space we offer and encouraged to be more authentic witnesses of our values.
As we honor all that has been this past year, we remain especially grateful for your generosity in giving and your enthusiasm for the mission of Mercy Volunteer Corps. Your continued support ensures this same expansive, transformative experience for future Mercy Volunteers. Truly, our circle has been widened and our hearts enlarged by your care and commitment. Many blessings,
Marie Schultz-Stebel '99 • Executive Director
STAFF
Marie Schultz-Stebel '99 (Executive Director), Keri Gardner (Community Coordinator), Katie Griffith '16 (Administrative Coordinator), Brian Reavey (Advancement Director), Luke Watkins (Communications Manager)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Robert Fogel (Chair), Mary Kay Dobrovolny, RSM (Vice Chair), Peter Castagna ‘03, Maureen King, RSM (Councilor, ILT Liaison), Miriam Morris, Marie Schultz-Stebel '99 (Executive Director), Elizabeth Del Toro, Nancy Turnbull, Jennifer Wilson, RSM ‘00/‘03/‘04, Victor Valenzuela
MVC IN NUMBERS
PURPOSE THROUGH PERSPECTIVE
Jerica Mueller '24 served at Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, Maryland. She served as a healthcare advocate, creating and implementing programs that aim to reduce costs and improve outcomes for socioeconomically disadvantaged patients.
There’s a question that has haunted me for as long as I can remember. It first emerged during my elementary school days, posed by my loving parents around the dining‐room table. When I started college, the question that followed me was this time asked by well‐intentioned friends checking in. And now, as I move through this extraordinary (but bizarre) service journey, it corners me at every turn: “What did you learn today?” “What have you learned so far?” “What will you get out of this?”
Are you familiar with the question? Do you hate it as much as I do?
Alright, you probably don’t, and you probably (rightfully) think I’m being a little dramatic. That said, whenever someone asks me this, I often settle for a vague “a lot.” My mind races through memories from the year so far like learning how to shell a crab, changing a tire, using Epic Systems, becoming a VERY defensive driver, and more. While these experiences are significant, they don’t fully capture how profoundly this year has reshaped my outlook on life. After much consideration, I think the simplest way to describe my biggest takeaway is the word perspective.
For most of my life, I embraced perfectionism and introversion. Young me thought that failing a test, posting the slowest time in a relay, grazing a mailbox with my car or any trivial misstep directly diminished my worth. It also felt safer to withdraw from social interactions than to face the anxiety of awkwardness. During college though, my experiences began to challenge these core beliefs. I now understand that these traits were merely limitations born of a lack of perspective.
At Mercy Medical Center, I engage with around 400 patients each month. That’s more than the number of people in my high-school or college graduating class. It’s a privilege to learn a little about each of their lives. They share stories of discrimination, addiction, and hardship. All these stories are intertwined with unwavering faith, resilience, and triumph.
One such story came from a mother who told me about her two-decade struggle with drug addiction. She explained that whenever she managed to get clean, family and friends would (unintentionally) push her back into old habits. She shared that one of her greatest desires has always been a simple mirror and a private bathroom to get ready in each morning. Yet due to her addiction, systemic racism, Baltimore’s housing crisis, and countless other systemic barriers, she has been unable to attain this dream. Reflecting on her story, and the stories of so many other patients, suddenly puts countless aspects of my own life into perspective.
First, I must acknowledge my significant privilege. A truth that grows clearer each day. More importantly, these stories have shown me how trivial my own perceived imperfections really are. Perfectionism kept me in a perpetual bad mood, chasing impossible standards I set for myself. I wasted so much energy obsessing over insignificant disappointments rather than being present in the moment. Letting go of perfectionism has freed me to devote that energy outwards and offer more joy to others.
Much of my introversion, too, was rooted in perfectionism. I didn’t want to be seen as inadequate, uncomfortable, or anything negative. By releasing that need for perfection, I’ve discovered genuine joy and meaning in human interaction. Engaging with Baltimore’s community at Mercy Medical Center has sustained me through the hardest days here. Although I’m still awkward at times, I know that without these connections I’d be contributing and receiving far less good in the world. I’m changed by the hands and stories of others. The more I embrace them, the better neighbor I become in this shared world.
I’m so thankful to the MVC community for bringing me to Baltimore, where the ideas I formed in college have become tangible realities in my life. Seeing another corner of the earth has shown me that there’s a piece of home and community everywhere. Words will never quite do this experience justice, but for now, this is the best I can articulate what I’ve learned. Thank you for giving me the chance to share it. Sending lots of love, joy, and mercy,
Jerica Mueller '24
SERVICE SITE TESTIMONIALS
Marian House (Baltimore, MD)
"Hunter is an amazing example of what it means to be caring and non-judgmental. He interacts with our women and children on a daily basis and is able to show compassion, understanding, acceptance, and empathy, without judgment or showing favoritism. Not many people are willing to work so closely with families who have suffered unspeakable trauma in their lives, but Hunter really demonstrates that he believes all people should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their circumstances. I could not have asked for a more compassionate volunteer." (Phyllis Ham-Middleton • Chief Program Officer)
Lydia's House (Cincinnati, OH)
"Mercy Volunteer Laurel Stoltzfus has been a welcome addition to the Lydia’s House community this year. She has become a skillful case manager in the months she has worked with Lydia’s House, making sure families can obtain and retain necessary benefits. Laurel is also a favorite among the guest kids for her gentle ways and unfailing good spirits. Laurel has sharpened her skills beyond the realm of case management as well, becoming certified as a tax preparer and enrolling in a doula training this coming Spring. A true renaissance woman, Laurel’s contributions to the work of Lydia’s House are immense!" (Meridith Owensby • Co Director)
St. Mary's Health Center (Savannah, GA)
"Grace has been a blessing in more ways than one. As a registered nurse, her knowledge and expertise have been a key part of our patient care. She has focused on health and nutrition as well as creating a walking group for our patients. She has excellent work ethic and clear communication. The staff loves her!" (Maria Calderon • Practice Manager)
St. John Bosco Boys’ Academy (Guyana, South America)
"As a second-year Mercy Volunteer, Micaela has shone in her commitment to being a supportive teacher with the boys of Bosco. She works directly with two students to provide direct and intensive instruction to close gaps in their education. Additionally, Micaela spends time on the weekends taking the boys on adventures to the park and making friendship bracelets. We are so grateful for her continued commitment to being a caring presence in the community." (Andrea Haller '16 • Community Coordinator)
Hope Cooperative (Sacramento, CA)
"Kelly Peknic is a dedicated Mercy Volunteer who brings warmth and kindness to the Wellness Center every day. Whether she’s serving refreshments at special events, offering a listening ear, or ensuring the space remains welcoming for all, Kelly’s presence makes a meaningful difference. Her commitment to service shines through in the care she puts into every task, helping to create a sense of community and belonging. Kelly’s positive energy and willingness to jump in wherever needed inspire both staff and participants alike. We are so grateful for her daily contributions and the impact she continues to make at the Wellness Center!" (Latesha Pierce • Program Manager)
Bon Secours Mercy Health (Cincinnati, OH)
"Andrew has been critical in helping Mercy Anderson and Mercy Clermont Hospitals by organizing charity care programs and implementing recycling services. He took the initiative to collect and transport items for recycling, and he has worked with supply chain leadership to develop an ongoing system to recycle valuable materials, such as metals. He has sold discarded metals to a local scrapyard and used the proceeds to purchase food items for patients and employees who are experiencing food insecurity. Thank you for your innovative service, Andrew!" (Andrea Thornton • Director of Mission)
ALUMNI DONORS
*denotes Mercy Associate or Companion in Mercy
Anne Boettcher ‘05 • Jonathon Borja ‘24 • Cara Brindley ‘12 • Isaac Cardenas ‘20 • Benjamin Carino-Petersen ‘13 • Courtney Carlson ‘95 • Nicole Fusco Carrel ‘16 • Peter Castagna ‘03 • Eunice Ciriaco ‘24 • Marybeth Connelly ‘89 • Marisa Rogers Cyrus* ‘00/‘01 • Kim Casey D'Albenzio* ‘03 • Natalie Danna ‘05 • Ellen Davis ‘12 • Jake DeMarais ‘12 • Stacy Konow DeMaris ‘12 • Katherine McKeaney DiMedio ‘08 • Elizabeth Werner Dineen ‘88 • Judith Driscoll ‘90/‘91 • Sean Driscoll ‘90/‘91 • Richard Franzetti* ‘88 • Dawn Hunter Geoppinger ‘01 • Dottie Glover ‘06 • Skip Glover ‘06 • Francisco Gonzales ‘16 • Marissa Gonzales ‘16 • Andrea Haller ‘16 • Susan Hamell ‘98 • Gabrielle Hamilton ‘85 • Olivia Hamilton ‘16 • Stephanie Gullotti Heintz ‘09 • Julie Ann Sgroi Hodgson ‘01/‘02 • Alexandra Pierlott Hughes* ‘14 • Nicole Bendistis Imler ‘00/‘01 • Samantha Joerg ‘17 • Amy Keller* ‘11 • Bridget Kelley* ‘09/‘10 • Anna Daily Lawrence ‘90 • Kerry Weber Lynch* ‘04 • Catherine McCafferty ‘12 • John McLoughlin* ‘90/‘98/‘99 • Miranda Melone ‘17 • Susan Bauhmer Mitchell* ‘83/‘84 • Victoria Niedzielski ‘14 • Gisela Otto ‘06 • Sherman Otto '06 • Florence Pak ‘02 • Aarika Zarnick Pakulski* ‘11 • Antoinette Payner ‘96 • Mary Pulda ‘05 • Jennifer Reuter ‘07/‘08 • Donna Rodzewich ‘01 • Brianne Higgins Roos ‘01 • Kalene Weber Ruehlow ‘16 • Dylan Salomone ‘15/‘16 • Margaret Satterfield ‘03 • Amanda Pierce Schar ‘19 • Marie Schultz-Stebel* ‘99 • Jill Vignola Shaddock ‘85 • Jennifer Stein Sibila ‘95 • William Simmons ‘01 • Amy Skapek* ‘00 • Ashley Stewart ‘12/‘13 • Chris Thompson* ‘22 • Cindy Thompson* ‘22 • Ronnie Townsend ‘17 • Colleen Traub ‘15/‘16 • Erin Nangle Vandermark ‘97/‘98 • Leslie Peterson Wessel ‘04 • Jennifer Wilson, RSM ‘00/‘03/‘04 • Robert Wotypka, OFM Cap. ‘08 • Linda Youth* ‘10
DONOR NAMES
*denotes Mercy Associate or Companion in Mercy
$500+
Mary Jeanne and Robert Broderick • Courtney Carlson ‘95 • Michael Carr • Bonnie Coons • Ermelinda Cuono* • Philip Fisher • Tom Frare • Diane and Charles Gallagher • Diana and Paul Ghize • Samantha Joerg ‘17 • Rebecca Lieberman and George Smee • Kerry Weber Lynch* ‘04 • Kathleen McClelland, RSM • Mary McGrory, RSM • Jeanne O'Rourke, RSM • Jonathan Quigley
$1000+
Anonymous • Barbara and Peter Coyne • Rita E. Cutarelli • Laura and Robert Fogel • Marion Grimes* • Anthony Mifsud • Miriam Morris • Gisela and Sherman Otto ‘06 • Brian Reavey • Margaret Satterfield ‘03 • Frank Seidman • Jennifer Stein Sibila ‘95 • Deanna and Robert Snyder • Sherri and Robert Stauffer • Marian Uba*
Seton Agovino, RSM • Marna Ames • Ryan Andreoletti • Bernardine and Michael Basile • Mary Anne Basile, RSM • Barbara Bauda • Pauline E. Blake* • Cynthia Bourgeois • Rosellen Bracken, RSM • Margaret Brennan, RSM • Mary Buckman, RSM • Rita Burke* • Helen Marie Burns, RSM • Christine Eberle and Porter Bush • Lindora Cabral, RSM • Cathleen Cahill, RSM • Eileen M. Campbell, RSM • Judith Cannon, RSM • Patricia Chasse* • Eugene Chiulli • Eileen and Joseph Cipriani • Barbara and Michael Clements • Holly Cloutier, RSM • Anne Conklin, RSM • Rosemary and Robert Connor* • Joe Convey • Patricia Cook, RSM • Donna Marie Coward, RSM • Virginia Cunningham* • Anne Curtis, RSM • Marisa and Jaden Cyrus ‘00/‘01 • Mary Brigid Danaher, RSM • Mary Ann Danovich
Elizabeth Del Toro • Fran Demarco, RSM • Beverly Derbacher, RSM • Anne Devaney, RSM • Dorothea DiGiovanni* • Katherine and Rob DiMedio ‘08 • Mary Kay Dobrovolny, RSM • Anne Donigan, RSM • Margaret Donnelly, RSM • Catherine Donovan, RSM • Pamela Dorman • Sarah H. Drumm • Mary Felice Duska, RSM • Karen Egri, RSM • Dorothy and Philip Eichler • Grace Ann Eidt, RSM • Carolyn Ervin* • Sabrina Evans • Julia Feddersen • Darlene F. Ferland • David Fisher • Jeri Fisher • Thomas Fisher • Ann Flanagan, RSM • Norma Fleming, RSM • Bernadette Frank, RSM • Tina and Richard Franzetti* ‘88 • Mary Fraser, RSM • Joan Fry, RSM • Mary Galeone, RSM • Penny and Charlie Gardner* • Carol Gedid • Tina Geiger, RSM • MaryAnn and Laurence Genuardi • Sheila A. Geraghty, RSM • Patricia Gildea* • Carol Golden • Marianne and Paul Gontarek • Kay Graber, RSM • Marilyn Graf, RSM • Lisa Griffith, RSM • Rosanne and Gerrard Gumbleton • Dorothy Halloran*
Cathy Hanisits* • LuAnn Hannasch, RSM • Sheila M. Harrington, RSM • Barbara Hart • Ellen Hendrickson* • Enrico Hernandez • Judith Herrmann, RSM • Melinda Hill, RSM • Margaret Mary Hinz, RSM • Mary Ellen Howard, RSM • Monica R. Imgrund, RSM • Mary Jakubowski, RSM • Dale Jarvis, RSM • Theresa Kelly, RSM • Antoinette Kohler • Edith Kuhns • Suzanne Lachapelle, RSM • Gisele Lachman • Valerie Laine • Anna and Danny Lawrence ‘90 • Dorothy Lazarick, RSM • Lydia and Robert Lohrey* • Mary Jeanne and Ronald Lorenzo • Marjorie Mancini, RSM • Genevieve Mannix, RSM • Joyce and Dan Maxwell • Kathleen McAlpin, RSM • Patricia Marie McCann, RSM • Pat McDermott, RSM • Mary C. McDonagh, RSM • Andrea McDonald, RSM • Vivian McGlynn • Rosemarie McGrath* • Catherine McMahon, RSM • Paula McNulty • Martha Meyer, RSM • Mary Miller, RSM
Madonna Moran, RSM • Carol Mucha, RSM • Priscilla Murray, RSM • Kelly Myers • Lisa and Greg Niehaus* • Christel Nolan, RSM • Brigid K. O'Brien* • Lisette O'Brien, RSM • Nancy O'Brien, RSM • Lawrence O'Malley • Carlotta Oberzut, RSM • Maureen and Bill Olphert • Marie Parker, RSM • Mary Patrick • Beatrice Peterson • Claire Plamondon, RSM • Margaret Platte, RSM • Mary Quinn, RSM • Katherine Ann Rappl, RSM • Monica Reichmuth, RSM • Laura Reicks, RSM • Maria Ricci, RSM • Paulette and Steve Rocheleau • Kalene and Beau Ruehlow ‘16 • Terry Saetta, RSM • Kathleen Schiro* • Mariette Schmidt, RSM • Kathleen and Ralph Schultz • Susan Selock • Jill and William Shaddock ‘85 • Mary Sheehan, RSM • William and Bette Simmons ‘01 • Edna Slyck, RSM • Jeannine Smith* • Betty Smith, RSM • Eileen Smith, RSM • Randy Spoor • Amelia Steins
Honey and Michael Theogene* • Mary Thornton, RSM • William Tourtellotte • Lori Troher • Deborah Troillett, RSM • Nancy Turnbull • Daniel Uba • Deborah and David Uba • Katherine Ulinski • Jane and Joseph Vacca • Victor Valenzuela • Robert Van Tassell • Erin Nangle and Russell Vandermark ‘97/‘98 • Mary Jeanne Ward, RSM • Mary and Jon Webb* • Elizabeth and Dr. Joseph Werner • Leslie and Andy Wessel ‘04 • Suzanne White, RSM • Susan Wieczynski, RSM • Denise Wilke, RSM • Patricia Williams • Regina Williams, RSM • Mary Karen Yarkosky, RSM • Carolyn Zionce, RSM
Support Teams
Pat Baber, RSM • Janet Price Brotzman ‘02 • Jenny Brown* • Meg Eckhart, RSM ‘11/‘12 • Libby Fernandez, RSM • Kellie Flanagan ‘99 • Suzanne Gallagher, RSM • Sherine Green ‘06 • Faith Halford • Carren Herring, RSM • Cheryl Erb, RSM • Elizabeth Lounsberry ‘18 • JP de Legarreta • Bridget McCarthy, RSM • John McLoughlin* ‘90/‘98/‘99 • Kristin Salloom Simmons* ‘95/‘96 • Dorothy Smith*
Screeners and Interviewers
Claudia Brock ‘16 • Kim Casey D'Albenzio* ‘03 • Jess Riker ‘18 • Rachel Gerton ‘18 • Caroline Magee ‘17 • Claire Feller ‘20 • Marissa Gonzales ‘16 • Marissa Black ‘17/‘18 • Anna Fedoryk ‘19 • Kitty MacLean Scanlan* ‘10 • Ben Carino-Petersen ‘13 • Alexandra Pierlott Hughes* ‘14 • Alli Steiner ‘12 • Jake DeMarais ‘12 • Nicole Panza Lombard ‘15 • Patricia Grace ‘07 • Olivia Hamilton ‘16 • Katie Wilberding Cross ‘07/‘08 • Kristin Salloom Simmons* ‘95/‘96 • Brandi Bos ‘17 • Erika Nelson Pazian ‘06 • Ashley Henzdell Singh ‘13
Grants
Bon Secours Mercy Health
Claire May Memorial Grant
Mercy Fund for Ministry
The Patricia Kind Family Foundation
The Scholler Foundation
In-Kind
Jonathon Borja ‘24 • Janet Price Brotzman ‘02 • Paul Newell • Amy and Tim Steins
In Honor Of
Eileen Campbell, RSM - Deborah Troillett, RSM
The Cabral Family - Lindora Cabral, RSM
Amy Keller* ‘11 - Amy Keller
Rita Mary Olszewski, RSM - Rosanne and Gerrard Gumbleton
Marie Schultz-Stebel* ‘99 - Mary Galeone, RSM • Brian Reavey
Marian Uba* - Mary Galeone, RSM • Brian Reavey • Deborah Troillett, RSM
Robert Wotypka, OFM Cap ‘08 - Michael Carr
In Memory Of
Katherine M. Bell, RSM - Catherine McCafferty ‘12
William P. Mitchell - Susan Baumher Mitchell ‘83/‘84
Donna Ryan, RSM - Jill and William Shaddock ‘85
Judith Schmelz, RSM - Marie Schultz-Stebel* ‘99
Stephen Uba - Jonathan Quigley • Deborah and David Uba