Work four days per week at a nonprofit organization.
Participate in a weekly seminar on Orthodoxy and leadership.
Live, learn, and pray in a house with other Corps Members.
Immerse yourself in the life of local Orthodox parishes.
“OVC has transformed my life with its unique combination of faith, service, education, and professional development, all rooted in the Church.”
– OVC Alum
Service at OVC is unique. We don’t tour poor neighborhoods; we immerse ourselves for 10-months in communities. We don’t settle for band-aid solutions; we dig for the roots of poverty and injustice. We don’t assume to have all the answers; we collaborate with those who are most overlooked. It’s service in solidarity. At OVC, you can do that because we give you the opportunity to form deep community and work together toward long-term solutions.
OVC is not a gap year; it’s a gain year. You’ll get 10 months of nearly full-time experience at a nonprofit where you will have the chance to do direct service and learn how the organization functions. Skills learned in that setting (how to stretch resources, manage conflict, and build capacity) are valuable across careers and learned on the ground. Get your professional edge. Do a gain year at OVC.
Service in solidarity has everything to do with Orthodox Christian faith. The early Christians knew this. They pooled their money in a common purse so no one went hungry. The Fathers and Mothers of the Church knew this. In the 4th century, they were the first people to create orphanages and hospitals. And the tradition continues. During WWII, Saint Maria of Paris practiced a radical service with the oppressed–and died in a Nazi gas chamber for it. At OVC, you can enter into the deep community of this Orthodox tradition and join a cohort of OVC Corps Members seeking to live out that tradition in bold and fresh ways today.
We provide a modest living stipend for every Corps Member to cover your basic needs.
You decide. Bring a car if you like or use public transit. Parking is available at both OVC houses.
You live in the OVC house for free. Internet and all utilities are included.
Many people are covered by their parent’s insurance, and that’s usually your best bet. But if you’re not, we’ll make sure you get insurance and help with the cost.
OVC is a program that qualifies you for federal student loan deferment.
Fill out our interest form. Contact our staff. Connect with our alumni. Apply for a year of service. See yourself at OVC.
