Franciscan Volunteer Ministry (FVM) is a post-graduate year of service and faith formation program. FVM is made up of lay men and women, living in community, who dedicate themselves to ministry in collaboration with the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province. Based on the Gospel message to express love in action, it provides an environment that fosters service to the marginalized, personal and interpersonal development, spiritual growth, and an active prayer life. As living witnesses to Gospel values and Franciscan ideals, the Franciscan Volunteer Ministers are committed to a simple lifestyle that promotes solidarity with the poor and builds a Christian community with one another. This experience, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, will nurture the Franciscan Volunteer Ministers to grow in faith, to become witnesses to the world and to their faith communities, and gain professional skills for the future. Although our volunteers don't get a traditional salary, FVM provides room and board, a monthly house budget (for food, gas, household items, etc.), a community car, a monthly stipend for each volunteer, health insurance (including co-pays and prescription costs), and student loan assistance (up to $400/month, once the grace period is over).