Elizabeth A. Elliott is a staff writer for the Arlington Catholic Herald in Arlington, Virginia, and a freelance writer from Omaha, Nebraska. She has degrees in journalism and music from Creighton University, an MFA in Creative Writing from Creighton University and a certificate in paralegal studies from the College of Saint Mary. Elizabeth has written for several publications including "America," "National Catholic Reporter," "Catholic Voice" and "Omaha World-Herald." Elizabeth is also a flutist and has played for more than 20 years.

Faith in Action — Young Adult Volunteers Working With the Poor

Poverty is affecting more and more people in today’s distressed economy. And young adults are volunteering to work with the poor to help alleviate the imposing challenges they face.

Some turn to formal volunteer service organizations (think Catholic Volunteer Network or Jesuit Volunteer Corps). Leah M. Nusse, recruitment and marketing manager for Jesuit Volunteer Corps Northwest, said that groups like hers play a role in addressing the need that comes with rising poverty levels. (Statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau show 46.2 million people or 1 in 6 Americans living in poverty.)

“With an increased need for services and a diminished level of giving and support of the organizations responding to the need, Jesuit Volunteers can help fill a critical void and increase the capacity of our partner organizations to provide their much needed services,” she said.