WCPO Digital Reporter Lucy May and Photojournalist Emily Maxwell are following this group of Volunteer Vincentians of Cincinnati throughout their experience in the world of poor people.

They tell us,

“This marks the sixth year for the program and the largest number of VVCs yet. The eight participants come from across the country and around the world, and St. Vincent de Paul chose them based on their talents, their interest in faith-based service and their willingness to live in “intentional community.”

It’s kind of like “Real World,” but with young people who care about improving people’s lives rather than being on TV.”

“It’s very counter-cultural,” Carpinello said.

It doesn’t take long for them to feel changed.

“I think the VVCs realize just because they’re people of privilege typically does not mean that they’re always in a place of giving,” she said. “They, too, can receive and learn just as much or more so from the people they’re encountering.”

This video and lots more of the story can be found by clicking here and visiting their web site.

Childhood poverty has been an important focus for May and Maxwell and for WCPO. To read more stories about childhood poverty, go to www.wcpo.com/poverty.