Leading Organizations That Matter: Episode 69 Summary

Title: Toward Hope and Healing: The Ignatian Spirituality Project
Host: Rey Spadoni
Guests: Christine Curran, Angelica Santana, Glenn Half
Release Date: May 27, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 69 of Leading Organizations That Matter, host Rey Spadoni delves into the transformative work of the Ignatian Spirituality Project (ISP). This episode, titled "Toward Hope and Healing," features insightful conversations with Christine Curran, Angelica Santana, and Glenn Half, who share their personal journeys and the profound impact ISP has had on their lives and the communities they serve.

Personal Journeys

Christine Curran’s Journey
Timestamp: [02:21]
Christine Curran, the Executive Director of ISP, recounts her decade-long involvement with the organization. Originating from another Jesuit ministry, Christine sought to merge her deep spiritual life with her passion for serving marginalized populations.

“I wanted to share the God that loved me so much with those who often we don’t think about in terms of having their own spiritual life.” – Christine Curran, [02:21]

Glenn Half’s Path
Timestamp: [05:07]
Glenn Half shares a serendipitous encounter that led him to ISP. Initially intending to pass a promotional card to someone else, Glenn found himself attending his first "tune up" and discovering a community that resonated deeply with his spiritual needs.

“It was just an open door for fellowship... a sacred circle where everybody’s story is sacred.” – Glenn Half, [08:26]

Angelica Santana’s Transformation
Timestamp: [08:59]
Angelica Santana describes her struggle with addiction and homelessness before finding ISP. A pivotal retreat experience provided her with spiritual guidance and a supportive community, fundamentally altering her path towards healing.

“One moment alone with the Holy Spirit can change anybody's life.” – Angelica Santana, [12:33]

Origin and Mission of ISP

Founding Story
Timestamp: [13:19]
Christine Curran outlines the origins of ISP, founded in 1998 in Chicago by Jesuit priest Father Bill Creed and Ed Sherna, a former director of the Coalition for the Homeless. Inspired by Ignatian Spirituality and the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola, ISP was created to assist individuals in recovery from addiction and homelessness through spiritual companionship.

“The first spiritual exercise is a way of freeing ourselves so that we can be free for the things that we’re being called to do.” – Christine Curran, [13:20]

Mission Statement
ISP's mission is to invite people recovering from homelessness and addiction to encounter God's love, hope, and healing through spiritual companionship that transforms lives.

Organizational Activities and Programs

Retreats
ISP conducts retreats that serve as spiritual and communal sanctuaries for individuals seeking healing and purpose. These retreats offer participants a chance to disconnect from their struggles and reconnect with their spirituality.

Tune Ups/Spiritual Reflection Circles
Timestamp: [18:35]
“Tune Ups,” also known as "spiritual reflection circles" or "sacred circles" in different cities, are one-hour gatherings where participants share their faith experiences.

“These are one hour circles where people are sharing on their faith... you don’t need to be Christian.” – Christine Curran, [19:05]

Spiritual Companionship
In recent years, ISP has expanded its focus to include spiritual companionship, where volunteers walk alongside individuals in recovery, providing ongoing support within their living environments.

Unique Aspects of ISP

Spiritual, Not Religious
Timestamp: [19:05]
ISP emphasizes spirituality over religiosity, welcoming individuals from diverse faith backgrounds or those seeking spiritual growth without adherence to a specific religion.

“We are spiritual, not religious... you do not need to be of any particular background.” – Christine Curran, [19:05]

Volunteer-Driven Model
ISP operates predominantly through volunteer efforts across 20 cities, fostering a grassroots approach that relies on individuals with lived experiences of homelessness and addiction to lead and support programs.

Focus on Internal Resources
Unlike programs that primarily address external needs like housing and employment, ISP places significant emphasis on internal resources such as community, hope, healing, and forgiveness. This holistic approach addresses the moral and spiritual injuries of participants.

“The internal resources, the spiritual gifts... are really as important to human flourishing, not just surviving, but thriving.” – Christine Curran, [31:39]

Impact and Personal Growth

Christine Curran’s Vision
Christine highlights the resilience and courage within ISP’s community, emphasizing the importance of spiritual gifts in fostering personal growth and healing among participants.

“We rest on the providence of God because that is the community we serve too.” – Christine Curran, [31:39]

Angelica Santana’s Experience
Angelica details how ISP's retreats and tune ups rekindled her spiritual connection and provided her with a supportive network essential for maintaining her sobriety and rebuilding her life.

“I left with something more... full of hope for a future and I was excited about my next steps.” – Angelica Santana, [21:15]

Glenn Half’s Transformation
Glenn speaks about the profound sense of belonging and acceptance he found through ISP, which allowed him to embrace his true self and contribute meaningfully to the community.

“I find God... in people, in acts of kindness, in natural beauty.” – Glenn Half, [28:06]

Challenges and Future Directions

Sustainability and Growth
Christine acknowledges the challenges ISP faces in scaling their volunteer-based model and ensuring sustainability. The organization is at a pivotal point, seeking strategies to maintain growth while preserving the core values that make ISP unique.

“We are at an inflection point in our ministry... looking at how do we create a scalable model.” – Christine Curran, [36:47]

Post-COVID Recovery
The pandemic posed significant obstacles, particularly impacting in-person interactions essential for ISP’s mission. However, ISP is actively rebuilding its programs and expanding its reach within the spiritual recovery movement.

“We are growing back, we're getting stronger... leaning into the spiritual recovery movement.” – Christine Curran, [31:39]

Call to Action

Volunteering and Donations
ISP invites listeners to support their mission through volunteering or financial contributions. From driving participants to retreats to sponsoring sessions, there are multiple ways to get involved.

“Volunteering is an important way to connect... even as simple as driving someone to a retreat.” – Christine Curran, [45:06]

Support Options
ISP operates entirely on individual donations, with no government grants, making philanthropic support crucial for sustaining their programs.

“We are 100% philanthropic... individual donations are the best way to help us.” – Christine Curran, [45:06]

For more information or to get involved, visit ispretreats.org.

Conclusion

Rey Spadoni wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to Christine, Angelica, and Glenn for their dedication and the insightful sharing of their experiences. The conversation underscores the vital role of spirituality in healing and the enduring impact of volunteer-driven organizations like ISP in fostering hope and transformation within marginalized communities.

This summary encapsulates the essence of Episode 69, highlighting the personal stories, organizational insights, and the profound impact of the Ignatian Spirituality Project. For a deeper understanding and firsthand experiences, listening to the full episode is highly recommended.