Jackie Dupon spent her career as a physical therapist at Cook County Hospital, but in retirement she finds herself just as busy with the many ministries at St. Viator Parish in Chicago. Jackie has been a parishioner there for decades, and taking part in its outreach opportunities is an essential part of her life.
Associate Jackie Dupon talks to family members waiting to be seen in Belize
She’s helped with home visits to the ill, served as a Eucharistic Minister, assisted parishioners with developmental disabilities through SPRED, volunteered at the food pantry, and assisted in counting collection donations. Then in 2016, Jackie made her initial commitment as a Viatorian associate.
Outside the neighborhood, Jackie has participated in several medical missions in Belize. As a physical therapist, she is a valued member of a group that traveled many times to Corozal Town, where the Viatorians formerly led a foundation, from 1998 to 2014. A group of doctors, nurses, paramedics, and nurse practitioners typically saw about 1,000 people in remote villages, screening for diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma. Judy Glancy – a registered nurse and mother of Bishop Christopher Glancy, CSV, who was one of two Viatorians who first established the mission in Belize – started the medical mission.
“It’s a way to give back,” Jackie said. “I like the people there and have formed many friendships, and of course, I enjoy working with my fellow core team members.”
In 2023, Associate Jackie Dupon (left) joined the community at the Provincial Assembly in Las Vegas, here enjoying an evening social hour with (left to right) Associate Linda Nishi, Fr. John Peeters, CSV, Associate Chris Gucwa, Associate Marie Feeney, and Associate Joan Sweeney.
After many years of mission trips, Jackie dedicates a different skill set to a local service project, serving as a certified tax assistant with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program based at St. Viator. Along with Associate John Dussman, Associate Susana Tellez, Br. Michael Rice, CSV, and a team of volunteers, Jackie helps people of limited economic means during tax season: volunteers organize their documents, maximize deductions and credits, and file efficient taxes without preparation fees.
“My original college major was math. I’ve always done my own taxes, and I handled my father’s estate and trusts myself. I even double-check my TurboTax filing numbers on my own Microsoft Excel spreadsheet,” Jackie said. “Going to a tax preparer is expensive. Even with online programs, you have to organize everything independently. We can help people work through it all and find credits and refunds that they may not notice on their own.”
The program launched in 2017 and supported 35 neighbors with tax filing; in 2025, Jackie and the team helped 120 clients. It’s just another way she’s living out the charism.
More on Jackie from Viatorians.com:
- Viatorians’ Free Tax Prep Lowers Burden (2025): Jackie and the VITA team had a big year of free tax prep assistance.
- St. Viator Parish Celebrates Milestones (2018): Jackie joined the parish and Viatorian Community in celebrating 130 years for the parish and 90 years for the modern church building.
- Associates Step Up to Offer Free Tax Prep (2018): An early story from Year Two of the VITA efforts!
- Celebrating Viatorian Associates and Their Commitments (2016): The story from the day when Jackie initially committed as a Viatorian.
- Judy’s Medical Missions Returns to Belize (2015): This story takes a closer look at the Belize trips on which Jackie served as a medical volunteer.