Following Sacred Heart University's long tradition of service to the community, a special group of freshmen from the Class of 2009 decided to give up the last part of their summer vacation in order to work in the Bridgeport community.
The students participated in the 10th Annual Community Connections, a weeklong urban outreach program that provides freshmen with a first-hand opportunity to learn about urban realities, poverty, racism, immigration issues and difficult economic conditions.
In the newly expanded program, eight upper class students, together with members of the faculty and staff, shepherded 44 incoming freshmen through a week devoted to community service, taking part in projects that increased their awareness of what life is like for the poor in an urban environment.
The week began on Saturday, August 27, as students from the Class of 2009 arrived at the university, dropped-off their belongings, and immediately headed for St. Charles Urban Center and Golden Hill Methodist Church in downtown Bridgeport, their temporary home away from home.
The next seven days were spent performing a variety of volunteer activities, from working at soup kitchens and food pantries, visiting Beardsley Zoo with city kids and their families and tutoring children at Bridgeport schools. In addition, they helped build Habitat for Humanity houses on the Bridgeport's East Side and worked to restore a small park on Wood Avenue, in conjunction with Groundwork Bridgeport, which was dedicated to the memory of victims of violence.
Each evening, after a busy work-filled day, the freshmen returned to their houses to clean up, cook dinner and participate in group activities, sharing experiences and relaxing together.
The physical experience of performing one-on-one community service was complemented by daily discussions between faculty, students and community leaders.
Sacred Heart University professors and administrators, many of whom have already spent weekends at the Urban Center, joined in evening discussions to discover and examine the social, political and religious implications of each day's experience.
Members of Sacred Heart University's Campus Ministry staff participated with the group and provided daily opportunities for prayer, reflection and worship. To top the week off, on September 1, the students hosted a cookout for their new community friends.
It wasn't all work and no play for these freshmen. Fun was had at a Bluefish game, friends were made, they shared camaraderie, and a lasting difference was made in the city. Past student volunteers say that being part of Community Connections was not only a great way to meet other students with similar interests and learn about the university; it's a life-changing opportunity to make a real contribution to the wider community. Like most of the students involved in past programs, many participants in this summer's program will continue to serve as community volunteers throughout their college career.
The Community Connections program is supported through a generous grant from People's Bank, a full-service financial institution based in Bridgeport. The People's Bank grant also supports the leasing of three “Community Connections” mini vans, which are used to transport students to various community service projects during the year.
Service in the local community is one of the distinguishing characteristics of Sacred Heart University, where thousands of students have taken part in a wide range of community activities. For further information, please call Phyllis Machledt, Director of Service-Learning and Volunteer Programs, at 203-365-7622.
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