Lessons Learned
The most gratifying and significant effect of the program is the impact the work performed has upon each student's perspective on service to others. It is our hope that this activity will produce more than a grade; that it will imprint upon each of the participants an understanding of the needs of the less fortunate and a desire to continue to give of their skills unselfishly as a reflection of how much they, themselves, have been given.
At the end of the written report submitted by each group, the students are requested to express openly and honestly how their exposure to community service has affected their outlook on life. A few quotes from their reports are included below.
“The organization did operate differently from what I was used to coming from a large corporation. I had to actually back off from my usually demanding self and actually wait...” - JT Operation Hope
“This (project) made me realize that I have not designated enough time to volunteer work. This ended up being a void that I wanted to fill.” - CL Operation Hope
“We felt it was a great experience and we are willing to invest more time in Non Profit organizations in the future.”
- Group Amos House Project
"At Amos House, our Board relies upon the help of volunteers for a wide variety of tasks. When we began working with the MBA students at Sacred Heart, it became clear this would become an important resource for us to use. By combining the business and organizational structure backgrounds of the students with the needs of Amos House, we have been able to work together to create practical solutions to challenges facing the Board and program. Sacred Heart brings to us professional insight in a compassionate framework that helps Amos House better serve the homeless families of the Greater Danbury Area." - Mr. Michael Byl, President of Amos House
"Non-profits provide critical services to so many in our community, and yet we are fighting for every dollar of support in order to meet the growing need. It is perfect timing for the creation of a Center for Strategic Planning! We are challenged to meet the increasing demand for our services, while at the same time facing new challenges in terms of planning and financing our visions. At Operation Hope, for example, we are inundated with calls for shelter and affordable housing from a growing number of people in need. The support SHU has provide via the MBA program students has helped us to manage our core services to people who are homeless while at the same time enhancing our organizational capacity. The Center is a natural step forward and greatly appreciated by nonprofits like Operation Hope which are in need of this support." - Ms Meghan K. Lowney, MSW, Executive Director, Operation Hope, Inc.