NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt University‘s Alternative Spring Break
program, one of the largest in the nation, will send 460 students to 39
volunteer sites across the United States, Canada, Mexico and Guatemala
when the university observes Spring Break March 7-11.
For college students across the country, Spring Break serves as a
welcome reprieve from long hours spent hitting the books — an
appreciated opportunity to step off campus for a change of scenery and
possibly some warmer weather.
But for many, the annual rite of passage is not all fun and games. A
growing number of students, in search of a more meaningful experience,
are choosing to participate in Alternative Spring Break programs that
take them to exotic locations, immerse them in unusual cultures, and
allow them to roll up their sleeves and do some good, old-fashioned
volunteer work.
Each year the program is organized entirely by students, and past
participants describe the experience as “intense,” “extremely
worthwhile,” and one that bonds them with their peers in a unique way.
Alternative Spring Break was started at Vanderbilt University in 1987
by four undergraduates who desired to participate in a service
opportunity but also wanted to travel over Spring Break. In 1991, two
of those students, Michael Magevney and Laura Mann — by then alumni —
founded Break Away, a national non-profit now based in Tallahassee,
Fla., that acts as an umbrella organization for Alternative Spring
Break efforts at universities across the country. Jake Brewer, a 2004
Vanderbilt graduate, currently serves as Break Away‘s executive
director.
Break Away estimates that some 38,000 students from 123 campuses will do volunteer work over Spring Break 2005.
The following locations will serve as Alternative Spring Break work sites for Vanderbilt students March 7-11.
“Exploring the Southwest”
Cornerstones Community Partnerships, Albuquerque, N.M.
Site description: New Mexico is
famous for its rich art, culture and history; however, it‘s also one of
the poorest states in the country. At this site, the participants will
reach out to the communities of Albuquerque through various service
opportunities. The group will work primarily with Cornerstones
Community Partnerships, which assists communities in the preservation
of historic structures. Other service opportunities that promote a
strong community involvement include tutoring at the Boys and Girls
Club and working at a local food bank.
Site contact: Francisco Uvina, Cornerstones Community Partnerships
505-982-9521
fuvina@cstones.org
www.cstones.org
“Service with a Smile”
CafÈ 458, Atlanta, Ga.
Site description: CafÈ 458 is a
free restaurant serving homeless persons since 1988. Guests have been
referred by social service agencies and are greeted by a host, served
by a friendly wait staff, and offered a menu from which they can choose
a healthy noontime meal. Caf√à 458‘s mission is to restore dignity and
self-respect among the homeless community. Alternative Spring Break
participants will volunteer as cooks and wait tables at CafÈ 458.
Additional service opportunities while in Atlanta also will focus on
homelessness.
Site contact: CafÈ 458
404-523-1239 ext. 20
scurcija@farmhouse.org
www.samhouse.org/programs/cafe458.html
“Take a Chance with the Cool Girls”
Cool Girls, Inc., Atlanta, Ga.
Site description: The
Georgia-based foundation Cool Girls, Inc., is dedicated to the
self-empowerment of girls in low-income communities. The staff and
volunteers provide tools to help girls make positive choices to achieve
academic success, break the cycle of teen pregnancy and poverty, and
overcome the barriers of racism and sexism. The program instills
confidence and provides exposure to a broader world of opportunity
through mentoring relationships, field trips, health and life skills
education and academic support. Participants will take part in all of
these activities as they form relationships with the impressionable
young women at this all-female site.
Site contact: Pamela Hurst
404-420-4363
p.hurst@coolgirlsatlanta.org
http://www.thecoolgirls.org/
“Southern Delight”
Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort, S.C.
Site description: Located in
the low country of South Carolina, Beaufort is a community known for
its antebellum homes and waterfront beauty. However, many Beaufort
residents are gripped by poverty and are struggling to educate their
children in an overcrowded school system. During the week, participants
will work at outdoor construction sites with Habitat for Humanity and
tutor children in elementary school classrooms. In the evenings, the
children of the Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort will be eager to play
with and be tutored by participants.
Site contact: Sam Burke, Boys and Girls Club of Beaufort
843-986-5437
“Crossing Borders” — Brownsville, Texas/Mexico border
Brownsville Youth Build
Good Neighbor Settlement House
Jesus Is the Only Way Ministries
Site description: Located in
the very heart of the Rio Grande delta, with Mexico and the Gulf of
Mexico beaches nearby, Brownsville is a dynamic, bustling city that
consists of a predominately Hispanic community. Alternative Spring
Break participants will explore the influence of this rich culture on
issues such as poverty, immigration, childcare and unemployment. As
participants work in South Texas, they will partner with troubled youth
to construct needed housing. Crossing over to Mexico, the volunteers
will tutor and play with children at an orphanage. The students will
experience first-hand the effects of immigration on the community‘s
daily life.
Site contacts: Greg Flores, Brownsville Youth Build
956-548-2302
Good Neighbor Settlement House
956-542-2368
David Garza, Jesus Is the Only Way Ministries
956-497-5014
“Cultural Connections”
Cherokee Nation, Bull Hollow, Okla.
Site description: Participants
will experience life on Cherokee tribal lands in a small, secluded town
in Northeast Oklahoma. Volunteers will work closely with the Cherokee
Nation and their people and will interact with members of the tribal
government. Service will include outdoor work to improve and beautify
the community, home renovation for elderly residents, and other manual
labor. The students will have the unique opportunity to learn about
Native American culture and heritage through personal interaction with
residents of all ages and participation in tribal ceremonies.
Site contact: Mary Mead, Cherokee Nation
918-431-4158
mmead@cherokee.org
www.cherokee.org
“The Windy City”
Heartland Alliance, Chicago, Ill.
Site description: Chicago is
home to the Heartland Alliance, an anti-poverty, human rights
organization that provides housing, health care and human services to
improve the lives of impoverished Chicagoans. Once known as Travelers
Aid, the group has been helping the most marginalized men, women and
children through services and advocacy since 1888. Participants at this
site will specifically work with the Neon Streets Program, which
strives to help homeless and at-risk teens become healthy adults
through counseling, education, employment assistance, a daytime drop-in
center and residential services.
Site contact: Mike Cover, Neon Streets Program
773-271-6366, ext. 19
http://www.heartlandalliance.org/
“Experience the Rainbow”
Columbus, Ohio
Site description: Even though
Columbus has one of the largest Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender
populations in the United States, it is still working to foster a more
tolerant community. Participants will begin their week planning an
“interfaith extravaganza” with a local Methodist church in hopes of
fostering more tolerance toward GLBT issues in the religious community.
Participants will also work on a variety of projects with the GLBT
office at Ohio State University. The group will close the week working
with Solidarity, a brand new organization, to create a proposal for
local GLBT citizens based on surveys they will hand out to the public
in Dayton, Fairview and Yellow Springs, Ohio.
Site contact: Ohio State University, GLBT Student Services
614-688-8449
glbtss@osu.edu
“Farm Livin‘ Is the Life for Me”
Harvest Farm, Wellington, Colo.
Site description: The Denver
Rescue Mission is a Christian-affiliated organization that provides
outreach programs to men, women and families in the Denver area.
Harvest Farm, located 90 miles north of Denver, is one such program.
Harvest Farm is a rural rehabilitation facility for men who are former
drug addicts. Approximately 55 men reside on the 100-acre working farm,
which features a comprehensive long-term rehabilitation program
including on-site education and work training. ASB participants will
work on the farm alongside the men who eagerly share their testimonies
of addiction and recovery.
Site contact: Brian Waltz, Harvest Farm
970-568-9803
bwaltz@denrescue.org
www.denverrescuemission.org/harvest.html
“New Beginnings”
Catherine Ferguson Academy, Detroit, Mich.
Site description: Too often,
teen mothers drop out of school, sacrificing their education and future
dreams in order to raise their children. However, at the Catherine
Ferguson Academy, the young mothers-to-be are given hope, support and
the skills they need to receive an education to care for their
families. The focus of the school is to provide academic and social
competencies that will enable the students to attend college and become
self-sufficient for their families. In addition to educating the
pregnant teens, the school provides childcare for 200 infants and
toddlers as well as a clinic. Participants on this all-women site will
assist in the childcare program, tutor the academy‘s students and work
at the on-site community farm.
Site contact: G. Asenath Andrews, Catherine Ferguson Academy
313-596-4766
Secretary: 313-596-4771
“Camping Canyon Style”
Grand Canyon Field Institute, Flagstaff, Ariz.
Site description: The Grand
Canyon is one of the most popular national parks in the United States.
Because of its majestic and captivating environment, organizations have
emerged to ensure that it maintains its special beauty. On this site,
participants will work to protect and preserve the Grand Canyon‘s
irreplaceable natural, cultural and historic resources while enhancing
visitors‘ experiences. The students will have various opportunities to
help through projects dealing with preserving the Grand Canyon‘s
wildlife and natural resources and also learn about the area‘s delicate
balance with the professionals who work in the canyon daily. They will
also have the opportunity to camp outdoors at the park.
Site contact: Grand Canyon Field Institute
928-638-2485
gcfi@grandcanyon.org
www.grandcanyon.org/
“Inclusion for All”
CCAR Services, Green Cove Springs, Fla.
Site description: CCAR Services
is a United Way affiliate addressing the needs of the disabled
population. From birth to adulthood, CCAR is involved with achieving
maximum potential for challenged individuals through a variety of
services. Programs include Lighthouse Learning Center, First Coast
InfoServices, Adult Day Training and Supported Living. CCAR supports a
variety of programs that provide training, employment, job placement,
residential services and recreation for individuals with disabilities.
Participants will be working with disabled children and adults as
teachers‘ aides and will perform landscaping, building and office
maintenance, and some office work duties.
Site contact: Joanne Dotson
904-284-9859
ccar@ccar.org
www.ccar.org
“Therapy in the Mountains”
Crotched Mountain, Greenfield, N.H.
Site description: Crotched
Mountain offers a full range of educational, clinical, rehabilitation
and residential support services for children and adults with
disabilities from New Hampshire, New York and the rest of New England
at its rehabilitation center in Greenfield and in many community
locations. Crotched Mountain is dedicated to serving individuals with
disabilities and their families, embracing personal choice and
development and building communities of mutual support. Crotched
Mountain services include a private school for children with
disabilities ages six through 21, a children‘s specialty hospital,
outpatient therapeutic services and school partnership programs.
Site contact: Lisa Moran
603-547-3311, ext. 410
www.cmf.org/
“Building Hope”
Cranks Creek Survival Center, Harlan County, Ky.
Site description: According to
the 2000 U.S. Census, 42.5 percent of households in Harlan County, Ky.,
have incomes of $15,000 or less. The Cranks Creek Survival Center, a
family-run organization that receives no federal funding, distributes
food and clothing that come from donors all over the country to
impoverished residents of Cranks, Ky. Alternative Spring Break
participants will be helping with low-income housing repair under the
supervision of volunteers from the Cranks Creek Survival Center and
will have many opportunities for interaction with members of the
community.
Site contacts: Bob and Becky Simpson, Cranks Creek Survival Center
606-573-2812
www.grass-roots.org/usa/cranks.shtml
“Calling All Animal Lovers”
Best Friends Animal Society, Kanab, Utah
Site description: The Best
Friends Animal Sanctuary, at the heart of Southern Utah‘s “golden
circle” of national parks, is home on any given day to about 1,500
dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and other animals. The organization‘s “No
More Homeless Pets” campaign serves as a model to shelters and humane
groups statewide to ensure that every healthy dog or cat that‘s born in
the state can be guaranteed a loving home. Through a variety of service
opportunities, participants will have direct contact with the animals
and even be able to “adopt” one for the week and give it special
attention in order to ease the animal‘s transition into loving homes.
During free time, participants will be able to partake in reflection
time in one of the many beautiful national parks in the area.
Site contact: Cathie Myers, director of education
435-644-2001, ext. 317
humane.ed@bestfriends.org
www.bestfriends.org
“Today‘s Tomorrow”
Operation Breakthrough and the Niles Home for Children — Kansas City, Mo.
Site description: Operation
Breakthrough is the largest day care facility in the state of Missouri,
caring for infants through children age six. Many of these children are
under state protective custody due to their exposure to physical and/or
substance abuse. Alternative Spring Break participants will help the
understaffed organization care for, play with, mentor and educate
approximately 350 children who come from impoverished, homeless and
single-parent families. The Niles Home for Children is both a K-12
school and a foster home for behaviorally challenged children. Here,
participants will also have the chance to act as mentors as they see up
close the impact of neglect and abuse on inner city children.
Site contact: Operation
Breakthrough
816-756-3511
www.operationbreakthrough.org/
John Herring, Niles Home for Children
816-241-3448, ext. 261
“Give Kids the World”
Kissimmee, Fla.
Site description: Give Kids the
World is a non-profit organization that fulfils the wishes of families
with children with life-threatening illnesses. Its goal is to give
families a memorable and joyful experience by allowing them to visit
attractions in the area cost-free. Almost 900 volunteers generously
give their time, talents and heart each week to help these families
experience a worry-free vacation. Alternative Spring Break volunteers
will carry out such duties as scooping ice cream, serving breakfast,
driving the village train, welcoming families, playing games with the
children and more.
Site contact: Give Kids the World volunteer coordination office
407-396-1114 ext. 290
www.gktw.org
“Head of the Class”
Pine Ridge Reservation, Kyle, S.D.
Site description: The lack of
employment opportunities on Native American reservations has led to
widespread poverty among their residents. This has resulted in low
funding for the schools and unfit conditions for the staff and
students. Participants on this site will have the opportunity to work
in classrooms with Native American students in an elementary school on
the Pine Ridge Reservation, become immersed in the Lakota Sioux
culture, and interact with both the elders and the children of the
community.
Site contact: Joe Whiting
695-455-2448
lwhiting@gwtc.net
“City of Angels”
Project Angel Food and The Carl Bean House, Los Angeles, Calif.
Site description: In a city
which shares the renowned mansions of Beverly Hills and the
impoverished slums of Skid Row, Los Angeles‘ vast wealth and poverty
discrepancies are a significant problem, yet only one of many the
diverse city faces. For example, Los Angeles also deals with a
large population of people living with HIV and AIDS, the primary
community volunteers at this site will work with. While staying at a
shelter on Skid Row, where there are approximately 17,000 homeless
people in a six- block area, participants will work with Project Angel
Food each morning preparing free meals for more than 1,200 daily
clients. Each afternoon, the volunteers will head over to the Carl Bean
House, a hospice for people with HIV and AIDS, where they will interact
with patients who often don‘t have anyone else in their support network.
Site contacts: Alex Boling, Project Angel Food
323-845-1816
aboling@angelfood.org
www.angelfood.org
Darlene, Carl Bean House
323-766-2326
www.aidshealth.org/healthcare/carlbean.htm
“Peace, Liberty and Justice for All”
Anathoth Community Farm, Luck, Wisc.
Site description: The Anathoth
Community Farm is dedicated to the practice of non-violent
intervention, sustainable agriculture and environmentalism. The
fundamental purpose behind the farm is “to make as little impact as
possible on the planet and to make as big an impact as possible on
people,” with the main emphasis on eliminating violence. Although there
are service opportunities available, participants who visit the farm
will spend most of their time learning about and practicing active
non-violence. In combination with the labor required to tend the farm,
the site focuses on making connections between culture and lifestyle
and attending activism workshops such as Rally for Peace.
Site contact: Michael Miles, Anathoth Community Farm
715-472-8721
anathoth@lakeland.ws
http://www.airstreamcomm.net/~anathoth/
www.fox.uwc.edu/whatsnew/miles.html
“Restoration Island”
North Carolina Coastal Federation, Manteo, N.C.
Site description: Over the
years, pollution from agricultural runoff has caused the destruction of
underwater plant and fish habitats. The North Carolina Coastal
Federation is working to reduce the polluted runoff by restoring
wetlands and planting trees off the coast of North Carolina.
Participants will plant a variety of wetland species totaling more than
6,500 trees, plants and shrubs on some 120 acres of convert farmland.
In addition to planting, volunteers will be offered a number of other
educational exploration opportunities, such as camping, canoeing and
migratory bird viewing.
Site contact: Rachael Wagaman, North Carolina Coastal Federation
252-393-8185
rachaelw@nccoast.org
www.nccoast.org
“Flash Flood Warning”
American Red Cross, Miami, Fla.
Site description: Natural
disasters have the ability to destroy lives, property and communities,
as demonstrated last year in Florida. The American Red Cross, a
humanitarian organization led by volunteers and guided by the
fundamental principles of the International Red Cross Movement,
provides relief to victims of disaster and helps people prevent,
prepare for, and respond to emergencies. The American Red Cross
provides these services through community disaster education, CPR/first
aid training, AIDS/HIV education, water safety, disaster relief efforts
and numerous other programs. Participants will help the
volunteers of this organization as they work together to rebuild
communities that have suffered from the effects of natural
disasters.
Site contact: Jennifer Wilson, American Red Cross
305-644-1038
wilsonjen@usa.redcross.org
“Delta Times”
St. Gabriel‘s Mercy Center and Habitat for Humanity, Mississippi Delta
Site description: The
Mississippi Delta region is one of the poorest areas in the United
States. Its current economic problems can be traced to its history of
enslavement: the legacies of Jim Crow laws, racial segregation in
public schools, and the disenfranchisement of people of color.
Participants will have the unique opportunity at St. Gabriel‘s Mercy
Center to spend time with senior citizens who will share their personal
stories about life during the civil rights movement. Volunteers will
also work with St. Gabriel‘s many other programs, such as an
after-school program that tutors children in first through fifth grade
and a GED program. Participants will also do some manual work to help
maintain St. Gabriel‘s facilities. Other opportunities for service will
include working with the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity.
Site contacts: Sister Donald Mary, St. Gabriel‘s Mercy Center
662-741-3255
Blanche Yee, Habitat for Humanity
662-686-2274
“Ole, Mexico It Is!”
C·ritas de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico
Site description: This site
offers exposure to life in Mexico that Spring Break in Cancun never
will. Nearly 70 percent of the Monterrey population belongs to the
lower class, receiving an average monthly wage of $93. Participants at
this site will work with C·ritas de Monterrey, a Central American
equivalent to the Red Cross. Through involvement with a medical
brigade, food bank and a social services case department, participants
will experience direct interaction with a wide variety of community
members. This site is structured to immerse participants in both the
poverty and culture of the city.
Site contact: Sandra Elizondo, C·ritas de Monterrey
(011) 52-83-330-990
bco_voluntarios@hotmail.com
“Laissez les Bons Temps Roulez”
Jeunesse au Soleil (Sun Youth), Montreal, Canada
Site description: At this site,
participants will volunteer and stay at the Jeunesse au Soleil (Sun
Youth) organization, designing and helping to conduct a day camp/after
school program in the inner city. The youth of this program come
largely from troubled homes and are often lacking positive role
models. Vanderbilt students will help provide this positive
influence while interacting with the kids. Participants will act
as mentors to the children on daytrips to sites all over Montreal, such
as a hockey arena and a cabana au sucre (sugar shack) on the outskirts
of the city.
Site contact: Chinh Nguyen, Sun Youth Organization Inc.
514-842-6822
chinhn33@hotmail.com
“Service in the City”
God‘s Love We Deliver, New York, N.Y.
Site description: As one of the
largest and most diverse cities in the nation, New York also has one of
the largest populations of people living with HIV and AIDS. At God‘s
Love We Deliver, the mission is to improve the health and well-being of
men, women and children living with HIV/AIDS and other serious
illnesses by alleviating hunger and ma