|
This year, we hope to host 75-100 Bonners at the All Bonner
Service Event. All Bonner Service activities will provide
participants with the opportunity to explore the themes of
SLI and the manner in which they manifest in the Meadville community.
Not only does All Bonner Service provide a unique opportunity
to serve, but it is also a great opportunity to participate
in a sophomore service exchange with Bonner Scholars and Leaders
from all over the country.
Housing will vary, depending on the site. If you are participating,
please bring:
- Work clothes
- Comfortable and versatile work shoes
- Sleeping bag and pillow (though some may have beds and
linens provided)
- Bug spray, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen for outdoor work
Projects Summary – as of 4/30/08
International Institute
Erie, PA
Since 1919, the International Institute of Erie has been a critical stepping-stone for refugees and immigrants in their successful transition to American Life. The Institute acts as a source of information and service to foreign-speaking peoples, and aids the foreign-born, including refugees, immigrants, and ethnic communities, in the acquisition of critical skills and competencies for adjustment to American life
Erie's Institute is now a vital resettlement organization for refugee families. Services include language interpretation and translation; immigration processing; housing, employment and transportation assistance; United States citizenship preparation; and multicultural liaison. English education, culture-competency training, and multicultural child care are also provided.
Students participating in this Service Track option will be helping out with various volunteer tasks at the agency and interacting with clients of the International Institute. Students will be housed at the Erie Habitat for Humanity chapter.
Earth Force
Erie, PA
Earth Force engages young people as active citizens who improve the environment and their communities now and in the future. Now is the time to foster a scientifically capable and civically engaged populace. Through Earth Force young people get hands-on, real-world opportunities to practice civic skills, acquire and understand environmental knowledge, and develop the skills and motivation to become life-long leaders in addressing environmental issues.
Students participating in the Service Track at this agency will be doing planting and gardening on the grounds of the Earth Force office located at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center as well as canvassing a local Erie neighborhood to promote a new environmental education program. Housing will be provided at the Erie Habitat for Humanity chapter.
Titusville Toy Shop
Titusville, PA
The Titusville Toy Shop was founded in 1991 as a Pennsylvania non-profit organization associated with RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Corps). Debbie Heist and her father, Cliff, saw a need for an activity to allow retired people to continue to use their talents. She contacted local lumber producers and the project began.
Many of the toys are designed to help disadvantaged and disabled children learn. Puzzles and building toys, along with desks and chairs are made. The shop supplies many local agencies with toys. About 3000 toys are made and given out each year. While the shop’s main focus is to provide toys at the holidays, toys are also given throughout the year to victims of fire or abuse. In some cases, these are the only toys a child may receive. Some of the organizations that distribute the toys are: Big Brothers & Big Sisters, Red Cross, Salvation Army, PA Department of Welfare, Children & Youth Services, Family Services, school districts, hospitals, YMCA and YWCA.
Students participating in the Service Track at this agency will be creating a brochure, repainting parts of the building, painting toys and cleaning inside the shop. Housing will be provided at the University of Pittsburgh at Titusville campus dorms and students will need to bring their own bedding or a sleeping bag.
Fresh from the Vines Farm
Meadville, PA
Fresh from the Vines Farm is a family farm committed to growing nutritious vegetables and fruits and has a bakery making the freshest products using natural and organic ingredients. Our commitment includes: farming sustainably, providing fresh food for our community and offering education to those who would like to learn more about the foods they eat.
Students participating in the Service Track at Vines Farm will be assisting with farm work, as well as learning about sustainable agriculture practices. Students will need to bring clothes that they do not mind getting dirty and sturdy shoes. Lunch will be provided at the farm. Students will be housed at Allegheny College.
Wesbury
Meadville, PA
Wesbury United Methodist Retirement Community provides individualized proactive health care and life enrichment services to assist mature adults in maintaining their independence, dignity and spiritual wholeness in a secure, Christian environment.
Students participating in this Service Track option will be interacting with elderly members of the Wesbury community in a variety of settings and projects. Housing will be provided at Allegheny College.
French Creek Valley Community Improvement Center
Meadville, PA
Also known as the FCVCIC, the French Creek Valley Community Improvement Center is a volunteer center that was created to fill the need for year round home improvement projects for those in need in Crawford County. Examples of projects the center has undertaken are wheel-chair ramps, roofing, small plumbing jobs and repainting houses. The mission of the FCVCIC is to mobilize talents, maintain dignity, and make a difference in every season.
Students participating in this Service Track option will be completing a wheelchair ramp and other home improvement projects in and around the Meadville community. Students need to bring clothes that they do not mind getting dirty, as well as sturdy footwear. Housing will be provided at Allegheny College.
|
