Austin McGlothern
  • Economics
  • Class of 2021
  • Des Moines, WA

Austin McGlothern spends Thanksgiving break volunteering in Detroit

2018 Feb 1

Austin McGlothern of Des Moines was one of 10 caring Baldwin Wallace University students who sacrificed turkey, stuffing and pumpkin pie with loved ones to dedicate Thanksgiving break to service with the BW Alternative Break program. The outreach was in partnership with CASS Community Social Services, which assists with poverty, homelessness and refugee communities. The trip's mission was to meet community needs, develop leadership skills, foster civic responsibility and make a difference.

McGlothern, a graduate of Mount Rainier High School majoring in economics, spent Thanksgiving Day with CASS serving dinner to 125 homeless people in downtown Detroit. There was also a coat drive and the students helped families choose the perfect outerwear in preparation for the winter months. After participating in the coat drive, BW student Diamond Green-Philips knew she left a lasting impression. "I came to make a difference. After helping a woman find a coat, hat, scarves and gloves, she genuinely thanked me. When she hugged me, I was overwhelmed with gratefulness," she explained.

The team also worked with CASS Green Industries, which creates jobs for people with significant barriers to employment, creating handmade mud mats from recycled rubber tires and Detroit-themed glass coasters. They had the opportunity to serve lunch to community members in need at the historic Capuchin Soup Kitchen. At Freedom House Detroit, which offers housing for those seeking asylum from countries like Uganda, Nigeria and Syria, the students taught the residents how to play bingo during a pizza party given courtesy of BW.

The trip was led by BW student Ta'Lasia Colvin with support from staff adviser Shannon Miller. After each service project, the group engaged in a unique reflection activity to discuss successes and challenges. Reflecting helped spark personal transformations that made lasting differences in the lives of each student. Colvin, who volunteered on two previous alternative break trips, said the experience was "definitely an eye opener."

The BW Alternative Break service program provides students with opportunities to make a difference, travel to another area, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. Participants commit to a six-week, pre-trip curriculum including issue education, organization orientation, team-building and a full-day retreat on social justice and cultural competency. Alternative Break is one of many community service programs organized by the David & Frances Brain Center for Community Engagement to support BW's mission of empowering students to become contributing, compassionate citizens. Community groups interested in partnering with BW can contact the Center at 440-826-2403 or BrainCenter@bw.edu.