Bridget Hughes spends Spring Break volunteering in Chicago, Detroit and Toledo, Ohio

2016 Apr 12

Bridget Hughes of Avon is one of 51 caring Baldwin Wallace University students who gave up 2016 Spring Break week to make a difference through BW's Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated five diverse trips with student volunteers traveling to Atlanta; Boston; Kansas City, Mo.; New Orleans; Toledo, Ohio; Detroit and Chicago. The trips were led by a BW student with a University faculty or staff adviser providing support.

Hughes, a graduate of Avon High School majoring in creative writing, volunteered to take part in the Alternative Break trip to Chicago, Detroit and Toledo, Ohio. The innovative trip took student volunteers through all three cities, exploring the realities of human trafficking and domestic violence. In Toledo, the BW senior had the opportunity to prepare lunches for Family House Toledo, the second largest family crisis center in Ohio, and connect with EleSondra DeRomano, survivor and founder of Standing Together Against Real Slavery (STARS). In Detroit, students spent a day with Freedom House learning about the resettlement process for refugees and asylum seekers, many of whom are vulnerable to trafficking. In Chicago, they volunteered with two shelters serving survivors of domestic violence. By the end of the week, students were informed, empowered and ready to take action. Hughes also served as the trip leader with support from staff adviser Sarah Thaxton.

The Alternative Break experience at BW provides students with opportunities to make a difference, travel to another area, learn new skills and meet people with similar interests. 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 of an increasingly global society. Community groups interested in partnering with BW can contact the Center for Community Engagement at 440-826-2403 or oco@bw.edu.