Emma Dombrowski spends spring break volunteering in San Francisco

2018 Apr 18

Emma Dombrowski of Reynoldsburg was one of 41 kindhearted Baldwin Wallace University students who dedicated their 2018 spring break to making a difference through the BW Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated five diverse community engagement projects with student volunteers traveling to Waco, Texas; Clarkston, Georgia; San Francisco; Miami; and Washington. Each experience was led by a BW student with a University faculty or staff adviser providing support.

Dombrowski, a graduate of Pickerington High School majoring in psychology, volunteered to take part in the alternative break experience in San Francisco. The trip gave students the opportunity to work with and learn about LGBTQ+-oriented social service programs. The outreach was in partnership with the San Francisco AIDS Foundation, Project Homeless Connect and Openhouse. The BW junior learned about harm reduction and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community as well as within it. Students volunteered at the Glide Memorial Church where they connected with elderly LGBTQ+ members and served them lunch. The group also had the chance to sightsee at the Nautical Museum, Ghirardelli Square and the beach. Dombrowski also served as the trip leader with support from assistant professor Dr. Emilia Lombardi.

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.