Klementyna Pozniak spends winter break volunteering in San Antonio

2018 Mar 2

Klementyna Pozniak of Amherst was one of 39 caring Baldwin Wallace University students who dedicated their 2017 winter break to making a difference through the BW Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated four diverse community engagement projects with student volunteers traveling to San Antonio, New Orleans, Chicago and Providence, Rhode Island. Each experience was led by a BW student with a University faculty or staff adviser providing support.

Pozniak, a graduate of Marion L. Steele High School majoring in communication studies and philosophy, volunteered to take part in the alternative break experience in San Antonio. The group explored the issue of food insecurity in partnership with the San Antonio Food Bank. The BW sophomore worked in the Food Bank's kitchen, garden and warehouse. The students also volunteered at St. Benedict's Catholic Church where they sorted food and helped make goodie bags for a Christmas party. They also had the opportunity to visit The Alamo and The San Antonio River Walk.

The trip was led by BW student Clara Harb with support from staff adviser Sherilyn Klatt. Harb had this to say about the experience, "This trip and the activities in which we participated helped to broaden our views on the issue of food insecurity and just how much goes into combatting it."

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.