Rachel Wilkie spends spring break 2017 volunteering in Wheeling, W.Va.

2017 May 24

Rachel Wilkie of Munroe Falls was among 35 compassionate Baldwin Wallace University students who gave up spring break week to make a difference through BW's Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated five diverse experiences with student volunteers traveling to Clarkston, Ga., New Orleans, New York, Washington and Wheeling, W.Va. Each experience was led by a BW student with support from a University faculty or staff adviser.

Wilkie, a graduate of Twinsburg High School majoring in history and English, volunteered to take part in the alternative break experience in Wheeling. The outreach was in partnership with Grow Ohio Valley, an organization working toward an economic landscape with increased prosperity, improved health and a better environment for Appalachia. The BW junior did a wide range of service during the week, including making a composting display, setting up for a church health day, helping to prepare meals for the community and working outside to enrich the soil. The trip was led by BW student Brittany Huff with support from staff adviser Alyssa Canella.

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.