Sarah Gattis spends Thanksgiving break volunteering in Detroit

2017 Mar 23

Sarah Gattis of Westerville is one of eight caring Baldwin Wallace University students who gave up 2016 Thanksgiving break to make a difference through the BW Alternative Break service program. The program facilitated four diverse community engagement projects during the 2016 fall semester with student volunteers traveling to Detroit over Thanksgiving break and to San Antonio, New Orleans and Chicago over winter break. A total of 37 students participated, and each experience was led by a BW student with a University faculty or staff adviser providing support.

Gattis, a graduate of New Albany High School majoring in public health, volunteered to take part in the alternative break experience in Detroit. As part of the National Detroit Compact, BW is committed to sending students to Detroit every year for five years. The compact focuses on sustainable revitalization through innovative, community-based approaches.

The outreach was in partnership with CASS Community Social Services, which assists with poverty, homelessness, and refugee communities. The BW junior prepared a Thanksgiving meal for a local community and explored CASS's environmental sustainability initiatives. The group also worked with Freedom House, which assists those seeking asylum in the U.S. and Canada. At Freedom House, students discussed cultural differences, shared stories and heard from over 40 refugees. Gattis also served as the trip leader with support from staff adviser Robin Gagnow.

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.