Sarah Tiemann spends winter break volunteering in Chicago

2017 Mar 23

Sarah Tiemann of Hudson is one of 29 caring Baldwin Wallace University students who gave up 2016 winter 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.

Tiemann, a graduate of Hudson High School majoring in leadership in higher education, volunteered to take part in the alternative break experience in Chicago. The outreach was in partnership with the Rice Child + Family Center where the group explored the social justice issue of youth and trauma. The BW graduate student worked with vulnerable children who have a history of violence and abuse. The students also volunteered at Cornerstone Community Outreach where they helped the homeless community by working at the food pantry and sorting Christmas presents for residents of Cornerstone's facilities. Tiemann also served as the staff adviser for BW student trip leader Sarah Tiemann.

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.