S.O.U.L.S. Service Learning

The 4th Annual S.O.U.L.S. Community Partnership Breakfast will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. This is an opportunity for members of the Suffolk community to recognize our community partners, learn about ways to collaborate on community-based projects, and network. The breakfast program will run from 8:30-9:30 a.m., followed by a networking reception from 9:30-10:00 a.m. Please RSVP to the S.O.U.L.S. Center by August 11th at souls@suffolk.edu.

Service Learning Teaching Assistant Training will take place on Monday, August 25. Faculty members who are working with an SLTA in their fall 2008 service learning course are encouraged to join us for lunch from 12:30-1:30 p.m. This is a great time to meet with your SLTA and begin planning for the fall. Please contact Shirley Consuegra, Assistant Director of Service Learning, at sconsuegra@suffolk.edu for more information and to RSVP.

By Christine Denning, student

Boston, MA., March 17- Instead of starting their spring break vacation, a group of Suffolk University volunteers chose to make a difference in the Boston community. With the help of Heritage Apartments Resdent Services Coordinator, Caitlin Connolly, the students and staff set out to help beautify the property, home to nearly 300 residents. With paintbrushes in hand, the volunteers retouched the hallways of two buildings, creating a stunning new look throughout the complex. On their last day, March 17^th, the volunteers and residents celebrated by hosting an art show, complete with work from the Heritage art classes run by Suffolk volunteers Jerica Mikenas and Jenn Driscoll.

Residents who stopped by the show enjoyed a free breakfast along with artwork that had been supplied by 19 residents and staff. The show consisted of several works ranging from clay sculptures to painted canvas. The turnout was better than expected and everyone enjoyed seeing the art work on display. Many compliments were given to the volunteers on all the work that had been devoted to setting up the show. “It’s like an actual art show,” said Donna Tireno, a partaker in the event. Residents welcomed the volunteers and showed much gratitude towards everyone who helped with the project.

Although weather prohibited the painting of the outdoor murals, Suffolk will be back again in April to hopefully finish the project. Both residents and staff were thankful to have the volunteers dedicate their time to help make the Heritage Apartments a better place. “I had one resident come up to me and say, ‘This is the best thing that has happened to Heritage since I moved in 10 years ago,’” Connolly said. Residents, staff, and Suffolk all look forward to working with each other again in the future. A special thanks goes out to all those who helped make this event possible.

Suffolk volunteers and service learning students celebrate the art show opening with residents of the Boston Heritage Apartments.

Residents’ art work on display at Boston Heritage Apartments. Residents attended art classes led by Suffolk service learning students during the months leading up to the art show.

S.O.U.L.S. staff lead the student volunteers in a painting project.