Each spring, students at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC) are offered the opportunity to participate in the Alternative Spring Break Program through the SMWC Office of Campus Ministry and volunteer their time to give back and help those in need. This year, the alternative spring break trip will take place in Jacksonville, Florida, where the group will conduct service deeds through an organization called Mission House.
Throughout the week, trip attendees will focus on serving those who are in need and unhoused. “Although the relief we offer is temporary and our reach is far from exhaustive, we believe that our endeavors serve as a link in a much larger volunteer chain that eases the burdens of many, if only for a little while, and perhaps helps them set a course toward a life where permanent housing is not among their concerns,” shared Tim Tesmer, campus minister at SMWC.
The goals of the trip are to foster discipleship, spiritual development and formation among the SMWC students as they give back to the communities. In addition to serving the local community and taking part in fun activities, Tesmer shared one main reason for the trip is to give students fulfilling experiences. “These trips bring students to the frontlines of one of America’s most pressing humanitarian crises, homelessness and offer them the opportunity to love their neighbor practically in obedience to and in the name of Jesus,” Tesmer shared.
The group of 10 students and two chaperones will depart from SMWC on Saturday, March 8, and return to campus on Saturday, March 15.