BW
Benjamin Wolff
  • health sciences
  • Class of 2016
  • Easton, PA

Benjamin Wolff of Easton participates in Alternative Spring Break trip

2016 Mar 15

Easton, PA resident Benjamin Wolff spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Wolff, a Health Sciences major, scheduled to graduate in 2016, traveled to Boston, MA to volunteer with New England Center for Homeless Veterans.

The student-led ASB trips took place from March 5-12. Each trip focused on a social issue, such as homelessness, resettlement, environmentalism or community wellness, in a specific region. Almost 250 students embarked on 25 spring break trips around the country and world. The students spent the week living simply, focused on service in their destination community but also on teamwork and reflection within their group.

The New England Center for Homeless Veterans (NECHV) has a goal of reintegrating veterans back into society if they have had trouble doing it themselves. The agency attempts to do this through providing shelter, food, and even education to any veteran in need regardless of the branch, or how long he or she served. Volunteers on this break helped the agency through helping at meals, helping to separate supplies, as well as helping in any other way they could. Working alongside veterans helped participants gain further insight to the issue of veterans being neglected when they truly need help, as well as breaking stereotypes of the homeless. While working with NECHV students gained valuable life lessons that they may be able to use in their own lives in the future. Lessons may also be brought back to their own community in order to become a more engaged citizen.

For information about JMU's award winning Alternative Break Program, visit www.jmu.edu/abp.