CC
Colleen Casey
  • sociology
  • Class of 2014
  • Midlothian, VA

Colleen Casey of Richmond Participates in Alternative Spring Break Trip

2014 Apr 14

Richmond, VA resident Colleen Casey spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Casey, a senior sociology major traveled to Montego Bay, Jamaica to volunteer with Committee for the Upliftment of the Mentally Ill (CUMI).

The student-led ASB trips took place from March 8-15. Each trip focused on a social issue, such as homelessness, resettlement, environmentalism or community wellness, in a specific region. Almost 300 students embarked on 30 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 students working at CUMI spent time with the homeless, mentally ill communities in Montego Bay in an attempt to improve their quality of life and levels of physical and mental health. The group strived to provide a sense of belonging to everyone in the community and stayed in small cottages to feel the sense themselves.

For information about JMU's Alternative Break Program, including an interactive map showcasing past service trips and Community Service-Learning, check www.jmu.edu/service/ and www.jmu.edu/abp.