Danika Okpaleke of Ashburn Participates in Alternative Spring Break Trip

2015 Mar 24

Ashburn, VA resident Danika Okpaleke spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Okpaleke traveled to Winter Park, Florida to volunteer with United Way Heart of Florida.

The student-led ASB trips took place from March 7-14. Each trip focused on a social issue, such as homelessness, resettlement, environmentalism or community wellness, in a specific region. Almost 300 students embarked on 23 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.

United Way Heart of Florida’s vision is to engage all citizens to work together to build healthy, safe, caring and strong communities. JMU students worked with the United Way’s programs centered on central Florida’s high rates of homelessness. During the week, they served community members struggling with chronic homelessness.

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