Lauren Brittigan of Forest participates in Alternative Spring Break trip

2016 Mar 15

Forest, VA resident Lauren Brittigan spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Brittigan, a Intelligence Analysis major, scheduled to graduate in 2018, traveled to Loisville, KY to volunteer with Catholic Charities (Kentucky).

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.

On this break, students discovered peoples' stories through helping individuals and families find peace and safety here in America. Students traveled to Louisville, KY to work with the refugee resettlement community. Catholic Charities provides multiple services including: case management, housing, cultural orientation, employment, English as a Second Language and more.They had the opportunity to assist in several facets of the resettlement process and work directly with refugees from all walks of life.

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