MB
Meredith Byrne
  • psychology
  • Class of 2017
  • Penllyn, PA

Meredith Byrne of Ambler participates in Alternative Spring Break trip

2016 Mar 15

Ambler, PA resident Meredith Byrne spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Byrne, a Psychology major, scheduled to graduate in 2017, traveled to South Bend, Indiana to volunteer with Dismas House.

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.

Students traveled to South Bend, Indiana to focus on reintegrating former prisoners back into their community. Dismas House supports their residents as they work to reach their goals through education, housing, counseling, and other resources. While students were there, their group supported their mission of bringing former offenders and the larger community together and promoting fresh starts. Students helped out around the house, assisted with meals for the residents, and worked with the agency on jewelry and carpentry projects.

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