Rashidah Burns of Richmond Participates in Alternative Spring Break Trip

2015 Mar 24

Richmond, VA resident Rashidah Burns spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Burns, a seniorNursing major, traveled to Wellington, Colorado to volunteer with Harvest Farm.

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.

Harvest Farm is a 209-acre farm and rehabilitation center for men. The farm accommodates up to 72 men who participate in a long-term programs with the goal of breaking the cycles of addiction and homelessness. The program combines academics, life skills classes, Bible study, work therapy and Christian counseling in a curriculum extending up to 27 months. JMU students delved into health and substance abuse social issues while working alongside the men at Harvest Farm.

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