Rebecca Sopelak of Farmington Participates in Alternative Spring Break Trip

2014 Apr 14

Farmington, CT resident Rebecca Sopelak spent spring break serving others through James Madison University's Alternative Spring Break Program. Sopelak, a sophomore nursing major traveled to York, S.C. to volunteer with York Place.

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.

York Place is a home and residential treatment center for children and adolescents experiencing significant emotional and behavioral disorders. Students served in the classrooms, cleaned up around their facilities and spent some quality time with the residents. The group also helped during homework time, taught and played sports, and attended class and chapel with the kids in an effort to support them and their families through this recovery period.

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.