Post-Grad Service Fair

By: Vanessa Ingram             

                     Graduating can be a confusing time as many students find it hard to figure out what to do next after spending so many years as a student. The task of finding a job has slowly become even more daunting as many people with bachelor’s degrees are looking for jobs right out of college.

                      If you are looking to stand out from the crowd or just want to make a difference, then volunteering at a nonprofit organization might be the right choice for you.

          Attention Gonzaga Juniors and Seniors! Are you interested in volunteer work after graduation?! Then look no further because Gonzaga University is holding a Service Panel for post graduate students.

          Organizations such as AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, JVC, and ACE will be there to answer your questions and give information about what each program offers.

                      At this panel, students can come learn information about various opportunities from each organization, ask questions, and possibly sign-up!!

                      The Post Grad Service-panel will be held on February 26^th 2013. This event will be located in College Hall 101, 12:00-1:00pm. 

April's Angel's

by: Vanessa Ingram

                               April’s Angels: Small Time, Big Change

Many non-profit organizations in the Spokane community are dedicated to improving the dilapidated homes that are in need of immediate repair. Unfortunately, help often takes a long time to arrive and supplies are often limited and many cannot afford to make the repairs on their own. In response to this problem and in the spirit of the Jesuit Mission, CCASL created a program called April’s Angels.

Originally founded to assist local parish schools in the Spokane Community, today April’s Angels is a collaborative venture with Rebuilding Together, a nationally recognized non-profit dedicated to “providing critical repairs…and upgrades to low-income homes and community centers at no cost to service recipients.” In this new venture, April’s Angels has been fortunate to work with a local community center, houses for the developmentally disabled, and a retirement community within walking distance of campus. For the 2013 school year the program is looking to get back to its roots, with an announcement in the coming weeks about our service site. 

As a one-day service blitz, this program is great for students who would like to make a big impact on the Spokane community in a small amount of time. No long term commitments are required, just simply submit an application to CCASL and mark your calendar for April 13^th, 2013. Applications for student volunteers will go out on Thursday, March 21^st, and will be due back to CCASL on Thursday, March 28^th.  Students are expected to attend at least one pre-service orientation meeting and will commit six hours of service on the project date. Additionally, there is a $5 charge that covers transportation, project supplies, lunch, and a t-shirt for the event. Participation is open to anyone, including alumni. This makes April’s Angels a great networking opportunity for students who wish to build relationships and contacts with Gonzaga alumni.

Though the experience may be short, this program has a long-lasting impact on both the community and students who volunteer. “As an undergrad I went for three years straight and had a blast every time.” said Jeb Berg, CCASL’s Coordinator of Student Engagement and 2008 Gonzaga graduate, when asked about what students should expect from the program. If you would like any more information on this program, please contact aprilsangels@zagmail.gonzaga.edu , or contact Jeb Berg at bergj@gonzaga.edu

Important: CCASL has recently updated their site. As a result, some pages may display an old application for April’s Angels but please be aware that this is not the application for the 2013 April’s Angels event. All current and updated information will be located on this page on the CCASL website:  http://www.gonzaga.edu/student+life/Community-Action-and-Service-Learning/StudentEngagement/Aprils-Angels.asp

ZESST: A program that changes lives

By: Vanessa Ingram

                         

As we age with each passing year, it becomes more apparent how much we rely on friends and family. When we finally begin to reach the close of our life spans, friends and family begin to slowly pass and we find ourselves again looking for new social contact. And because social interactions are one of the crucial needs of any human being, CCASL has created the program ZESST.  

ZESST (Zags Encouraging Student & Senior Togetherness) is a community outreach program run by CCASL that is focused on forging relationships between Gonzaga students and the residents of Maplewood Gardens Senior Center, an assisted living home for the elderly located near the Gonzaga campus.

Current and past participants have enjoyed the memories and friendships that they have experienced through ZESST and many have so much fun that they volunteer again the next year.

“Many students are focused on the now because of their youth. This program allows them to help senior citizens appreciate the time they have left in life and it’s super fun to help them enjoy their lives.” said Korryn Koussa, a former participant in the ZESST program.

The goal of the program is to improve quality of life for residents and raise awareness among students through fun and engaging activities and events. During these activities, students will engage with the senior citizens while having fun and building friendships that will be remembered forever.

ZESST will organize and execute social activities for the Maplewood residents on Tuesday and Wednesday nights from 6:15-8:00 pm, meeting at CCASL at 6PM and heading to Maplewood by 6:15pm.

This program can be used for a service-learning requirement as well as an opportunity for Zags to get involved with the Spokane community. Applications for participation are on a rolling basis and one need only attend a ZESST meeting and provide their contact information to participate. For more information contact Jeb Berg at bergj@gonzaga.edu or 509-313-6937