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New Freshmen At Fairfield's Sacred Heart Start Year With Volunteer Work

FAIRFIELD, Conn. – Before the new school year started, 17 upperclassmen from Fairfield's Sacred Heart University escorted 60 incoming freshmen into Bridgeport to work with the homeless and others in need.

Students in the annual Community Connections service immersion program at Sacred Heart University serve dinner at the Feel the Warmth community BBQ in Bridgeport.

Students in the annual Community Connections service immersion program at Sacred Heart University serve dinner at the Feel the Warmth community BBQ in Bridgeport.

Photo Credit: Tracy Deer-Mirek

The August volunteer work was part of SHU’s Community Connections urban outreach program, which immerses students in the local cultures and teaches the value of leadership and giving back to the community.

“Community Connections allows incoming students to be face-to-face with Bridgeport residents and to learn from and about their lives,” says Phyllis Machledt, founding director of the Office of Volunteer Programs and Service Learning, who created the pre-fall program in 1996. “Students find places and events in Bridgeport that they wouldn’t have known about if they hadn’t been a part of Community Connections. This outreach helps students get to know themselves and understand that they can make a difference, and that‘s important.”

Three local churches hosted the SHU students—Golden Hill Methodist Church, St. Charles Parish and United Congregationalist Church.

The students assisted several local nonprofit organizations and outreach programs, including Habitat for Humanity, Feel the Warmth at United Congregationalist Church, Daughters of Charity, Hall Neighborhood House, St. Stephens Food Pantry, St. Margaret’s Shrine and Caroline House.

Students also embarked on a boat tour of Captain’s Cove, where they learned the history of Bridgeport as a port city, and had the opportunity to learn salsa dancing and to eat a traditional Puerto Rican dinner.

“When we got to know the Puerto Rican families and sat down to eat with them, we made real connections with great Bridgeport residents,” says sophomore nursing major Jackie Galeno. “It opened my eyes to the rich cultures that surround the university. I wouldn’t have known all the great things that go on in Bridgeport if it hadn’t been for Community Connections.”

“At first I was scared being exposed to something so new right out of high school,” says freshman Mercy Yalartai. “But it was amazing learning from the community, learning from the struggles of some of the people who live here.” 

Echoing that sentiment, freshmen Stefanie Falcone says, “When I first arrived I was nervous, but now I can say it was one of the best weeks of my life.” 

The second phase of Community Connection commences during the academic year, when the student leaders mentor the freshmen participants.

“Having a mentor opens the door for freshmen to be more engaged both on and off campus,” says senior social work major Stephanie Nickerson, a Community Connections student leader. “It also creates a support network that is immediately available during their first weeks as a college student. It made all the difference for me.”

This is the first time that the University has invested operating funds for the program as it is no longer funded by grants.   

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