Students gain knowledge at Service Fair

Many students curious about volunteer opportunities said they found a wealth of knowledge at the Service Fair in Transitions Monday.

About 15 organizations were represented at the fair, ranging from small ministries to large, well-known groups.

For some students, volunteering offered hands-on training to supplement their classroom experiences.

The ARC of Harrisonburg/ Rockingham County, dedicated to educating people with mental retardation, provides valuable practicum training for special education or psychology majors, according to Dan Suggs, executive director of the ARC.

"Students get a real world experience, and have a chance to get away from dusty textbooks for once," Suggs said.

For students fulfilling service requirements for class or wanting to volunteer in Harrisonburg or throughout the world, Community Service-Learning offers hands-on application as well, according to Lindsay Brannan, the aging service coordinator at CS-L.

Kate Duffy said the Free Food for All Soup Kitchen at the Little Grill restaurant, run by Our Community Place, is popular among volunteers.

"A lot of JMU students come in and help," Duffy said. "It's a cool opportunity to get involved with the Harrisonburg community and to get away from the JMU bubble."

The National Multiple Sclerosis - Blue Ridge Chapter also was represented at the fair. Students who only want a one-time commitment can help raise money for MS research and local programs.

"This is a great volunteer opportunity for students because they can team up with their friends and work toward a good cause," said Diane Farineau, program director for the National MS Society.

Some booths devoted to volunteer work with children.

Joy Ranch is an organization designed to help at-risk youth. "It's really tough to work in a children's home," said Program Director Angel Hartt. "But, it challenged me, helped me grow and helped me discover myself. When you can see you changed a child's life for the better, you forget about the hard stuff," she added.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America also was represented at the Service Fair.

"Students can get involved in lots of ways," said Cori Cave, intergenerational project manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters.

The mentoring program attracts the most JMU students, particularly because the time commitment only is an hour a week and most of the schools involved are within walking distance of the JMU campus, according to Cave.

Senior Kristin Bracht, a social work intern who works in conjunction with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Harrisonburg, enjoyed working at the organization. "You get to know a child well," she said. "It's very rewarding. Kids love having a big brother."

Sophomore Alina Foo, who attended the Service Fair, said, "Everyone here gave a lot of good information. I'm here to explore my options after graduation. "

Senior Naomi Sandler said the Peace Corps booth attracted her to the Service Fair. "I was looking for options in environmental work," she said. "Peace Corps is a big name, and I felt that they'd have a lot to offer."

Graduate student Stephen Held attended the fair specifically to sign up for Big Brothers Big Sisters. "Friends of mine currently are doing it," he said, "and they have a great time with the kids."