Alternative Spring Break: Making Spring Break Matter

Two groups of Buffalo State students are spending spring break by sharing compassion and honing home-renovation skills through the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center’s Alternative Spring Break (ASB): March 16-20 in Buffalo and March 18-23 in Baltimore.

In Buffalo, nine students are pairing with the non-profit group Westside Ministries to renovate two houses on the West Side and with Ontario Street United Methodist Church to clean and paint areas for their afterschool program.  

Meanwhile, 10 students headed to Baltimore to work in a soup kitchen with Catholic Charities and to prepare a home for renovation with Sixth Branch, a non-profit organization led by military veterans who rebuild neighborhoods.

ASB, now in its third year at Buffalo State, provides a drug- and alcohol-free opportunity for students to get to know fellow classmates while interacting with community groups in high-needs neighborhoods. During their off time, students can participate in arranged sightseeing trips, play games, cook their meals together, and discuss what they have learned from the volunteer experiences.

 “This year’s alternative break participants are so enthusiastic about doing service, learning about community issues, and making a difference,” said Laura Hill Rao, coordinator of the Volunteer and Service-Learning Center. “Both trips have outstanding student trip leaders who have developed strong programs. It’s going to be a great week."