Allonne Wilson-Brennan
  • Computer Science; Business Administration
  • Class of 2018
  • Lithonia, GA

Allonne Wilson-Brennan Traveled to St. Augustine for Spring Break Service Trip

2016 Mar 15

Allonne Wilson-Brennan of York, Pa., is one of 21 students who recently returned from a spring break service trip to St. Augustine, Florida. Wilson-Brennan, a graduate of New Hope Academy Charter School is pursuing a bachelor of science in computer science at The Valley.

The trip, which took place from March 5 to March 12, was the first time the College has participated with non-profit organizations Council on Aging, the St. Gerard Pregnancy Center, and the St. John's Housing Partnership. They seek to bring people together to build homes, communities, and hope.

During the week, students divided into three groups according to individual preference. Each group was assigned to serve with one of the mentioned organizations: Council on Aging, the St. Gerard Pregnancy Center, or the St. John's Housing Partnership.

The Council on Aging in St. Augustine manages an active non-residential program facility overlooking a harbor adjacent to the ocean. In addition to facilitating group activities, students shared aspects of their studies with seniors, joined in on pre-scheduled events, and assisted with the daily lunch program. Work trips brought select students to assist nearby residents with landscaping, lawn care, gardening, and decorating.

The St. Gerard Pregnancy Center of St. Augustine seeks to provide shelter, education, and hope to young women who have gotten pregnant early in their lives. Here, students prepped and painted a teaching room, organized donations of clothing for infants and maternity wear for St. Gerard's specialized thrift store, and shared with young mothers as part of the educational component of St. Gerard's ministry.

The St. John's Housing Partnership works to provide more affordable housing for citizens in need. Service work with this organization involved concrete work, the construction of walls, home maintenance, and landscaping.

In addition to the satisfaction that comes from serving the community, an incentive program rewards students for their service. Students who participated earned up to 40 hours of community service for awards that are noted on their LVC Job Center Profile. Bronze, Silver, or Gold Community Service Awards-based on the number of hours a student serves the local community-are posted on LVC's Job Center Profile for the benefit of prospective employers. Students who serve the local community are also recognized at an annual banquet and in the Commencement program.

In past years, LVC has sent groups of students and staff to New York, Kentucky, New Jersey, and most recently West Virginia and North Carolina to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. The College also coordinates domestic service trips with Camp Hill-based Lend a Hand and the Center for Student Mission. Thanks to the President's Innovation Fund, the College has sponsored international service trips to locations such as Peru and Puerto Rico, enabling students to help others around the world.

Contact LVC's Office of Community Service and Volunteerism at 717-867-6135 for additional information regarding this service trip or other service work of Lebanon Valley College students.