Casey Pederson Volunteers for KU's Alternative Breaks Program

2013 Jan 24

Ninety-eight students from the University of Kansas spent part of their winter breaks volunteering across the nation, including Casey Pederson, of Clay Center.

Pederson, a junior in psychology, volunteered with St. Leonard's Ministries from Jan. 12-20. St. Leonard's Ministries in Chicago provides services for those released from prison by providing comprehensive resources needed to help them rebuild their lives. During the residents' stay at St. Leonard's, they are helped to reassess value systems, to reorder priorities, and to develop socially and legally acceptable patterns of behavior. Participants have the opportunity to eat lunch and interact daily with the with men at St. Leonard's Halfway House, as well as spend one day with the women at Grace House. Students also assist with cleaning, gardening and maintenance of the facility. There is a strong learning component to go along with volunteer services to educate participants about the realities of prison life and the rehabilitation process.

KU's student-run Alternative Breaks program centers on service-learning trips that provide opportunities for students to include volunteer efforts in their educational experiences. KU Alternative Breaks places a strong emphasis on education and personal growth and encourages students to continue their service work beyond the break itself.

Following their admittance to the program, students attended weekly classes to prepare for their Alternative Winter Break sites. The classes provided more information about the role of a volunteer, how the nonprofit sector works, social justice issues and the importance of diversity and cultural awareness.

The program was established at KU in 1995 with a spring break trip to El Paso, Texas, under the direction of Professor Glen White in partnership with KU students. Since 1995, it has expanded to include fall, winter, summer and weekend breaks.

An Alternative Winter Break counts as one honors unit for the University Honors Program, and, if taken as a class, can count toward service learning certification. The program costs participants $275 ($225 for site leaders) and covers their transportation, housing and meals.

To learn more, visit www.kualternativebreaks.com.