Since Wright State was not in session during the month of December, I decided to focus on meeting some of the most basic needs of the students at Westwood PreK-8. Many of the students at Westwood come from low income families that struggle to meet all of the needs of their children. I was able to partner with some amazing community partners in order to provide resources to the students.

Happy recipients of new shoes at Westwood Elementary

One of these groups was Shoes 4 the Shoeless, a nonprofit in Dayton that provides properly fitting shoes to children in desperate need. They arrive at the school with the shoes for the children in hand. They then size, fit and send home new shoes with the children all in one day. In December they came to Westwood PreK-8 to size and donate shoes to over 120 children.

One of the most powerful stories that came out of this event was a girl at Westwood being sized for new shoes. When the girl was being sized it became apparent that the child was currently wearing shoes that were 5 sizes too small. This was a first for the director of Shoes 4 the Shoeless; she stated that she has seen kids with 3 sizes too small but never 5. This was the saddest case that she had come across in a long time.

As a VISTA, I am proud that I was able to partner with such an amazing group in the community to meet the needs of these students. This was easily one of the more significant experiences in my VISTA year so far. I could never have imagined trying to cram my feet into a shoe 5 sizes too small, let alone trying to focus on my studies at the same time. By providing children with basics such as proper footwear and warm clothing, we are helping make ensure they get the most from their education.

As VISTAs working with college students, Scratch Beginnings, Adam Shepard's memoir about "making something out of nothing to achieve the American Dream," serves as an excellent discussion and reflection tool because students can identify with the author as he delves into the crux of many social issues. Scratch Beginnings cuts to the heart of topics related to homelessness, economic opportunity, work, and the importance of attitude.

Don't worry; the book binding isn't really duct tape

As a recent college graduate, Shepard journeys to Charleston, South Carolina, a randomly selected city, to start his journey. He brings nothing with him but a single objective; to work his way out of homelessness and into a successful life. Among his more tangible possessions, Adam brings along the clothes on his back, a sleeping bag, and $25 in cash. However, he prohibits himself from using personal contacts or his college education for this experiment. His goal after one year: to have $2,500 cash, a working car, and a furnished apartment.

 Now, you might point out that a college graduate has many other intangible resources he can call upon, along with a general freedom from so many of the ills, both emotional and physical,  many people experiencing homelessness. Yet Shepard recognizes, discusses, and reflects on his privileges and advantages throughout the book.

As a VISTA working with other young people, Shepard's book is ideal reading to encourage provocative and reflective conversations. As members of the same generation, Shepard's narrative resonates with college students and their worldview while simultaneously challenging them to look at their communities through more socially conscious eyes.

------

Do you have a suggestion for a future VISTA book review?  Or perhaps you'd like to author one for a future issue of the VISTA Voice?  Contact us! 

 Program Stats 

How much difference are Ohio Campus Compact  VISTAs making in their community? Below are just a few of the accomplishments VISTAs made November-December of 2011

-Volunteer Totals-

Students: 2,117

  Hours: 6,914 

Community Members: 272

 Hours: 817 

Baby Boomers: 42

Hours: 119

-Funds Raised-

Program Funds Raised (via grants, scholarships, awards, etc.):  $20,270

In-kind Program Donations: $41,720
 

Community

-Engagement-

Disadvantaged Youth engaged: 4,246

Community Meals Served: 1,883

K-12 Students in College Access Programs: 7,146

  More News You Can Use:

Nominations, Please!

While we may not have red carpet and require our honorees to dress up in couture gowns or tuxedos (which most faculty undoubtedly appreciate), we like to think that the Campus Compact service awards are no less prestigious than a Golden Globe.

Our annual awards represent the very best of community service civic engagement in higher education. Help us honor the tireless efforts of the civic leaders on your campus by submitting a nomination to one of our state or national service awards.

More info on submitting award nominations: http://tinyurl.com/8y2lpz9 

Ohio Campus Compact VISTAs work with college campuses and in communities to alleviate poverty.  VISTAs serve in the poorest areas of their communities to tackle poverty-related problems such as hunger and homelessness, financial literacy, veteran student services, public health and college access.