Food Justice Video

Watch this short film by Eastern Student Dave Wurtzel about Food Justice!

5 Reasons to Volunteer at Windham Hospital

5.  It’s good for you.

·         It’s a relaxing place that relieves stress. Even though it’s a hospital it’s pretty calm and gives you a chance to talk with people.

4.  Gaining professional experience.

·         I learned what it takes to work in the health field and in my major of social work. I acquired expertise in confidentiality, and time-management, as well as interpersonal skills.  Also, I see many situations that I may have to deal with in my future career.

3.  Learn new things.

·         While volunteering at Windham Hospital I learned new and sometimes random things that I later found to be important and hope to use to in my education and career.

2.  Meet new people!

·         The two women I met while working at the MET Desk were always great company during our shift. I recall one volunteer who always brightened my day; she is 93 years old and was always so adorable and gave me advice about my future.

·         At the outpatient registry it’s always interesting to meet new people. Some patients are even friendly enough to tell you stories about their past or why they are there in the first place.

1. You make a difference!

·         No matter what every person makes a difference and has an impact.

More Than A Dress

   The day every girl dreams of (second to their wedding) is their prom. They wonder how they will be asked, who they will go with and of course, what they will wear. I truly believe the confidence a girl has will either make or break her night. An outfit a girl feels proud to wear can add to her confidence. The unfortunate truth, though, is that some girls can't afford the dress of their dreams, and some cannot afford a dress at all.

         This is an issue I am extremely passionate about. In high school each Senior was required to choose a mentor and complete a project of their choice. The goal of the project was to do something you have never done before, and for me, organizing a volunteer project was a completely new experience. With the help of my Principle who was my mentor for the project and a fashionista herself, I had girls from the entire school drop dresses off to the front desk in the office and slowly started to create a "Prom Closet".

          Once the closet was nearly full I put reminders on the morning announcements that I would be sitting at the closet during my lunch and after school so girls could come in "just to look" or to find a dress. It was a great feeling to see girls try on that perfect dress that just happened to fit like a glove with no needed alterations. I know my small act of kindness impacted these girls’ lives and everytime they see those dresses hanging in their closet they will remember the time they danced the night away at prom and had the time of their lives.

        The most rewarding part of this project was when, my mother and I, years later, were eating dinner at a local restaurant when one of my high school teachers approached our table and informed us that she and another teacher kept the closet going after I graduated. It felt great to know I left this legacy at my high school and created a project that girls will continue to benefit from for years on end.

      If you'd like to donate your old dress and you're in the CT area contact http://waimct.org/ to find out how. If you are not in the CT there are dozens of organizations such as http://donatemydress.org and http://fairygodmothers.org among many others.

       And think about how you can create a legacy here at Eastern. If you are passionate about supporting your community, contact the CCE at cce@easternct.edu to see how you can get involved.

Internship Opportunity

     The Collegiate Health Service Corps (CHSC) Program needs a new intern! If you're a graduate student or undergraduate student with the hopes of completing your masters this internship could be right for you!

General Description:   CHSC Program Interns will be given specific roles in relation to meeting a community need within Windham and New London Counties.  Interns will be assigned to assist in the fulfillment of the Collegiate Health Service Corps Program.

1.  Coordinate an advisory committee to review and evaluate curriculum content and service learning projects to ensure best practices and current theories are continually incorporated. Students, agency representatives, and consumer representatives will serve on the advisory committee.

2.     Investigate the health care needs of Eastern Connecticut and create materials to be used in grant submissions

3.     Facilitate and/or supervise the implementation of the core curriculum(s)

4.     Monitor students’ service learning assignments

5.     Expand upon academic and community partnerships to assist in the expansion of the program

6.     Ensure data collection protocols are being met

7.     Create evaluation and tracking best practices

8.     Present and train Eastern AHEC staff on new procedures

9.     Other assignments and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Coordinator

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Knowledge of programs and resources readily available in the community Verbal, writing, and organizational skills Ability to attend community events Ability to work independently Use of common office software, including Microsoft Office For more information contact: Eastern Area Health Education Center 322 Main St. Suite 2E-1R Willimantic, CT 06226 Office Phone: (860) 465-8281 Fax: (860) 760-6230 Web: www.easternctahec.org

Sandy Still Matters: Hurricane Sandy Benefit Concert

         On Wednesday March 13, 2013 students gathered in the Students Center at Eastern Connecticut State University to watch talented local performers and to raise money for Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief. All proceeds from this event went to an Alternative Spring Break trip to New Jersey, where Eastern students aided in disaster relief projects.

          Performances included Hanging Hills, a local band, of which include two members of the Center of Community Engagement Elliot Woolworth and Max Robinson, took the stage first and set the tone for the night. Next Fallin’ Flat graced the stage with their renditions of ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ and ‘Just a Kiss’ among many other popular songs. The Repertory Dance Troupe then performed a lyrical piece, followed by local band Balcony, who rocked the stage with a mixture of original and cover songs.

Overall this was a great event that supported local talent and raised money for a good cause. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future.

         If you would like to donate to this cause contact the Center for Community Engagement at cce@easternc.edu