Many know what service-learning is but don’t realize that it’s all around them. Gena Baumberger, a second-year student at Indiana University School of Medicine–Bloomington, works as the campus representative to the schoolwide Service-Learning Coalition executive board, cultivating opportunities to help the community year-round. In the past, the coalition has partnered with Jill’s House assisted living facility and Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Baumberger is now planning service-learning opportunities with Beacon, an organization helping people experiencing poverty.
“I became involved in service learning during the fall semester of last year; the previous class did such a phenomenal job of organizing different kinds of opportunities in Bloomington,” Baumberger said “I knew that I wanted to carry this on for my classmates.”
Beacon
Founded in 2000, Beacon supports people experiencing hunger and homelessness. As the largest nonprofit housing provider in Monroe County, Beacon is driven by hospitality, dignity, empowerment and hope. The organization provides housing, hunger relief, social services, financial support, life essentials and more to hundreds of people each day. With three main locations and over 30 staff members, Beacon operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Beacon always welcomes new volunteers to help with kitchen hospitality, driving, job searches, donations organization and the Friend’s Place overnight shelter.
How to get involved in your community
Earlier last fall, a group of 15 students helped set up the annual book drive for the Hoosier Hills Food Bank at Monroe County Fairgrounds. The event was a huge success, and almost the entire warehouse was cleared. Baumberger hopes to plan a series of events with Beacon in early 2024 as well.
“I think that having the opportunity to learn about the mission and efforts of different organizations directly from those involved helps us better understand what the needs of the community are,” Baumberger said. “And, service-learning is a nice way to spend face-to-face time with peers that you may not ever get to know otherwise.”
Look out for GroupMe messages containing information on all service-learning opportunities to help serve your community or reach out to Gena Baumberger directly to share any ideas or feedback.
