Disaster Relief – Atlanta, GA
During the start of September, heavy rains began to fall throughout the Atlanta and northern Georgia area.
These heavy rainfalls soon turned dangerous and developed into what researchers would say to be a "once in 500 years flood."
It has been estimated that over 5,000 families throughout the Metro Atlanta area have lost their homes due to the rising waters.
Destination participants will be working with Community Collaborations to help rebuild the Georgia area.
Some specific tasks Destination participants might take part in are:
area cleanup,
home reconstruction,
environmental projects,
and working in other community organizations.
For more information visit: http://www.communitycollaborations.org/domestic.html
Urban Issues – Atlanta, GA
The city of Atlanta is home to over 43% of the region’s poor community. Of the youth that grow up in this poverty filled area, only about 40% are expected to
graduate from high school. The organization Essential2Life has seen these harsh realities and is working for change in the Atlanta community.
Destination participants will be working with Essential2Life and will be challenging at-risk youth to “be more” than just another statistic.
Some service opportunities that participants might take part in are: tutoring in elementary schools, volunteering at the Boy’s and Girl’s club,
working with the elderly, and serving at the local food shelf. During this week, we will share Essential2Life’s vision:
"to see a generation of urban youth move beyond poverty to discover a direction in their lives."
For more information visit: http://www.e2lonline.com
Environmental Education - Boulder Creek, CA
Every year, the Camp Campbell Outdoor Science School helps over 5,800 elementary school
students to create a deeper respect for themselves, others, and the world around them.
In March of 2010 Destination participants will jump on board the Camp Campbell Staff and take the role of cabin leaders for the week!
Each participant will be assigned to a group of fifth and sixth grade students, and will be helping young students grow to be environmentally aware
of nature all around them. Not only will cabin leaders be a positive influence in the lives of many children; they will also develop their own leadership,
responsibility and life skills throughout the course of the week. As a Camp Campbell Staff member we will strive to “help young students grow in the environmentally
aware individuals that our planet needs them to be.”
For more information visit: http://www.ymcacampcampbell.org
Poverty and Homelessness - Cincinnati, OH
In the city of Cincinnati, there are between 1,300 and 1,500 people who are homeless each night, and the numbers keep growing.
In just the past 15 years, homelessness has grown by 150%. Destination participants will be teaming up with the Greater Cincinnati Coalition for the Homeless
and assist them as they make efforts to end homelessness in greater Cincinnati. Members of Destination will receive hands on experience that will help them
understand the issues of homelessness. Some service opportunities that participants might encounter are: working in food pantries, serving in homeless shelters,
serving at the Boys and Girls Club, and working in soup kitchens. While serving in Cincinnati, Destination participants will share the Greater Cincinnati coalition
for the Homeless’ goal to “eradicate homelessness with the respect for the dignity and diversity of its membership, the homeless and the community.”
For more information visit: http://www.cincihomeless.org
Effects of Equine Therapy - Kiln, MS
Therapeutic horseback riding has been proved to be an extremely effective form of therapy for individuals with disabilities.
Gaits to Success is just one therapeutic horse riding center that focuses on the development of individuals with disabilities.
Through therapeutic horseback riding, a person is able to feel freedom, independence and an awareness of themselves.
When working with Gaits to Success, Destination Participants will have the chance to experience all the hard work that goes into running a successful
equine therapy center. Some of the activities that participants may partake in are: walking alongside individuals as they perform riding activities, cleaning stalls,
horse maintenance activities, painting and upkeep of the facility. Destination participants will team up with Gaits to Success and will help turn dreams into
reality for many children and adults along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
For more information visit: www.gaitstosuccess.org
