At Salisbury University, students explore volunteer programs suited to their personal interests. This year, Salisbury University student Lauren Kellam has found a connection to EPOCH’s mission statement, “to mentor, nurture, encourage, and equip children in the areas of academics, character development, behavior, and emotional wellness.” As a Salisbury native, she has spent her time at SU looking for ways to give back to her community. Kellam is a member of ShoreCorps, the AmeriCorps program at Salisbury University. Through the collaboration with PACE, ShoreCorps helps students and community members explore nonprofit and government organizations across the Eastern Shore. ShoreCorps members commit to a year of service with an organization. They meet the needs of their local communities including:
- Environmental education
- Youth development
- Older adult care
- Financial literacy
While fulfilling these areas, students strengthen local organizations that give back to the community. The experiences students embark on leave a lasting effect on both their lives and the individuals that they serve.
For more information on AmeriCorps at Salisbury University, click here.
A junior majoring in social work with a minor in psychology, Kellam describes herself as someone who is fulfilled by her philanthropic work. While managing her schoolwork, she is a half-time AmeriCorps member who is serving at the EPOCH Dream Center. She has described volunteering at EPOCH as a “light and loving experience.” The program has a firsthand impact on under-resourced youth in the greater Hebron area.
Kellam spends around 20 hours each week as a second-grade classroom leader where she has had the joy of working with children and staff members. Within her class, she can interact with students from different backgrounds and with unique personalities. Kellam feels grateful that her service helps the children to feel loved in this uplifting environment. Her time spent with AmeriCorps and EPOCH has been fulfilling in giving back to her own community that she has grown up in.
For individuals interested in serving children in their local community, EPOCH Dream Center is a great place to get involved. Learn how you can help by visiting their website here.
Beyond her volunteer work, Kellam has benefitted tremendously from AmeriCorps in her education and career goals. Kellam is already involved on campus as a residence assistant for underclassmen. She is also an integral part of numerous campus organizations including Girls on Top of the World, a community service-based organization for women. Kellam also is a member of Eta Sigma Gamma, a public health organization in charge of hosting events on health education. Her time spent serving AmeriCorps has allowed her to achieve her goals of helping others rise above their difficulties and empower them. Through her collaborations, she has expanded her knowledge of giving back and hopes to utilize these skills in her future as a social worker.