This semester, students in our section of Connections and Decisions, considered the theme of food and housing insecurity in Boston. While exploring their potential major paths, the students were prompted to think about connections to the semester's theme. The students had the ability to work with the Fenway Community Development Corporation (Fenway CDC) and to further explore the issue during their first semester in Boston.
A semester in review
The section got the chance to work closely with Anar Kansara, who helped to organize both in person and virtual service-learning opportunities to help showcase the mission of the organization: to preserve the Fenway as a vibrant and diverse neighborhood by developing affordable housing, providing programs that enrich lives, and strengthening community voices.
In-person opportunities
Students got the chance to work with Fenway CDC in the organization's bi-monthly participation with Fenway Fair Foods. Students helped to bag fresh food for delivery to home-bound residents in the Fenway and Boston. Students also participated in Fenway CDC's Halloween and Fensgiving events.
Healthy Habits
Students worked in multiple capacities to help Fenway CDC's Healthy Habits program, which promotes health and wellness to Boston families with children. Some helped to create nutrition guides and compile a database of places to find affordable foods, and others worked to compile a health and exercise guide with a list health/exercise resources near the Fenway.
"Through the time volunteering, I have learned just how many people are in need in the Boston area. Food and housing insecurity greatly impacts a person's life and it makes it difficult for them to move out of poverty. I want to keep volunteering and doing what I can to help the community. Everyone is always so friendly and kind, so it's fun working with them."
"As an aspiring Computer Science major, it was nice to use the tiny bit of knowledge I have and apply it. It of course comes with researching and building on top of that. I am also passionate about the website content for "Healthy Habits."
"This experience will help me keep an open mind and work towards getting more involved in the neighborhood communities. As I continue my education, I apply what I have learned to the community."
"Seeing the impact my school has had on its community, both negative and positive, has really highlighted the importance of those aforementioned values for me. Wherever I end up, whether it be during co-op or after college, I think it's important that the company I choose will have values that align with mine. I think college is a great place for people to volunteer for the community, as there are so many opportunities available while on a college campus. I think continuing to participate in service learning is something I can then use to benefit my community, wherever that community happens to be."
"I can apply what I've learned this semester through this seminar to future experiments when I'm working hands on in these communities as a healthcare professional. Having a strong understanding and willingness to learn and be receptive to the needs of a community itself is so important, because often times good-intending people enter a community and impose on it the changed THEY feel they should make."
"Volunteering at Fensgiving revealed how some older adults need accessible food closer to their residences (rather than walking long distances to a grocery store), given their physical ability. Plus, I have learned that navigating the housing situation in Boston can be a tricky and time-consuming process, especially for those residents with busy schedules and other priorities. Moving forward, I will be much more mindful of how where I stay impacts the communities around me and be more conscious of the situation(s) of others."
Thanks!
Our class would like to extend our thanks to Anar, Diego, and all the others at Fenway CDC who provided so many opportunities for service-learning this semester. There were many uncertainties about how students would be able to participate fully in service-learning as we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but the team at Fenway CDC highlighted the essential work they do for the community.