January 15, 2016
I had the pleasure of spending some time at the homeless
shelter on our campus this week. As with all of the College’s community service
initiatives, I was impressed. More than 150 volunteers—students, faculty,
staff, alumni and friends have worked together to provide a weeklong “home” in
our CMAC for more than 60 homeless guests. Our campus community comes together
each January during Winter Session to provide shelter, food, activities,
entertainment, attention and care for these guests. We partner with Portsmouth
Volunteers for the Homeless to do so.
On the evening I visited, guests were enjoying pizza donated
by Virginia Wesleyan alumni Eli Miller ’00, who owns Brothers Pizza, while they
watched the national championship football game and interacted with shelter
volunteers. The experience is a transformational one for all involved. Learn
more about the homeless shelter at Virginia Wesleyan on the home page of our
website.
I appreciate the efforts of Director of Community Service
Diane Hotaling and Professor of Sociology and Associate Dean of Innovative Teaching
and Engaged Learning Kathy Stolley for their important roles in this incredible
undertaking. Special thanks and to all the volunteers who devote so much time, energy
and care to this unique project. It was apparent that our guests felt very
welcome and at home in our caring community. The winter homeless shelter is yet
another example of what makes Virginia Wesleyan College so distinctive.
