With Easter around the corner, Concordia’s #CaliforniansForAll College Corps fellows hosted an Easter service event on Mon., March 18. College Corps invited students to write encouraging letters and Easter wishes to teens and children receiving treatment and education at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch. The event took place on the Student Union Patio from 11 to 1 p.m.

This event was “fellow-run” by the College Corps fellows, who are dedicated to various on-campus services about once a quarter during their weekly “Debriefing Meetings.” The meetings often have a community service component. 

A large table with chairs was set up for students to stop by and write their letters. Colorful cardstock papers, envelopes, pens, markers and stickers allowed students to personalize and decorate their Easter cards. Students wrote letters decorated with flowers, bees and Easter eggs. The fellows provided all the supplies during the event and will mail the letters to Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch.

According to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch website, the program “is a Christ-centered residential treatment and educational center for children and families. [They] help the most troubled, complicated and amazing kids by providing best-in-class psychiatric therapy and trauma-informed care, where [they] look kids in the eye, walk with them, and help them become their best selves.” 

Located in North Dakota, the program focuses on children between the ages of 10 and 18. The program is affiliated specifically with the LCMS, which allowed Concordia to connect to them. 

“While the students at Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch don’t know about our College Corps fellows personally, they can know that they are connected to a much “larger” family outside of themselves. They are not alone. We stand together with them. This unique event also partners our fellows with other students at Concordia and then taking one step further, serving others outside together. It’s a gift to all involved,” said Jennifer Sheek, College Corps Coordinator. 

College Corps originally connected with the ranch over Christmas through their “Notes of Hope” program. This program allowed College Corps to send letters of hope and encouragement to the Dakota Boys and Girls Ranch students. Last year, College Corps also hosted a similar Easter event with Concordia Cares. Concordia students were able to sign or create Easter Cards for local nursing homes and care programs. 

The College Corps program provides college funding of $10,000 in exchange for 450 hours of service over the academic year. According to the College Corps’ website, this service fellowship engages students in “community problem-solving in the fields of education, climate action and food insecurity.” 

“I think that on-campus service is a wonderful gift for the fellows in our College Corps program.  It is an opportunity for them to ‘give back’ by hosting an event on our campus, as their primary service is at a particular host site in the community. It is also an opportunity for those who are organizing the event and helping lead to practice the skills they've learned and take greater responsibility,” said Sheek. 

For more information regarding College Corps, visit https://www.cui.edu/studentlife/career-services/californians-for-all-college-corps 

Tags: Careers and Vocation

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