Prior to the start of Compact25, Drs. Gbaguidi and Nelms attended The ����logo University Civic Engagement Network (TRUCEN). TRUCEN allows Campus Compact active members to share information, perspectives, and tactics for how research institutions promote civic engagement in their communities and campuses. Day 1 (March 29) focused on new member orientation and networking, followed by an opening plenary cocktail reception and a welcome dinner at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis.

On Day 2, the group departed for Emory University from Marriott Marquis early in the morning. They spent the full day at Emory, whose hospitality was outstanding. After some welcome introductions from the TRUCEN leadership committee, the group broke into different deep-dive workshop sessions to discuss “civic and community engagement during turbulent times.” Members in their respective workshops came together to discuss, address, and share insights into the most pressing issues in their collective work.

After a top-notch lunch, participants dove into the “Resistance, Resilience and Healing as a Community Engagement Professional.” This session allowed members to acknowledge and process the vulnerabilities, risks, and challenges they are navigating in higher education and across communities. TRUCEN members had to select one of three sessions whose primary focus was to explore different approaches for recognizing the stressors and working towards healing and resilience. Dr. Gbaguidi selected the “Story Circles” session facilitated by Lynn Blanchard, the director of the Carolina Center for Public Service at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. At that workshop, she was reminded of the power and value of storytelling as a listener and a hearer, which aligned with the presentation Lovely would be giving at Compact25. During the break, some students also gave a tour of Emory University and provided some insightful context.

Lovely joined Drs. Gbaguidi and Nelms for the first day of Compact25 on March 31 and enjoyed a powerful performance from the Atlanta Women’s Chorus.��

At the networking dinner, Dr. Gbaguidi made some connections with professionals in the field. The majority at the table shared it was their first time in Atlanta and suggested they go for a city excursion. One of the women who lived in Atlanta volunteered to take them for a city tour. Dr. Gbaguidi created a WhatsApp group to organize the outing, and the group grew from four to twelve participants from different states and institutions. It was an incredible way to engage with the Atlanta community, observe, continue the conversation, and connect with professionals in different fields.

On the last day of the conference, Lovely had the opportunity to present an author’s talk for her forthcoming book, . Drawing from over 200 stories, interviews, and photographs, this book is an in-depth study of community building at a Baltimore City farmers market. “The best way to learn about this book is to experience it,” she told the 28 conference participants in her breakout session. Participants were guided through a storytelling and art-making exchange based on the book’s Story Seeds engagements. They then used these stories to identify a shared sense of community, and brainstormed how to facilitate storytelling in their own communities on and off campus to cultivate belonging, unity, and civic engagement. Participants identified a range of applications for storytelling, including using it to facilitate connections among volunteers at a community garden; as an entrypoint for difficult dialogues; and archiving university programs. One participant said that she learned more about fellow conference attendees in the five minutes of sharing stories than three days of networking, which emphasizes the connective power of focused conversation.

In summary, TRUCEN and Compact25 were excellent opportunities for professional development, to boost the visibility of the Center for Community Engagement and University of ����logo and to find ways to work and collaborate with others in the field. These annual conferences are just two avenues for professional development available to the University of Rochester faculty, staff, and students now that the university is a member institution. More information can be found at .

written by��Megan Lovely, CCE’s Program Manager of Community-Engaged Learning & Dr. Halima Gbaguidi, CCE’s Associate Director

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At the University of Rochester (UR), the EWB chapter is an active and passionate group of students who apply their engineering knowledge to real-world problems. Their mission is to not only enhance their technical skills but also create lasting positive change in both global and local communities.

How Engineers Without Borders Helps the University of Rochester Community

While EWB is primarily known for its international work, the organization also makes a significant impact on the UR campus and the surrounding Rochester area. Here’s how:

1. Hands-on Learning for Students – EWB gives engineering students at UR the opportunity to work on real projects, designing and implementing sustainable solutions that have a direct impact on people’s lives.
2. Leadership and Collaboration – Students develop leadership, project management, and teamwork skills by working with mentors, faculty, and local communities.
3. Community Outreach – Beyond global projects, the UR chapter engages in local initiatives, such as mentoring STEM students, improving local infrastructure, and partnering with other nonprofit organizations in the Rochester area.

Notable Contributions by EWB at UR

The University of Rochester’s EWB chapter has undertaken several impressive projects, including:

1. Water Infrastructure Projects in the Dominican Republic

One of UR’s EWB flagship initiatives has focused on improving water accessibility in rural Dominican Republic communities. The team has worked to design and implement sustainable water filtration and distribution systems, ensuring that residents have consistent access to clean and safe drinking water.

2. Sustainable Energy Solutions in Central America

In partnership with local communities, UR’s EWB has contributed to solar energy projects in regions with unreliable power. By installing solar panels and training residents on maintenance, they’ve helped provide sustainable electricity solutions.

3. Local STEM Education and Outreach

EWB students at UR frequently collaborate with Rochester-area schools, hosting STEM workshops and mentoring young students interested in engineering. They inspire the next generation of problem-solvers by demonstrating how engineering can be used for humanitarian efforts.

Why EWB Matters

EWB is more than just an engineering club—it’s a movement that empowers students to make a tangible difference in the world. By tackling real-world challenges, students at the University of Rochester develop technical expertise while creating solutions that improve lives. Their work not only benefits communities in need but also enhances their own professional and personal growth.

If you’re an engineering student at UR or someone passionate about global development, consider getting involved with EWB. Whether through fundraising, technical design, or outreach, every contribution helps drive impactful change.

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Meet the Adelante Juntos 2024–2025 Executive Board:

(Left to right) Jonathan Bermudez ’27, Drea Restitullo ’27, Jazmine Cabriales ’27, Jaydee Ortez ’25

Jonathan Bermudez (’27), the Communication Chair, emphasizes that the organization provides a “unique opportunity for change and a way to uplift the local Rochester community with our students here at the University of Rochester.” He adds, “the sense of purpose that comes from building relationships between students and the local Latine community has been at the core of my commitment to this organization!”��

Event Spotlight: Tienditas de Mi País:

Every spring, Adelante Juntos hosts Tienditas de Mi País, an annual event where they gather local and student-owned Latine businesses, services, and spaces in a flea market-style setup at Hirst Lounge. The event encourages students, faculty, and community members to network and foster connections.

Jaydee Ortez (’25), the Programming Chair, says Tienditas de Mi País is her favorite event. It reminds her of “la pulga” (flea market) from her childhood, and she especially enjoys connecting with the local artists and photographers.

Recent Initiatives:

Adelante Juntos regularly partners with community organizations such as the Father Tracy Advocacy Center, the Western New York Coalition of Farmworker Serving Agencies, and the Al Sigl Community of Agencies. The organization hosts food and hygiene drives, maintains community gardens, and organizes college workshops for local students.

During Fall 2024, Adelante Juntos has already achieved significant milestones:

• Through the Empower Her Initiative, they donated all menstrual product kits to the WNY Coalition of Farmworker Serving Agencies.
• They also partnered with the Al Sigl Community of Agencies to work on a community gardening project.

Recently, the organization collaborated with Nayeliz Santiago from the Monroe County Young Democrats to host a voting and registration information session. They also volunteered at the Memorial Art Gallery’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration Day.Upcoming Events and Service Initiatives:��

• Wednesday, October 23rd – Adelante Juntos is taking over the Spanish and Latine Students association Weekly Noche
• Friday, October 25th 3:00pm-6:00pm- Morado: The Color of Bruises, The Color of Resistance in the May Room

Stay connected with Adelante Juntos! Follow them on Instagram or email them at uradelantejuntos@gmail.com if you’re interested in supporting or joining the organization.

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“This summer, I decided to dedicate my time to giving back to my community in Arizona by volunteering and interning with the AGUILA Youth Leadership Institute. AGUILA is a pre-college program that supports students—primarily from minority communities—in navigating the college application process and preparing for success in high school. This organization was instrumental in my own journey; it’s how I discovered the University of Rochester and found the motivation to apply, ultimately securing financial aid. I wanted to help more students like me find the guidance they needed.

Becoming an RA and Mentoring Future College Students

My most rewarding experience this summer was volunteering as a Resident Advisor (RA) for AGUILA’s Summer Symposium at Northern Arizona University. For three days, I had the incredible opportunity to mentor ten high school senior girls while they got a taste of college dorm life. As someone who was once in their shoes, navigating the challenges of college preparation and figuring out the future, I could connect with them on a deeper level. Many of the girls were nervous about college and carried the weight of generational trauma. I noticed that having someone who looked like them who shared similar experiences and faced the same uncertainties made a huge impact in their experience during the symposium.

Throughout those three days, I did my best to answer their questions about college and encouraged them to consider what they need to think about before choosing a college. I shared my own story and struggles, showing them that it’s possible to overcome obstacles and succeed. It was amazing to see them open up, trust me with their vulnerabilities, and feel a sense of hope. We’ve stayed in touch since, and I’m grateful to have built lasting connections with these bright young women. They ended up being one of the last people I saw before leaving Arizona to finish my final year of college, and their heartfelt hugs and words of encouragement for my senior year still warm my heart whenever I think about them.

Continuing My Involvement as an Intern

After the Summer Symposium, I felt a strong desire to continue supporting AGUILA. I reached out to Mrs. H—known fondly as Momma H—to ask how I could be more involved. This led to an internship with the institute for the rest of the summer! Since I have graphic design skills, one of my main tasks was helping them create digital content to spread the word about future events. I designed several website pages, organized materials for upcoming events, and even helped them move into their new office space. Additionally, I tabled at nearby high schools to encourage more students to join AGUILA and supported another event for high school students and their parents from across the Valley of Arizona.

This summer, I not only had the chance to give back to an organization that has greatly impacted my life, but I also got to be part of helping other students find their paths and pursue their dreams. It was an incredibly fulfilling experience, and I’m excited to continue supporting my community in any way I can, which is exactly what finishing my degree will do!”

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Willow Domestic Violence Center is one of several community organizations that partner with University of Rochester’s Center for Community Engagement. It is one of 40 organizations that participated in the Center for Community Engagement’s annual Community Engagement Fair this year. It was the largest community organization turnout that the fair has ever seen!

Willow provides a wide array of resources for survivors of domestic violence in the Rochester area. Their goal is to rehabilitate survivors and transition them to a safer situation (if the survivor chooses to do so.) They aim to serve as the primary point of contact for domestic violence survivors and their families. The survivors that Willow provides for consist of women, children, men, and people of all genders and sexual orientations, but predominantly, women. While anybody can be a survivor of domestic violence and abuse, this issue disproportionately impacts the lives of women. This is indicative by the fact that women make up the majority of calls into Willow’s 24-hour hotline and mobile services. Because domestic violence is primarily a women’s issue, what better time to cover this serious topic than Women’s History Month, a time when we focus on the considerable diverse obstacles women have faced throughout history and still face today?

We chose to cover this pressing issue for Women’s History Month and are grateful to have a connection with this amazing organization as well as a Rochester Youth Year Vista located there. Rochester Youth Year (also known as RYY) is one of many programs run by the Center for Community Engagement. RYY is an opportunity for recent college graduates from across the U.S. to spend a year engaged with a Rochester community organization. RYY Vistas support their organization’s staff in designing and carrying out new policies, with a focus on sustainability, so that they can create positive change that lasts, even after their service ends. The RYY Vista member who is spending her year with Willow, Erika Schnieble, is a University of Rochester alum and a lifelong Rochester local. We are so lucky that we got the opportunity to interview her about the inner workings of Willow!

First, Erika spoke about her individual role at Willow. She said that she feels it is an ideal time to be working for the organization, especially in her specific role, because Willow has recently begun an expansion of services to accommodate a more diverse array of survivor needs. A large part of Erika’s job is devoted to promoting this expansion. Her official role at Willow is called Community Engagement Development and Outreach. Essentially, she interacts with community stakeholders and donors in addition to reaching out to survivors. She does marketing and promotion for the organization to make community members (who could very well be battling abuse and violence at home) aware that help is available. There are many methods that Erika uses to promote Willow but she mainly manages tabling, fundraising, and donor events. For example, at a holiday event, she worked as a liaison between Willow’s donors and the families that Willow supports.

Oftentimes Erika ends up initially connecting survivors to Willow. This is because she has received several casual admissions at tabling events. While she interacts with survivors on a level that introduces them to the organization, it is the counselors at Willow that work more in depth with them. Just like with any workplace, many roles and skill sets go into making the organization possible.��

The other part of Erika’s job, besides promotion, consists of data collection which involves composing data reports to help enable further expansion and possible reforms. This administrative work is vital to Willow so that they can identify trends and decide if new or reformed resources should be implemented based on their findings. This data also allows the organization to decide on a continued course of action for their promotional methods, i.e., if they could benefit from new approaches, should they implement more of a specific kind of promotion, what methods draw in the most clients, what makes survivors feel most comfortable to reach out, etc.

For example, through Erika’s data retrieval, Willow has discovered that their hotline calls have recently spiked and survivors have been reporting more intense violence than in the past. In contrast, they found that police calls in the area are down. Willow is working to interpret the context of this data. There are a lot of questions that Willow is left asking: Has domestic violence in the area really become more prevalent? Or is it that more survivors are empowered to speak out? Are Willow’s promotional and educational campaigns making survivors more comfortable coming out of the woodwork? Why are police calls down? Because of this, presented alongside the higher hotline call volume, is there the same amount of domestic violence but more people contacting Willow as opposed to the police? If the amount or intensity of these occurrences has changed, is there a reason why? It may be impossible to ever know the answers to all of these questions because there are many cases of domestic violence that never get reported.

As previously stated, Willow provides a plethora of resources to survivors. On the front lines, Willow offers a 24/7 hotline for those in domestic abuse situations. The hotline is not only for calls, but can also receive texts. On their website, Willow provides a secure live chat as well. Mobile services are also available, these services play the same role as the hotline and live chat but are used in more emergent situations when someone may not have a phone or needs an ambulance. All resources will be linked below this post.

Willow offers an emergency shelter for survivors and their families, with capacity for children and pets. The goal is to eventually move these families, if necessary, to housing through their Supportive Housing program. Willow provides and owns permanent housing, separate from their emergency shelter, for survivors and their families to move into a home free from abuse.

After being initially connected with Willow, a survivor can be set up with a counselor from the counseling center whose goal is to provide support and give the survivor space to talk. From there, they can determine possible next steps for the individual. Willow, as an organization, always allows their clients to maintain autonomy throughout their recovery process. The goal is for the survivor to make their own decisions and maintain whatever amount of agency they still have. Willow lays out available options for their clients, but ultimately, the individual will decide their own course of action or lack thereof. The organization will never take complete control of any individual’s plan because that would be counterintuitive and create more anguish for the person they are aiming to help.

Lastly, a recent development at Willow is their legal services. Willow’s current legal services are the Family Justice Center and the court advocacy program. Willow’s Family Justice Center supports both clients and staff within Willow with legal counsel��and educates them about possible plans of action. The Family Justice Center also teams up with Bivona Child Advocacy

when necessary. Bivona Child Advocacy’s mission is to support children facing abuse. They work with partners such as; Child Protective Services, law enforcement, investigators, prosecutors, medical professionals, therapists, advocates, and volunteers.��

The court advocacy program at the family court acts as a buffer to institutional and legal obstacles that survivors may face. Survivors who are members of marginalized communities, such as LGBTQIA and minority communities, are especially vulnerable when it comes to the legal system.

Willow is a local cooperative that provides support for survivors of domestic violence and they continue to expand upon their services. In addition to their crisis-related outreach, they do the essential work of prevention education. These educational workshops and trainings are held in a variety of settings such as; workplaces, club meetings, and schools. These events primarily focus on teen dating violence. Prevention education is essential because, with this knowledge, people can spot warning signs not only in the relationships of others, but in their own relationships, and reach out before the situation devolves further into severe violence and even homicide.

We often hear only about physical abuse, which is an extremely significant issue, but emotional, verbal, financial, and sexual abuse also exist. Abuse of all forms, even physical, often go completely unnoticed. These relationships are much more prevalent than we would like to believe and can be hiding in plain sight. That is what makes this a relevant issue to get educated about and educate others on. Abuse can occur in any type of relationship; romantic, familial, or even platonic. Abuse also happens to people of all genders and sexual orientations, even straight and gay men. Willow’s work is vital to our Rochester community and Erika’s contributions are vital to Willow.��

Available resources:

Willow’s 24-Hour Hotline: (585) 222-7233��

Willow’s 24-Hour Text Line: (585) 348-7233

National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233

��

Bivona Phone Number: (585) 935-7800

NYS Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-342-3720

written by Lily Bencivenga, CCE Operations and Communications

The post Willow Domestic Violence Center: An Interview with Erika Schneible appeared first on Bridging the Gap.

As the Season of giving continues, the Center of Community Engagement would like to highlight some more initiatives organized and led by students at the University of Rochester. The Douglass Leadership House (DLH) for example is the only living learning center on campus with the mission of “establishing an engaging intellectual community where students of all cultural backgrounds can come together and raise awareness of the many facets of the black experience; including culture, politics, history, and Diasporic roots,” as stated in their constitution. The house is organized around 4 project areas including the Ella Baker Project: Community Engagement.��

With their motto, From Vision to Action, in mind Serenity Henlon, current DLH president, shares insight into their goals for this year and the service they have started to meet them: “The Douglass Leadership House has taken a proactive approach to bridge the gap between student leaders on campus and the Rochester community in need. Throughout the semester, every month, we’ve�� organized a series of service opportunities open to both residents (Douglass leaders) and non-residents. These initiatives ranged from sandwich making and meal prepping to soup kitchen assistance and needs distribution to homeless and recovering populations with mental health and substance use disorders. Additionally, we successfully conducted the first phase of our community engagement pillar project called “HERDRIVE”, a women’s toiletry drive that will distribute donations to local women’s shelters and centers. These service opportunities were made possible through partnerships with off-campus community organizations such as A Meal and More, Recovery All Ways (RAW), Bethany House and the Father Tracey Advocacy Center. Looking ahead, the Douglass Leadership House aims to build upon existing partnerships while also forging new ones to extend their service efforts into other areas for the upcoming spring semester.”

– Serenity Henlon, Class of 2024 President of Douglass Leadership HouseStay up to date and get involved with the ongoing work of the Douglass Leadership House by following the Instagram linked

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“First, on Thursday, October 26th, our dedicated E-board members rolled up their sleeves and took part in setting up two housing units in collaboration with the Catholic Charities for Family and Community Services. The service consists of tidying up the spaces, arranging the furniture and creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere in preparation for the arrival of two families from Congo.��

Our second event was with Mary’s Place, a non-profit refugee outreach center. This past Wednesday, November 1st, members of our organization joined hands in assisting with Mary’s Place’s weekly food donation. This donation is hosted every Wednesday from 8 am to 10:45am. The service consists of packing food items into bags to be distributed to over 300 refugee families in the Rochester area.These activities were driven by our desire to offer support to refugee families, helping them feel comfortable and truly at home in their new surroundings. Engaging in these acts of service was profoundly empowering, and it reminded us of the meaning and appreciation that comes from assisting others.��

At the core of our organization’s mission is a commitment to helping refugees who have already embarked on a challenging journey to adapt to a new environment in a foreign country. Our goal is to ensure that this process is as smooth and welcoming as possible. We believe in the power of empathy and community to make a positive impact in the lives of those who seek refuge and a fresh start. “

– Naomi Bell, Class of 2025 Secretary of Refugee Student Alliance

To stay up to date with future service projects and events by the Refugee Student Alliance,�� �� follow their Instagram page , join their group me , or look at their link tree ! We at the Center for Community Engagement want to give a big thank you to the Refugee Student Alliance for doing and sharing their incredible work.

The post The Refugee Student Alliance Gives back to Refugees In Rochester appeared first on Bridging the Gap.

The (REJI) is stepping up to support community members who have expressed challenges with the process of applying and enrolling in college programs, and I am fortunate to help make that happen.��

REJI is an organization that has been teaching college-level courses in local prisons since 2015. My personal introduction to REJI was through Josh Dubler, a professor in Religion and Classics, and the organization’s director. I started taking his courses during my first year of college, around the same time that I discovered the Community-Engaged Learning Program. I continued to take community-engaged courses, like Professor Dubler’s Incarceration Nation which is co-taught by REJI’s Assistant Director of Community Outreach, Precious Bedell. Last year, I learned that REJI had been making plans to expand their operations and had lots of opportunities for University of Rochester students to get involved.��

Over the past few months, I have been working with REJI to produce a reentry guide all about higher education in Monroe County as my community-engaged capstone project. We envision the final product to provide information on everything from applying for financial aid to choosing a major, complete with community-specific people and organizations who can help along the way.�� My experience has easily been the most rewarding, transformative part of being a student at the University of Rochester.��

Now, I work at the Center for Community Engagement as a Program Assistant, visiting classes to share about the program. I try to encourage students to do the program because of the benefits it provides to them like standing out on future applications, developing relationships with faculty, and getting hands-on experience in a field of interest. But I think the best reason is the chance to make a meaningful impact on this community and on yourself.

The University of Rochester is overflowing with resources and with students who want to change the world. The city of Rochester is overflowing with organizations that want to better their community but are often stretched thin for capacity and fighting an uphill battle against concentrated poverty and disadvantage. Yet so often, our students are warned not to cross the bridge, taught next to nothing about the history and culture of ����logo and deprived of opportunities to meet and engage with the local community. The institution owes it to its students and to its neighbors to support the Community-Engaged Learning Program and foster positive relationships with the community of Rochester.��

written by Hannah Witkin ’24

The post Supporting Higher Education for Formerly Incarcerated Individuals: The Rochester Education Justice Initiative’s Efforts and the Importance of Community Engagement appeared first on Bridging the Gap.

Play-based learning is an approach that incorporates playful activities into the learning process, which has been proven to be highly effective for young children. It helps children to develop important social, emotional, and cognitive skills, while also improving their academic performance.

LEAP sessions are held on Saturdays during the school year, and take place at LeChase Hall on the University of Rochester campus. The children work with University of Rochester tutors, who place emphasis on developing the literacy, math, science, and social skills necessary for success in school through play-based learning.

During sessions, tutors prepare stations beforehand for the kids to explore, learn and play. These stations are designed to stimulate children’s creativity and curiosity, and help them develop their skills in an engaging and enjoyable way.

“I’ve had a wonderful experience working as a tutor and team leader for LEAP! My team and I do our best to create fun and engaging activities for our students to enjoy. It has been incredibly rewarding seeing our students grow in their reading, math, and interpersonal skills.”

LEAP Tutor, Monica Lee

Moreover, participating in LEAP provides tutors with the opportunity to develop their teaching and leadership skills, gain new perspectives on education, and become more aware and interested in the Rochester community. Tutors also gain additional insight into their own paths and values through their interactions with the children.

“I always have a lot of fun working with the kids at LEAP! They have a unique perspective of the world, and their boundless energy and imagination can make for some truly entertaining moments. It’s been a pleasure seeing them learn new skills, overcome challenges, and develop into more confident and capable individuals.”

Sherlyn Sanchez, LEAP tutor

By fostering a love of learning and providing essential academic and social skills, LEAP is a valuable resource that helps to promote academic success and community engagement in Rochester. It is a vital program that provides a unique opportunity for city school students to engage in play-based learning that may not be available to them otherwise. We specially wish to thank our wonderful tutors at LEAP who devote their time and energy to carrying this mission forward.

If you are interested in working with a LEAP, we are currently hiring a Program Assistant (Job ID #25192) and LEAP tutors ( (Job ID #22977) for the next academic year! Apply through JobLink, contact the Center of Community Engagement at community.leadership@rochester.edu, or visit us at Lattimore 107.

written by Alondra Mendez ’23

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