For many, spring break is a time to relax, reflect and get ready for the second half of the semester. But for a group of UM-Dearborn students, it is an opportunity to help others.
Through the university’s annual Alternative Spring Break, interested Dearborn Wolverines joined one of two service groups — volunteering their time with the Cincinnati Homeless Coalition in Ohio or locally in Detroit. Civic Engagement Coordinator JaNai' James led the Detroit-based group, partnering for the second year in a row with Camp Restore, a local organization that coordinates volunteers to address community needs. ASB has been a part of UM-Dearborn student life for more than 15 years.
During this year’s week of service from March 1-7, photographer Annie Barker documented the student-volunteer experience with the Detroit-based ASB program. Students completed a neighborhood-mapping project, where they collected data on abandoned and damaged homes that will be used to plan neighborhood revitalization projects. Volunteers also connected with the community organization Delray Neighborhood House to sort and deliver donations for families affected by recent severe flooding in the neighborhood.
