Mercy Mondays: Updates from the Center for Community Engagement and Service

The Center for Community Engagement and Service held its annual Service Plunge on campus from Sunday, Aug. 29, until Wednesday, Sep. 1. During this experiential learning moment, eight student facilitators led 30 incoming first years on a journey through service.

The Service Plunge provides students the opportunity to become accustomed to the truth of Newport, Rhode Island. While Newport is known for its Gilded Age mansions, yachts and sailboats, few people learn about the other side of Newport, which is a story of a poverty crisis, homelessness and academic struggles for the young students that reside here.

Because of Salve Regina’s Mercy mission, it is important to acknowledge both sides of Newport and to help encourage students to get involved in service opportunities to make a positive impact.

Volunteers playing with children at Miantonomi Park.

During the Service Plunge, the student participants immersed themselves in the community and surrounding areas on Aquidneck Island with six organizations — including Donovan Manor, Gifts To Give, God’s Community Garden, Norman Bird Sanctuary, Child and Family Services and Miantonomi Park. Each student completed roughly 11 hours of service for a total of more than 380 service hours, which means that these organizations can donate more time, money and resources back into their programs.

One of the plunge participants, Sophia Lennon ’25 shared that the experience was very beneficial and gave her the opportunity to learn more about the true need around Aquidneck Island.

“It is so important to be reminded that service really does begin in our own backyard,” Lennon said. “As part of the Salve community, I think it is so important to be aware of the ways we can help the people in our backyard, and the Service Plunge really helped me realize that.”

Another participant, Rosie Lacy ’25, echoed Lennon’s enthusiasm, while also adding that the way that first years bonded during the service experience was very important to her.

“The Service Plunge is all about building a community while serving the community,” Lacy said.

Volunteers help garden at God’s Community Garden. 

If anyone is interested in service opportunities, please view the Center for Community Engagement and Service’s website. For additional questions, contact the Center for Community Engagement and Service at community.services@salve.edu or 401-341-2440.

This post is part of an ongoing series called Mercy Mondays that highlights Salve Regina’s dedication to its Mercy Mission. Search the tag Mercy Mission for more updates on the Mercy branches of Salve Regina.