I have been fortunate to participate in many community-engagement and community service events held throughout my time at Old Dominion University from 2017-2023. I have listed a few of the notable events that I have been a part of throughout my time at Old Dominion.
Restoring the city of Fries, VA
This community based experience actually stems back to my high school days in New Orleans. However, this experience was so instrumental in my outlook on the community and is paramount in my beliefs as a public health official.
Every summer, a group of 10-12 high schoolers (once myself) and 2-3 chaperones (myself twice while attending ODU) travel from New Orleans, LA to Fries, VA to help restore the community, paint houses, and provide joy for those who need it the most.
Fries, VA is an old mill town that is steadily falling behind the times. The majority of the community are elderly individuals without someone to take care of them or do household projects — cut the lawn, paint the house, clean the gutters, etc. However, no matter the task, the most important part of our job was to ensure that the people we served were fulfilled before we left. Many of the residents are lonely and just want to talk with someone to cheer up their day — ultimately, refining our communication skills with those who may be suffering.
Working in Fries showed me that even though there may be many physical things that a community needs — a fresh coat of paint, help in landscaping, or cleaning gutters — a big contributor to its overall health is a healthy social sphere.
St. Charles United Methodist Church Food Pantry
My local church — St. Charles United Methodist Church (SCUMC) — was instrumental in providing food security for the residents of Destrehan, LA during the height of the pandemic. I was fortunate to work with amazing people twice a week to distribute food to thousands of individuals, couples, and families within the community.
Many of the goods distributed were donated from the local groceries or from those within the community. The goods that were distributed included things such as potatoes, salads, ham, canned goods, milk, and even feminine / baby products. This program was the cornerstone in spreading hope and ensuring the community was fed throughout a dim era within our history.
Working with SCUMC showed me that a community can respond to unique challenges if it is able to come together as one.
Mercy Chefs
Based out of Portsmouth, VA, Mercy Chefs is a community-based kitchen dedicated to providing food to those who need it the most. I have been fortunate to help cook and deliver food for the community at schools and homeless shelters. Mercy Chefs is an organization that provides astronomical support for those within the Hampton Roads Community; without their help, many in the Hampton Roads area would suffer from food insecurity.
Working with Mercy Chefs has shown me how great of a problem food insecurity is within the Hampton Roads area and how one meal, one kitchen, and one community can make a difference.
