Community Service
At the heart of Saint Joseph’s, we are steeped in the tradition of our Mercy values. Our Mercy values call us to take care of the needs of those less fortunate. Here, community grows in our students, faculty and staff, who recognize learning as a tool to lift ourselves in the service of others. Our entire campus community strives to model service and involvement as means for both personal and social transformation.
Mercy Center
Helping students build community and promoting good in the world
The Mercy Center is the campus’ center for social justice, ministry, and community engagement. The Center encourages and promotes student development through community engagement opportunities, social justice advocacy and awareness, domestic and international immersion opportunities, liturgical celebrations, retreats, spiritual direction, interfaith services, and pastoral counseling.
Get involved. Jump outside of your comfort zone. Have some fun.
Volunteer in the Community
Let the Mercy Center connect you with many ways to help in the local community. We have many community partners.
- American Red Cross
- Camp Sunshine
- Food Pantries
- Catholic Charities
- and more
We’ve got an organization that will fit your interests!
Service Trip Highlights
International Service Trip
Join our annual trip to Guatemala and provide medical aid and help build basic cinder-block homes.
Spring Break Workfest
During spring break, students participate in week-long programs serving the underprivileged in locations across the U.S.
Midnight Run
Join area churches and civic groups to distribute food, clothing, and blankets to the homeless poor on the streets of New York City.
Students Participate in Community Service
Organizations Served
People Served
Campus-wide Community Service
Beth Auger Day of Service
Named after a beloved faculty member, the Beth Auger Day of Service allows the College community to serve the wider community. Saint Joseph’s employees, alumni, and students volunteer to serve at one of several service sites providing housing improvements for veterans and the elderly, re-purposing of medical supplies to reduce waste and support those in need, clean up summer camps for low-income youth, and support for refugee resettlement services.
Thanksgiving Annual Pie Baking and Box Distribution
An annual tradition since 2007, students, faculty, and staff collect food items and gather to make apple pies. Last year’s our College community distributed 1,500 pounds of food to our local community. Over 70 local families received the Thanksgiving Boxes that included turkey, pie, canned goods, stuffing, fruit and a handwritten note.
Rachel Gardella
Spring Break Workfest
“A community is made up of many building blocks and although we weren’t helping out in public, the farm is one building block of the community and it takes many places like the farm to build a strong community. As part of the community, the farm donates vegetables, honey, and other products to those in need.”
Emma Ranzetta
Spring Break Workfest
“After being on two spring break workfest trips I would want other students to know that you might learn things about yourself that you never knew before. In my case my junior year I had to learn that I suffer with social anxiety. My senior year I learned that you should never judge people without truly getting to know them, you never know where or when you will meet a new best friend.”
Sophia Viger
International Service, Spring Break Workfest
“During the trip one of the things that surprised me the most was the joy I felt the whole time. We often put such a pressure on happiness being attached to physical item or money, but this trip allowed me to see that joy becomes abundant when you are serving those in need with people who have a passion for service as well.”
Contact
Kathryn Cody Russell
Director of Mercy Center
207-893-7794
kcody@sjcme.edu