Silver Lake College of the Holy Family

Manitowoc, Wisconsin

Some college students head to the beach on spring break. But in March 2015, 15 students from Silver Lake College instead took part in a six-day service trip to Memphis as part of the college’s Alternative Spring Break. For student leader Mary Bettag, a 2015 graduate, it was her third and most powerful service trip.

“I think it’s a very gratifying way to spend your spring break. You get to use your time in service to others,” Mary said. “We went all over Memphis and worked with all kinds of people—old, young and homeless. We also saw their tangible hope and a strong love for their community. There’s a real spirit of Memphis. They believe in the city, despite its challenges.”

The trip was a great time for reflection, Mary said. “It made me think and re-evaluate what I take for granted, to be more grateful,” she said. “It also challenged me to do more.”

The group worked through Serve 901, an organization named for the Memphis area code that hosts service experiences in the city.

On the first day, Silver Lake College representatives helped the Neighborhood Christian Center prepare for its Spring Jam 2015, an around-the-world festival that allowed local children—who usually might not have a chance to travel—to “visit” nine countries. 

Their service project the next day, in conjunction with the Agape Christian Ministry’s Families in Transition program, involved painting walls, cleaning rooms and shampooing rugs as they prepared apartments for homeless women who were pregnant or had recently given birth.

The following day, they headed to Memphis Union Mission, a men’s homeless shelter, where they attended a chapel service and served lunch to about 100 men.

The group also took part in an after-school program in the Frayser neighborhood, known for its low-ranking standardized test scores.