Human service studies practicum students volunteer in Charlotte

Nine students volunteered at local non-profits in Charlotte, North Carolina Jan. 13-17.

Nine human service studies (HSS) students participated in a week-long experience in Charlotte, North Carolina Jan. 13-17.

HSS Chair Judy Folmar, associate director of Elon Charlotte Karen Neff, and director of National Campus Programs Ashley Pinney supported students throughout their experience. As part of the HSS practicum winter term course, students engaged in a variety of experiences to learn about the community of Charlotte. At the Elon Charlotte Campus, representatives from Roof Above, Abara: Beyond Borders and Wayfinders spoke to students about their organizations, including the type of work they do, their mission, vision and futures for the organization. Students also learned about professionals’ career trajectories and what type of education and experience was needed to work at these types of organizations.

A group of people pose for a photo in front of art. The wall behind them says "Thank you for helping to promote hope and dignity through your support of our renvovation."
Human service studies students volunteering at Roof Above, a men’s homeless shelter in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Students volunteered at Beds for Kids, Roof Above, Mecklenburg County Parks and Recreation and Gigi’s Playhouse. At Beds for Kids, students delivered furniture to local families in need. At Roof Above, they served dinner to residents at the men’s shelter. Students joined senior citizens for walking, circuit and Silver Sneakers classes at Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation. They learned about programming for seniors as well as therapeutic recreation and how to adapt programs to make them more inclusive. At Gigi’s Playhouse, students engaged with the Down Syndrome community through the Teen Tastic program, where they played games and danced, and also with the Kitchen Teen program where the group used visual aids to make a meal.

Five individuals engaging in conversation at the Elon University Charlotte campus, with some holding coffee cups. The setting features modern interior design with distinctive red and white color accents.
Human service studies students speak with alumni and local professionals at College Coffee.

“I learned a lot about myself during this experience,” said Bella Espinoza ’27. “I know what fills me up. I felt the hard work here.”

For Ruby Radis ’26, this trip confirmed her need to work with people. Eleanor Kahl ’27 said this experience “recharged her.” She signed up for the Winter Term Charlotte experience because she wanted to learn about the different career opportunities available to students studying Human Service Studies.

The students finished the week meeting with alumni who work in local non-profits at a College Coffee at the Elon Charlotte Campus.

Special thanks to Karen Neff for creating a wonderfully diverse itinerary.