Beyond Palm Trees: D'Youville Students Embrace Buffalo Through Service

For many university students, the arrival of spring break means trips to sun-drenched beaches and a welcome respite from academic rigors. But for a dedicated group of students at D'Youville University in Buffalo, this year’s break took a different trajectory. Instead of heading south, these students chose to immerse themselves in their local community, volunteering their time and energy at vital neighborhood centers like Sylvia’s House, Friends of the Night People, and PeacePrints WNY. Their efforts offer a compelling reminder of the power of local engagement and the profound impact students can have right in their own backyard.

At Sylvia’s House, the extra hands provided by the D’Youville volunteers were deeply appreciated. As the organization noted, the students tackled the essential task of organizing and cleaning the food pantry – a project of significant practical value that might not have been accomplished without their assistance. This seemingly small act speaks volumes about the crucial role volunteers play in the daily operations of community support systems, ensuring that those in need have access to basic necessities right here in Buffalo.

Friends of the Night People shared that the students were not only helpful but also brought a spirit of compassion, making everyone feel welcome during lunchtime. This emphasis on human connection and creating a positive atmosphere underscores the emotional support that these local centers provide, a support that is amplified by the presence of engaged and empathetic student volunteers from D'Youville.

Pastor Kwame Pitts, one of the organizers of this initiative, summarized the experience, noting that all the participating sites were welcoming and appreciative of the students’ efforts. She highlighted their focus and their ability to “get the job done,” demonstrating the dedication and effectiveness these young individuals brought to their service. This speaks to a broader commitment within the D'Youville community to instill values of responsibility and action in its students.

Rashid James, Chair of the Saints Serve Committee at D'Youville shared that the experience was “humbling” and his recognition of the “bubble campus life can be” is particularly poignant. Living and studying within the university setting can, at times, create a disconnect from the everyday struggles faced by many in the surrounding community. James’ realization that this opportunity allowed students to “give hope to real people with real stories” underscores the transformative potential of such local engagement. His enthusiasm for revitalizing communal spaces at a halfway house further illustrates the direct and meaningful impact of their work within Buffalo.

By encouraging students to dedicate their time off to serving their local community, the university is not only fulfilling its service mission but also fostering a deeper understanding of the social fabric of Buffalo among its students. Their choice to spend their spring break volunteering at local community centers in Buffalo is a powerful reminder that positive change often begins with small, dedicated actions within one’s own community. 

This initiative not only benefits the organizations they served but also provides the students with invaluable life lessons in empathy, civic responsibility, and the profound satisfaction that comes from making a real difference in the lives of others, right here in Buffalo. 

Any student wishing to get involved is encouraged to reach out to campusministry@dyu.edu or visit https://www.dyu.edu/about/mission-integration/community-engagement for more opportunities.