In the Germantown section of Philadelphia, senior biology major Jeffrey Gansworth was one of eight students (and two chaperones) that performed work at centers that offered free food to diseased residents, shelters for the homeless, and after-school programs in the city. Many of these sites are associated with Impact Germantown — a collaborative effort for systemic change conducted by members of the Vincentian Family of Philadelphia.

Gansworth, a Vincentian Scholar at Niagara University, said the experience further changed his perceptions of poverty and gave him a deeper understanding of what he can now do to help out in his own community.

“What stood out to me was not only how welcoming the people of Philadelphia were, but how thankful the people were that we had traveled from so far to serve. Even the children in the after-school programs were ecstatic to see us every day,” noted the Niagara Falls resident. “The experience showed me that what Niagara is doing makes a difference. Every action, no matter how seemingly big or small, has a powerful effect.”

“Going on the B.A.S.I.C. trip was the best decision I made since coming to NU,” reflected Anna Cappello, an Academic Exploration Program student, after her time in Philadelphia. “Not only did I meet my closest friends, but I feel more spiritually devoted to God as an individual and as part of a community.”

#IamVincent at Niagara University

excerpted from Niagara University News