Pitt State Social Work students launch community projects benefiting children, families, and animals across the region

PITTSBURG, KS - Thirteen students in the Social Work Program at Pittsburg State University are putting their classroom learning into action this semester through community-focused capstone projects designed to address a variety of needs across Southeast Kansas and beyond.

Campus and community members as well as media are invited to visit the Oval at the center of campus on Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. to learn more about the projects, make donations, take photos, and speak with students about the impact of their work.

The projects support children, adults, families, and animals through service initiatives ranging from donation drives and educational programs to volunteer recruitment and advocacy efforts.

"These projects give students an opportunity to apply social work principles in real-world settings while meeting identified needs in our communities," said Professor of Social Work Kristen Humphrey, BSW program director. "Each student has developed a project that reflects a commitment to service, advocacy, and improving the well-being of others."

Projects include:

• Sara Heskett: Organizing a suicide prevention training for students

• Preston Jester: Hosting Alliance for a Healthy Kansas to educate community members about Medicaid expansion and conducting a letter-writing campaign to policymakers

• Paige Johnson: Collecting winter clothing and supplies for community members in need

• Sidney Kacsir: Coordinating a food drive for Wesley House

• Laura Kinsch: Conducting a shoe drive for children in Pittsburg

• Gianna Torkelson: Organizing training and recruiting volunteers to assist at Pittsburg's warming center

• Easton Morris: Collecting period products for women in Pittsburg and Independence

• Paige Mullen: Collecting winter items for children in Kansas City, Kansas

• Hanna Pendzimas: Gathering holiday food items for Wesley House and toys for the Salvation Army

• Milo Simms: Collecting current textbooks for students who are unable to purchase them

• Elizabeth Summa: Collecting diapers for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas diaper stock program

• Chloe Laney: Collecting self-care items for survivors of domestic violence served by Safehouse

• Jill Vanderpool: Collecting hygiene items for individuals served by the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas

The students will conclude their capstone experiences with a Community Project Showcase on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Russ Hall, located at 1701 S. Broadway.

The showcase will highlight the outcomes of their projects and the impact they have made throughout the semester, and it, too, is open to campus, community, and media.