South Bend is an amazing community

South Bend is an amazing community.

Ever since I moved here to go to Saint Mary's College three years ago, I have been impressed by its focus on social justice.

This semester I am volunteering at the Center for the Homeless which is a model for other homeless shelters all across the country- it's incredible. The staff and guests are wonderful people that have been an inspiration to me.

Last semester, I worked at the School-aged Mothers Program of the South Bend school district. Not many cities can boast of having such a unique and needed program.

I met beautiful young women who made the decision to stay in school even though they had a child at such a young age. It would be nearly impossible for these young women to remain in the public school system without the assistance of the School-aged Mothers Program.

Also last semester, I did an internship at Memorial Leighton Center for older adults. It was a fascinating experience because the center was researching to see if a program they created would improve memory. I was only working there for a semester, but in that time I got to see some of the incredible work that is done in this community center.

I am so thankful that I have had the privilege of living in South Bend the past three years.

I have been exposed to a few of the community programs that make our city a great one. I can only imagine the impact these services have both on individuals and on our community as a whole.

submitted by:
Justine Ray
Saint Mary's College
'08