LUCAP is beginning another semester giving back to the community with several new programs.
Loyola University Community Action Program, made up of and directed by student volunteers, is a campus organization with three primary goals: to provide and direct volunteers in service-oriented activity within the community and the university; to inform and promote involvement of social justice in the area; and to aid in the volunteers’ social and spiritual growth through their involvement in service and care-giving activities.
“We’ve been in the process of renovation and revitalization over the past year and are looking forward to implementing our new ideas. We feel that great things are ahead,” said Samantha Montano, psychology senior and LUCAP chairwoman.
Two of the newest projects are the Loyola Association of Students for Sustainability, a program that addresses environmental sustainability issues, and Free the Slaves, a mission to eradicate slavery.
“There’s so much new energy and creativity in these projects, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish,” said Amanda Williams, English senior and LUCAP internal affairs chairwoman.
LUCAP has put hours of labor into rebuilding the city, providing food and company to the homeless population of New Orleans and educating students about important local, national and international issues.
“I would hope that one of the biggest impacts LUCAP has made would be in helping student volunteers develop into critically thinking, creative, passionate and just members of society,” Williams said.
LUCAP also has a variety of other projects, including work for Habitat for Humanity and Hunger Relief, a volunteer program that provides lunch and fellowship to the clients of Ozanam Inn, a nonprofit homeless shelter and kitchen.
Other programs include Literacy Loyola, which provides tutoring to adults with basic literacy skills; Shrockin,’ a movement to help Chalmette residents rebuild; Students Moving Into the Lives of the Elderly; and Students Seeking Solidarity, a project that aims to work for international peace through justice.
“I haven’t been as involved as I’d like to be; however, the work I’ve done with LUCAP has been very rewarding,” said Renee Dottolo, journalism senior.
Williams agreed.
“I’ve found something rewarding in everything I’ve done with the organization,” Williams said.
“It has helped me put a perspective on everything I’ve learned and experienced at Loyola, and I believe that everyone should get involved in an organization at some point during their time at Loyola.”
Haley Summers can be reached at [email protected]
