The Iona in Mission program—which provides students with the opportunity to serve people most in need in the U.S. and internationally—has won an inaugural $500 scholarship from The Pilgrimage, a service learning program in Washington, D.C., to work with, learn from and learn about urban poverty.
The funding will be awarded to two Iona College students who will spend four days May 17-20 working with the National Coalition for the Homeless in Washington, D.C., helping local soup kitchens and food banks among a number of service activities planned for the mission.
Tiffany DiNome, coordinator of The Iona in Mission program, said that Iona College had been selected to receive the grant on the basis of the “strong commitment we showed in the application.” She added: “This funding will definitely help our students pay expenses for their visit The Pilgrimage.”
“Like our other missions, the true measure of success of The Pilgrimage mission will be the impact it makes on the students in helping their communities when they return,” Ms DiNome stated.
The Pilgrimage is one of nine missions planned by Iona in 2010. They are:
Rostro de Cristo, Duran, Ecuador, January 11-15. Students will learn about the history and culture of Ecuador through direct interaction in a cross cultural immersion experience.
Nazareth Farm, Salem, West Virginia, January 11-17. Students will help Nazareth Farm’s mission of providing housing services including reconstruction and rehabilitation for families in need.
Port Ministries, Chicago, March 13-20. Students will help the Port Ministries provide compassionate services to the poor and homeless—meeting basic human needs such as food, clothing, shelter and other vital support.
Operation Helping Hands, New Orleans, March 13-20. Students will bring hope to the people of the city ravaged by Hurricane Katrina by working with the Christian Brothers and Operation Helping Hands to rebuild homes for the elderly, disabled or uninsured who fell victim to the destructive storm.
Bonita Springs, Florida, March 13-20. Students will visit the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and partner with the Christian Brothers and learn about the reality that migrant workers face on a day-to-day basis.
Nairobi, Kenya, Africa, May 17-31. Students will be immersed in African culture and customs as they work alongside the Christian Brothers, making a difference in the lives of local families.
