Fall 2024 Newsletter
Note from the Executive Director
Autumn is my favorite season at Community Impact. A time of renewal, this is the season our students return to the community and revive their service commitments. This is the moment they reinvent our organization and reset its priorities.
This Fall, our students returned to campus re-energized and with a clear grasp of the current moment. They chose the theme “Community in Action” and are focused on community-building among their peers, believing (as I do) that volunteerism will help build social trust within our student body. They are also expanding a capacity building workshop series called Impact(ED) in order to sharpen their professional skills and explore career pathways in social impact.
Thank you for all you do to support Community Impact, and please consider making a gift today to help us drive our vision for “Community in Action” this year.
Richard Harrill
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Bringing Light and Connection: Project Sunshine and Parkinson's Pals at Community Impact
CI just launched two new programs that bring joy, support, and connection to some of the most vulnerable members of our community.
Project Sunshine partners Columbia University students with pediatric patients in local hospitals, brightening their days through creative activities, play, and emotional support. Whether it’s arts and crafts or simply spending time together, these moments offer children and their families a much-needed break from the challenges of illness. The volunteers have worked with Harlem Hospital since last Spring.
Parkinson’s Pals connects students with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease, offering companionship, conversation, and help with simple tasks. This program not only provides critical emotional support but also fosters intergenerational bonds, enhancing the well-being of participants and volunteers alike.
One Red Backpack at a Time: The Housing Equity Project
The Housing Equity Project (HEP) at Community Impact is dedicated to addressing homelessness and housing instability in the neighborhoods surrounding Columbia and Barnard. This student-led initiative provides direct support to unhoused community members through a range of services, including food delivery, advocacy, inventory, and direct outreach.
One of the standout elements of this program is the use of red backpacks, a powerful symbol of the support our student volunteers provide. Each backpack is filled with nutritious meals, personal care items, and informational resources, which volunteers deliver on foot to individuals living on the streets or in temporary shelters. These red backpacks not only meet immediate needs but also serve as a reminder that our community is committed to ensuring no one is forgotten.
Last year, HEP focused on collecting surplus food and clothing from community members in and around Columbia to distribute through their food recovery and direct outreach networks. They sent out two direct outreach shifts from 116th street to 90th street every day of the week. They consistently recovered food from on-campus organizations like Hillel and Diana Center Cafe. Finally, they made tons and tons of sandwiches to hand out during outreach shifts. This year, they plan to further these partnerships and expand them to include more organizations such as the Morningside Heights Community Coalition.
Through HEP, student volunteers are empowered to take action in addressing housing inequality, while building leadership skills and making a tangible difference in the lives of those most vulnerable in our community. Your support allows us to continue this vital work, one red backpack at a time.
This Fall, your support of Community Impact is essential as we aim to raise $50,000 to resource our work in the community. Less than 25% of CI’s annual budget comes from the University, so we rely heavily on your donations to help cover art and school supplies, pay our rent of GED and ESOL classrooms, purchase adult ed tests, pay teacher salaries, purchase food for the pantry and Soup Kitchen, as well as toiletries and socks for the unhoused. One new need we have this year is furniture: we want to provide students in Earl Hall with a co-working hub complete with conference tables, chairs, a sofa, and basic technology.
As our programs flourish and reach new heights, costs rise. Your contribution will not only enhance vital community services but also create leadership opportunities for Columbia University and Barnard students through meaningful service. Actions speak louder than words. ACT TODAY!
Celebrating our GVA Fellows
This past summer, Community Impact awarded the George Van Amson (GVA) Service Learning Fellowship to five wonderful student leaders. The GVA fellowship provides support for Columbia and Barnard undergraduates to pursue a nonprofit or service-oriented internship during the summer. Fellows become part of a larger community committed to social justice, civic engagement, and experiential learning. Fellows receive a stipend and summer housing.
On September 27, our 2024 GVA Fellows participated in the GVA Fellowship Showcase to discuss their summer internships.
Adult Education Spotlight
At Community Impact, we believe that education is a cornerstone of personal empowerment and community growth. This fall, our GED (General Educational Development) and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) programs continue to play a vital role in helping adults in Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood build brighter futures. We hosted 12 daily classes over the summer across the city.
Our GED program continues to offer adults the opportunity to earn their high school equivalency diploma, opening doors to employment, higher education, and career advancement. Our teachers, trained volunteers and student workers work one-on-one with participants, providing personalized instruction and mentorship to help them succeed.
For non-native English speakers, our ESOL program provides essential language skills that improve everyday communication, workplace opportunities, and overall confidence. Our volunteer tutors, many of whom are Columbia University students, lead classes that range from beginner to advanced levels, ensuring that each student can progress at their own pace.
These programs are more than just educational services—they are gateways to new opportunities. With your support, we can continue to expand our reach and offer life-changing resources to more community members. Community In Action. Educating an adult is educating a family. Donate to support our Adult Education programs.
