I wanted to help people in under-served areas after graduating from SPU, and thanks to Dr. Kevin Neuhouser, professor of sociology, I found just the place. During one of my sociology classes, Dr. Neuhouser spoke of the Mennonite Voluntary Service, a year-long volunteer program for adults in cities and towns across the U.S. I noticed various injustices in society that didn’t match the way Jesus treated people, and I decided to do something about this problem. I am now working in community health and leadership development at Erie Neighborhood House in Chicago, Illinois through the MVS. I run programs for families that foster self-esteem, improve health habits, and better relationships between kids and parents. SPU gave me the ability to combine my deep desire to live faithfully –– with the knowledge received through my studies –– so I can better love and serve the world.
—Micaella Verro '09
