Giving back to community while forging bonds with colleagues was a double reward for volunteers from the Columbia University School of Professional Studies Academic Affairs Division on June 5, 2024. “This was the most rewarding event I have attended—lovely to get out of our day to day and help someone” one staffer said of the day of voluntarism. Another added, “It got me out of the office, devoting my time to a worthy cause, giving back to my community, and I got to socialize with my co-workers.”
Julissa Montijo, instructional support supervisor at SPS, and Jennifer Ha, director of the Columbia Scholastic Press Association, worked with Joan Griffith-Lee, director of the Columbia Community Service, to identify organizations where the team could contribute its efforts. They then partnered with Westside Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH), SNACK*, and Dorot to host the participating staffers in various community service activities coordinated to take place simultaneously. Representing all major units of the division, they engaged in both in-person and virtual volunteer efforts across the three aforementioned organizations.
The team-building initiative engaged a total of 82 staff members in community service activities, strengthening team cohesion and aligning with the University’s mission and values of supporting community engagement and civic responsibility. The activity was part of a larger effort launched by the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Erik Nelson, and has been led by a working group of seven dedicated colleagues: Team Leader Julissa Montijo, Katie Coryell, Maria Gray, Jennifer Ha, Jennie Johnson, Stacey Quartaro, and Samuel Rosenthal.
In-Person Volunteering: WSCAH and SNACK*
Westside Campaign Against Hunger (WSCAH): Twenty-five staff members volunteered at WSCAH, whose mission is to “alleviate hunger by ensuring all New Yorkers have access to a choice of healthy food and supportive services.” The SPS volunteers packed 205 food bags weighing a total of approximately 1,230 lbs. and 100 NYP boxes weighing approximately 1,400 lbs., totaling over 1,600 lbs. of food.
SNACK*: Thirty staff members contributed to SNACK*, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children, teens, and young adults through diverse classes and activities. Volunteers helped print and package 700 SNACK* Art greeting cards into 125 sets for future e-commerce promotion, organized a cosmetics inventory of 500 pieces, planted plants and seeds in the backyard, sorted holiday decorations into 12 boxes, and thoroughly cleaned and reorganized the kitchen. The team’s efforts spanned five areas to fulfill the organization’s needs.
Virtual Volunteering at Dorot
Seventeen staff members convened over Zoom to support Dorot, an organization combating social isolation among the elderly. The team produced 14 birthday cards for seniors, contributing to Dorot's mission to alleviate loneliness and support the physical and mental well-being of older adults.
A Commitment to Community Engagement
"The team-building initiative on June 5th was a powerful demonstration of our commitment to community engagement and civic responsibility,” said Associate Dean of Academic Services & Innovation Karen McFadden. “Witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of our team members as they packed food bags, prepared greeting cards, and connected virtually to support the elderly was truly inspiring. This event not only strengthened our team cohesion but also underscored the impact we can have when we come together to serve our community."
