PITTSBURG — Thirteen students in Pittsburg State University’s Social Work Program are putting classroom lessons into practice this semester through capstone projects addressing needs across Southeast Kansas and beyond.
Students will share information about their projects Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. on the Oval in the center of campus. Campus and community members and media are invited to learn about the initiatives, make donations, take photos and speak with students.
The projects include donation drives, educational programs, volunteer recruitment and advocacy efforts supporting children, adults and families.
“These projects give students an opportunity to apply social work principles in real-world settings while meeting identified needs in our communities,” said Kristen Humphrey, professor of social work and director of the Bachelor of Social Work program. “Each student has developed a project that reflects a commitment to service, advocacy, and improving the well-being of others.”
Several projects focus on providing clothing and other essentials. Paige Johnson is collecting winter clothing and supplies for community members in need, Laura Kinsch is conducting a shoe drive for children in Pittsburg, and Paige Mullen is gathering winter items for children in Kansas City, Kansas.
Sidney Kacsir is coordinating a food drive for Wesley House. Hanna Pendzimas also is supporting Wesley House by collecting holiday food items while gathering toys for the Salvation Army.
Other students are collecting personal care supplies. Easton Morris is gathering period products for women in Pittsburg and Independence. Elizabeth Summa is collecting diapers for the Community Health Center of Southeast Kansas diaper stock program, while Jill Vanderpool is collecting hygiene items for people served by the health center. Chloe Laney is gathering self-care items for domestic violence survivors served by Safehouse.
Educational and advocacy projects include Sara Heskett’s suicide prevention training for students and Preston Jester’s effort to host Alliance for a Healthy Kansas for community education about Medicaid expansion. Jester also is conducting a letter-writing campaign to policymakers.
Gianna Torkelson is organizing training and recruiting volunteers for Pittsburg’s warming center. Milo Simms is collecting current textbooks for students who cannot afford to purchase them.
The students will conclude their capstone experiences with a Community Project Showcase on Dec. 4 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Russ Hall, 1701 S. Broadway. The event will highlight project outcomes and their impact throughout the semester. It is open to campus and community members and media.
