Alternate Spring Break 2002

Youth Service Opportunities Project
New York City, New York

MISSION

"This group was founded by a group of people who were aware of the human needs in New York City. They saw people who were hungry and homeless, ignored or outcast, and decided to do something about it. They believed that youth, if given an opportunity, would give their time and energy in service to others. YSOP volunteer opportunities include working in soup kitchens and shelters for the homeless. Participants not only make a difference in the lives of the people they meet and help, but they also learn a great deal about themselves and their society."

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Uniformed in our bright blue t-shirts, we travelled all over Manhattan and Brooklyn carrying out the YSOP mission, mainly serving food and meeting some very interesting people. We worked in religious and secular centers, alongside all types of people. We learned through presentations and discussions about poverty, the remedies in place in New York City, stereotypes we had come with, and stereotypes that were broken by what we had seen. Needless to say, we also learned quite a bit about ourselves.

ENTERTAINMENT

  • Dinner in Little Italy and Chinatown
  • Staten Island Ferry
  • Les Mis and The Full Monty on Broadway
  • Went to a concert
  • Played in Central Park
  • Explored the Brooklyn Bridge
  • Went to the Met

FAVORITE QUOTES

"Energy anyone" - Jess "Lethargy anyone" - Maahir
"I'm thinking about the musical Brent" - Brent
"I'm cold." "Why don't you cover yourself in parmesan cheese?" - Brent and Rishi
"Did I leave anything here besides my dignity?" - Rishi

PARTICIPANTS

Chantal Meloscia
Stephen Parrinello
Janna Fuccillo
Lauren Rogal
Christine Jereb
Rishi Porecha
Brent Kramer
Stephanie Ihnow
Maahir Haque
Jessica Weber
Neha Shah
Judy Gerber
Juliana Bauer
Will Shieh

SITE LEADERS

Juliana Bauer and Will Shieh

Click here to learn more about YSOP
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E-mail Alternate Spring Break at altbreak@dolphin.upenn.edu
This website is maintained by Jen Bolson.
Comments, questions, and suggestions are welcome.
Last revised: March, 2002.