Washington, D.C.Sponsored by the Volunteer Resource Center

By: Angela Vitellaro

Youth Service Opportunities Projects (YSOP)

YSOP is an organization located in Washington, D.C. and New York

The trip includes a weeklong service camp during January break.

YSOP services are focused on the issues of hunger and homelessness.

Participants are typically from a variety of majors with diverse backgrounds.

Service Details: Each day students

participate in workcamps which focus on a range off issues pertaining to hunger and homelessness.

Service projects vary year to year.

These projects have included: serving dinner at soup kitchens, sorting food at a food bank, preparing meals for people suffering from terminal or life-threatening diseases, cleaning the homes of elderly hoarders, and distributing newspapers with homeless vendors.

At the conclusion of each day there is a reflection where students can share their reactions and ideas.

Additional activities include speakers from the National Coalition for the Homeless as well as serving dinners.

Alternative Winter BreakYSOP 2008 YSOP 2007

Trip Details:Cost: we try to fundraise

so that the trip is free to students

Students are chosen through an application process.

Breakfast and lunch is provided

Sleeping arrangements are typically in a youth hostel or church.

Nights are spent sight-seeing, playing games, and enjoying freetime.

Work sites:Street Sense is a newspaper written and distributed by venders who are currently or formerly homeless.

Work sites:Food and Friends DC Central Kitchen

Work site:Elder Buddies is a unique elderly advocacy program that helps prevent hoarders from being evicted, therefore avoiding homelessness.

Other work sites and activities:Capital Area Food BankCommunity Family Life ServicesParish Hall DinnerDinner Program for Homeless Women

(DPHW)So Others May Eat (SOME) Martha’s Table

Contact: Drew University Volunteer Resource Center care@drew.eduLloyd Robotham lrobotha@drew.eduAngela Vitellaro avitella@drew.edu