A College of Charleston gerontology professor and her students have been recognized for making a difference in the Charleston community. Sociology Instructor Brenda Sanders accepted the 2010 Community Partner Award from the South Carolina Aging in Place Coalition for creating opportunities for gerontology students to serve seniors in the Lowcountry through internships, volunteer experiences and service learning opportunities.
Every gerontology student participates in a service-learning project. There are about 20 students in the gerontology class and they help with Respite Care Ministries which provides respite for caregivers of those with dementia or to act as drivers for ITN (Independent Transportation Network), a non-profit that provides transportation for senior citizens. In fact, junior Olivia Rothschild, who is currently enrolled in Aging and the Family, provided ITNCharlestonTrident’s 25,000th ride on February 25, 2011. The students also help with events during National Aging in Place week .
“Many students’ interactions with older people are limited to their grandparents,” Brenda Sanders says. “Volunteering for these two organizations allows students to significantly increase their interactions with a variety of older persons. And, the older persons generally LOVE having the college students around.”
These volunteer opportunities often turn into internships and even full-time jobs down the road.
For more information, contact Brenda Sanders at 843.953.7055.
