Students at DePaul University Give More than Just Their TimeThe seven o’clock hour is not always a friendly one to the average college student. Getting up in the morning to help others in the community may not be an easy task, but for Ellen Romer, it means so much more than just waking up early. Romer, a junior at DePaul University, volunteers at the St. Vincent de Paul Parish’s soup kitchen in Lincoln Park. The kitchen runs from 8-10 a.m. everyday, with the exception of Sunday. She often goes accompanied by her peers and friends to help the homeless and hungry, to give back to her community.
Through her entire education in the Catholic faith, Romer believes in the importance of social justice. Giving back to the people she has grown to care about in her community is something she truly values, and enjoys the experience even in the early morning hours.
Creating a Community
Her volunteering here began during her freshman year, just to see how she could help in the community. Last year while living in a Catholic community called the Vincent and Louise House, the policies of the house required her to go. She ended up loving the experience so much that she went above and beyond the expectations. Now a regular volunteer, she continues go twice a week, even after moving out of the house and into her own place.
While talking about some of the homeless community that she has gotten to know, Romer says, “Most people don't realize that the homeless and working poor are themselves a community and I have become a part of it. They have become great people in my life and keep me grounded.” The people that she comes to see every week keep her going back to help in whatever way she can.
Social Justice Really Can Help
As students attending college in religious affiliated school, teachers and administrators teach all of our young generation to give back to our communities and to take matters of social justice seriously. Donating time at a soup kitchen is just one small way to get involved.
Some other ways to help the community are:
• Donating money to a favorite charity
• Walking or running for a cause (AIDS Walk, Walk for Breast Cancer, etc.)
• Helping at a parish or organizing such as St. Vincent de Paul
• Recycle old pop cans and newspapers
• Simply reaching a helping hand to someone in need are all ways to promote social justice
As far as social justice goes, Romer has developed a lifestyle that truly echoes the ideals of her faith and beliefs. While she believes social justice is complicated, she understands that what she does “may not affect systemic change, but I feel it is justice because I now find myself more in right relationship with the marginalized in my community.”
Get Involved
The St. Vincent de Paul Parish always is looking for volunteers to come and help, and the need is great in the winter months. Anyone can get involved by going and helping out, or donating money or supplies. Volunteers arrive at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday and guests arrive at 8:30 a.m.
Another helpful resource to volunteer around the Chicago area is the Greater Chicago Food Depository. From helping at a soup kitchen, pantry or shelter to tutoring children, the agency is helpful in finding the right place for people to help.
A Life Changing Experience
By helping others, she has created her own community and met life-changing people. Anyone could share this experience simply by devoting a little bit of time or energy to helping someone else. Romer comes across this each day by her encounters at the kitchen and even on the street. “For me now, homeless people aren't just homeless people. The guy who sells Streetwise is Bill. He walks dogs too, and lives with his brother. He takes two creams and three sugars in his coffee.” -By: Maddie Asebrook
Photo by: Ellen Romer
Poll:
What kind of service most interests you?
-Soup Kitchen
-Food Pantry
-Tutoring
-Donating Money
-Walking or running for charity
-Creating a your own organization or group to volunteer
