Detroit Mercy freshmen kicked off their college careers by performing a day of volunteer work throughout Detroit on August 22-23. This effort is part of the University’s “Prologue, Transitions and Viewpoints” (PTV) program, which works to orient students into their college career and the Detroit Mercy Jesuit and Mercy traditions of service to the community.
More than half of the new students helped with the revitalization efforts in nearby neighborhoods including work in Martin Park with the Princeton Street Block Club and Paul Robeson/Malcom X Academy. Another large group explored various ways that Detroit organizations are dealing with issues of food insecurity, from community gardens, to food distribution centers like Forgotten Harvest, to soup kitchens and food pantries.
The largest project focused on the continued work of reclaiming the alleys in the Fitzgerald neighborhood, which was the top request by neighborhood residents. Students cleared trash and overgrown weeds from lots and assisted with gardens, among other efforts. Read the full story online!
