Service immersion trips offer a unique opportunity to step outside your own community and engage with a different culture, offering your gifts and presence in the spirit of service and solidarity, while immersing yourself in education on the critical issues of our day.
This trip to Joppa Mountain, Tenn., takes place during spring break, March 1-7, 2025, and is an immersive experience that not only focuses on personal growth and reflection but also involves direct service to those in need. The community around Joppa Mountain is deeply affected by the decline of the coal industry, challenges related to refugee and migrant resettlement and a lack of access to essential resources such as food and housing.
As part of this trip, participants will engage in hands-on service, including building homes, working in food pantries and learning about the systemic issues that contribute to poverty and displacement. This journey fosters relationships of mutuality and solidarity, encouraging participants to live simply and connect authentically with those they serve.
The fee for this trip (organized in partnership with Glenmary Missions) is $400, which includes transportation from UDM, lodging and program costs. Participants will stay in Glenmary Missions’ volunteer house on the mountain, which consists of multiple rooms, bunk beds, a kitchen and reflection room, located on a small farm surrounded by gorgeous Appalachian views.
This trip is for current UDM students only. All faiths or non-faiths are invited to apply. There are eight student spots available on this trip.
The application deadline is Jan. 15 with an initial deposit of $100.
Please reach out to Sammy Eckrich at seckric@udmercy.edu with questions.
Fill out interest form here!
