Members of the America East SAAC attended the South End Salvation Army Corps Friday, September 29, 2006, as a community service event during the conference meeting in Boston, Mass. Representatives from each of the conferences nine schools spent time with children at the Salvation Army.
SAAC members joined the Salvation Army Friday night for their Teen Evening Enrichment Network. This program provides a safe place for kids to hang out, while getting off the streets and away from trouble. Coming to the Salvation Army, kids are able to participate in many different activities and hang out with other kids like themselves.
The student–athletes played pool, basketball, ping-pong, video games, and drew pictures with the children. It was a very welcomed treat for the kids to have these student-athletes take time out of their busy schedules to be with them. Kirk Womack, BTG/T.E.E.N Director for the Salvation Army, made this evening possible. Thanking the student-athletes, he explained, “You can't imagine the hope that kids get just by feeling the sense of belonging or knowing that someone cares for them.”
The Salvation Army runs many other programs, including an after school program offered Monday thru Friday from 2:30 – 6:00 pm. This program provides snacks and recreational activities once the students are done with their homework. Open to the students during this time is a computer center, basketball court, and gymnasium. On Tuesday afternoons, the center offers programs for girls focusing on leadership and service skills. The Sunbeams group is for girls ages 6-11, while the Girls Guards is for girls ages 12-17. The Salvation Army also runs programs for families, senior citizens, and summer programs.
Student-Athlete Participants:
Albany- Brad Daniels (Baseball) & Kristin Higy (W.Basketball)
Binghamton- Rebecka Lindgren (W.Basketball) & Anna Riorden (W.Lacrosse)
Boston U.- Staci Hannebrink (W. Golf)
Hartford- Courtney Gomez (W.Basketball) & Mike Turner (M.Basketball)
Maine-Lindsey Hugstad- Vaa (W.Basketball) & Keith Corey (Track & Field)
UMBC-Kristen Moorby (Swimming) & Brian Jaeggi (Swimming)
New Hampshire- Rebekah Porter (Gymnastics) & Jesse Keams (Track & Field)
Stony Brook- Courtney Teague (Swimming), Ken Guerin (Track & Field), Andrew Goba (M.Basketball)
Vermont- Andrew Kasprisin (Track & Field) & Corinne DiPietro (Track & Field)