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"Start where you are, with what you have, and that will always lead you into something greater."
-Mary Manin Morrissey

December 13, 2021
Complete the Fall 2021 Service-Learning Assessment
Win some Chipotle!
We need your feedback!

It's very important that we hear from you...and you may win some Chipotle! Were you involved in weekly service? Please take 5-8 minutes to complete the survey and let us know about your experience. This information is used to improve the student experience and every voice matters.

Complete the Student Assessment HERE and have the chance to win
one of four $25.00 Chipotle gift cards!

Hurry! Drawing takes place December 15, 2021!
Win some Chipotle!
$25.00!
Give a Priceless Gift: Help the Cleveland Kids' Book Bank!
Drop off used kids' books in CSSA from now until December 15
The Cleveland Kids' Book Bank distributes up to 40,000 books per month, and the need for good-quality children's books is endless.

CSSA will be collecting gently used kids' books from now until December 15th. The book bank is especially in need of books for early childhood through 3rd grade and books showing diversity. We appreciate your help!

Drop off books in the bin outside our office (Administration Building - Room 32).
Nominate Today! Deadline approaches
Staff Community Service Awards!
Nominate for the 2022 Staff Community Service Award!

John Carroll University recognizes and honors individuals who have made a difference in the lives of others through involvement in the community. Click on each award below to learn more about the application and nomination processes and see past winners.


The nomination deadline is Friday, December 17, 2021, by 5:00 pm.
Don't Miss the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program!
Spring course is registering now
The VITA program helps low to moderate-income individuals and families prepare their income tax returns without paying fees to professional preparers. The VITA program serves low-wage workers, particularly those in families with children, who may be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Last year, we helped provide families with millions of dollars of refunds.

  • Open to all majors!
  • No pre-requisites, studying, or exams. Graded pass/fail.
  • Preparation is expected to be virtual in 2022 and returns will be completed in a campus classroom.
  • 9:00-3:00 pm (with lunch break) software and basic tax training on a Saturday TBD in late January.
  • Finished by April 15, 2022.
  • Students can prepare their own tax returns using the software.

Register for the appropriate service-learning section based on your class year:
  • AC 170/270/370/470 (1 credit)
  • AC 173/273/373/473 (0 credit)

For questions or additional information, contact Gerald Weinstein, weinstein@jcu.edu
Shepherd Internship Applications are OPEN!
Want to Help People, Tackle Poverty, and Gain Experience in the Human Service Sector?

The Shepherd Higher Education Consortium on Poverty integrates rigorous academic study and focused direct service with disadvantaged communities and persons. The intent of this program is to prepare students for lives aimed at diminishing poverty and enhancing human capability. The Shepherd Internship Program is an eight-week summer internship program that places students with non-profit and government-funded agencies in a variety of human service sectors throughout the United States.

For more information, email Dr. Philip Metres, Director of the Peace, Justice, and Human Rights program, at pmetres@jcu.edu or call 216-556-1101.

Application deadline extended to December 15!

We are hiring!
Children are looking for great tutors

Carroll Reads is a federally-funded tutoring program aimed at helping children in elementary grades develop reading skills. If you are looking for a paid federal work-study position, this is a great opportunity to work with children in the community. Tutors are paid $11.00 per hour for tutoring twice/week, approximately 5 hours per week.

Responsibilities include:
  • Conducting one-on-one tutoring sessions with students using educator-provided materials.
  • Building rapport and cultivating enthusiasm with the children.
  • Assisting children in developing their reading and writing skills to reach grade-level expectations.
  • Weekly documenting and reviewing student data with the Carroll Reads Site Coordinators to gauge the effectiveness of interventions.
  • Regularly checking in with Carroll Reads Coordinators and Student Liaisons for continued training and assistance in tutoring.
  • Committing to tutoring two days per week, for ten weeks, over the course of the semester.

Contact Maggie Klem at carrollreads@jcu.edu, call 216.397.4698, or visit the Carroll Reads landing page for more information.


Fill out an application for Spring 2022 here
JCU students must be eligible for Federal Work-Study to apply. Applications are open NOW!

Are you a current Carroll reads tutor that is looking to recommit for next semester? Click here
Apply to become a CSSA Student Liaison!
We are looking for applicants who embrace the JCU mission of being men and women for and with others! As a CSSA representative, Student Liaisons serve as peer service leaders and van drivers as they facilitate a positive service experience for their fellow JCU students. This paid position allows you to do all this and gain professional experience!

Do you have a good driving record and embrace the JCU mission of being a "man or woman for others?" Do you enjoy participating in service and interacting with other students and the community? You can apply to be a student liaison too! (Federal Work-Study Eligibility is preferred!)

Responsibilities include:
  • Participating in the service activity
  • Serving as a CSSA ambassador for the community partner
  • Transporting students to and from service sites
  • Ensuring accurate attendance records
  • Providing pertinent information to CSSA staff members
  • Attending mandatory training sessions
  • Facilitating reflection

Click HERE for the application!
(Federal Work-Study Eligibility is preferred.)

If you'd like to read more about the role, Click HERE.
Questions? Contact CSSA at service@jcu.edu
Stay informed: Follow Us on Social Media!
Get Connected! Stay Informed!

Follow us on social media to get the latest news from CSSA, learn about upcoming opportunities, find ways to stay connected and engaged, read posts by featured students, and learn about all of the great things happening in the Center for Service-Learning and Social Action! We post frequent updates daily, so be sure to stay tuned in!

Connect with us NOW to join the fun!

Instagram@jcu_cssa




Facebook: @JCUCSSA



Twitter: @jcu_cssa


Sr. Katherine Feely, SND, Ed.D  | Director |   kfeely@jcu.edu   | 216.397.1966
Heather Craigie | Associate Director | hcraigie@jcu.edu |216.397.6233
John Jackson  | Assistant Director, Community Partnerships | jnjackson@jcu.edu  |  216.397.1662
Caity Grundtisch  | Asst. Director, Student Engagement & Community Impact | cgrundtisch@jcu.edu | 216.397.2024
Amy Bartter  |  Administrative Assistant |  abartter@jcu.edu  |  216.397.4698
Maggie Klem | Graduate Assistant |  mklem20@jcu.edu | 216.397.6283
JCU Center for Service-Learning and Social Action
Administration Building | AD-32
216.397.4698 |  (f) 216.397.1661

Stay Connected!