Helping Instill Hope in Our Local Community

Authors

• Audrey T. Dowdell, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Shelby Luffman, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Brian Medina, University of Central FloridaFollow
• Kimberly Vega, University of Central FloridaFollow

Streaming Media

Files

Course Code

LDR

Course Number

2002

Faculty/Instructor

Professor Esther Mandelbaum

Faculty/Instructor Email

esther.mandelbaum@ucf.edu

About the Author

Our service-learning group consisted of Audrey Dowdell, Brian Medina, Shelby Luffman, and Kimberly Vega. As a collective, we utilized our cooperation and committed service to HOPE Helps as an opportunity to develop our personal skills in leadership as UCF LEAD Scholars, and additionally contribute impactful service to our local community. We are appreciative of the opportunities extended to us by HOPE Helps, and the guidance and cooperation our group was allotted in order for us to expand our personal skills, and commit meaningful service to an organization with shared values and missions. 

Abstract, Summary, or Creative Statement

At the core of our service project were our shared pillars as a group; serving our local Orlando area, fostering habits of sustainability, and growing our skills as leaders. HOPE Helps as an organization aligned with these values, as their dedication to addressing hunger, homelessness, and clothing waste. We saw these corresponding ideals as an opportunity for our group to exercise and expand upon the skills we have learned from LEAD Scholars Academy, such as styles of leadership and the Social Change Model. Our time volunteering at HOPE Helps consisted of accepting and sorting clothing and houseware donations to the organization thrift store, cleaning and stocking shelves at their food pantry, and maintaining a welcoming and uplifting space for staff, volunteers, customers, and clients alike. These activities resulted in takeaways such as the importance of communication between our own team, and the other volunteers at the organization. Establishing a common goal, building trust, and exchanging ideas and knowledge was key in providing the best service and cultivating the best relationships while volunteering at HOPE Helps.

Additional Resources

Our contact at HOPE Helps is Rachel Mann, and her email is rachel@hopehelps.org.

Keywords

Service Project; Service Learning; Homelessness; Respect; Community; Helping

Recommended Citation

Dowdell, Audrey T.; Luffman, Shelby; Medina, Brian; and Vega, Kimberly, "Helping Instill Hope in Our Local Community" (2026). High Impact Practices Student Showcase Spring 2026. 86.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hip-2026spring/86