Intersession Service Efforts Support Maggie's Place in Phoenix, Arizona

Peer Facilitator Erin Hartey '25, a nursing student from Milford, volunteers during Intersession at an organization committed to providing safe housing and a nurturing community for homeless pregnant women. 
Intersession 2025 University of Scranton volunteers at Maggie's Place are shown from left: Natalie Gilboy, Emma Burak, Grace Castellano, Jenna Gore, Madeline Williams, Erin Hartey, Adlin Barrish. 
Intersession 2025 University of Scranton volunteers at Maggie's Place are shown from left: Natalie Gilboy, Emma Burak, Grace Castellano, Jenna Gore, Madeline Williams, Erin Hartey, Adlin Barrish. 

Intersession 2025

Erin Hartey '25, a nursing student from Milford, said her passion for volunteerism inspired her to participate in a third domestic service trip at The University of Scranton. The most recent was an Intersession service trip to Phoenix, Arizona organized by the University's Center for Service and Social Justice (CSSJ). Volunteers assisted at Maggie's Place, an organization committed to providing safe housing and a nurturing community for homeless pregnant women.

The Domestic Outreach (DO) Service trip program at Scranton provides opportunities to serve marginalized populations across the United States. These service trip experiences occur during intersession and spring break each year. Students are encouraged to attend an information session in the fall to learn about trip locations, types of service activities, program expectations, costs, fundraising opportunities, and application process.  Learn more at the CSSJ website.

"The trips have been some of the best experiences during my time at Scranton," said the senior who aims to work as an ER nurse at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Dickson City. 

What project are you taking part in? How did you become involved with this 2025 Intersession service trip?

I am the Peer Facilitator for the Intersession service trip to Phoenix, Arizona. While there, we will be volunteering at Maggie's Place, which is an organization committed to providing safe housing and a nurturing community for homeless pregnant women.

Previously I have been on two service trips, St. Louis, Missouri in 2023 and Los Angeles, California in 2024. I have a passion for volunteering and helping others, which is why I knew I wanted to go on another service trip. These trips have also been some of the best experiences during my time at Scranton. 

What is your role as Peer Facilitator?

My role as peer facilitator is to be a leader and someone to look to for the other service trip participants. I will also lead our daily reflections.  

Is this the first University visit to this destination? If no, what helpful guidance have you received from others who have volunteered there?

This is the University's second time going to Maggie’s Place.

What steps have you and your group taken to prepare?

My group and I met about five times throughout the semester. We got to know each other and prep ourselves for our trip. We also participated in and created trivia fundraisers.

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