Community Academic Partners in Service

Description

Community-Academic Partners in Service (CAPS) was founded in 2005 out of a commitment from our president, Dr. Hart, MD, and various dedicated faculty, such as Drs. Pollard and Belliard. Their goal was to enhance linkage and reciprocity between Loma Linda University (LLU) and the surrounding community, which truly represents Loma Linda University's dedication "to make man whole."
Our office has grown tremendously and we have many exciting opportunities in which to involve the LLU community. Last year, we opened our Youth Resource Center (YRC) and Adult Resource Center (ARC) at Indian Springs High School. The YRC holds workshops every other week on college and career possibilities, including career testing and financial air. The Center also takes students on several college campus visits. At the ARC, adults can lean on workshops for employment resources, mentoring, nutrition, ESL, aerobics and more.

As the sponsor of the Healthy Neighborhood Projects (HNP), LLU Student Association's Community Service Group, and Goal 4 Health Soccer League, we were able to involve over 350 LLU students in year-long activities once again, as well as over 500 in short-term projects/events. We've counted over 600 youth and parents in the year-long programs, as well as approximately another 300 who were served in short term program/events such as our Christmas Fiesta, Alternative Spring Break, and HNP Carnival.

As an office, we have grown our capacity to include six student workers, one Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA), and two full-time staff. Through it all, we strive to promote both local missions and community-engaged scholarship in such a way that LLU and the Inland Empire catch the vision to live to give.