Nazareth’s Alternative Spring Break in Action: Building Community in Colorado
From March 14–21, 2026, a group of 11 Nazareth University participants — including two student leaders and two staff advisors — traveled to Colorado Springs for an immersive Alternative Break experience in partnership with Inside Out Youth Services (IOYS), a nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA2+ youth. What unfolded over the trip was not only a week of service, but a powerful lesson in community, belonging, and the impact of intentional engagement.
The week began with a comprehensive orientation to IOYS, where students were introduced to the organization’s mission, programs, and the critical services it provides to youth. Through conversations with staff across departments — from executive leadership to program coordinators — students gained a behind-the-scenes understanding of nonprofit operations and the collaborative effort required to sustain such an essential community resource.
Service work quickly became central to the experience. Students contributed to the physical and social environment of IOYS by organizing key spaces such as the community center, food pantry, and Spencer’s Boutique, while also engaging directly with youth during drop-in programming. These early interactions laid the foundation for deeper connection and trust, reinforcing the importance of creating safe, affirming spaces.
As the week progressed, the group shifted into project-based collaboration. One of the most visible contributions was the creation of a vibrant rainbow arch, symbolizing inclusion and pride. Simultaneously, students worked in teams to design and assemble resource bins focused on mental health, sexual wellness, and support for individuals experiencing houselessness — resources that are often limited but deeply needed within the community.
Equally impactful was the development and facilitation of student-led programming. Divided into smaller groups, participants designed interactive activities for IOYS’s drop- in youth programs, centering on social connection and mental well-being. These sessions not only demonstrated creativity and leadership, but also highlighted the students’ ability to translate learning into meaningful, youth-centered engagement.
Throughout the week, reflection remained a guiding practice. Daily check-ins and group discussions created space for participants to process their experiences, deepen their understanding of community dynamics, and build strong interpersonal connections. By the end of the program, many described the group as a “chosen family,” emphasizing the depth of connection formed in such a short time.
Beyond the structured itinerary, the experience was enriched by moments of shared exploration and gratitude — from evenings spent together in Colorado Springs to a final act of service at All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, which generously hosted the group. These moments underscored the broader theme of collective care and the role of community support in making such experiences possible.
In reflecting on the week, both students and community partners emphasized not only what was accomplished, but how it was accomplished — with care, curiosity, and genuine connection. The partnership with IOYS served as a reminder that impactful service is rooted in listening, collaboration, and showing up fully for one another.
This Alternative Break was more than a service trip; it was a transformative experience that deepened students’ understanding of community engagement and left a lasting impression on all involved.
— Tara Winner-Swete, Head of Cataloging & Metadata in the Lorette Wilmot Library
