Community Outreach and Service Learning

Our students get connected to our Latrobe Community with a service project during orientation week where they spend an afternoon working in the community at various businesses helping to weed, paint, stock, and clean. Many classes at SVC including the Freshmen Listening Seminar offer the opportunity for students to commit to a community service of their choice.

The Office of Global and Community Engagement at Saint Vincent College connects students with service opportunities that align with their passions and skills. There are numerous ways to get involved in service during your time at SVC, and it's never too late to start volunteering. For detailed information on community service opportunities, including schedules, please visit the Office of Global and Community Engagement on Headmaster’s Hall. You can also sign up for specific community service projects there.

We collaborate with local charities and organizations to support existing community programs. In some initiatives, students engage directly with community members through activities such as tutoring, reading to the elderly, or coaching youth sports. In other initiatives, students contribute behind the scenes by organizing fundraising events, working at resale shops, or collecting donations. Here are some of the organizations we currently partner with.

Latrobe Center for Active Adults The Center provides activities in a community group setting during the day to promote social, physical, and emotional well-being of older adults. Volunteers help set up activities, host events, socialize with seniors and do other various odd jobs.

Brookdale Senior Living Solutions This personal care home provides comprehensive support to seniors, assisting with daily activities such as dining, bathing, and medication management. The specialized memory care program is designed to help seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Volunteers host events, spend time with residents, and offer assistance during meal times.

Bingo at the Latrobe High Rises This federally funded housing provides older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income families with affordable, decent private housing and a better quality of life. Volunteers help with our very popular Bingo Nights.

Mountain View Senior Living and Memory Care This facility is committed to providing seniors with quality care and services ensuring that each resident experiences a healthy and meaningful lifestyle. Volunteers host bingo and engage with residents.

Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve Education Field House The education programs at WPNR aim to educate young students with environmental programs and trips. Volunteers assist by facilitating educational experiences and interacting with young students.

Direct Club FRED Afterschool Program This after school program at Trinity Lutheran Church provides snacks, homework help, activities, and dinner for elementary students. Volunteers help with meals and homework.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren This program supports grandparents who have become “parents the second time around” when parents experience difficulties and children need care. Volunteers help with babysitting and activities.

Saint Vincent College Free Community Meal This program serves a free monthly meal prepared and distributed from a licensed kitchen and is available for all community members. Volunteers help with set-up and food preparation.

Society of Saint Vincent de Paul Thrift Store Saint Vincent de Paul thrift stores are community-focused shops that provide affordable clothing, furniture, and household items, while supporting charitable programs to help those in need. Volunteers greet customers, bag products and assist with loading and unloading donations.

Westmoreland County Food Bank Inc. Westmoreland County Food Bank provides nutritious food to nearly 18,000 individuals and families facing food insecurity throughout Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania. Volunteers help organize, box, and distribute food.

Laurel Area Faith in Action Laurel Valley Faith in Action supports seniors by providing essential services to help them stay connected and live independently in their homes. Volunteers help by hosting bingo and bowling, grocery shopping, and doing yard work.

Feeding America Food Pantry at SVC Grove The Feeding America Food Pantry at SVC Grove provides free food and groceries to those in need, helping to alleviate hunger in the community. Volunteers help with food distribution.

Food Pantry at Trinity Lutheran Church This food pantry supplies community families in need with food and essentials. Volunteers help stock food, organize shelves, and clean the facility.

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, and building materials at a fraction of the retail price, with proceeds supporting Habitat's mission to build and improve homes in local communities. Volunteers help round up donations, assist with ReStore operations, and repair furniture.

Westmoreland Cleanways Westmoreland Cleanways is dedicated to promoting proper disposal of solid waste through recycling, collections, and cleanup of illegal dumpsites and littered areas. Volunteers wait on customers, unload vehicles, and sort items