WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. — Students from Commonwealth University walk the halls of the YWCA Northcentral PA in Williamsport as Women's History Month draws to a close.
"Learn about the great work that's happening with the Y's options—the domestic violence shelter—and also to donate items and materials to the YWCA," said Ralph Godbolt, Director of Diversity, Retention, and Outreach at the Commonwealth University.
Students from Bloomsburg and Lock Haven universities toured the facility. They also got a feel for what working at a non-profit might be like.
"They learn so much in the classroom in the books, but to actually walk into a place that serves the population that they have learned about is life-changing. It's gonna be really eye-opening for them," said Erin Timmins, Advocacy and Prevention Supervisor YWCA Northcentral PA
It was eye-opening for freshman Xavier Jones. He's a Sports Management major at Lock Haven University.
"I feel like this is like a community—less of a shelter, more so of a home with people from all different walks of life coming together, trying to better their lives individually, whether it be just for themselves or for themselves and their kids," said Xavier Jones, a Lock Haven University Freshman.
Students also hosted a fun day at the Firetree place in Williamsport. Children and their families participated in activities and connected with community resources.
"This is an opportunity for our students to interact with Williamsport youth to play some games, eat some good food, and engage in some important dialog to talk about life, to talk about college, to talk about positive decision making," said Godbolt.