West St. Catherine Neighborhood Association

SOUL & 7th and St. Catherine's Alley Clean-up

Aug 23, 2006

The West Saint Catherine Street Neighborhood Association took part in the University of Louisville's Student Outreach Uniting Louisville ("SOUL") program. The result was that the alley behind 625 W. Saint Catherine got a good cleaning this past Saturday, August 19th, compliments of six (6) University of Louisville students. It was a perfect match: the students needed the community service hours and the neighborhood had a neglected brick alley you couldn't see for the weeds. Next chance you get, check out the results of the students' handiwork - it looks wonderful!

For anyone interested in learning more about the "SOUL" program at U of L, here's the scoop:

More than 160 incoming University of Louisville freshmen will volunteer three hours of their time in a Metro Parks beautification program as part of the university's "Welcome Weekend" on Saturday, August 19, 2006.

The program, named SOUL ?– Student Outreach Uniting Louisville ?– is a collaborative effort between Metro Parks, Brightside, and the university?’s Service Learning Program. Over 160 students, faculty and staff, including university president James Ramsey, will gather on Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to improve the grounds at Joe Creason, George Rogers Clark, and Camp Taylor parks. This endeavor will provide approximately $4,000 in volunteer labor for our city's parks.

"The event on Saturday, 8/19/06, will be equally beneficial to the city and to the students who are involved," said Metro Parks director Mike Heitz. "We are very excited about reaching these new students and we?’re greatly appreciative of their hard work."

"This is the first time 'Welcome Weekend' has included a service project," said Kim Johnson-Shaver, the university?’s Service Learning Coordinator. "SOUL is a great way to welcome freshmen and give them the opportunity to learn about the city, while encouraging them to participate in community service. We plan to make this an annual event."

University of Louisville's Service Learning Program encourages and supports students, faculty and staff who are interested in community service opportunities and wish to combine their academic studies with community service. For more information, contact Kim Johnson-Shaver at (502) 852-3436.