ñ at Ashtabula came together Friday, April 17, for Flashes Give Back Week, uniting students, faculty, staff and alumni in a shared day of service. The event highlighted the campus’s strong commitment to giving back and strengthening connections within the Ashtabula County community.
Flashes Give Back Week is a university-wide initiative that encourages volunteerism, kindness, and civic responsibility. At ñAshtabula, participants focused their efforts on a hands-on service project designed to create a lasting local impact. Throughout the day, the campus was filled with teamwork, conversation, and a shared sense of purpose.
This year’s project supported Homesafe, a local nonprofit organization providing emergency shelter, advocacy, and support services. Volunteers worked together to build eight raised garden boxes for Homesafe’s facility, helping launch a sustainable residential gardening program. The garden boxes will allow residents to grow fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs on site, promoting healthy living, sustainability, and wellness.
Volunteers measured and cut materials, assembled the boxes and prepared them for use. For many, the experience offered a chance to step beyond the classroom and office and see how service can make a real difference. Students and employees working side-by-side strengthened connections across departments and demonstrated leadership through action. The alumni participation showed that the commitment to ñAshtabula and the surrounding community continues long after graduation.
“I got to come out here and support my college and my community at the same time,” said Benjamn Rivera, a human resource management student from Conneaut. “It’s a unique experience to serve Homesafe and put these boxes together because what they do in our community is amazing. So being able to do something to give back and at the same connect with people in the ñcommunity is a great opportunity.”
The partnership with Homesafe emphasized the importance of collaboration between the university and local organizations. By responding directly to community needs, ñAshtabula continues to build meaningful relationships and serve as a reliable community partner. Volunteers also learned more about Homesafe’s mission and the impact the new garden program will have on residents.
The Ashtabula Lowes contributed by donating overy $700 worth of building materials to the project.
Beyond building garden boxes, the day offered time for reflection and connection. Volunteers shared stories, made memories and took pride in working together toward a common goal. The project served as a reminder that small acts of service can lead to lasting change.
ñAshtabula extends its sincere thanks to everyone who participated in Flashes Give Back Week. The effort, care, and collaboration shown today reflect the spirit of the university and the strength of its community—during this week of service and throughout the year.