On a chilly December afternoon, a group of dedicated Life West faculty members demonstrated their commitment to community service by volunteering at the Siena Francis House, a shelter in Omaha that provides essential services to individuals experiencing homelessness. Dr. Jen Howard, Dr. Vanessa Green, Dr. Luye Yang, and Dr. Sarah Gaughan joined hands to serve lunch to over 200 individuals in need, embodying the spirit of giving and compassion.
The Siena Francis House plays a critical role in the Omaha community, offering food, shelter, and support to those facing difficult circumstances. For our faculty, this service trip was an opportunity to extend Life West's mission beyond the classroom and into the heart of the local community.
“Serving lunch was a humbling experience,” shared Dr. Howard. “It’s a reminder of the importance of reaching out and being present for those who need it most.”
Dr. Green added, “Working alongside my colleagues outside of the academic setting and seeing the gratitude of those we served was incredibly fulfilling. It’s something I hope more of us can experience.”
This act of service not only provided warm meals but also offered moments of connection and humanity. The faculty’s involvement highlights the value of service as a core principle at Life West and underscores the importance of integrating community engagement into our lives.
Looking ahead, Life West hopes to organize more service trips like this one, encouraging faculty, staff, and students to get involved and make a difference.
Thank you to Drs. Howard, Green, Yang, and Gaughan for your inspiring leadership and dedication to service. We look forward to seeing more members of the Life West community participate in these meaningful opportunities in the future.
