From Jan. 11 to 16, students and staff members from Sacred Heart University volunteered in the Bridgeport area for CURTIS Week, an annual initiative that promotes community involvement and cultural understanding. 

According to the Sacred Heart website, "CURTIS" stands for "Community Understanding & Reflection Through Inner-city Service." The name honors the Most Reverend Walter W. Curtis, the second Bishop of Bridgeport and founder of the university. 

There were multiple purposes for the event. 

"The main focus of the week was two-fold," said senior Samantha Fasanello, who was one of the student leaders. "We aimed to assist our Bridgeport neighbors to the best of our ability, while working to gain a better understanding of the cultural diversity that is present within it."

The students were busy performing community service throughout the week. Participants were divided into groups and worked at various sites. On Wednesday, Jan. 11, they worked at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, a homeless shelter, a Washington Terrace house, for Habitat for Humanity, and with the RISE Program, a group that helps post-secondary students with special needs.

But the week was about more than just service. On Thursday night, members were treated to an authentic Puerto Rican dinner at St. Charles Parish. While they ate, they listened to the stories of actual Habitat homeowners, which proved to be an eye-opener as well as inspiration for them throughout the week.

"Meeting the Habitat homeowners definitely had an impact on me," said senior Sarah Burkart. "Hearing their stories made me want to work that much harder to help complete their house. Even though I only met these families one time, they will forever hold a place in my heart."

Fasanello agreed that the homeowners provided motivation. 

"It's always interesting to hear the different stories of the families that we're building for," she said. "Not only do we gain an understanding of their culture and background, but the participants are further motivated to continue working with Habitat after hearing the personal accounts of families that we're directly helping."

Throughout the week, the students also experienced the traditions of various religions. They attended services at Al Aziz Islamic Center and Congregation B'nai Israel, as well as a Spanish mass at St. Charles Parish and a service in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at Mt. Aery Baptist Church. 

For Fasanello, these services proved to be memorable. 

"I liked all of the cultural experiences during CURTIS Week," she said. "I truly found all of them to be valuable."

One important aspect of the students' initiative was defying stereotypes and assumptions. 

At the beginning of the week, members of a halfway house called the Co-op Center presented a program called "To Tell the Truth." During this program, three performers -- one convicted felon and two actors -- answered questions about their alleged crimes. Students had to use the information they received to guess who the actual criminal was. 

The exercise tried to teach a lesson about judgment. 

"It really showed us that not all convicts or ex-convicts should be punished forever, and that rehabilitation is a viable outcome," said Fasanello. 

Burkart echoed this sentiment. "Through reflection, we had an increased understanding of those around us, and we were able to break away from the prejudices that surround our society," she said. 

During CURTIS Week, Sacred Heart students spent a significant amount of time working with hunger programs. Among the kitchens where they served food were the Bridgeport Rescue Mission, the United Congregational Church, and the Holy Rosary Food Pantry. 

One particular kitchen employee moved Burkart. 

"Chef Paul, from Bridgeport Rescue Mission, truly inspired me," she said. "He told us that he could be a chef in a restaurant and cook for hundreds of people who simply want food, but he really enjoys serving food to those who need it most. His story really touched me."

Overall, CURTIS Week was constructive for both participants and the citizens they helped. Burkart appreciated the opportunities it afforded her and her classmates. 

"CURTIS Week encouraged all the participants to get involved with, respect, and understand those in our own community," she said.