Six BSW candidates from the School of Social Welfare traveled overnight to Flint, Michigan, the weekend of April 14, 2016, to aid in the distribution of bottled water to residents living with a lead-polluted water supply.
Connecting with Pastor Tom Mattiuzzo from Riverside Tabernacle, the six students--Tiffany Hervas, Alaina Ingram, Taylor Zummo, Tira Skaggs, Lindsay McBeth, and Stephanie Dick--interacted with residents and interviewed community leaders, gaining insight into the hardships and reality of a crisis that has been ongoing for two years.
The student determined that this mission trip to Flint, Michigan, was imperative due to the injustice and violation of basic human rights inflicted upon the residents of this Michigan town. They intend to continue advocacy and awareness for the Flint community and countless others who experience similar crises.
The team collaborated with organizations across Long Island to collect over 10,000 bottles of water and additional supplies, including baby wipes and hand sanitizer. Through fundraising efforts, $2,000 was collected and directed to the Flint Child Health and Development Fund, specializing in child-focused health interventions for those diagnosed with lead poisoning.
