While their goals may vary, Juvenile Urban Multicultural Program (J.U.M.P.) Nation, Handprints for Sunshine, and Old Friends and New each share a common goal of building meaningful connections and positively impact local communities. Whether they are reading to elementary students, preparing meals for families or hosting events for older adults, Quinnipiac students are turning campus involvement into real-world impacts.

Tiearra Charles ’27 uses her role as president of J.U.M.P. Nation to empower the next generation. J.U.M.P. Nation is a youth-focused organization dedicated to encouraging at-risk students to enroll in higher education. Charles coordinates events and service opportunities with community partners to connect directly with local youth.

“We want young people to know that there are people and resources in their community who believe in them and their future,” Charles said.

The organization has partnered with local schools throughout the Greater New Haven area, including Shepherd Glen School, Church Street School and Metro High School. Charles’ most memorable experience came during a visit to Shepherd Glen, where members of J.U.M.P. read with kindergarten students and donated books and bookmarks to their library.

“Their energy and excitement reminded me that sometimes the simplest things, like spending time with a child, reading a book with them or giving them something they can call their own, can make a big difference,” Charles said.

The organization also works with older students through its “Day in College Life” panel event. Quinnipiac students can share their experiences and answer questions from high school students to calm their anxieties and encourage them to pursue higher education.

As an aspiring child psychologist, Charles’ work connects directly with her career goals. Through J.U.M.P. Nation, she has developed leadership and advocacy skills while gaining experience building relationships with young people.

In this photo, members of J.U.M.P. Nation read to elementary school students.

Gianna DiNatale ’27 hopes that her work as president of Handprints for Sunshine leaves a positive impact on the communities she supports. Handprints for Sunshine provides students with community-service opportunities on and off campus, including school supply drives, card making events and partnering with other service organizations.

DiNatale’s favorite opportunities are the ones that allow her to interact directly with community members.

Handprints for Sunshine often serves Ronald McDonald House in New Haven, where members create cards or visit to cook meals for families with pediatric patients. Each November, members decorate pudding cups to look like turkeys to make Thanksgiving special for struggling families.

“There is nothing like seeing someone smile because of something you did to help them during a time when they are most vulnerable,” DiNatale said.

In this photo, members of Hand Prints for Sunshine create crafts for members of the Hamden community.

While J.U.M.P. Nation focuses on connecting students with young people and Handprints for Sunshine provides service to families and community members, Old Friends and New creates opportunities for Quinnipiac students to connect with older adults.

President Dani Tully ’27 and her executive board promote intergenerational relationships by partnering with senior living communities.

Members host craft and bingo events at assisted living facilities and discuss the differences in generational perspectives. The organization has partnered with Mulberry Gardens, Masonicare and The Orchards to build relationships with older adults.

One of their events brings these assisted-living communities to Quinnipiac’s Mount Carmel Campus. Each year, Old Friends and New hosts a baking event in the RecWell teaching kitchen to bake alongside students.

“Often, our students are the ones to travel and experience the daily lives of the older adults in our community, but this event gives attendees the opposite experience,” Tully said.

For Tully, their work has shaped her professional development as an occupational therapy student. She has gained experience and training working with older communities. The organization also offers educational opportunities, offering training on working with people with dementia.

In this photo, members of Old Friends and New bake with senior citizens at Quinnipiac's demo kitchen.

While each organization has a different mission, their work demonstrates the variety of ways Quinnipiac students engage with communities beyond campus.

Whether they are reading to children, preparing families meals, or sharing a conversation with an older adult, these experiences offer students an opportunity to learn from the communities around them and make an impact. Making a difference does not always require a large-scale initiative; sometimes it begins with a small gesture.