chiereme fortune
Community Editor
Recreation, mentorship and meaningful relationships are just some of the traits that Mini Marlins, a student led service project, has to offer its participants. Tracy Stevenson started the project in the fall 2010, after having visited various shelters on Marlins Make a Difference Day as an after school recreational time for children at family shelters. The program has since evolved over the last two years into a community building partnership with Enoch Baptist Church serving the Enoch Christian Academy aftercare program students.
“Enoch is a player in helping to meet the needs of our neighbors in the community,” said Director of Community Service Diane Hotaling. “We partner with them and the city. [Mini Marlins] meets their staffing needs and gives them the chance to watch young people in service.”
The program has been continued under the direction of junior and Recreation and Leisure Studies major Katie Giwa-Osagie who has been very invested in the Community Service Office since her freshman year.
“I do it because it gives me an opportunity to use what I learned in my major,” said Giwa-Osagie. “Volunteering is an experience everyone should have. You learn about yourself and meet great people.”
Mini Marlins will continue to serve the community as this semester closes and the fall semester approaches. If you are interested in being a part of the Mini Marlins team, contact Diane Hotaling or Giwa-Osagie in the Community Service Office.
