Engaging “Service” in the Region: Safeguarding Vulnerable Communities

Level of Education of Students Involved

Undergraduate

Faculty Sponsor

Anna Stewart and Kat Peters

College

Other

Discipline(s)

Institute for Leadership and Service; Interdisciplinary

Presentation Type

Oral Presentation

Symposium Date

Spring 4-30-2026

Abstract

In March 2026, ten Valparaiso University students participated in the Northwest Indiana and Chicago Spring Break Service Trip, which engaged issues of racial and environmental justice.  We were able to learn about the history of these communities through the lenses of current residents. Historical disinvestment, similar to what was seen in both Pullman and Gary’s industry towns, has created limited job opportunities, poor infrastructure and underfunded schools in communities around Chicago and into Northwest Indiana. Beyond that, the residue of systemic and discriminatory practices such as redlining, has created a legacy of segregation, wealth gaps, and concentrated poverty. The communities that we had the privilege of stepping into and serving exemplify much of the effects of current and former policies working against many black and minority communities. Yet, more than that, they show the strength of resilience, care, and love that carries a community through systems set up against them.

Biographical Information about Author(s)

  • Nathalia Lenz Prochnow is a first year Political Science major from San Salvador, El Salvador. 

  • Nick Greiner is a second year Accounting major in Christ College, from Munster, Indiana.

  • Lauren Wroza is a third year Sociology major and French minor from Rochester, Michigan.

  • Esai Hernandez is a third year Business major from Chicago, Illinois.

  • Ali Klinner is a first year Criminology and Social Work major from Springfield, Illinois.

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