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The Center for Working Families, Quito Ecuador

Program Dates: January 2, 2025 to January 11, 2025.

VISION in Partnership with BUSN 200 will be in Quito, Ecuador, offers Tommies a transformative opportunity for volunteering and cultural exchange rooted in the VISION values. At The Center for Working Families, Tommies will support vulnerable families by assisting with education, healthcare, food distribution, and workshops that empower adults to find employment or start their own businesses. The Center, with a 60-year legacy of putting faith into action, provides holistic support to families through education, healthcare, and economic empowerment programs. It serves as a beacon of hope in Quito, helping families break the cycle of poverty while fostering a strong sense of community. This experience highlights the importance of the ministry of presence and the impact of community in breaking the cycle of generational poverty. Through reflection and active participation, Tommies will contribute to meaningful change while deepening their understanding of global justice and solidarity, making a lasting impact on both the local community and their own personal growth.

This VISION trip cost is projected to be $2,800. All inclusive: Flights, lodging, meals, transportation and experiences.

We encourage all interested students to apply for the VISION program scholarships as part of the program application. Consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit substantial financial need as determined by the St. Thomas financial aid office.

U.S. Mexico Border-Sonora Arizona and Sonora Mexico.

Program Dates: January 12, 2025 to January 17, 2025.

VISION will partner with the Kino Border Initiative. This Immersion experience will allow Tommies to cross the U.S. Mexico border into Nogales, Sonora, Mexico to volunteer and meet migrants and asylum seekers, accompany the Kino team in providing humanitarian services, while learning about the immigration system.

This VISION trip cost is projected to be $2,200. All inclusive: Flights, lodging, meals, transportation and experiences.

We encourage all interested students to apply for the VISION program scholarships as part of the program application. Consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit substantial financial need as determined by the St. Thomas financial aid office.

San Cristobal de Las Casa, Chiapas, Mexico.

Program Dates: January 20, 2025 to January 30, 2025.

VISION in San Cristobal de las Casas, Mexico, offers Tommies a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to learn about and experience aspects of Mayan life and culture, including food, spirituality, and their centuries-long and courageous struggle for justice. VISION participants will be able to engage with Mayan and Mestizo people in their communities, with those knowledgeable about the history of this beautiful place and nature in its abundance in this beautiful mountain region. The VISION participants will have the opportunity to work with recent Migrants to Mexico, to observe and learn what the role of the Catholic Church has been in supporting migrants, and to accompany and engage with Mayan children who work to help support their families. The volunteer engagement, exploration, reflection, and learning this opportunity promises to be transformative for you in your life!

This VISION trip cost is projected to be $2,600. All inclusive: Flights, lodging, meals, transportation and experiences.

We encourage all interested students to apply for the VISION program scholarships as part of the program application. Consideration will be given to applicants who exhibit substantial financial need as determined by the St. Thomas financial aid office.