On the Eve of Adventure

Hello! Thanks for reading. I am about to begin a very exciting time in my life that I have been anticipating for months now. My journey does not have a specific destination other than to discover- new cultures, communities, friends, and challenges. I expected a very rewarding learning experience!

In just a few hours, I will embark on my journey to Richmond, VA for the summer. I will be working with a nonprofit organization there called Boaz & Ruth (www.boazandruth.com). Situated in a low-income neighborhood of Richmond, B&R works to:

• Provide life/work skills and re-entry assistance for released prisoners
• Foster commercial revitalization for the troubled community of Highland Park
• Bridge culturally and economically disparate communities within the Richmond metropolitan area

They carry out their mission through a number of social entrepreneurial businesses such as a cafe, furniture store, and moving company. These enterprises allow the apprentices (formally incarcerated individuals undergoing training) to gain experience in business and simultaneously boost the economy of this community. Boaz & Ruth is faith-based and places a huge emphasis on building relationships among their apprentices, staff, and within the community.

I first learned about Boaz & Ruth about a year and a half ago when I was organizing a service project in Richmond for a service trip I was co-leading called the Pay It Forward Tour. Our group of 40 students ended up spending an amazing day volunteering and learning from the staff and apprentices. I was truly moved by the amazing things Boaz & Ruth was doing and knew I wanted to return someday. I remember Martha Rollins, the founder & current CEO, mentioning the possibility of coming back to do an internship in the summer. Well, one summer went by, and when it came time to formulate my plans for this summer I had a strong desire to experience a different region of the US. What better place to do so, I thought, than Boaz & Ruth.

The next two and a half months will surely be filled with excitement, frustration, and memories. Please stay tuned to see what adventures may come my way!

Eric