Kansas State University

K-State is a member of Break Away. Break Away's mission is to train, assist, and connect campuses and communities in promoting quality alternative break programs that inspire lifelong active citizenship.

Students will travel to Fort Worth to partner with the Day Resource Center which offers an array of services to the homeless in the DFW area. While most homeless shelters offer over-night sleeping facilities and meals, the Day Resource Center offers daily services to help maintain human dignity such as restroom facilities, showers and laundry services and provides a safe-haven for homeless mothers and their children. The center also offers job training and education to assist the homeless in achieving self-sufficiency.

For the 14th consecutive year, students will travel to Dallas to serve at the AIDS Service of Dallas. The mission of ASD is to create and strengthen healthy communities through the delivery of quality, affordable, service-enriched housing for individuals and families living with HIV/AIDS. ASD's mission includes advocacy, education, and the development of affordable housing options and community development opportunities, both for its residents living with HIV/AIDS, and for economically disadvantaged people.
In the past, students have been involved in a variety of activities including landscaping the garden, organizing filing systems, and interacting with youth clientele. A 2010 K-State spring breaker said: “The jobs that we did were larger ones that their maintenance team could not get to in their normal schedule. The coordinators could take us around to their properties and point out the jobs that past K-State teams have done. Clearly, what we do leaves a lasting impression.” 

This is great opportunity to learn more about Native American culture and help an under served population. Teams will work on various projects during the week which may include assisting the disabled and elderly, as well as assisting in building projects within the community. The team will also have the opportunity to engage with community members in the evening, eat traditional Cherokee meals, tour the cultural heritage center, and listen to various Cherokee leaders speak on topics affecting their nation.

To apply, complete the Winter Breaks application and return the materials via e-mail to altbreak@ksu.edu Due date is Oct 12th.

Shared table and Stray hearts are the organizations in Taos, New Mexico that students will get to work with. Shared Table is a program run through the El Pueblito United Methodist Church. The program feeds meals to thousands of hungry in the Taos area. Stray Hearts is a local animal shelter that houses the many stray animals of the Taos area. Students could serve on a number of projects including painting/restoration, sorting and organizing. 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is internationally recognized for its pioneering research and treatment of children with cancer and other catastrophic diseases. Ranked one of the best pediatric cancer hospitals in the country, St. Jude is the first and only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Students play an important part in processing the multitude of donated goods that are received in the donor services center. Students will also have the opportunity to organize and implement evening programming for St. Jude residents and their families. Past teams have served in a variety of ways including hosting meals, ice cream socials, and craft nights. 

For the fourth consecutive year, students will serve in Chicago, Illinois at the Roseland/Pullman Boys & Girls Club. The mission of the Boys & Girls Club is to enable all young people, especially those who need help most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Students will support regular staffers through facilitating activities and games with the kids as well as tutoring and working one on one with children at the club. A previous Chicago Alternative breaker said, “I cannot even begin to count the times I was absolutely touched by all of the wonderful kids I worked with. I can recall a specific time when I was able to connect one on one with a member simply by playing catch. It astounded me how simply a relationship can form, even without verbal communication.”

No More Victims is our newest site partner, located in the heart of Houston. This organization was founded by an individual who saw the need to support children whose parents are incarcerated after working as a parole officer for many years. This program addresses the physical, emotional and scholastic needs of these children by “healing the child within”. Students will serve as mentors for the youth and assist with programming arranged by No More Victims. 

To apply, complete the Spring Breaks application and return the materials via e-mail to altbreak@ksu.edu.

Site Leader Application Due Nov 16th
Participants Application Due Nov 30th