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GSN Class of 2010 leaves lasting gift

As their parting project prior to graduating from the USU Graduate School of Nursing, the Class of 2010 donated their time, effort, and financial support to help numerous families seeking relief at a local shelter.

Students volunteered at the Stepping Stones Shelter periodically during their final year, providing general cleaning of the shelter and sorting of winter coats after the shelter's big coat drive. They also hosted a holiday party for six families. "We needed a class project; we brain-stormed, and this is what we decided on," said Army Lt. Col. Jean Barido, class president and Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) recent graduate.

"We didn't want to present a plaque. (Our gift) needed to have meaning," said Air Force Capt. Rebekah Peery, also a 2010 FNP graduate. "This is something residents will enjoy all summer."

The class's most recent May 4 efforts culminated their year-long project of assisting the shelter. This class hopes they have set the bar high for future classes of the GSN to develop a continuing relationship with the shelter.

Much of the new front-porch furniture was purchased with gift money provided by the volunteers, as was a range of household and yard improvement items.

"This is about selfless service - it isn't about us," said Barido. "Whether we are taking care of children, fixing our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen or Marines, or repairing our neighbors' backyards, we certainly don't have to travel far to give back to the communities in which we live."

Stepping Stones Shelter, located in Rockville, Md., offers homeless men, women and children food and shelter in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.