Jumping at Opportunity to Help Others
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Jumping at Opportunity to Help Others

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September 28, 2016

Written by Djdade Denson, Marquette University student & Project Homeless Connect volunteer

My name is Djdade and I was born and raised on Milwaukee’s north side. After attending Milwaukee College Prep I was fortunate to receive an academic scholarship to attend University School of Milwaukee (USM). During my four years at the high school I found a new love: track and field. I graduated in 2014 holding the record for longest jump at 22 feet, 7 inches, and the best in triple jump: 46 feet, 1 inch. With assistance from numerous teachers and coaches at USM, I not only graduated with honors, but my success in sports also catapulted me to receive an athletic scholarship to Marquette University.

At Marquette one of the first things I noticed when stepping on campus, was the abundant amount of volunteer opportunities college students can get involved in. When I found out about Project Homeless Connect, I jumped (no pun intended) at the opportunity to volunteer. Although my class schedule was busy, I knew this event was one I wanted to be a part of. I also invited my Aunt Perhell to join me that day.

While volunteering, I was reunited with one of my first track coaches at University School, Mary Ellen Jones who works for United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County. It was amazing not only to reconnect with Mary Ellen that day, but also help hundreds of people in our community experience homelessness navigate through Marquette’s campus and get connected to services they needed.

From free haircuts, to dental checks, receiving supplies like toothbrushes, soap and sleeping bags it was awesome to see people come together in one space for one mission: to help others. That day I felt surrounded by so much compassion. I truly enjoyed volunteering at this event. I know a lot of people have helped me get to where I am today, and it felt great to finally have an opportunity to pay it forward. The least I could do was volunteer at Project Homeless Connect. I encourage you to volunteer at Project Homeless Connect this year. Coming as someone who has received help all of my life, it’s such a great feeling to help others. I hope to see you there!

Click here to volunteer!

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