by Ellen Laws
The Civitan International Club came to Gardner-Webb University last year during the fall semester and has been making positive steps since then.
This club works along with people with intellectual disabilities and physical disabilities, while also working on local projects that provide services to the Cleveland County Community.
According to the special events coordinator, Marissa Richardson, “Our club branches out to work with other members within the community such as the homeless [and] the elderly, and provide an extra pair of hands for anyone in need.”
On April 18, the Special Olympics received support from Gardner-Webb’s Civitan International Club. The Special Olympics is an event that takes place at Shelby High School. Athletes endured a significant amount of training throughout the year in order to compete in the Special Olympics.
Vice President Keanna Caldwell said, “Even though we don’t know the athletes personally, we feel connected to the community because of the love and support for the members of the special needs community and their families.”
The Civitan International Club tag teams with other clubs on campus such as, HOSA and Release. The club also partners up with Miracle Hill in Gaffney, South Carolina. “Miracle Hill provides help for people transitioning from homelessness to recuperating back into their daily lives,” said Richardson.
Civitan International Club offers each member the opportunity to develop his or hers leadership skills, public speaking abilities, and organizational skills. It is a way for them to meet people with similar interests in the community.
For more information about this club please contact Richardson at [email protected].