The President’s Interfaith and Community Service Campus Challenge is a national initiative launched by President Barack Obama, with the hope of uniting Americans of all faiths, along with those who practice no faith, to come together with common purpose through service.
The federal government provided a framework, along with resources through gatherings and webinars. However, each institution was tasked with uncovering and responding to real needs within their community.
Warner Pacific was one of only four colleges in Oregon to be recognized for the achievement of completing the challenge of involving students, faculty, staff, and the greater community in interfaith service.
Through partnerships with Catholic Charities and the Interfaith Council of Greater Portland, and with the leadership of Dr. Cassie Trentaz, students were able to provide nearly 700 hours of direct service to the refugee resettlement program helping recent immigrants from Iran and Somalia.
Students have also planned ongoing projects for continued engagement within this community, in hopes of helping to meet the direct needs of refugees in the Portland area.