COVID-19 Information
See the latest updates and information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, including a list of University contact information at semo.edu/covid19.
Sign up for SERVICE PROJECTS here!
- Southeast Serves is a program that provides students, faculty, and staff with the opportunity to engage in community service on and off-campus.
- Southeast Serves offers both one-time and on-going service opportunities that address critical needs in our community through meaningful and mutually beneficial partnerships. Community service activities may include but are not limited to: academic service-learning, co-curricular service learning (not part of an academic course, but utilizing service-learning elements) and other co-curricular student volunteer activities. Community service includes both direct service to citizens (e.g., serving food to the needy) and indirect service (e.g., assessing community nutrition needs or managing a food bank).
- All of the programs and events are designed to challenge participants to reflect upon their own commitment to social justice and empower them to work toward solutions.
Campus Life & Event Services would like to thank everyone who made the Southeast Serves Big
Impact a great success. On April 13, 2019, 140 students volunteered 293.2 hours and
completed 13 projects!
Check back often as we are planning Southeast Serves projects for Spring 2020.
Spring and Fall Service Trips
Mid-Semester
Each semester, Southeast Serves hosts an off-campus service trip, volunteering at places such as Habitat for Humanity or the Southeast Food Bank. Transportation is provided to a limited number of students.
Southeast Serves Week/Weekend
April
Students volunteer to serve the Cape Girardeau community and local agencies such as the Special Olympics, the Veterans Home, the Conservation Center, Mac's Mission, Discovery Playhouse, local schools, and many more!
Raking Leaves for Cape Girardeau Senior Citizens
October
Students from Southeast Missouri State University dedicate several hours to raking leaves for senior residents and veterans of the Cape Girardeau community.
Safe Trick or Treat
October
Southeast Serves partners with Residence Life and Gamma Sigma Sigma for an annual Safe Trick or Treat event for the kids of the local community. Various residence halls have been full of children in Halloween costumes enjoying candy and games prepared by student organizations and building residents. Activities have included pumpkin painting, ghost lollipops, pin a smile on a jack-o-lantern, Halloween experiments and a Haunted Floor! The free event is fun for both the children and their guardians.
Southeast Missouri State encourages all students to participate in community service! It’s a great way to help others, meet new friends, and make lasting memories. You can get involved by filling out the Southeast Serves Interest Form so that the Southeast Serves office can notify you of upcoming projects on and off campus. After completing any type of service, we ask that all volunteers log their hours through the Community Service Log. We want to recognize all the hard work performed by students throughout the academic year!
Some local agencies seek volunteers year-round. Students may contact any of these agencies on their own to ask about long-term opportunies or ways to assist without having to go through the Southeast Serves program.
- Catholic Social Ministry Food Pantry - 573-335-9347, Volunteer Signup, Facebook
- Danceabilities School of Dance - 314-269-3180, lmburmester1s@gmail.com, Facebook
- The People's Shelter - 573-334-9119, thepeoplesshelter@gmail.com, Facebook
- Redhawk Food Pantry - 573-651-2236, redhawkpantry@semo.edu, Facebook
- Safe Harbor Animal Sanctuary - 573-243-9823, Facebook
- Safe House for Women Thrift Shop - 573-335-7746, thriftshop@semosafehouse.org, Facebook
- Scott City Nutrition Center - 573-264-3402, scottcitycenter@sbcglobal.net
- Senior Centers
- Cape Girardeau - 573-335-1352, capeseniorcenter@sbcglobal.net
- Jackson - 573-243-4241
- Southeast Missouri Food Bank - 573-475-7565, mthatch@semofoodbank.org, Facebook
Students can also join organizations with a mission for service. While many student organizations volunteer some time with the community, the groups listed have registered with the University as a Service organization or as a Special Interest group geared towards a specific cause. Please contact each group with any specific questions you have regarding who they serve, meeting times, and their membership requirements.
#1: It's good for you.
Volunteering provides many rewards to both mental and physical health.
#2: It saves resources.
Volunteering provides valuable community services so more money can be spent on local improvements.
#3: Volunteers gain professional experience.
You can test out a career.
#4: It brings people together.
You assist in uniting people from diverse backgrounds to work toward a common goal.
#5: It increases your social and relationship skills.
Understanding community needs helps foster empathy and self-efficacy.
#6: Volunteering strengthens your community.
As a volunteer you help support families, youth, improve schools, and beautify the community.
#7: You learn a lot.
Volunteers discover hidden talents that may change your view on your self-worth.
#8: You get a chance to give back.
People like to support community resources that they use themselves.
#9: Volunteering brings fun and fulfillment to your life.
Volunteering is a fun and easy way to explore your interests and passions.
#10: You make a difference.
Every person counts!
Contact
573.651.2280
seserves@semo.edu
University Center Room 414
One University Plaza, MS1200
Cape Girardeau, Missouri 63701