Learn More About the Organization of Human Services (OHS)
 

The Organization of Human Services (OHS) is an active student club designed to highlight and serve those students who are interested in Human Services and related fields like Psychology and Sociology. To fulfill its mission, OHS offers various service opportunities throughout the year, such as the Korean Toy and Supply Drive in November, where baby-related items are collected for the orphanage in South Korea where our faculty advisor adopted her three, now-teenaged children.
 
Probably most recognizable to Villanova is the OHS partnership with the Second Mile Program, which was founded by Jerry Sandusky of Penn State. Villanova is the southeastern regional site for Second Mile, and on one Sunday each month, OHS members and other Villanova students “friend” at-risk children from southeastern Pennsylvania, serving as mentors on campus for them for several hours of fun activities. OHS is also currently working on building a service partnership with a local site or school.
  
In addition, OHS hosts speakers from experts in the field. This past fall, Cheri Louvre, a crisis management specialist from Salem, Oregon, spoke on “Lessons Learned from Crisis Situations.” In March 2008, an alumni career panel will be presented for interested students to learn about some of the paths and careers of Villanova human services alumni. An honor society chartered through the National Organization of Human Services, Tau Alpha Upsilon recognizes outstanding students in the major as well.
  
In the spring, OHS will sponsor the Fairy Godmother Project. By collecting gently used prom and formal dresses, OHS hopes to help make the prom wishes of inner-city girls come true. So, ladies, over spring and Easter break, grab those dresses from the back of your closets and bring them to the Connelly Center from March 10 to 19, or on March 27.
 
If you think you might be interested in the Human Services major, please contact Dr. Beverly Kahn. If you are interested in joining OHS or finding out more about this all-inclusive, fun, and exciting group, please e-mail the public relations chairperson at Carolyn Camire. For even more information on this dynamic organization, please contact Joan Capolupo, the group's faculty advisor.