Riverside House had the incredible honor of welcoming 64 students from Georgia Southern University’s CRU (Campus Crusade for Christ) for a four-day volunteer experience that left a lasting impression on all of us.
These passionate freshmen and sophomores—guided by their amazing team leaders—showed up with open hearts, ready to serve. From 10 AM to 3 PM each day, they rolled up their sleeves and got to work, rotating in groups to take on a wide range of projects across our facility.
Their efforts included:
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Deep cleaning our social hall, kitchen, stairwells, and offices
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Clearing debris and trash from the grounds
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Sprucing up the DRC and Emergency Shelter, which serve our homeless clients
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Tidying up bathrooms, mopping floors, and caring for the spaces our residents call home
But their impact went far beyond cleaning. These students brought warmth, encouragement, and genuine compassion into every interaction. They took time to connect with our residents, offering words of hope and support that truly resonated. One especially powerful moment was when a current RH resident bravely shared his story—opening up about his past, the lessons he’s learned, and his commitment to building a better future. It was a moment of honesty, connection, and transformation that touched everyone in the room.
Each day wrapped with a special session led by our COO Dave McSherry and CEO Cleve Bell, who shared their personal journeys, the mission behind Riverside House, and answered thoughtful questions from the group. These conversations brought it all full circle—reminding us how meaningful it is when community and purpose come together.
We are so thankful for the CRU students from Georgia Southern University. Their servant hearts, joy, and tireless energy made a real difference—not just in our space, but in the spirits of the people we serve.
Thank you for choosing to walk alongside us. You are now a part of the Riverside House family. 💙
