University of St. Augustine Campuses Nationwide Contributed to Virtual Day of Service Event

Faculty and Staff Aim to be a "Force for Good" Through Coordinated Community Give-Back Initiatives

MIAMI, FL, November 20, 2020 /24-7PressRelease/ -- The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) annual "Day of Service" event benefits local causes and organizations unique to each campus's community. With campuses operating remotely in response to ongoing COVID-19 concerns, USAHS continued to be a positive presence in local communities through virtual efforts. Innovating this year's "Day of Service" event, the University engaged faculty and staff through virtual volunteering. Over 140 volunteers "came together" on a kick-off Zoom meeting prior to breaking into five virtual events and small virtual groups that assembled 200 kits for selected nonprofit organizations.

"Our yearly Day of Service is an important part of our mission for the University of St. Augustine and as part of our commitment as a B Corps organization," explained Vivian Sanchez, Chief Executive Officer and Interim President for the University. "It is critical – now more than ever - for us to continue our commitment to our communities in 2020 – overcoming challenges presented by social distancing, remote learning, and public safety. By hosting this year's Day of Service events virtually, we're actively providing engaging alternatives for our employees who wish to stay involved with volunteer efforts and give back to our local community while mitigating any potential health risks."

"Building Impact shares our focus on diversity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for those in need," added Sanchez. "The beneficiaries of the virtual kits are often the very same people we serve through our volunteer health care efforts. Aligning with Building Impact for our virtual Day of Service allowed us to maintain our relationship and provide for those who have come to rely on our support."

Building Impact, a Boston-based volunteering organization that coordinates kit building activities between local non-profits around the country and volunteers who assemble the components of the kits online, assisted in executing the virtual 2020 Day of Service. Building Impact packages and delivers completed kits to non-profit organizations that will distribute the kits throughout communities in need. The beneficiaries chosen by each USAHS campus for this year's Day of Service include:
• Casa de Arampo hosted by the San Marcos, CA campus
• Lotus House hosted by the Miami, FL campus
• Port in the Storm Homeless Youth Center hosted by the St. Augustine, FL campus
• LifeWorks hosted by the Austin, TX campus
• Promise House hosted by the Dallas, TX campus

Each non-profit partner received Bare Essentials kits designed to provide hygiene and clothing basics to kids, teens, and adults who have been displaced by domestic violence, homelessness, or other life challenges.

"We are so thankful for the essential hygiene donations that we received!" said Casa de Amparo. "With over 40 youth staying with us every night, hygiene items are always in high demand at our facility, thank you for meeting a continuous need of ours, we are so appreciative of your generosity!

For more information about the University for Health Sciences, including programs and events, visit www.usa.edu.

About University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences
The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences (USAHS) is a graduate institution that offers degree programs in physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, nursing, education, and healthcare administration, as well as continuing education programs. Founded in 1979, USAHS educates students through its network of campuses in San Marcos, California; St. Augustine and Miami in Florida; and Austin and Dallas in Texas. USAHS is regionally accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 985 Atlantic Avenue, #100, Alameda, CA 94501, (510) 748-9001, www.wascsenior.org, and depicts its commitment to social responsibility through its B Corp certification. For more information: www.usa.edu.

About B Corp Certifications/ B Lab
Certified B Corporations (B Corps) are businesses that meet the highest standards of verified social and environmental performance, public transparency, and legal accountability to balance profit and purpose. By harnessing the power of business, B Corps use profits and growth as a means to a greater end: positive impacts for their employees, communities, and the environment. Certified B Corporations achieve a minimum verified score on the B Impact Assessment – and make their B Impact Report transparent on bcorporation.net. Certified B Corporations also amend their legal governing documents to require their board of directors to balance profits and purpose. A combination of third-party validation, public transparency, and legal accountability help Certified B Corps build trust and value. B Corp Certification is administered by the non-profit B Lab. For more information, visit www.bcorporation.net.

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