GSO provides opportunities for outreach and demonstration of one’s Christian faith through various on-going ministry opportunities. Students are invited and encouraged to participate in any or all of the following:

• Christian Activities Center - East St. Louis Ministry
  One afternoon a week, Greenville College students have the opportunity to hang out at a community center with a whole lot of inner city elementary school kids. The environment at the center is relaxed and you may choose to tutor, read in the library we are establishing there, play basketball in their full court gym, jump on a giant trampoline or engage in a myriad of other activities.

• Crossroads; Big Brother/Big Sister program
  Crossroads, an outreach of the Simple Room, connects at risk middle school kids from the community with Greenville College Students. Monthly activities such as bowling or barbecues are planned, but big-brothers and sisters are encouraged to spend time with their little-brothers and sisters in addition to the monthly events. For example, doing homework for an hour one week in the college library or going out for ice cream another week. Don't pass up this opportunity to build a relationship with a child that could have a lasting positive impact on you both.
  Directors Robin Poage and Lee O'Conner can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Habitat For Humanity
  In partnership with the international organization, Greenville College students have the opportunity to learn about dry wall and power tools as they help build a house for a homeless family. Working with community members from the Vandalia affiliate, students can spend their Saturday mornings making a difference. No experience is necessary, just some old clothes and a willingness to work. Also look information about a possible Habitat for Humanity Spring Break trip.
  Director Danny McMaken can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Mt. Sinai Family Life Center
  This is an after school tutoring ministry for grades K-6. GC students provide tutoring one afternoon each week at this East St. Louis church.
  

• Salvation Army/Belleville Homeless Shelter
  One night each week Greenville College students have the opportunity to interact with homeless families as they serve the shelter doing whatever needs to be done, whether it be organizing or serving at the soup kitchen or playing with some kids. Be prepared to learn and take advantage of this exposure to homelessness.
  Directors Heather Ryan and Liz Koenig can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Urban Plunge
  Once each semester, Greenville College students have the chance to spend a weekend in St. Louis serving at various non-profit organizations. In the past, students have worked with urban churches, homes for abused women and children, and food banks, to name a few. Included in these weekends are discussions on poverty, homelessness, and our role as Christians. Urban Plunge is a wonderful opportunity to gain experience, wrestle with problems facing our world, serve, and make new friends.
  Directors Christy Mesecher and Cori Fish can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

• Shak-a-thon
  Ever wanted to live in a box for a couple days? Shak-a-thon is an experience in being homeless and hungry. Currently scheduled for October 12-14, this event is sponsored by Habitat for Humanity to help students see poverty in a more real way.
  Director Jes Adam can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
  

• Pocahontas After-School Program
  This ministry runs through a church in Pocahontas to offer after-school care to kids. It offers the opportunity to play with the kids, help them with homework, and even teach a Bible lesson, much like a VBS.
  

• GSO Hurricane Relief
  This temporary category is multi-faceted. It's primary ministry is to refugees being housed at the Alton Mental Health Center . The campus food and clothing drive is being sponsored by this ministry also. If you have any ideas on other things GSO could do to help, please let us know!
  Director Alex Kinkade can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
  

• Cardinal Hill Care Facility Outreach
  One night a week, Greenville College students spend time singing karaoke, playing bingo, or simply talking with the residents of the Cardinal Hill Care Facility. Take advantage of this opportunity to learn from the wisdom of the elderly, while providing companionship to an often forgotten group among us.
  Director Julie Murphy can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  
  

• Blood Drives
  A couple of times each year Greenville hosts blood drives to help the local hospital. This is a great way to help out and save lives, even if you don't have the time to commit to a weekly ministry.
  Director Doug Pritchett can be contacted at: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

   

For more information on GSO-sponsored activities, contact Sarah Chasteen.