Riviera Ridge School Builds Empathy Through Service Learning

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Santa Barbara, Ca. (December 9, 2022) – “Purpose Beyond Self” is one of The Riviera Ridge School’s Core Values, and they are demonstrating that with a variety of service projects for students of all ages. As part of an annual fall initiative, students in the Middle School Elective Service Brigade run a service drive. This year, students in Service Brigade researched various non-profits and chose to support PATH of Santa Barbara. PATH works with unhoused individuals and families in Santa Barbara to help them with housing, food, and stabilization services. For weeks students collected non-perishable food to create Thanksgiving baskets for families in need. By Thanksgiving break, 1,136 food items were collected, filling up 100 baskets.

“Service Brigade students learn about advocacy and the fulfillment that comes from working towards a goal that is bigger than themselves,” Rebecca Ryser, Middle School Division Coordinator and Service Brigade Advisor, said. “Through partnering with local nonprofits, students learn about the very real needs of our community. The process of creating a plan and presenting it to their peers, and seeing the results of their hard work builds confidence and public speaking skills as well.”