“The mission of the Open Door Clinic is to promote good health and wellbeing by supporting patients through comprehensive and equitable health care,” said Volunteer Coordinator Makenna Grozis ’27. “For many patients, this care is essential, and without it, small health concerns can escalate into costly emergencies. This clinic aims to help the uninsured stay healthy and reduce potential emergency medical costs and other burdens on families through preventative care.”

The Open Door Clinic relies heavily on grants and operates with minimal paid staff, making volunteers the backbone of patient care.

“Volunteers play a huge role, acting as the primary liaison between the patients and the medical staff,” Grozis noted.

From the moment a patient walks in, student volunteers are there to greet them, check them in, answer questions and ensure the clinic runs smoothly. Beyond medical services, the clinic addresses broader disparities tied to financial and social barriers. Patients have access to free or low-cost medications, labs, vaccines, and even specialty care. The clinic also houses the “Closet of Hope,” providing clothing and toiletries at no cost. Together, these resources create what Grozis describes as “an equitable space where vulnerable populations can have an opportunity to achieve better health outcomes.”

For Elon students, the experience is both practical and deeply personal. Most begin in clerk roles, but even these positions carry meaningful responsibility.

“They are the first faces our patients see when they walk through the door,” Grozis said.

Over time, these repeated weekly shifts foster a special connection and much-needed consistency.

“Unlike many volunteer positions where students may go once a semester, volunteers at the clinic get to know the patients, staff, providers, and other volunteers,” Grozis said.

Grozis’s own experience reflects this sense of growth and initiative. Recognizing a language barrier among many Spanish-speaking patients, she enrolled in a medical Spanish course at Elon. That decision led her to help create a collaboration between the class and the clinic.

“The student volunteers as interpreters where they facilitate communication between the providers and the patient,” she explained.

This effort not only improved patient care but also expanded opportunities for students to engage more directly in the clinical setting. After nearly three years at the clinic, Grozis has witnessed both patient progress and volunteer dedication firsthand.

“I have seen numerous volunteers go out of their way to make sure patients feel heard and informed,” she said.

For her, and for many others, the Open Door Clinic is more than a place of service; it is a community. Even when language barriers exist, connection persists.

“Many of the staff members know almost every single patient by name,” Grozis shared. “A smile can carry a great deal of compassion and understanding.”

Peacehaven focuses on building relationships and opportunities that allow individuals of all abilities to thrive together. Located in Whitsett, North Carolina, Peacehaven centers its mission on belonging and dignity. Rather than focusing on diagnoses or limitations, the organization emphasizes the unique strengths and identities of the individuals it serves.

“Peacehaven Farm’s mission is grounded in the belief that every person, regardless of ability, has inherent value, purpose, and the right to belong,” said Carlyn McMahan ’26, Elon Volunteers! LINCS (Leaders in Collaborative Service) coordinator.

The organization designs spaces that bring people together, demonstrating that authentic community grows through shared experiences and relationships. This work is particularly meaningful in Alamance County, where adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities often face limited employment opportunities and social isolation. Peacehaven aims to bridge that gap by offering inclusive programming, meaningful work experiences, and welcoming spaces where individuals can engage with others.

“In Alamance County, Peacehaven responds to a significant lack of inclusive spaces, meaningful employment opportunities, and long-term community support for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities,” says McMahan.

By focusing on connection and participation, Peacehaven helps create a community where individuals are not only supported but also recognized as vital contributors.

A key part of Peacehaven’s success lies in the everyday experiences on the farm. Every day is different; the environment encourages natural interaction and relationship building. Members of the community participate in programs like RISE, where activities range from crafts and book clubs to conversations about self-advocacy and personal interests. These interactions extend beyond staff and participants to include volunteers, families, students and visitors. The result is a vibrant community where relationships grow organically and individuals are seen for who they are rather than the challenges they may face.

For Elon students, Peacehaven also provides meaningful opportunities to engage through service. Through the Elon Volunteers! LINCS program, students can volunteer with initiatives like the Fiber Arts program or participate in Garden Workdays. These experiences help students build relationships with community members while learning about inclusive practices and advocacy. The impact of Peacehaven is felt not only by those directly involved but also by the broader community that interacts with the farm. Families gain reassurance knowing their loved ones are supported, while volunteers and students gain a deeper understanding of inclusion in action.

“It is difficult to fully capture the depth of impact that Peacehaven Farm creates for individuals and families, but it begins with the way each person is seen and valued,” McMahon said.

As Peacehaven continues to expand its campus and programming, its mission remains clear, to build a community where every individual is valued, every relationship matters and everyone has a place to belong.

Shaina Dabbs, associate professor of sports management and chair of the Department of Sports Management, has played a vital role in fostering this connection between Elon Athletics and Special Olympics.

This partnership has been impactful by “creating meaningful opportunities for athletes to compete, connect, and feel a sense of belonging through sport,” shared Dabbs. “Beyond competition, the organization fosters joy, confidence, and community pride, bringing together athletes, families, volunteers, and supporters around inclusion and shared purpose.”

Through conversations with leaders in the Special Olympics, Dabbs became inspired to connect Elon Athletics and Sports Management students, as she saw a partnership that would “align perfectly with the goals of our community-based learning model, using sport as a platform for service, learning, and impact.”

This relationship has bloomed through a course taught at Elon, SPT 4270 Event and Venue Management, where students were able to “design and execute ancillary events connected to athletic contests that mirror professional practice in the sport industry while increasing awareness and financial support for the organization.”

This course has served a community organization that has been influential in multiple capacities in Burlington, while also providing students with the opportunity to apply what they have learned in practice. Beyond the classroom, student-athletes working with Special Olympics get to see the powerful role they play as role models while reinforcing that sports are truly for everyone.

Since 2023, students have raised nearly $5,000 to benefit Special Olympics Alamance County, demonstrating how classroom learning can extend far beyond campus walls and translate into tangible, meaningful community impact. What begins as an academic assignment quickly becomes an opportunity for students to engage directly with athletes, families, and community members, gaining firsthand experience in service, advocacy and event coordination. The funds raised help provide local athletes with access to competitions, equipment, and year-round programming, but the impact goes well beyond financial support. �þ��� leave with a deeper understanding of inclusion, the power of adaptive sport, and the importance of creating spaces where everyone feels valued and celebrated.

Looking ahead, Dabbs hopes to continue fundraising but, more importantly, continue to “leave students with this experience and understanding that sport is not just an event, it can be a powerful vehicle for service, inclusion, and lasting community impact.”

Through this sustained partnership, the program not only uplifts Special Olympics athletes but also shapes students into more compassionate, community-minded leaders who recognize the broader role sport can play in building connection and belonging.

KING and PINK Academy are youth mentoring programs founded in response to a clear need within the local community: students who would benefit from a strong, reliable support system beyond the home. At its core, the program’s mission is simple but powerful. They want to walk alongside young people during formative years, helping them navigate school, relationships, and self-identity with encouragement and care.

For student leaders involved with KING/PINK Academy, the work is deeply personal. Elon senior Alex Fleischmann 26’, will be entering his seventh consecutive semester with the program and fourth as a program coordinator, describing the experience as unlike any other mentoring opportunity he’s encountered.

“Mentorship in this program feels very personal,” he shared. “Because KING/PINK is a weekly commitment and there’s an expectation that you show up every week, you’re able to build genuine connections with the students.”

That consistency Fleischmann describes is what sets the program apart. Over time, mentors don’t just work with students, but have the joy of watching them grow into their high school years. For long-term mentors, that can mean witnessing years of emotional, social, and academic development.

“As somebody who has been serving for almost four years, I’ve watched a couple of the kids grow up and mature in a way that I haven’t previously been able to with other youth mentoring programs,” said Fleischmann.

The impact of KING/PINK Academy extends far beyond the program sessions themselves. Mentors have consistently observed positive changes in students’ daily lives, from increased engagement at school to greater awareness of their mental health and well-being. These are important habits and skills they are gaining through this mentorship that will set them up well for their next chapter in high school.

“I’ve seen them become more engaged and tell me more positive things about their lives,” said Fleishmann. “Whether it’s being more present at school or learning how to take care of themselves, the growth is real.”

Just as powerful is the effect the program has on the mentors themselves. Working with KING/PINK Academy helps student leaders refine their own leadership and mentoring styles, learning how to meet each student where they are.

“This program has allowed me to continue developing my leadership style,” Fleischmann reflected. “This program has definitely reinforced that I want to be involved in similar work after graduation.

That growth often carries forward into the future. Many mentors find that their experiences with KING/PINK Academy influence how they see their role in the community along with what they hope to do next

As KING/PINK Academy looks ahead to the spring semester, the program is actively seeking new mentors who are passionate about youth development, consistency, and community engagement. Interested students are encouraged to reach out and get involved. Sometimes, showing up once a week can change far more than you expect, for both mentor and mentee

Habitat for Humanity is an international nonprofit organization committed to addressing the global affordable housing crisis. As the current LINCS coordinator, Moylan serves as the primary liaison between Elon Volunteers! and the Alamance County Habitat for Humanity chapter. In this role, she coordinates student volunteers while also working closely with Habitat’s professional staff on fundraising initiatives, social media outreach and increasing campus awareness of the organization’s mission. Her important work ensures that Elon students play an active role in creating safe, affordable housing for local families in Alamance County.

Moylan’s involvement with Habitat began during her sophomore year when she joined Elon Volunteers!. While exploring service opportunities through the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, she was drawn to Habitat because of its tangible impact.

“You can literally see the difference before and after a shift,” she shared.

Moylan loved to see the house take its shape, and families make it a home. This left her with a strong sense of pride and purpose that kept her coming back and wanting to do more.

In addition to her work with Habitat, Moylan 26’ co-founded Imagine Science, a program designed to address declining student engagement in science education following the COVID-19 pandemic. This program was inspired by her love and passion for science and education. Imagine Science’s mission is to bring hands-on experiments and activities to local after-school programs, introducing students to the scientific method in a fun and accessible way. The program also fills a previously limited niche in the Kernodle Center by offering a STEM-focused service opportunity for Elon students. One of Moylan’s most memorable moments came during Imagine Science’s first workshop in Spring 2025. After months of planning, she was nervous about how the students would respond to this new program.

“Seeing their faces light up when they realized how fun science could be was incredibly rewarding,” she said.

This experience solidified her commitment to continuing and expanding the program to keep fostering an environment for students to learn and even ignite a passion for science.

These service experiences have shaped Moylan personally, academically, and professionally. With big dreams to become a physician, she views service and education as essential pillars of medicine. Through Habitat and Imagine Science, she has gained hands-on skills, leadership experience, and a deeper understanding of the challenges facing her community. She hopes these insights from her work with these programs will make her a more compassionate doctor in her next chapter after Elon.

Moylan encourages fellow students to pursue their own ideas for community engagement.

“If you have a vision for a program that could make a difference, go for it,” she said. “Sometimes all it takes is one person with enough passion to bring it to life.”

Here are your Phoenix Five for the upcoming week:

Hunger and Homelessness Awareness Week

Monday, Nov. 10 to Friday, Nov. 14

The Kernodle Center for Civic Life and Elon Volunteers! invite you to engage in a week of service and education focused on food insecurity and housing. Participate in volunteer projects at the Second Harvest Food Bank, a food drive supporting Southern Alamance Family Empowerment (S.A.F.E), a panel with local leaders and a tour of a local Habitat for Humanity house. �þ��� can register for volunteer shifts on .

Eat Around the World

Experience global flavors and cultural connections right here on campus! This week, gather at the events that celebrate community through food.

Ramen Across Asia

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m., Moseley Kitchen

Join the Asian-Pacific Student Association for a flavorful journey through Asia’s beloved noodle soups! Sample regional ramen styles and learn about their cultural roots. From Japanese classics to Korean, Filipino, and Chinese variations. RSVP on .

Café Con Leche

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 5:30 p.m., El Centro, Carlton 114

Connect with fellow students at this monthly gathering centered on Latinx and Hispanic cultures. Share experiences, build friendships and explore college life in a welcoming, supportive environment open to all. This month will be Thanksgiving-themed! Come enjoy food, fellowship, and friendship. RSVP on .

SGA Townhall: Small Actions, Big Impact: How Individual Efforts Create Meaningful Change

Wednesday, Nov. 12, 6 p.m., Lakeside Meeting Rooms

Join SGA for a two-part event focused on taking action and creating change.

Part One: Hear from CrossRoads and the Gender & LGBTQIA Center on how small actions can lead to lasting impact in preventing sexual violence.
Part Two: Take part in roundtable discussions with local leaders and peers to explore how individual efforts can inspire collective transformation.

This is a great opportunity to connect, learn, and leave with ideas to make a difference. Follow for more information.

Late Night Elon: Limitless Showcase

Friday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., College Street Taphouse

This Friday, the Taphouse is your spot for good vibes and good music. Join Late Night Elon and Limitless for a full night of music featuring student artists at the Limitless annual showcase. Visit for more information.

Elon Basketball Double Header

Saturday, Nov. 15, Women’s Basketball at 5 p.m., Men’s Basketball at 8 p.m., Schar Center

Come out and support Phoenix basketball in a special night of back-to-back action on the court! The women’s team takes on Howard, followed by the men’s team facing Gardner-Webb. and bring your Phoenix Spirit! Additionally, the National Pan-Hellenic Council will be collecting books at the game for students in the Alamance-Burlington School System.

In the meantime, here are your Phoenix Five for the upcoming week:

Apply for a Leadership Opportunity with Elon Volunteers!

Application deadline: Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

Looking to make a difference in the community and grow as a leader? Spring applications for Elon Volunteers! are now open. Serve in roles like Peacehaven Farm interim Coordinator, Burlington Animal Services Coordinator, and more. Visit the for more information.

Greek Week 2025

Follow for updates throughout the week!

Hazing Prevention Speaker: Lianne Kowiak

Monday, Oct. 27, 6 – 7 p.m., Alumni Gym

Join the Elon community in taking a stand against hazing at this year’s annual hazing prevention event. Guest speaker Lianne Kowiak will share the powerful story of her son, Harrison, whose life inspired the creation of “Harrison’s Law” in North Carolina. Learn how awareness and advocacy can help build a safer, more compassionate campus community. This is open to all. Visit for more information.

Greek Dance

Thursday, Oct. 30, 8 – 11 p.m., Schar Center (Doors open at 7 p.m.)

Get ready for the 2025 Greek Dance competition! Sit back, relax and enjoy watching 17 of Elon’s Fraternity and Sorority chapters face off in a competition on the dance floor! Come cheer on your fellow Phoenix at one of the biggest events of the semester! Visit for more information.

Okanagan Charter Signing Ceremony

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 1:00 p.m., Koury Athletics Center Commons (between Stewart Fitness Center and Beck Pool)

Join the Elon community for a special moment as the university officially adopts the Okanagan Charter. The charter affirms Elon’s commitment to creating a campus culture that supports health, belonging, and well-being for all. .

Celebrate Diwali: The Hindu Festival of Lights

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 5:30 p.m., McKinnon Hall

Celebrate Diwali, the Hindu Festival of Lights, and experience the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil. Join us for an evening filled with traditional food, dance, music, and stories from students, faculty, and staff. All are welcome to take part in this annual celebration of joy, renewal, and togetherness. Visit for more information.

The Department of Performing Arts Presents “An American in Paris”

Friday, Oct. 31 – Saturday, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. 

Sunday, Nov. 2, 2 p.m. 

Thursday, Nov. 6 – Friday, Nov.7, 7:30 p.m. 

Saturday, Nov. 8, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. 

Set in the French capital in the wake of World War II, “An American in Paris” tells the romantic story of a young American soldier, a beautiful French girl and an indomitable European city – each yearning for a new beginning in the aftermath of international conflict. Tickets are available at . Admission is $15 or free with an Elon ID.

Elon Volunteers! is housed in the Kernodle Center for Civic Life and offers an accessible entry point for students to plug into service opportunities and connect with community partners in Alamance County.

Leah Brooker ’27, executive director for outreach and collaboration, led the implementation of this membership to help students discover both the joy of service and the strength of community.

“Elon Volunteers! membership is an exciting opportunity for students to participate in an impactful leadership role during their time at Elon and acts as a first step into the Kernodle Center for Civic Life,” said Brooker. “Members dedicate themselves to participating in various volunteer experiences throughout the semester that allow them to engage directly with the community and connect with other like-minded students on campus.”

Through the membership, students volunteer at least three times per semester and participate in the Institutes for Civic and Community Engagement, monthly gatherings designed to deepen understanding of local needs and build leadership skills. Optional social events also help members form friendships with peers who share their passion for service.

Elon Volunteers! not only serves the Alamance County community, but it creates a community within itself of like-minded individuals who share a love for service. Sofia Barnes ’28, began her journey with Elon volunteers! by participating in the Engage program and is now a Service Ambassador.

“Elon Volunteers and Kernodle as a whole became my first Elon family where I knew I could turn to familiar faces and find comfort in a sea of change and new things as I came to college,” said Barnes. “Through all of the events and different programs that EV has, I was able to continue to make connections and meet new people, which allowed me to expand and keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone as I found my place here at Elon. I now consider EV and the office to be a home away from home and love to see how our family keeps growing and the way that we are all connected through our love of community, and can’t wait to see how much we grow through the years.”

The hope is that this membership not only connects students to meaningful volunteer work but also opens their eyes to the lasting impact they can have within the Elon and Alamance County communities. As students engage more deeply, they may go on to volunteer regularly with one organization through Serve Alamance or step into leadership roles within Elon Volunteers!. The vision for the EV! Membership is to continue creating an even stronger bridge between campus and community, and inspiring the next generation of engaged, compassionate leaders.

“Ultimately, we want students to see that their time and energy can truly make a difference,” shared Kyle Anderson, associate director of the Kernodle Center. “The EV! Membership is just the beginning of that journey.”

Each fall, members of the �þ��� community come together for the event to help fight food insecurity across the globe. The event is centered around packaging meals that are sent to a different country in need each year.

Lauren Klappholz ‘26, a psychology and human service studies double major and the executive director of education and communication for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, is deeply involved in Elon Volunteers, mainly through working with the Salvation Army Red Shield program. Klappholz has been participating in the event since her first year at Elon, and in her leadership role, helped facilitate the event this year.

“Rise Against Hunger is an incredible event where we package meals in two shifts for a different country every year,” said Klappholz. “The event is so lively and fun, and I am so sad this was my last one. We also get a great range of engagement during this event with people from athletics to fraternities. It’s overall just a wonderful event.”

Abby Wiatrek, assistant director of the Kernodle Center, played a key role in coordinating this year’s Rise Against Hunger event. She serves as the professional staff member who oversees Elon Volunteers! and specifically oversees the �þ��� Kitchen program, which is closely connected to Rise Against Hunger. �þ��� Kitchen is an ongoing initiative where students volunteer at Lakeside Dining Hall kitchen to prepare meals using locally grown produce collected by volunteers at Loy Farm. These meals are then distributed to Allied Churches of Alamance County, which serves Alamance County, directly addressing local food insecurity.

Together, both �þ��� Kitchen and Rise Against Hunger exemplify Elon Volunteers! commitment to service, combining local and global efforts to combat hunger and make a meaningful impact.

“The partnership with the Kernodle Center for Civic Life, EV!, �þ��� Kitchen and Rise Against Hunger has been incredibly successful in the way that it gives students a space to engage in service within the first few weeks of classes,” said Wiatrek. “An opportunity like this also gives students a chance to think about how challenges within our own community and globally can find solutions with collaboration and group efforts.”

Rise Against Hunger is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of service, community and the belief that small acts of kindness, when multiplied, can have a global impact.

Elon Volunteers! is an organization of students dedicated to making a difference while also growing as leaders, teammates and compassionate individuals.EV! empowers more than 125 student leaders to coordinate service programs across a wide variety of issues and interests. Whether you are passionate about education, the environment, hunger and homelessness, healthcare, or another cause, there is an EV! program designed to match your passion. From weekly service opportunities to one-time events and immersive Alternative Breaks, EV! makes it easy to get connected and take that first step toward meaningful engagement.

The true impact of Elon Volunteers! goes far beyond logging service hours, it can genuinely shape the course of your college career.

“EV has honestly been one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had at Elon. It has given me an amazing community, a purpose and the chance to make a real impact. It’s an organization where you get the chance grow and thrive. If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, I highly encourage you to come to the interest meeting! You might just find your place too,” said Megan DeMarco ’26, the coordinator for �þ��� Kitchen.

At its core, EV! is about connection: to the community, to your peers, and to yourself. Through service, you discover how your talents, skills, and passions can be used to address real social issues, all while gaining insight into who you are and who you want to become. EV! helps create a community of belonging at Elon. It brings together students from all majors, years and backgrounds who share the desire to sustainable service and make real change. Many students say that the connections they built through EV! became the cornerstone of their Elon experience.

If you are looking for a way to get involved, give back and grow during your time at Elon, the Elon Volunteers! Interest Meeting is the perfect place to start. This meeting is open to all students and will introduce you to the many service opportunities available on campus and in the community. Whether you already know what cause you’re passionate about or you’re just curious to learn more, EV! has a place for you.

The interest meeting is on Wednesday, Sept. 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. where attendees can learn more about EV!, meet student leaders, and discover how they can take part in the incredible service tradition at Elon.