Bona students reach out to others in need through the Franciscan Center for Social Concern. Their service changes lives, including their own. 

Warming House offers hope & hot meals

Student volunteers at the Warming House help provide nourishment, company, and support to vulnerable citizens in the Olean area.

In addition to food-service training, the students learn about generational poverty and how to work with vulnerable populations. They also learn how to be adaptable.

Due to the pandemic and inflation, the number of guests that arrive on any given day can fluctuate between 40 and 80. That's a lot of meals to be ready to serve!

The Warming House and its student volunteers make are a much-needed ray of hope for many families. 

Read about Dan Schiffhauer and Cecelia Byrne at the Warming House>>

SBU@SPCA benefits dogs, cats and humans alike

Cuddling a kitten, walking a dog, or feeling the deep purr of a cat happy for your company. These are experiences Bona students enjoy through volunteer work at the Cattaraugus County SPCA.

The animal shelter is dedicated to saving the lives of animals, as well as providing adoption services for homeless and neglected animals.

Until homes are found for the animals, Bona students are there to help. Visiting several times a week, the student volunteers walk the dogs and play with the cats, offering companionship and exercise. They also help clean enclosures and sleeping areas for the animals, helping to ensure a comfortable environment.

 
Read about Emily Gustafson, who volunteers at the SPCA >> 

Behind the scenes of the SBU Food Pantry

A Bonnie believes no one should go hungry.

That’s why the Franciscan Center for Social Concern created the SBU Food Pantry, which offers a variety of fresh, frozen and canned foods for those struggling with food insecurity.

The face of hunger can change daily — and can be as close as the person beside you. The food pantry is a way for all members of the campus community to have consistent access to nutritious food.

 Read about Sarah Haq and her experience with the SBU Food Pantry >>