What is Catalyst?

Catalyst is the link between Charleston Southern University and the residents of the Lowcountry. It is a conduit of change for students and the community alike. The students experience "Integrating Faith in learning, leading, and serving."

They learn that it takes work to earn the right to be heard. In order to minister and witness to the community, the community has basic needs that must be attended to first. Christ fed the masses before He taught them…before He served them (John 6). Today’s masses are no different.

Leading is the second concept that drives Catalyst. It will allow for opportunities in which students can accept the call, take a leadership role and develop problem-solving skills. Leadership skills developed within students will grow a motivation within them to initiate further participation in missions. Charleston Southern will be the leader in promoting a program that could motivate other universities to become involved in their surrounding communities. “Only leaders that serve should serve as leaders” (Pat Williams, How to be like Jesus).

Charleston Southern University also encourages a spirit of service. Matthew 20:28 says “just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Jesus came to serve the people. When we serve others, we give our lives away to them just as Jesus did for us. Service is the link we use to reach our community. Like Elijah, we are not only to serve our CSU community but those in need outside of our borders (Luke 4:24-27).

Catalyst seeks to provide opportunities for our “community” of students, faculty and staff to serve those who cannot serve themselves. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). The motivation is to act in obedience to God’s command of serving and loving others by simply being available.

Contact Us

For more information: Melissa Bell
Email: mbell@csuniv.edu
Office Phone: (843)863-7196

Sea Island Habitat for Humanity
February 13, 2010
8 AM – 12 PM
seaislandhabitat.org

Description:
Sea Island Habitat for Humanity is the 3rd oldest Habitat for Humanity affiliate in the World.  Their mission is to provide affordable housing for low-income families from James Island to Edisto Island, SC

Just a few of the tasks volunteers might be responsible for while serving Habitat are:

• digging foundations and laying rebar
• framing
• roofing, shingling
• installing windows, doors, appliances, fixtures
• vinyl siding
• insulation
• sheetrock
• painting
• landscaping

Countdown to Kindergarten Kickoff
February 27, 2010
9 AM – 1 PM
http://www.tuw.org/SX6-Countdown-What.asp

Description:
Countdown to Kindergarten supports families and children with the transition into Kindergarten in the Berkeley, Charleston & Dorchester County public school system. As we celebrate your child's first step into school education, we will highlight the year before kindergarten with opportunities to connect with schools and helpful community resources.  Countdown to Kindergarten is a partnership of non-profit organizations, local businesses and community leaders. Our goal is twofold: to help families prepare their little ones for school learning, and to link families to schools from the very beginning - Kindergarten!  Countdown to Kindergarten provides information, resources and fun opportunities to prepare children for Kindergarten. Let us:

• Help you and your child through the school registration process
• Prepare your child for classroom learning
• Connect you with your child's school and community support

Eagle Harbor Boys Ranch
March 20, 2010
9 AM – 12 PM
http://www.eagleharborkids.org/

Description:
While being a place of refuge and shelter for children ages 6 to 21 who are orphaned, neglected, abused and abandoned, it is our desire to empower each child to rise above their past through love, structure and an opportunity to succeed in life.

Just a few of the tasks volunteers might be responsible for while serving are:

• painting
• landscaping
• repairing fences
• being around farm animals
• actively ministering to residents

Dorchester Habitat for Humanity
March 27, 2010
8 AM – 12 PM
http://www.dorchesterhabitat.org/

Description:
Dorchester Habitat for Humanity has been changing lives and building houses since 1993.  It is through the generosity of their volunteers and donors that they have successfully helped 34 families…and counting.

Just a few of the tasks volunteers might be responsible for while serving Habitat are:

• digging foundations and laying rebar
• framing
• roofing, shingling
• installing windows, doors, appliances, fixtures
• vinyl siding
• insulation
• sheetrock
• painting
• landscaping

Clean Cities Sweep
April 10, 2010
8 AM – 1 PM

Description:
Clean Cities Sweep is an annual joint venture between Keep North Charleston Beautiful and Keep Charleston Beautiful and the Cities of North Charleston and Charleston. Thousands of volunteers participate each year by planning and implementing a cleanup and/or beautification event in their community. The Clean Cities Sweep Program is a part of the Keep America Beautiful annual Great American Cleanup, which takes place every spring.

Just a few of the tasks volunteers might be responsible for while serving are:

• painting
• landscaping
• picking up trash
• planting trees and plants

Eagle Harbor Boys Ranch
April 24, 2010
9 AM – 12 PM
http://www.eagleharborkids.org/

Description:
While being a place of refuge and shelter for children ages 6 to 21 who are orphaned, neglected, abused and abandoned, it is our desire to empower each child to rise above their past through love, structure and an opportunity to succeed in life.

Just a few of the tasks volunteers might be responsible for while serving are:

• painting
• landscaping
• repairing fences
• being around farm animals
• actively ministering to residents

Participation Waiver Form
Volunteer Sign Up Sheet

For more information: Melissa Bell
Email: mbell@csuniv.edu
Office Phone: (843)863-7196