Two Department of Allied Health Sciences students, Emily Robinson and Rachel Hopkins, have been recognized for their service to the Chapel Hill community.
Two students in the Division of Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling in the Department of Allied Health Sciences recently received awards for their service to the community.
Rachel Hopkins was awarded the Advocate of the Week for Community Empowerment Fund (CEF), a nonprofit organization in Chapel Hill. Originally from Mebane, North Carolina, Hopkins is a first-year student in the DAHS. Hopkins was inspired to work with CEF because she wanted to connect with the community. Through her service for CEF, Hopkins has devoted herself to helping disadvantaged members of the community with obtaining housing, employment, or legal documentation (e.g., a birth certificate, Social Security card). A colleague recently remarked that Hopkins “is extremely dedicated to the work she does at CEF. She pays a lot of attention to members’ needs and goals, showing passion for her work since day one in the office.”
Emily Robinson is the recipient of the 2016 June C. Allcott Fellowship. Robinson is a first-year year student, originally from Circleville, Ohio. The fellowship is awarded to students in the UNC School of Medicine who have shown sustained excellence and commitment in community service. Since her time as an undergraduate, Robinson’s involvement with the community has been remarkable. She helped raise money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation and served as a buddy for an athlete with the Special Olympics. Robinson’s community involvement also includes work with Catholic Charities, caregiving with Faith in Action for an older adult with disabilities, and mentoring incarcerated youth. During her graduate studies, Robinson volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Additionally, she assisted individuals with physical disabilities participating in sport activities through the Bridge II Sports nonprofit. “It is these small acts of kindness that will change the world one day,” Robinson said.