Alternative Break Service Experiences
If you’re looking to make a difference in the lives of others, The Mercy Center hosts Alternative Break experiences that bring GMercyU students, faculty, and staff together for service projects around the country and the world.
You’ll perform worthwhile community service while learning about cultural and social issues facing your host community. It's an experience you'll never forget, and one that you'll want to repeat again and again throughout your time here.
Alternative Break Service Experiences, GMercyU-Style
Students, faculty, and staff who've participated in these experiences, which take place during school breaks, have nothing but positive feedback to share. Interested in participating? Participants have a desire to:
- Be of service to others
- Learn more about economic poverty, diversity, social justice, and the environment
- Live simply
- Grow in your spirituality
- Reflect on your experiences, individually and as a community
- Strengthen your leadership qualities and commitment to the future
2026 Application Details
Apply here (log into the portal to view)
- Alternative Break written applications are due Friday, January 23, 2026.
- Return applications via e-mail to MercyCenterStaff@gmercyu.edu or bring a printed copy directly to the mailbox outside the Mercy Center in Mercy Hall 9.
- Applicants will be contacted to set up a personal interview with an Alternative Break staff advisor.
- Applicants will receive a GMercyU email regarding their selection status one week after the application deadline.
Alternative Break 2026 Trips
Spring Break: March 9-15, 2026 in McAllen, TX
Immigration, Global Poverty, Advocacy
This team will learn about the current state of immigration in the Rio Grande Valley region of the U.S. southern border. Service may take place in a respite center or a long-term shelter, working with persons and families after their arrival in the United States. Team members may also tour a section of the border wall. Participants will go to ARISE, a Mercy-sponsored organization that supports and empowers the local immigrant community to build better lives for themselves. They will hear from various local residents and professionals to learn about more about the experience of immigration and life at the border.
Summer Break: May 10-15, 2026 in Benson, VT
Care of the Earth, Spirituality, Advocacy
This team will be living, learning and serving Mercy Eco-Spirituality Center. This is a small working farm and a retreat center whose mission is to inspire reverence for Earth and to work towards sustainability of life by acting in harmony with all creation. Mercy Farm focuses on connecting people with nature and healing the Earth through community outreach, farming, gardening and more. While on the land, team members will observe the natural world surrounding them, ponder their own spirituality, learn about humans’ connection to and impact on the earth, and consider how they may be better advocates for the world. Service to Mercy Farm will include cleaning, planting, tending the animals, and assisting with seasonal projects. Students might also serve a local partner organization, according to the need. As the week concludes, the site team will consider how they can continue to advocate for the Earth at GMercyU and/or their home communities.
Faculty/Staff Alternative Break Experience: May 31 - June 5, 2026 in McAllen, TX
Engage with the Critical Concerns of Mercy, issues of social justice, and communities in need
The team will participate in a Border Witness Program with ARISE Adelante, a Mercy-sponsored organization that supports and empowers the local immigrant community to build better lives for themselves. See all details and application here.
For more information, contact Betsy Stone Plummer at plummer.b@gmercyu.edu or 215-641-5592.
Did you know? Our students raise all the money for their Alternative Breaks. If you'd like to help, you can make a donation here. Thanks for your support!