The Neighborhood Partnership depends on Duke students, faculty, employees and retirees -- and neighbors from across Durham -- to work on the neighborhood priorities. But even when those people get involved because they want to help others, they find themselves benefiting.

Jamie Frank, '05, of Boston, was a Duke-Durham Scholar in 2003. Here is what she says about her experience working with neighborhood children:

"I've spent two summers and four semesters with the West End Community Center, and I feel so blessed to be part of the West End family. I've learned so much. The picture taken outside the center where we're in bathing suits is from the last day of summer camp '03. We had a big party and then we turned on the hose and had a water war.

"The girl next to me is Jasmine. She's the kind of kid who has tons of energy and is a natural born leader. It has been great to watch her grow up and develop those leadership skills.

"The little boy next to me is Wahkeed. He's always singing and dancing or being our comedian or actor. He's one of the kids I've known the longest. Like a lot of the kids, he has gone through some very difficult times and I am glad that I got to be one of the people he knew he could trust in those times; one of the people he knew cared about him.

"I think that's when I knew I was making a difference. My experiences at the West End have been some of my most meaningful, fulfilling, and memorable at Duke."

Learn more about volunteering by exploring the categories in the menu to the right. Support the partnership financially through the Duke-Durham Campaign.