Servite Soccer takes the higher ground

As the Servite Soccer prepares for their upcoming season, they are not only putting in work on the field, but also in their local community.

The Friars are currently working with the organization, “Higher Ground.” Higher Ground Youth & Family Services is a nonprofit organization that provides mentoring programs for youth in at-risk communities in Anaheim and Santa Ana. According to their website, the goal of Higher Ground is to foster a commitment to the youth of this area that will promote positive educational habits, strong interpersonal skills, and a sense of empowerment.

Servite students have been helping at Lincoln Park in Anaheim during the week for over a year now. Soccer captain, James Cook, took it upon himself to take on the role as the head coordinator between Servite and Higher Ground. Cook works together with Joe Baldo, founder of Higher Ground, to make sure there are Servite students helping out during the week.

“We are there to act as mentors to the kids and to give them positive role models to push them in the right direction in life,” said Cook. “I love being able to share my talents with other people and use them to positively affect other people.”

Higher Ground also offers students a great way to earn service hours and be active in the community.

Senior soccer player Eric Hemann said, “I do Higher Ground because it’s a fun way to help others and get service hours, but it also has a big impact on the community to help kids and be role models for them.”

If you have an interest in becoming a volunteer for Higher Ground please visit their website here.