Last fall, Sophie Bartholomaus, a senior at Roanoke College majoring in public health and minoring in psychology and Spanish, worked as an intern with LEAP. She unloaded produce at LEAP’s Food Hub, dug in the dirt at Hurt Park Community Garden, and helped set up the Mobile Market at stops across Roanoke.

Her favorite moments came while helping on the Mobile Market. “You’re out there, in front of people who otherwise might not have access to fresh food, making it more affordable, being there in the community,” Bartholomaus remembers. “So many people say how much they appreciate it. It’s really rewarding to hear that.”

Bartholomaus isn’t sure what awaits her after graduation, but she knows, somehow, she’ll be helping people. That’s what made the LEAP internship a good fit, Bartholomaus says. “There’s a lot of good that comes through working with LEAP.”

What surprised her most over the course of her internship? “I didn’t realize how big LEAP is as an organization. Even working with all the parts I did, there’s so much more I didn’t even know.”

Thanks for your hard work and sunny attitude, Sophie!

Do you work with young people who might be interested in interning or volunteering with LEAP? Reach out to LEAP's Director of Regional Partnerships Maureen McGonagle to learn what opportunities are available.