My name is Frank Alesci I am currently a senior at Felician University and will be graduating this upcoming May 2021. I am majoring in Criminal Justice, minoring in Psychology, and also getting my Certifications in Forensics and Criminology. As part of my requirements for the Internship course for Criminal Justice majors, I did an internship at the Kip Center in Rutherford during the summer of 2020. The Kip Center is a Senior Center that provides seniors a place to socialize, learn, and be part of a senior community. Kip provides seniors the tools to “age wisely” in a supportive environment. (55 Kip Center)

This year was very odd and challenging, and it was difficult to find a location that would approve me since there was no in person contact. However, I was able to complete my internship with the help of Dr. Robertiello, and Cathy Baviello, executive director of the Kip Center. The Center offers health and wellness programs for active seniors, as well as fitness classes, education, recreation, and spiritual guidance. They also offer information and assistance, computer classes, homemade meals, and special trips. Assistance is offered through grants and donations.

Kip Center

To sum up the experience-I was asked to interact with the elderly, who were alone and in need of assistance. I did food shopping for those who could not go themselves. Obviously, with Covid-19 as a risk factor, we had to be very careful, wearing a mask when going food shopping and delivering the items.

The process was non-contact, and the payment for the groceries would be left in their mailbox. I would stop at their home, collect their payment and their order, then I would go and do the food shopping for the elderly residents. Afterward, I would drop off the items and leave them on the front porch. Some of my peers who did not drive, would make “wellness” calls to make sure they were okay. The process was very fulfilling, as it was about helping people, which is part of what my major is about. Criminal Justice is an area where we discuss being just and fair, and whether a police officer or any other public servant, the goal is to assist others.

In this field, you need to help people and make sure no harm is being done to anyone. The internship was a steppingstone towards my path in the justice system and I am happy to say I helped those people, and I am very glad I did. I am looking forward to more fulfillment in the field of Criminal Justice and helping many more people who are in need. My goal is to either become a police officer, or go into the field of forensic psychology. My experience at Felician will allow me to achieve these goals. Working with the seniors showed me that I am on the right path in life, and that in life I want to help people. The feeling was rewarding and also showed me I cannot wait to further my career in the field and continue helping others for years to come.

By: Frank Alesci, Criminal Justice Senior at Felician University