UpDate - Vol. 15, No. 8, Page 13
October 19, 1995
United Way: Making it work

     I volunteer my time for two United Way affiliated organizations,
the Delaware Center for Justice and the Big Brothers, Big Sisters of
Delaware School Mentor Program.
     "As board members of the Delaware Center for Justice, we are
concerned, principally, with the correctional system, but also with
the courts and policing. Our goal is to see that justice is done for
all citizens of the state. Members of the board, like myself, serve in
a guidance capacity, as a resource to the full-time staff members.
Overall, we review government policy and legislation and try to
influence that policy in the direction that we think is most advisable
and beneficial. We also conduct research on aspects of the Delaware
criminal justice sytem, and we offer some direct services to prison
inmates as well as to the victims of crime.
     "My professional area of study is criminology. This is an
opportunity to apply some of my professional knowledge in a real world
setting.
     "As a volunteer for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, I go to a
Wilmington city school for an hour or two each week. I'm able to help
a fifth grade boy who has need for some adult guidance and assist him
with school work, as well as discuss any personal problems and crises
that arise. I feel I'm able to help, in a small capacity, by
furnishing some advice and friendship."
                              Frank Scarpitti, professor of sociology,
                            board member, Delaware Center for Justice,
                                              volunteer, Big Brothers,
                                               Big Sisters of Delaware