University Medical Center and the Student Health Center and Pharmacy were among the health and wellness organizations that participated in The University of Alabama Women and Gender Resource Center’s 10th Annual Chocolate Festival Sept. 22.
The Chocolate Festival helps to promote campus-based health and wellness resources, while also fostering relationships on campus and in the community. Other participants included UA nursing student ambassadors, the UA Psychology Department and the UA Counseling Center.
Like its name, the festival features chocolate treats, as well as a silent auction and family-friendly activities.
“The Chocolate Festival serves as a fundraiser and our proceeds help with offering free counseling sessions and scholarships for students,” said Debbie Fish, program assistant with the Women and Gender Resources Center (WGRC). “This is our first time back since the (COVID-19) pandemic and our biggest festival yet.”
Scholarships featured during the festival are the Project Hope Endowed Scholarship and the Service Leadership Endowed Scholarship, both of which seek to provide financial support for full-time undergraduate students seeking counseling and advocacy services through the WGRC, and for students who have demonstrated leadership potential through involvement with the center.
WGRC addresses gender inequality and fosters a community of multiculturalism, social justice, safety and leadership through gender-related outreach, advocacy and support to communities of all identities.
WGRC provides free, confidential and voluntary counseling and advocacy services to UA students who are victims and survivors of interpersonal violence. Services can also be provided to family and friends who have been impacted by the abuse, to Shelton State Community College students and to anyone victimized on UA’s campus.
University Medical Center and the Student Health Center and Pharmacy are operated by the College of Community Health Sciences.