SPOtlight
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| Alexis Miller (right) assists Alicia Smith (left) with a project during her internship with The Salvation Army. |
Kroc Center Intern Alexis Miller Dedicates Time and Passion to Helping Kids After School
For Alexis Miller, 23, what began as an internship required for graduation became the start of a lifelong relationship with The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. Alexis is the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center’s first intern since opening their project office on Chicago’s South Side in 2007. Currently a senior at Roosevelt University, Alexis found out about the internship through an instructor.
For six days each week, Alexis tutors 2nd and 3rd graders, working with the character building program Girl Guards, helping with Wednesday night youth programs and assisting with junior church services on Sundays. Her internship with The Salvation Army has made such a lasting impression on Alexis that she plans to continue volunteering even after her internship is over at the end of April. “I don’t feel like my time here is an internship anymore. Now, I want to help the Army just as much as they have helped me. I feel like I was meant to be here.”
Alexis will graduate this spring with a major in Social Justice Studies and a minor in Psychology. She is also working toward completion of her certification in Child and Family Studies. 
Upon graduation, Alexis hopes that her experience working with The Salvation Army will help her toward fulfilling a career in child psychology. Her ultimate ambition is to open a group home for disadvantaged young boys.
“Everyone that I’ve met at The Salvation Army, including Major Darlene (Kroc Center Administrator) is passionate about their work and genuine,” said Alexis. “I was welcomed with open arms and everyone whom I’ve worked with has made me feel appreciated and provided a valuable learning opportunity for me.”
A lifelong resident of Chicago’s South Side, Alexis, who currently resides in Calumet City, has a personal interest in the Kroc Center. Mom to son Tyrone, 5, 
Alexis brings him with her to Kroc Center programming every Wednesday and Sunday and hopes to involve him in Salvation Army summer camps as well. “Once the Kroc Center is completed, it will be a safe haven for our youth, a place for them to go and still be kids,” said Alexis.
“We’re so grateful that Alexis has come our way and for all the input she’s had in our programs,” said Major Darlene Harvey, Kroc Center Administrator. “We’re thrilled that she wants to continue to be a part of The Salvation Army even after her official duties are over.”
