Vincent Buffa

UConn School of Social Work, Class of 2018

I live in Tolland, Connecticut, but I have lived all over the United States, in New Jersey, South Carolina, and Massachusetts. I received a Bachelor’s of Arts from the University of Connecticut with a dual major in Political Science and Human Development and Family Studies.

While I do not have extensive experience volunteering in an urban setting, I have spent two summers interning in Willimantic. During my first summer, I interned at the Willimantic Soup Kitchen where I handled food preparation and helped the manager oversee daily operations. During my second summer in Willimantic, I dedicated my time to the Adult Probation Office, where, as an intern, I wrote warrants, compiled documents, and guided clients through the probation process.

I sought out involvement in the Urban Service Track because I believe medical care is a necessity on par with food, shelter, and water. Medical care, however, is a far less accessible necessity than the other three in the United States. In my experience, social and economic services to improve families’ access to health care are underdeveloped or utterly lacking. I hope to be a part of developing these services, and of ensuring that they are financially accessible to all members of underserved populations.