Supporting Community Care as a United Helpers Intern
After spending his first semester of college abroad with St. Lawrence's First-Year Program in London, Blake Bittorf '25 arrived on campus ready to immerse himself in the North Country community.
That's part of the reason why he spent his summer interning with United Helpers, a North Country organization that provides specialized physical, mental, and emotional care to over 1,800 residents. Blake's experience was made possible by the St. Lawrence University Public Interest Corp (SLUPIC) program, which provides funding and on-campus housing for students pursuing summer internships with local non-profits and organizations.
Blake shared some of his experiences at United Helpers, what he learned about the North Country, and what he'll take with him through his next three years at St. Lawrence and beyond.
Note: some responses have been edited for length
Blake Bittorf '25
Major: English and World Languages double major
Hometown: Oxnard, California
SLUPIC Internship: Social Media and Marketing Intern at United Helpers
Why were you interested in interning with this particular North Country organization?
During my first semester, I studied abroad as a participant in the London-based First-Year Program. Picking up and moving from Southern California to a diverse global city was a culture shock; however, both places have similarities in terms of social norms and attitudes, so the transition was not too challenging. The one thing I missed most in London was the connection I shared with my local community back home. When I began my transition to the North Country, I knew I wanted to be directly involved with the local community to learn more about the culture and resources that influence the way people live!
What is an average day with United Helpers (UH) like for you?
When I arrive at the office, I immediately outline an agenda for the day which typically includes working on a six-month content plan, researching content that aligns with United Helpers' mission and outreach goals, and developing connections with other UH facilities. This entails attending meetings with their vice presidents, sending emails to community partners, and taking photos in the field to support the work of United Helpers in Action. I've also been working on graphic design elements and drafting captions for two of our campaigns - "Random Acts of Kindness" and "Self-Care."
How has this experience enriched or changed your understanding of the North Country?
A large part of my role is sharing the story and impact the organization has had since 1898! Health and other specialized services have always been in demand in the North Country. Each town plays an individual role in St. Lawrence County, which also means support for one area (Massena and Ogdensburg) looks different than support for another (Canton and Potsdam). Because the region is made up of many small towns, there are opportunities for direct engagement with local residents on how to best meet demands and deliver proper services. Due to the way poverty affects the North Country, there is an increased demand for physical and mental health services and an opening for organizations in the community to meet these needs with ongoing care.
What have you learned about yourself through this experience?
I love learning about each person's story! For a post, I had the opportunity to interview a member of our Independent Senior Living community, Becky Van de Water '60, P'91, GP'12, '16, and it had to have been one of the most rewarding experiences of the internship. Learning about her life of caring and community service inspired me to want to share her impact with everyone. There is a lesson to be learned from everyone’s lived experience and what better way to learn than through storytelling?
Do you feel this experience has influenced your career path in any way? If so, how?
Before the internship, I was a bit hesitant about committing to a career in writing and public affairs and relations. Having completed the internship, I am 100% positive this is the career path I want to take—learning for life. And there is no better way to learn life's lessons than by engaging with lives and experiences that differ from your own.
What did you get to do while living on campus over the summer that you aren’t usually able to do in the fall or spring?
My favorite thing this summer has been the chance to get to know other students on campus. Whether for research, work, or internships, everyone spending their summer in the North Country is experiencing it in their own unique way!
