Indiana Wesleyan University has signed an agreement with White’s Residential and Family Services of Wabash, Ind., to create “a high quality practicum experience and research opportunities” for students majoring in addictions counseling at the residential campus in Marion.

Representatives of IWU and White’s have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) committing two IWU students each year to a practicum program at White’s, and agreeing to collaborate on least one outcome/research project each year, the results of which may be submitted to journals by IWU faculty.

White’s Residential and Family Services describes itself as “a nonprofit social services organization that works to redirect, rebuild and restore children, teens, and families through emotional healing, personal development, and spiritual growth.” Founded in 1850, the faith-based organization has its origins in the dream of a Quaker businessman named Josiah White, a wealthy railroad magnate who set out to help “the most deserted of children.”

“This is a great opportunity for both organizations,” said residential campus CEO and Executive Vice President Dr. Keith Newman. “As a Christ-centered institution, we have a mandate to instill in our students the teaching of Jesus: ‘whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ We’re delighted to begin a long and productive partnership with an organization committed to serving ‘the least of these.’”